Vacuform models in contest

[Ronv]

Thanks all for the input. The PV-1 may make it to the contest in October in VA.
RonV

[Lee_K]

The answer is yes you can change out any parts you like, just as long as the base model is still a vacuform kit.  No different than any other category except Out of the Box, which has all kinds of special rules.  Since vacuforms are declining in popularity with the rise of short run and all-resin kits, there was a move to eliminate the category from the official national list a few years ago.  As I remember, there was an overwhelming cry of protest and the category still stands, albeit relatively lightly populated at most contests.  Ben will tell you that airliner fans still build quite a few vacuform kits from Welsh Models and others.

Lee K

[Ryan K]

I would email the 2014 national judge. The handbook doesn't mention anything or the 2014 website. There is two categories at nats 172a & 172b.

In general I would think it is ok to replace those parts.

[Anthony Leger]

I'd say yes...but you'd not be OOB

[Ronv]

Hey, Does anyone know if there are any judging criteria for vacuform models entered in the appropriate vacuform category? Can you change engines, propellars, canopies, and landing gear to after market items? The PV-1 model I won in the raffle comes with these items formed in the plastic but they are really terrible.

RonV