COMPETITION AND THE AWARDS 

General Rules and Class Definitions

Except for limitations specified in some GSL Class definitions, each contestant may build in any scale, and may use any building techniques and construction materials on any entry. Each GSL contestant should note that the rules for each GSL Class, as specified below, will be strictly observed, including required documentation in some Classes: please be careful to avoid disqualification by not meeting Class rules and requirements.

A combination of vehicles may be entered and judged in any GSL Class as one entry if they are a logical combination. FOR EXAMPLE: a car and trailer; a race team car, truck and trailer; a truck tractor and semi-trailer with load, etc. If any ambiguity arises about in which GSL Class a model should compete, the GSL Judges will make a final determination, prior to the actual judging if possible, and will also make every effort to notify the builder. If you have any questions, please ask!

Use the enclosed entry form for each model (make copies as necessary-one document is required per model). Be sure to fill out all of the information (but leave the screened areas blank, please)

The following Classes will be presented at the seventeenth GSL International Model Car Championship. Please read the GSL Class rules and definitions carefully:

BOX-PLUS: The intent of the Box-Plus Class is to encourage builders to display their basic and advanced craftsmanship skills by constructing an entry using only parts from a single, specific edition of a model kit in the way that the kit manufacturer intended, along with limited additional construction materials and techniques. Each kit must be constructed in the way defined by that specific kit's instruction sheet; "box art" illustrations are not acceptable construction guidelines. Parts shown placed incorrectly on the instruction sheet may be installed in the correct location(s). No "parts-swapping" of any kind (even between different versions of the same kit) is permitted, and no aftermarket parts may be used. No wiring or similar additions to the basic kit are permitted except when the materials are included in the kit and are used only as shown in the instruction sheet. Any adhesive may be used to assemble "snap kits."

Any "aftermarket" body putty or filler may be used: i) to fill "sink" marks, seams or other manufacturing flaws (including the removal of kit manufacturer logos and copyright announcements), and ii) to finish a body modification expressly intended by the kit manufacturer as shown on the instruction sheet. However, putty or filler may not be used to mold in parts or to create or correct shapes (including door/hood/trunk lines or any other details or shapes), unless specifically shown on the instruction sheet for that kit.

The contestant may not remove molded-on "chrome" trim, drip rails, and window trim. Additionally, bodies, panels, parts and components may not be modified, altered or reconfigured to "correct" design inaccuracies in the kit. For example: fender lines, hood contours, window frames and all other body shapes must be maintained as the shapes created by the kit manufacturer, regardless of their accuracy. However, a contestant may remove material to enhance or achieve realistic detail in a particular part; for instance: a contestant may drill out exhaust pipes and carburetor venturies, and remove material to "open" up a grille, but may not remove material where the effect of that removal is to change the basic shape of the part or to change the part from one kind of item to another (changing a starter into an ignition coil, for instance). Additionally, a contestant may customize any part of the kit part if such changes are expressly identified in the kit instructions and if the parts for those changes are included in that specific edition of the kit.

 Any adhesives, paints, decals and/or metal foil products may be used to assemble and detail the kit, but no three-dimensional structural parts or functional details (mechanical, electrical or hydraulic) may be created with paint, glue, putty, sprue and/or metal foil products. However, any painting or abrasive technique(s) may be used to create surface textures on any part. Color and painting guides shown on the instruction sheet do not need to be followed.

The builder may remove any surface flaws (e.g., a parting line on a bumper) on any vacuum-metal plated kit part and have that part re-plated in the original finish only. However, a part not originally vacuum-plated may not be plated. Additionally, the builder may strip and paint any plated part.

The correct instruction sheet (or a photocopy) for that specific edition of the model kit MUST be displayed with the model; otherwise the model will be disqualified from this Class and placed in the next most appropriate Class.

COMMERCIAL, LIGHT DUTY: This Class is for models of any job-specific pickup, public service vehicle, light van, law-enforcement vehicle, firefighting-related or medical equipment (all must display commercial or official markings), small motor homes or similar vehicles, representing any vintage or era, with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs.

COMMERCIAL, HEAVY DUTY: This Class is for models of any job-specific truck, van, firefighting-related or other emergency equipment, bus, earthmoving equipment, or other vehicle with a 10,000 lb. minimum gross vehicle weight and representing any vintage or era, which are exclusively intended for commercial use. Models entered in this Class must display commercial or official markings, where required by its use.

COMMON KIT: 1953 FORD VICTORIA. This Class is strictly for contestants constructing any style or version (custom, factory stock, competition, commercial, and so forth) of the Lindberg 1953 Ford Victoria. The entrant may modify the kit body shape or style, swap parts from other kits, and use aftermarket parts (except for aftermarket resin bodies), and use any building materials, techniques or technologies, subject to the "single builder" rules of the Championship. The intent of this Class is for each entrant to start with an identical kit, then display their widest array of individual creativity, building skills, craftsmanship and technical innovations. (A 1953 Victoria model may be entered in any other Class instead, at the builder's option, but may compete only in one Class). 

COMPETITION: CIRCLE TRACK/ROAD COURSE: This Class is for any model of a vehicle, representing any vintage or era, used in road course, circle track, IROC, NASCAR, Can-Am, Trans-Am (including monster trucks configured for sanctioned competition) and similar competitive events. Vehicles must be constructed in accordance with applicable 1:1 competition rules of the sanctioning organization for the appropriate era or year(s).

CUSTOM: This Class is for any model of a vehicle, of any vintage, description or style, where the primary modification(s) are in the body shape and interior, creating a unique or personalized appearance to the vehicle. These modifications include "minor" modifications (trim removal, custom paint and upholstery, etc.) that create a "mild" custom, to extensive modifications (chopping, reshaping body panels, sectioning, frenching and molding, etc.) to create a "full" or "radical" custom. Models entered in this Class may represent any era or style of customizing.

DIORAMA: This Class is for displays or scenes containing vehicle(s) or related displays with an automobile, truck, motorcycle, or related theme as the principal focus. It is suggested that the entrant include a brief statement or story of the diorama if there is a theme or there are specific details that the entrant wishes the judges to consider, or if the "auto" theme is unclear.

FACTORY STOCK: This Class is for any model representing any typical, factory-built vehicle, including all foreign and exotic vehicles (excluding motorcycles and factory concept/dream cars), that is not the replication of a specific vehicle. This Class also includes production vehicles that are performance or visually modified by an aftermarket company or "tuner," (e.g., AMG Mercedes, Saleen Mustang, Westfalia VW camper conversions and so forth) sold as completed vehicles through authorized factory dealerships, but which do not represent "one-off" modifications by the dealer. Documentation (copies of dealer brochures, magazine articles, etc.), sufficient to establish the authenticity of the model, must be provided.

"IF I HAD DESIGNED IT": Imagine that you are the styling chief for your favorite foreign or domestic automobile manufacturer for any specific model year that you desire. Assume that you alone will make the final decisions about how that vehicle will appear when it goes into production. How might it have looked and what styling decisions would you have made? What design and mechanical features would it have had? Models entered in this Class must be obviously based upon a recognizable factory production vehicle for that selected year and reasonably resemble that vehicle. The model must also reflect the practical engineering, ergonomic, styling and production characteristics that "might have been" made for the year of the vehicle modeled by the contestant. Each contestant must present a brief written statement explaining the styling decisions for the entry, and specify the year vehicle represented by the entry.

JUNIOR: This Class is for modelers 16 years of age or younger, who build any style or scale vehicle, including motorcycles. If a Junior Class builder wishes to compete in another Class instead, he/she may do so. NOTE: Entries from modelers 16 or younger will be accepted without an entry fee regardless of the Class in which they compete.

MOTORCYCLE: This Class is for any model of any motorcycle of any vintage or era, other than a replica of a specific motorcycle, whether kit-based or scratch-built. Competition-type motorcycles must be constructed in accordance with the rules of the sanctioning bodies for the appropriate era or year(s).

REPLICA: This Class is for any model built as a precise replication of a specific automobile, truck, factory "concept" or "dream car" of any vintage, or a specialty vehicle of any description, excluding motorcycles. The vehicle must actually exist or have actually existed in three-dimensional form: A "styling studio" or other artist's conceptual rendering alone will not be acceptable as a source for documentation. The model must replicate the particular vehicle presented in the research materials, which MUST accompany the entry. A replica of a scene must be entered in the Diorama Class.

SMALL SCALE: This Class is for any model, of any description, in 1/43 or smaller scale (except dioramas) built in any style. (All models in scales larger than 1/43 shall be entered in other Classes. Also note that the Junior Class encompasses all scales). The builder of a 1/43 or smaller scale vehicle may choose to place the entry in any other appropriate Class if they wish.

SPECIALTY: This Class is for all subjects reasonably related to the automotive focus of the Championship, but which do not fit in any other GSL Class. These subjects include auto engines of any vintage, automobile components, "T-shirt monsters", drag boats when powered by "auto" engines adapted for marine use, futuristic/fantasy vehicles, and so forth. Each entry will be evaluated for a general automotive theme.

STREET MACHINE: This Class is for any model of a vehicle manufactured from 1949 to date, that is essentially stock in body configuration but that includes a modified power train, suspension, interior and/or other elements. Models entered in this Class may represent any era or style of construction. Models entered in this Class may reflect a "racing style," but not be built primarily for sanctioned racing competition.

STREET ROD: This Class is for any model of any vehicle, manufactured through 1948, that is essentially stock in body configuration and features a modified power train, suspension, interior and/or other elements, but is not built primarily for sanctioned racing competition. Models entered in this Class may represent any era or style of street rod construction.

1. Model Eligibility. The GSL Championship rewards and encourages individual craftsmanship and creativity. GSL rewards individual effort, not partnership, committee or "contract" construction of entries. To be eligible for competition, each model must be constructed exclusively by the entrant. No one other than the builder-entrant may: i) install any upholstery materials or kits, ii) apply any finish/paint job/graphics design work iii) install any component pre-assembled by any person other than the entrant, or iv) do any intermediate or final assembly tasks. However, contestants may use any aftermarket part(s) including: a) decals from any source (except where prohibited by specific Class rules), and b) parts or components specially-manufactured for that contestant, as long as such specially-made parts are not assembled, detailed or installed on the entry by anyone other than the builder-entrant. Where two entries display equivalent basic craftsmanship and advanced building techniques, but where the first entrant has constructed all of the parts (as opposed to using commercially-available parts) on his/her entry, that model will be preferred by the judges to the equivalent model featuring parts specially-made by others and not otherwise commercially available.

The GSL Championship provides a hospitable arena in which scale vehicle modelers may compete with the assurance of a fair and unbiased evaluation of each model entered in competition, regardless of scale, subject matter or building materials used. There is no effort to "spread the gold": A great model may win Best of Class and any number of Master Awards, including Best of Show.

2. Classification of Models. Though the greatest latitude is afforded each contestant in the placement of a model in a Class, the final determination of the appropriate placement of each model in each Class is reserved for the GSL Judges. The GSL Judges will try to make an initial determination of the qualification of the GSL Entries before the Contest Hall closes on Saturday. In the case of incorrect or questionable placement of a model in a particular Class, or possible disqualification, the GSL Judges will attempt to notify the entrant (or the entrant's representative) to discuss the problem(s) before judging starts on Saturday evening. Often, problems can be resolved by a clarification or simple re-classification of the model. If the judges cannot locate the entrant or the entrant's representative, and if a simple re-classification will permit the model to remain in competition, the judges will reclassify it.

3. Disqualification Rules. Any model entered in competition will be disqualified if: i). It is unfinished, defined as lacking a major component or components necessary to be eligible to compete in the Class in which the model is entered. The GSL Judges recognize that the lack of any particular detailing element (e.g., the existence of a working throttle linkage) does not necessarily characterize any model as "incomplete," but the absence of a necessary element, such as an exhaust system in Factory Stock Class, would disqualify that model from competition in that Class; or ii). The model does not qualify for any official Class. (Whenever possible, the GSL Judges will move a model to another Class in order avoid disqualification); or iii). Has been awarded a Best in Class or any Master Award in any previous GSL Championship; or iv). Has been team-built. Each model must be EXCLUSIVELY constructed by the entrant as stated in Section A. Models featuring basic assembly or craftsmanship tasks performed by others (e.g., pre-wired distributors, pre-painted bodies, and so forth) are prohibited from competition.

4. Restricted Access During GSL Judging. No contestant is permitted in the Contest Hall during judging. Only GSL personnel and preauthorized representatives of the hobby media are permitted to be in the Contest Hall. Additional administrative personnel may also be admitted at the discretion of the GSL Judges.

5. Entries. Once officially entered (defined as registering, paying the Registration Fee for an adult contestant, receiving a registration slip and entering the Contest Hall), a model may not be withdrawn from competition and must remain in the Contest Hall. All models must be placed in the Contest Hall no later than 5:30 p.m. Saturday: NO late entries will be accepted. No work, other than repairs, may be done to any entry once it has been officially entered, and those repairs must be made in the Contest Hall, except with permission of a GSL Official. Models may be generally retrieved from the Contest Hall on Sunday morning, approximately after 11:00 a.m., or earlier by special prior arrangement. 

6. Research and Construction Documents/ Display: If you wish to describe the features of your model and the work you have done, you must restrict such material to a 9" x12" standard-size 3-ring binder or smaller size album. Place your documentary information on the table in such a way as to protect adjacent entries.

7. Displays, including Dioramas. If any measurement of your diorama or display is more than 18", please write to or e-mail GSL headquarters, no later than April 1, 1999, to discuss available room and the method of presentation. If your entry will include display base, please limit the same to no more than 4" larger overall than the model in each direction, regardless of scale (this size limit does not include your research materials, see above). If your entry will be larger than that size limit, you MUST write to GSL Headquarters to make special arrangements for its display. Though we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate large displays, we will try to do so.

8. General Standards of Good Conduct. The success of the GSL Championship depends on the personal integrity and good-faith of everyone, including participants, contestants, GSL staff and the judges. Everyone's enjoyment of the GSL Championship is enhanced when we all abide by the written rules and observe rules of common courtesy, and when no one tries to "bend the rules," or take advantage of the rules by entering a model not built in accordance with the "letter" and "spirit" of the GSL Championship rules. Lobbying of the judges is also strongly discouraged.