Contest & Exhibit Registration

Welcome contest exhibitors

Hello and welcome to the Indy Invitational Model Contest and Swap Meet hosted by the IPMS Roscoe Turner Model Club. Our one-day modeling event is the largest in the Midwest and regularly sees participants and vendors coming from across the United States. Our 2023 event included 120 vendor tables, with over 700 models entered into the contest.

We hope you will consider entering your models into our contest. Our flat $10 fee allows for an unlimited number of kits to be entered in over 60 unique categories. We strongly suggest utilizing our online entry form to process through contest check-in more quickly on the day of the event — a fillable PDF that lets you type in your data, print the page, and repeat for multiple kit entries.

Questions about the entry form, judging protocols or contest categories? Email admin@ipmsroscoeturner.org.

Contest rules

1. The contest is open to all modelers. Membership in IPMS/USA is not a requirement.
2. Judging shall be conducted using the guidelines set forth by IPMS/USA. Entries will be judged using the following criteria: basic construction, overall finish, overall accuracy, additional detailing, and degree of difficulty. Scratchbuilt details will be favored over commercially available detail if quality is comparable. A great amount of added detail will not make up for poor basic construction.
3. In Aircraft categories: 1/100 refers to scales 1/87 and smaller; 1/72 refers to scales 1/86 to 1/60; 1/48 refers to scales 1/59 to 1/40; 1/32 refers to scales 1/39 and larger.
4. In Military Vehicle categories: 1/72 refers to scales 1/100 to 1/60; 1/48 refers to scales 1/59 to 1/36; 1/35 refers to scales 1/35 and larger.
5. In Figure categories: 1/32 and 1/35 figures will compete as 54mm.
6. Jet aircraft categories include manned, rocket powered vehicles such as the Me-163, X-1, X-15, etc.
7. If a model is qualified for more than one category, the Registrars shall assist in determining which category the model should be entered. In the event of questionable placement, the Head Judge’s decision will be final.
8. The Contest Director may decline to accept an entry with subject matter that may be considered lewd, offensive, or in poor taste by the general public.
9. Contest categories may be expanded or combined, at the discretion of the head judge, based on the number of entries in a given category.
10. Bases: A simple base and the primary crew figures will be allowed with an entry, however the addition of any other figures and equipment outside, or not attached to the model (e.g. support equipment, foliage, shell splashes or buildings) will make the model a Diorama, which then shall be entered into the proper Diorama category. A scene of action will be considered a diorama. Bases and figures will not be judged in non-diorama categories. Max entry/base size is 900 sq in (30″ × 30″).
11. Dioramas are defined as scenes telling a story, containing figures and vehicles (aircraft, tanks, ships, cars and trucks).
12. Out of the Box: To be considered out of the box a model must be constructed solely from the contents of the kit, with the exception of finishes or decals. Weathering, filling seams and mold flaws, adding simple seat belts, and antenna/rigging are allowed. Gun barrels, vents and door handles may be drilled out as well. No cutting/separating/opening of hatches, control surfaces, canopies, or doors is permitted. The use of aftermarket accessories (except decals) will be cause for disqualification from the Out-of-Box category. Instructions MUST accompany the model and entry form.
13. A “Conversion” entry must contain significant structural changes to the basic kit involving extensive changes in contour or configuration, such work having been accomplished by the modeler. Entries using aftermarket parts as the MAJORITY of the conversion will be placed in the appropriate regular category.
14. A Scratchbuilt entry may incorporate minor parts from other kits (wheels, guns, ordnance, etc.), but the majority of the main subject should not be from commercially manufactured kits.
15. All dust covers MUST be removed prior to judging. Models with dust covers on will not be considered when judging.
16. NO SWEEPS ALLOWED. A modeler will be awarded the single highest award in a particular category.
17. Models that have placed 3rd (bronze) or better in any IPMS National contest or at a previous IPMS Roscoe Turner Model Contest are not eligible for competition.
18. Interference with the Judges during the judging process may result in an entrant’s immediate disqualification.
19. The judges’ decisions are final.
20. IPMS Roscoe Turner reserves the right to make changes to the contest categories as necessary.
21. The IPMS Roscoe Turner Chapter, its members, agents or officers assume no liability or responsibility in case of accidents involving attendees, equipment, merchandise, models, displays or for property lost, stolen or damaged during the show.

Cancellation and refund policy

Cancellations made 3 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. If the cancellation is less than 3 days in advance of the event date, we will be unable to provide a refund. To request a refund, please email admin@ipmsroscoeturner.org.

When you purchase your ticket from an IPMS Roscoe Turner event you agree to these terms.