Scorpfest 2016

On Saturday January 16th I competed in the IMPS Sonoran Desert Model Builders 'Scorpfest' model competition. I entered five models in all, three in the Real Space/Sci-Fi category and two in the Figure category. I'm pleased to say that I did quite well. Each model that I brought received some kind of recognition. I walked away with two Best in Shows, one Gold, two Silver, one Bronze, and an Honorable mention.

Scoring: Unlike other model competitions I have competed in, Scorpfest uses a point system whereby entrants receive 1-10 points in four categories (Construction, Paint, Finish & Details, and Overall Appearance) scored by three judges. The total average stands. Bonus points from 1-5 may be awarded for Degree of Difficulty. Medals are awarded by average score, thus it is possible for there to be ties for Gold, Silver, and Bronze, and possible for there to be no placing models in a given level. Also, the judges provide feedback on the scoring sheets allowing competitors to see where they excelled, and where they need improvement. The highest scoring model from each category receives 'Best in Show' for the given category. Ties for first are decided by the head judge.

I entered my Imperial Knight Titan, Kromlech Ork Pilot Bust, Ork Dakka Jet, Adeptus Mechanicus Dune Crawler, and Herald Deathwolf.

Figures

There were many entries in the Figure category. Personally I entered two. I also brought four entries from my buddy Joe since he was unable to attend in person. There were many entries in the category ranging from large scale figures, busts, historical, and fantasy.

While none of these wonderful figures placed Gold or Silver, there was a three way tie for Bronze. Between this beautiful fantasy bust, dwarf, and my Kromlech Ork Pilot Bust. Ultimately my bust took the 'Best in Show' for the category.

My wolf lord and Joe's Infinity Tiger Solder both received honorable mentions.

Real Space/Sci-Fi

There were just as many entrants in the Real Space/Sci-Fi category. A few gundam/anime, some Alien kits, a few Real Space models, and my Imperial Knight Titan, Ork Dakka Jet, and Adeptus Mechanicus Dune Crawler.

This anime style space battleship took home a bronze medal. 

This 1:1 recreation of an Apollo Guidance System was a real treat. It took home a bronze medal.

While not entered into the competition (display only) these two Maschinen Krieger models were really great.

My Adeptus Mechanicus Dune Crawler and Ork Dakkajet both took home silver.

My Imperial Knight Titan took both the only Gold in the category and Best Real Space/Sci-Fi.

Dioramas

The Diorama category was really inspiring. While I didn't have any entries of my own, those who did really brought some amazing work.

This sub hanger was in a light box. I wish I would have gotten some more pictures it seamed like each time I looked at it I saw something new. This diorama took Best of Diorama and People's Choice.

Ambush! was one of my absolute favorites.

Escape from Anzio was another favorite of mine.

Ivan was Here was another I wish I had more pictures of.

Armor

A lot of great entries in the Armor category as well.

Ork Dakkajet Conversion

A little while ago I picked up three Hasegawa Egg planes with plans to convert them into Ork Dakkajets. I thought that the comedic shape of the planes would be a perfect complement to the Ork aesthetic. I've seen a couple of other Dakkajets created from egg planes online and I loved the look. I picked the Hasegawa F4U Corsair for my conversions.

I used styrene and a few items from my bits box to convert the corsair into my dakkajet. Additional details on the work in progress can be found on my previous blog post.

Weathering effects were created using the salt technique, sponge technique as well as oil washes.

MIG 'Fuel Stains' was used to give the look of fuel overflow leaking from the fuel tank.

The details on the base were created using part of a grot tank model I'm creating and some rhino tread. I also used the GW technical paints 'Agrellan earth' to get the cracked earth texture.