ii). Is the detailing authentic and realistic? Make your detailing accurate. Don't make the mistake of just "throwing" wires, and brackets and clamps everywhere. Check out research materials, visit car showrooms and old car shows; route mechanical, electrical and hydraulic elements in the way they appear in the "real world." Once basic craftsmanship is addressed, authentic detailing of every kind is evaluated. 

iii). Is the model well-defined in theme and execution? Define what you want your model to be. A successful GSL entrant gets a CLEAR overview of what he or she wants to build and how the model will be constructed before construction begins. Visualize how your subject matter must look to represent the intended style or category of vehicle: Analyze what the viewer/judge will need to see to be convinced of the realism of your model. In the case of a "weathered" vehicle, it may help to create a "story" or "history" of the model to clarify how and why it appears as it does. Also, research what equipment was available at the time the model represents. For example, don't put new radial tires on a 1953 domestic vehicle entered in the Factory Stock Class.

iv). Is the subject well-researched and presented? Focus on your subject - get familiar with it and do your research. If the model represents a specific point of time in that vehicle's life, "freeze" that moment and construct your model to accurately reflect it. For example, if you are replicating a custom that has been restyled several times, research and confirm the details particular to one "version" of that vehicle. Don't forget to document that research for the judges!

v). Is the entry comprised of a series of convincing subassemblies? Once you have defined your goal(s), divide your project into sets of subassemblies in addition to visualizing the project as a single whole. In doing so, the entire scope becomes more manageable and less daunting, especially when complex models are being built. This will also help to create an accurate miniature that will help convince the judges of the realism of your model. Make each part, and each subassembly, a masterpiece model in itself. It is important to fashion each element of the model as if it could be entered in a contest without being combined with other parts. By treating each part, then each subassembly, as if it alone would determine the character and quality of the entire scale vehicle, you are more likely to make sure that the fit, finish, and realistic appearance are consistent and convincing throughout.

vi). Do all the parts and subassemblies interface properly? It is virtually impossible to think completely about the shape and size of every part, and how those parts fit with all other parts early in the planning stages. This approach should also lead you to think seriously about the dimensions of major subassemblies and their components, and will influence the use and placement of other sub-components. By establishing the "outer parameters" of each subassembly and how they fit with other assemblies in the early stages, you can work within the confines of those parameters and ensure correct fit of the entire subassembly into the model. This also means that dimensional errors (or "tolerance drift") will be contained within each subassembly, and not compounded throughout the entire model. Think about ways to reduce these tolerances. We build in small scales, which means that the compounding of panel thickness, the fit between parts, and structural requirements often don't leave space for an accurately-sized part. In that case, try to place the part so that the fact the part is too short, is simplified, or is otherwise inaccurate, is hidden.

vii). Has the illusion of a scale miniature vehicle been created? "Massage" the fit of parts so that they appear to be the correct size. Often, precise measurements won't create the illusion of reality, but neither will gross errors in proportion. Think about how the model will look when you are finished. 

viii). Are required documentation, research materials, and explanations of construction procedures, techniques and details provided to the GSL Judges? GSL encourages the entrant to provide research materials and details of construction. Where a Class rule requires documentation, or if you decide that the presentation of research or model construction information would assist the judges and GSL attendees to better understand the theory behind your entry or appreciate the effort and detail that were required to create your model, the GSL Championship encourages you to present that information. Research materials might include the history of the subject you have replicated. Documentation can include technical information, techniques, conversion information and so forth. But, there are several guidelines to keep in mind: Organize your materials in an economical manner - don't repeat essentially equivalent photographs, and edit and re-edit your narrative so that the "story" of your model is easily understood and concisely presented. And, make sure that there is plenty of room around your documentation so that adjacent entries aren't damaged.