The 2017 Australian Model Expo experience

[@mattbeattie8160]

Hi Dave , would just like to say a huge thank you for your kind words about my Sub diorama , much appreciated . It took me around 2 years on and off to complete, was my most ambitious build to date as there were a lot of “ firsts “ for me . I based the dio on a WW1 German Uboat that was washed ashore in Hastings, England and it being battered by the elements over several years ( it being set around 1950 ish ) I thought it would be a different way to show the scale of this kit Again thank you

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Matt, thanks for getting in touch! It's great to meet the person who made the Best in Show sub! It was truly spectacular, a really impressive build. You should be incredibly proud. Cheers, Dave

[@carlitoslade]

Thanks for sharing you trip. Some really outstanding models. Such a shame you didn't get anything. Love your work.

[@leonardusgroenendyk6027]

As one of the judges for the show I got to see the kits in detail (that I judged). There was some stunning works of art presented. Yes there does need to be feedback for entrants like there was in the past. I would rather have the entrant see the judging sheets..just my thoughts. One problem is if you give constructive feedback some modelers get offended and go on the defensive....some hold grudges for years. From a judging perspective there is a lack of judges and a bucket load of models to get through. So for anyone reading this and that goes to Model Expo please stay on the Saturday evening and do some judging...ok you cannot do your own! Yes I build and do enter to show my work, get better but not to win sheep stations. Keep up the good tutorials Dave.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Leonardus, Thanks for your comment. It's good to get some thoughts from the other side of the process - thank you. I'm going to try to volunteer as a judge next year, to get a better feel for what is involved and put my money where my mouth is :) As mentioned in my blog, I have nothing but respect for the individuals who VOLUNTEER their time, it's a big commitment. Cheers, Dave

[@leonardusgroenendyk6027]

Look forward to next year...team up with me for the judging.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

You're on Leonardus :)

[@itsssjim]

can you say anything on here on what you guys look for when judging? i'm 1000's of miles away so will never enter this show but i'd still like to know mainly because i thought the plane in the work shop should have atleast been one place higher. from the looks of their work they thought out the whole diorama before placing a single thing. while the place above it did not show the same creativity or thought process, even if they did the same thing the end reslult did not show it. anyways they were all amazing just curious what you guys look for?

[@bushranger900]

I wish this model show comes to Brisbane sometime soon! I look forward to seeing you as a Judge Dave!

[@sabredog66]

Spot on comments Dave. We thought the same for many categories. This was my seventh Expo. Not sure if I will fly over for another, see what happens.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Michael, I sometimes forget that this is the National competition. To me it is just my local annual model show. It explains why the competition is so fierce and the quality so high. Anyway, I'm planning to volunteer as a judge in 2018 to see if it makes more sense from the other side of the process. Cheers, Dave

[@sabredog66]

Dave. I have been a judge for our state show for over ten years. Without doubt Expo's judging system is the most exasperating and complex system I have ever had to work with. In saying that I love the show and the great atmosphere around it.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I'm glad it's not just me who finds the Melbourne Expo judging arcane and difficult to understand. If references are a big part of the criteria, then they should be available for all to see. And scores should be publicly available. It just makes sense.

[@sabredog66]

References are a major issue I agree and based on the required criteria puts a "what if" or fantasy model builder at a big disadvantage as they cannot provide any reference material beyond the instructions.

[@charlie418791]

The sub was beautiful 👍👍👍

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

It really was magnificent. It definitely deserved the Best in Show trophy that it received.

[@charlie418791]

ABSOLUTELY 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@scalejedi3849]

Beautiful submarine wow amazing. Thought out project.

[@paulbland5625]

At the end of the day, you have to be in it to win it. Well done for having the confidence to enter.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Paul!

[@xxP78xx]

I really enjoyed the two pixels that it was shot in. Thanks

[@DrWhom]

At around third place, it all gets really close and it just depends on which good or bad bits stand out for a judge. So there's no point in getting upset about who places third. As long as first place is the real stand-out, which you acknowledged in both cases.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I think you may have something there, Deipatrous. I'm going to volunteer as a judge in 2018, so I'll have more inside experience then to see if what you say is true. Thanks for the thought-starter. Dave

[@joesimon5642]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. Your work is impressive too

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Joe. The models that took first places in the various categories were pretty damn incredible. Dave

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Hi Dave, I'm 54 now, never stopped making models, but also never been in a contest... Still having fun making a satisfying Stuka, Napoleonic horseman, Warhammer Skaven ( medieval fantasy rats)... I realized I'll never get as good as those prize winners, and save myself the disappointment of never winning anything. Your work looks allright, and you've still years to go and just have fun.

[@crankyboiy]

Dayumm those entries are amazing, i'm in awe. Your's as well

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

There was some incredible stuff there Crankyboiy...

[@noahandgabrielsmodels3387]

Must agree with 1st, but as for the runners up,. Ummmnn!

[@oldiebutgoodie007]

Judging is one of the most difficult jobs no matter what is being assessed, be it scale models or a photo competition or art show, etc. Not everyone can win of course, and the ones who don't win are often left feeling deflated or wondering what they have to do to get top spot. My advice is to study the winning models and see where they might have picked up more points than your models. The important thing is you had a go - so don't give up. Best to enter any competition without expecting anything and then you'll never be disappointed. It's also hard for judges to tell you exactly why you didn't win because they judge so many models, but they can tell you why the winning model won. It always comes down to basics; Preparation, Assembly, Paint and overall finish, Fidelity and realism, and finally your Reference material or build notes. I have judged many times at competitions including Model Expo, and there is one thing I realised early on - we are judging the builder more than the model, because he is the creator and finisher, like an artist painting a picture. The model is his masterpiece and sometimes that model is not as well built or finished as another one is, so you have to accept the result and try harder next time. Learn new finishing techniques to help you make the most of your model build. There's plenty of websites for this now. By the way there are always two judges at Model Expo for each category. Usually an experienced judge is paired with a novice or trainee judge, but sometimes two experienced judges get together for a more difficult category. Keep on building!

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks for taking the time to give such a considered comment, Oldie - I really appreciate it. Good advice there. I'm planning to volunteer as a judge this year (2018) and experience for myself what it is like from the other side. Cheers, Dave

[@bigglesflysagain1749]

Dave, I was in the CMF in 62/63 and used to shoot 40mm Bofors...are there any kits out there of the Bofors ??

[@Panzermeister36]

Looks like a great show! Bigger than what we've got here for sure :) That sub diorama looks very impressive, and I agree with you on the weathering on the bomber. Usually it's just the biggest dioramas that win in a subject like that, because they seem most awesome from a distance. But the first places you showed sure looked incredible certainly.

[@Panzermeister36]

I guess here sometimes they grade difficulty of the whole project with the same weight as things like finish (including seam lines and weathering at that stuff), which doesn't make much sense to me but hey, it's not my model so I don't like to complain much. I think the finish really makes or breaks the model since it's that's what makes the model looks like a miniature version of the real thing rather than a complex and very impressive toy. Now all this talk is making me think back to that one idea you emailed me about hehe. Maybe a discussiom on judging.... And sorry I forgot but I'll get back to you today. Great work showcased in the video here, and I wish you better luck next time! I think you deserve to win a prize with your level of skill and finish. How often you do have shows down under? We have one in my city here every two years...

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Panzermeister, we have that big show here in Melbourne every June. But there are lots of regional shows, and each of the other main Australian cities has one a year as well. It does seem to be a thriving hobby here, which is good. Cheers, Dave

[@sarvman]

Keep pluggin through! You picked up on what made the others a winner, so just put that to work and have fun with it above all else. I liked your models. Set one on a rock and shoot it with paperclips from a distance, BB gun, whatever. Wreck it and plant it in a silo on some farm in whatever-ville and have fun! Good video. Thanks.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks, Crazy Me :)

[@iaincameron4867]

Was the sub as scratch build or from a kit?

[@grant575mixmaster]

don't be disappointed buddy, you had a crack. At the very least you are good enough, and confident enough to put an entry in. It may be some time for me to have that confidence in my work.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Jeff. I'm going to volunteer as a judge this year to see what it's like from the other side. Is there anywhere online I can see your models? Cheers, Dave

[@WelderART]

Dave about tree in second diorama is made from Asparagus its a plant . I make similar tooo :) Nothing hard :)

[@Leehensman]

I've got to so go there, I would win hands down, apart from the sub it seemed the judges chose all the crapper builds.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Lee, I'm definitely going to volunteer as a judge in 2018 to get the perspective from the other side. Will report back when I do! Dave

[@MrBMBuilder]

I think it really is the judges on the day, get three different judges and you will get different outcomes again, unless there are three great models and the rest are really bad. One year I put a model in and it got nothing, I put it in the next year and it got gold. Also I think if the model is from a TV/movie I think it helps as people know what they are looking at and looking for.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I'd love to say either you are right or you are wrong, but with no way of seeing the scores it's very hard to make any kind of comment. But I think it's fundamentally poor that the scores aren't publicly available and visible...

[@MrBMBuilder]

I just put my model in now to show the public and support the modelling community or the show will disappear. I love the model shows and I do like how you look at the tables and you get the 2-5 WOW factor models each year, these are the models that inspire me to do better the next year. I do believe that different people will mark/judge models differently. I have put 4 vids of the August 2017 Queensland show up on my channel if your interested

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

How interesting, I was looking at your videos and I spotted one item in your Armour video at 2:16 - "Beauty and the beast" which was also entered here in Melbourne. Did it do well?

[@MrBMBuilder]

Sorry mate I cant tell you as I really didn't take notice, so much stuff there but I did walk away with a Bronze medal :)

[@jjab99]

I don't know you at all Dave, so what I am saying is purely independent........ YOU WERE ROBBED!!!!!! The first place in the first category was 100% spot on correct, that sub was just WOW, but the second place was very good, but was not better than yours and not even as good as the third place model. The only thing I could think is that it was made by a child and the judges wanted to reward him or her for their work, but yours was better by far. The second category I will say that the first two were better than yours, but again the third, although very good (and far better than I could ever do), was not as good as yours. We are all different and maybe the judges were looking at different aspects than we were, but it is a shame that you did not get a prize. But you know that your models and dioramas were great and we all know that they were great, so never mind the judges. Better luck next time mate and don't let a result like this get to you, keep that chin up and come back again next time with even better models and dioramas and they will have no choice but to give you a prize. Have fun and keep up the great work, Joe

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Joe. I was a bit gutted for the last few days, but I've moved on now. Next year! Cheers mate, Dave

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Always find it interesting how modeling shows are done in other countries and get the occasional surprise like that fantasy figure or the paper ships. IPMS Reno chapter is having their modeling contest this Sept. and the few times I've gone, while I look at the models, I'm looking to score kits at REALLY low prices which is why I still go to the modeling club meeting when possible. Like getting CMK's 1/35th scale 8 resin wheels for a LAV-25 for $9?! Checked Evilbay and CHEAPEST is $22. CMK Humvee engine for $8?!Never entered a contest or interested in doing so. Or judging. Maybe judges could release their scoring sheets so everyone knows why they did/didn't get an award. Was this put on by a local modeling club?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Old Bald Fat Man (if I may call you that?) Those are some bargains. There's definitely a swap meet at this show too with bargains like that but I didn't attend this year. This is our "national" meet, so it attracts entrants from all over Australia. Cheers, Dave

[@user-jq2hr4ep7v]

I think they all great

[@melisamiller8250]

dave why did you not go to the bikes ?? i won first second and commend and i can tell you i put so much work into them. that big plane with all the weathering i am sure it was done by a 15 year old it was good work. i think they need to have a different class for 18 to 25 then senior from there.I am a bit shocked that you didn't get anything but saying that i think the judges are in a bit of a favour sometimes.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Adam, I did check out the bikes, but unfortunately I didn't take any footage :( But congrats on picking up First and Second, well done sir. I'm okay with it now, on the day I was a bit unhappy, but bring on next year I now say!

[@brabopainter]

Nice models, great vid.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Brabo!

[@danielburgess7785]

No mud on any of the tracked vehicles tracks.

[@dougg1075]

The sub was insane man

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Doug G it was pretty damn incredible... ;)

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Thanks for the video as I'm always interested in what people are building. Only problem with going to one of these shows are the kits many modelers are selling.....and usually a lot cheaper than normal. Can anyone say 2nd mortgage on the house afterwards?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Heh heh, I know exactly what you mean! I actually try to discipline myself for 2 months beforehand, not buying any kits, so I can get a little out of control at the trading tables at the show...

[@BrickworksDK]

Talking as an absolute newb - having only been to a handful of shows and only taking part in one of them - I find the judgement to be mindboggling in general. I suppose there's a level of individual preference there (the judge are, after all, only human) but surely there must be a base-level of requirements? The crashed aircraft is a good example. Even to my untrained eyes it looks wrong. An obvious seem that hasn't been filled and a crashed aircraft with no skid marks behind it. As a newb, what I really wish for is that the judging criteria were made simpler and the judging more transparent. That would make such events far more accessible for newbs like me.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I totally agree Allan. 100%. Simpler and more transparent makes sense to me. Dave

[@Advection357]

That sub was just wow... Your models looked nice too... if you may allow me to comment on it... I would have chosen winter or autumn for the themes...or spring with flowers etc... it felt like the tank was kind of lost in the scene with all similar colors. Technically it looks correct... but artistically... lacking contrast therefore lacking a center of interest to draw the eye. jm2c

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Advection, thank you for the comments, I am totally open to feedback. It's a fair point you raise about contrast. Cheers, Dave

[@Advection357]

Just my honest opinion m8... I'm studying commercial art & it's something I noticed right away so I thought I'll share my perspective ;D Cheers m8 u got a new sub too ;D

[@thealiwe1]

Woow really amazing

[@lachlanfielding3502]

I swear I saw that exact same sub at a different expo

[@Kabul81]

In my area the entries & vendors keep getting less & less each year!😳 Jman👀

[@bendriscoll6631]

Did you see the blood on the ground at 2:48 where a crewmember is patching himself up?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I think it's one crewmember standing over the body of a dead colleague, isn't it? But yeah, lots of blood!

[@bendriscoll6631]

You're right. I didn't see the boots protruding from under the tarp.

[@mx472000]

Is it me or does the left audio channel keeps going in and out?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

No, you're right, it dropped out a few times when I was shooting on location. Sorry about that, it's a bit annoying, I know.

[@lukebremner1959]

I thought it was my headphones that were the problem

[@mikhailv67tv]

Where was it on at Dave? Is there 2018

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Yep, there will be another in 2018. It's always held on the Queens Birthday long weekend in June each year, at the Sandown Raceway in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

[@mikhailv67tv]

Dave's Model Workshop okay thanks mate so a trip down to Melbourne

[@allanpollard8101]

When's the next show on Dave and is it in Sydney

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

There's one coming up on 21 October in Parramatta. I don't know how big it is? www.sydneyscalemodelshow.net/

[@allanpollard8101]

Dave's Model Workshop are you going will keep a look out

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Allan, nah, sorry mate, I'm saving up funds for a visit to Japan in December, so no trips to Sydney this year for me. My folks live there, so I might visit in early 2018 though (but no shows on then).

[@jsfbr]

Sensational!

[@LerhChang]

Where was this venue?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

At the Sandown Racecourse, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It's on every June long weekend.

[@melisamiller8250]

oh my name is different of this site lol. does not matter i have the trophies and the kits, see you next year

[@lukebremner1959]

Were is this expo in Australia?

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

It's in Melbourne. Held ever year on the Queen's Birthday long weekend (June) at Sandown Raceway.

[@melisamiller8250]

its at sandown in melbourne but every state has one i know for sure perth does to

[@fahndraco526]

cool thanks for the info.... i may pop by this year & check it out!

[@jamiemeekins5157]

It's like most shows ...peer judging and big kit wins even thought the story is not told .

[@sms042]

the flying Japanese ship, awesomeness.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

It was pretty damn cool, wasn't it? This won the "Imagineering" category, deservedly so.

[@kimandersendk]

great video to bad no price for you this time, but next time maybe

[@remkojerphanion4686]

The judging may be a bit iffy, but that sub was tremendous.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

I absolutely agree Remko. The sub was stunning.

[@louit1785]

I subbed after this one

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Welcome aboard!

[@paulmaseratimaserati3280]

still my pal&still loyal to you for advice;always study your technics&LukeTowans too;JUST make your dioramaBIGGER&withMOREdetail🎅

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Paul. I'm going to see how I go in the scratch built sci-fi category next year - hopefully references are less important there!

[@johnthom2910]

I get that your bummed Dave, but if we saw better pictures of your work... I mean you spent some time and got some nice tight shots of other builds, it would have been nice if we could have seen yours in more detail. Just sayin..

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi John, fair point. I deliberately didn't focus much on my entries because I didn't want to be the person saying "Aaargh, mine is better, look at this!" but I can see what you're saying.

[@rogerpattube]

Phone must be held still in order to focus.

[@bigglesflysagain1749]

Apply to be a judge, Dave !

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

I think the thought of being different and using imagination, than having the standard generic dioramas, is what wins. Instead of being critical of others who recieved place, use this to your advantage , because you come off sounding more like a sore loser and I bet people pick up on that right away.......Your very talented, just don't let jealousy stunt your performance and think big. :)

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Olympus, I agree. 2017 was not my finest moment - I do come away sounding like a sore loser. I do stand by most of my critiques though, but I cannot put my hand on my heart and say that I wasn't affected by my results in the competition... Dave

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

OlympusHeavyCavalry no, I didn’t think you were for even a moment. But thanks for saying it :)

[@vicentebrarosr.42]

Good luck next time.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Thanks Vicente. This year's competition is in just over a month, so fingers crossed!

[@allanpollard8101]

Next time

[@mickrobo6073]

1st place 👍👏🏻.........but..2nd 3rd...😬🤔🤔🤔🤔....

[@mortimer8486]

very nervous camera

[@josemanuelmanzuco6860]

Ok

[@bigglesflysagain1749]

Sub IS great !

[@peteandrews5674]

Judges were right haters Gona hate

[@Magpie4000]

Wow. Looks to be if you want to win you go OTT on weathering ? Sorry but that sub was terrible. Highly unrealistic situation and the rust effects while they were -ok- they really didn't look realistic at all. The Marauder was rubbish.

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Hi Magpie, I loved the sub but it just goes to prove how subjective it all is, doesn't it? It's tough to claim one entry is better when we each have opinions - I know the judging process is engineered to be as impartial and objective as possible, but it's impossible. I'm planning to volunteer as a judge this year, so I'll let you know if I have an epiphany on the subject! Cheers, Dave

[@billmoore4230]

CANT WIN THEM ALL

[@paulmaseratimaserati3280]

YouSHOULDwin next time IF you follow my advice;I follow&listen to your advice as well🎅🌵🌵

[@DavesModelWorkshop]

Next time mate, next time... :)