Frequently Asked Questions About the EXPO

I Make Models, Can I Enter ?
The model display and competition is open to all scale modellers, regardless of standard. You do not have to be a member of a model club or group.

Are There Any Entry Restrictions ?
You must have constructed and painted (finished) the model yourself. Joint entries are allowable so long as each entrant is named on, and signs, the Entry Form. Figures, Vignettes and Dioramas that depict explicit nudity, extreme violence or oppression are deemed "unsuitable for public viewing" and will not be accepted.

How Do I Enter ?
Each model entry is to be lodged at the nominated entry times (entry fees apply). To be fair to all entrants, entries lodged well after entry closing time will not be accepted for competition.

What Forms Do I Need To Fill In ?
There are only two forms you need to complete: · Entrant Form (one per person) · Model Entry Label (one per model entry - this is the Display Label for your entry).

Where Can I Get The Forms ?
You can help us quickly process entries by completing all forms before approaching the Entry Desk. The Entrant Form and Model Entry Label forms will be available from: · the SAPMA EXPO web site, · SAPMA monthly meetings, and · An Entrant Pack will be mailed to previous entrants (excluding SAPMA members).

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What Do I Have To Provide ?
For Technical Judged entries only. The following should be provided to give your entry the best possible chance of doing well in the eyes of the judging team and in competition with other entries: · Instruction sheet/s for the kit/s used in the entry · Instruction sheet/s for all update, detail & decal set/s used · Prime reference material (ie. book, magazine, painting etc.) with the appropriate page/s bookmarked (suggest Post-it notes). Please assist our judges to find that one picture or profile you want them to look at · Brief notes (suggest bullet points) you wish to bring to the attention of the judges (eg. colour scheme, minor enhancements added or major corrections & modifications made). It's the entrant's responsibility to place these items under the entry on the competition table.

What Competition Categories Are There ?
There are categories for everyone, including an Un-nominated category for models that do not fit anywhere else. Please refer to the Technical Judged and People's & Entrant's Choice Categories

Are There Categories For Younger Modellers ?
Scale modelling is for everyone ! Young modellers are actively encouraged and catered for. There are separate categories for Juniors (Ages 13 & Under) and Intermediate (Ages 14 - 17). Age is determined as at date of entry.

Will My Model Entry Be Safe ?
Every effort is made by the Expo organizers to ensure your model remains untouched and intact. Competition entries are handled only by the Judging Team (2 judges per category). Chain barriers are erected for Sunday's public viewing to ensure your model is not handled. Organisers monitor crowd behavior at all times.

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Awards (Trophies & Prizes)
Competition Classes - 1st, 2nd & 3rd People's Choice - Winner Only Entrant's Choice - Winner Only. The Head Judges will decide the "Best …. In Show" and "Best Of Show" awards. Sponsors will also help choose minor special awards from eligible entries.

Can I Win All Three Trophies In A Category ?
In 2001 we introduced a "No Clean Sweep" rule where an entrant can only win two of the three placings if another entrant is competing in the category.

What Is "People' Choice" ?
Vote for your favourite entry in each of the seven classes. There are seven "Winner Only" categories decided by a popular vote system. All people who attend can lodge a "People's Choice" voting paper.

What Is" Entrant's Choice" ?
For entrants only. Entrants are asked to nominate what they consider to be the best entry in each of the seven classes. There are seven "Winner Only" categories decided by a popular vote system. All entrants can lodge an "Entrant's Choice" voting paper. And yes, you can even vote for your model.

Can I Judge ?
New judges are always welcome as it is a good opportunity to see the work of others at close range. However, to ensure consistency in judging approach and markings we have decided all intending judges must attend a "How To Judge" seminar prior to the EXPO. These will be conducted at SAPMA's monthly meetings from August - October.

Are There Traders ?
A number of local and interstate hobby traders will operate trade stalls at the EXPO. Traders have their specialties and they will have loads of model kits, accessories, publications and tools for sale. Intending traders are asked to book their sites early !

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Do You Have Sponsors ?
The largest cost of the annual S.A. SCALE MODEL EXPO is the purchase of the 100 plus trophies. This cost is supplemented by sponsorship funds from numerous businesses in the hobby industry and business world. We thank all sponsors for their support !

What Are The "Special Interest Group" Theme Displays ?
There are three theme displays; one each for Aviation, Armour and Automotive modellers.

Will There Be Model Building Demonstrations ?
During the Saturday and Sunday, SAPMA club members will conduct a series of model building demonstrations covering various construction and finishing techniques. Timing and topic of the demos are subject to availability of modellers willing to do the demos.

Is There A Swap Meet ?
No, the focus of the event is a model display & competition. However, individual modellers can pay for a trade site to sell their goods (must be model related).

Who Can I Contact ?
Direct all entry, trade and sponsor queries to the Expo Co-ordinator: · Phone (08) 8381 8441 (after hours only) · Email kerrj@chariot.net.au.

Where Can I Find Out More About Improving My Model Making ?
The South Australian Plastic Modellers Association (SAPMA) welcomes all scale modellers to their monthly meetings. Our monthly meetings are held on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month from 7:30 - 9:30pm at the Slade Building, Glandore Community Centre, 25 Naldera Street, Glandore.

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