Regarding the above comments about judging, I saw the same inequities in 2013. Some categories were right on, in others I could not understand a "award winner" having un-equal panel lines, miss-aligned landing gear and in-correct/un-even wing and tail incidences, other than having a catchy markings scheme and every panel opened up to reveal some added details. It was only after I asked about the judging and the criteria did I understand.
Seems they use a 50 point system (10 points each) for Originality, Color schemes, Decals and Markings, Overall Realism and Construction. The category judges mark their sheets, I was not told if it was a team effort or just done individually (which I suspected), and a 2nd party tabulated the results. With this in mind I easily see why results vary so much.
As mentioned in some of the posts by others above, you really need a team that is knowledgeable in the subject and in good modeling skills. I know IPMS-USA Nationals gets grief over being sometimes too sticky on the construction aspects, but if you don't clear that 1st hurdle of basic modeling craftsmanship the rest can be just a crap shoot. A team of 3 experienced judges doesn't need a point system to come to a 1-2-3 finish. True, maybe the most knowledgeable judge (especially in our WWI area) may well be an entrant in the category and thus ineligible, but for the most part it seems to work out.
The one note able exception is the Michael L Fritz Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in modeling of World War I aircraft. AFAIK, in all types of modeling contests it is the sole award that is judged only by the previous award winners. Each new winner then becomes a member of the judging team for future contests- ineligible for a second award- giving others encouragement. Thus the MLF judges are most careful in picking the most appropriate winner. And yes they do this totally independent of the "regular judges", so they have "rewarded" by this separate award, a few models that were overlooked.
As for Telford, GO !!!! it is worth it just to see the unbelievable number of displays and new products. Take an entry sure, but don't be overly anxious or upset about taking an award or not.
