The Fifth Annual
Custom Clinic Photo Contest
by Mark S. Gustavson

Well, it's that time of year again, even if a bit later than usual. With all of the changes here at Car Modeler magazine, it's good to know that the tradition of encouraging and evaluating custom model car building is still part of the editorial mix. These changes in publication schedules didn't affect the quality of the entries which, most probably, are the best ever seen in this contest series.

This year, we had 62 entries from 48 contestants who represented 19 States and 4 foreign countries (Canada -- 3, Finland - 2, Japan-1, and Great Britain -1). Even though the numbers were down a bit (probably due to the shifting deadline), I've had more fun this time looking through the incredible work – not to mention the intelligent packages of information and styling discussions – that the entrants put together. With this kind of participation, we'll have this contest well into the future.

A few observations about the entries in general and the judging in particular. First, choosing the winners has never been as difficult as it was this year. There were an amazing number of really terrific entries, many displaying thoughtful decision making. In that vein, an increasing number of entrants are writing really literate descriptions of their work worthy of any factory stylist. That makes the process so incredibly pleasurable. Second, in many cases, what appeared to be an interesting model did not win because the photographs were so poor that they wouldn't reproduce. I can't adequately emphasize how crucial it is that your photographs are clear with good depth of field, featuring the model squarely in the frame, and displaying all aspects of the body work. Third, this is not a model building contest in the sense that flaws in bodywork and painting will keep a model from winning. Though the goal of basic craftsmanship is not universally observed, lapses in basic bodywork/construction techniques have not been penalized this year (though that may change in the future). Fourth, more contestants should think about creating designs that could be actually used. While ground scraping customs may look cool, they could not navigate the real world and would be a real pain to drive. Basic ergonomics should be observed so that the purpose and goal of an automobile -- to be driven and used for transportation - could be achieved. Finally, the achievement of a graceful design may require significant work or just modest restyling – the mere presence of major customizing features does not necessarily produce a winner. This year's First Place Senior Class winner, for instance, involved a lot of bodywork but the execution doesn't appear, at first glance, to display much restyling. 

As before, every winner will receive a special Custom Clinic Photo Contest certificate created by the venerable Mark Benton (my thanks to him are extended again this year), including Honorable Mention winners. The photographs will be archived in the National Model Car Builders' Museum and the best models from all five photo contests will be used later this year in the Custom Clinic Web Page --   This page, now updated twice a year, features articles on famous full scale custom cars, the photos of excellent model cars, how-to articles and other cool custom features! Check it out!

Well, enough of this narrative. Start your models for the 2000 Custom Clinic Photo Contest – be the top winners in the first custom model car contest of the next millennium! The entry form is a part of this article, so get to work, and throw some putty! See you in March, 2000!

Photos Soon!