About
The Anime Expo Model Contest is a tradition that has been on going for over a decade. The model contest provides model builders a place to gather and compete with one another on any anime based model subject which includes but is not limited to Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell, Five Star Stories, Armored Core, and figures from various animes. Contestants will compete against each other in various categories for prizes, the prestigious Anime Expo Model Contest Trophies, bragging rights, and most importantly, the fun and support for the hobby.
Every year, the model contest adds a different flavor to make it’s mark for that specific year. This year, in addition to the regular contest, there will be an additional contest for Gundam models. The Anime Expo Model Contest will also host one of the live preliminary competitions for the Bandai Gunpla World Cup (aka BAKUC) competition. More details about the contest will come as the count down to Anime Expo approaches.
Competition Categories
Mecha – Anything mecha, which means it’s piloted by some thing or completely autonomous. Subjects can be the aircraft or battroids from Macross, anything from the Gundam world, Evangelion, Eureka Seven, Dougram, etc.
Figures – Anything from any anime or manga. They can be resin, plastic, or scratch built.
Other – Everything else in the anime/manga realm that doesn’t fit in either of the above two categories.
Best of Show – The best entry picked from the above three categories.
Model Contest Judging Criteria
Build and Finish – 20 pts – This is the actual skill used in building the piece. This is visible seams, correcting of flaws in the kit, filling open areas that should be solid. Thw finish is a careful inspection of the actual painting, decals, weathering. Items to be judged: excessive brush strokes, over spray, decals that are peeling or silvering, stickers (if used) not showing signs of peeling or abuse. Sticker abuse is the sticker showing signs of being removed and reapplied and/or having creases and various other signs of poor carePoints are awarrded for how well a model is built.
Technical – 15 pts – This area focuses on the technical difficulty of the kit. Points are awarded for various techniqcal attributes such as building a very old kit, scratch building, modifications done to the kit to make it better (Lighting, new jointing, correcting joint issues, addition of conversion kit parts), intricate paint schemes, etc. Judges can award these additional points for increase difficulty.
Aesthetics – 10 pts – These points are awarded for the intangable aspects of an entry. This is the most subjective judging criteria, and is based on how the judges feel about the kit on a personal level. Judges will award points based on how they feel about the kit, about the color scheme used, and generally how the kit affects them on an aesthetic level.
Presentation – 5 pts– This is how the kit is displayed for judging. This includes: Base, pose, and a non-technical look at the piece which is a 2ft judgment of the piece. A 2ft judgment is at a distance how does the piece look. A piece can look incredible at 2ft but be technically flawed at close inspection. This is also any custom painting, decals, or other items that are added to the kit to add to the appearance of the piece away from its technical merits.
Total Points: 50
Competition Times
Judging: Sunday July 3rd @ 3:00 PM
Awards: Sunday July 3rd @ 4:30 PM
Model Contest Entry Form
Bandai Gunpla World Cup Competition Prelim Competition
This year, the Model Contest will hold an additional contest that will run the duration of the convention. Qualifying models will be any Bandai Gundam kit. For more details about this contest click on the following link:
Bandai Gunpla World Cup – Rules and Categories
Entries must be submitted at the Bluefin booth by no later than TBA along with an entry form (available at the convention). Entries will be displayed at the Bluefin booth following judging (after hours on Saturday), and will be available for pick-up at TBA.
Any questions regarding the Modeling Content can be directed to Anime Expo Forums.
* To be eligible, entrants must hold a 4-day Anime Expo Badge