• Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.

Marvel's Hydra Coupe 1/12 scale full scratch build

Hi everyone,

I've been busy over the last mounth getting ready for my very first model exposition/competition. It's the Torcan model show near Toronto on septembre 13. I'll be presenting 3 models, the Hydra Coupe, the Bentley blower and a 1/8 scale wooden kayak I scratch built a few years ago.

The kayak will naturally be presented in the boating section, but unfortunately, the 2 cars will not be in the same category as I had wished. The bentley will be in the scratch-built section because it's over 75% scratch-built. The hydra being a fictional model, has to be presented in the fictional section, even if it's 100% scratch-built. I would have prefered having them side by side for easier explination if explinations are needed. I guess I'll be running around quite a bit from section to section. I printed 2 little booklet, one for each car with key features, drawings and pictures. I also printed QR codes that will be next to each model. When scanned, these QR code will show either pictures or videos of the model. Lastly, l made a transporter box for the hydra. The model and base being quite huge, I could not find a big enough box for it. I made one out of corrugated plastic, complete with padded forms to secure the model in place. Hopefully, everything will still be in place after the 6hrs or so of travel.

I have no expectations whatsoever but hopefully, some will show some interest.

Boxed up bentley

20250823_133831.jpg.1ce8bca6e4314057055a90125fb01824.jpg


Boxed up hydra

20250823_133130.jpg.347e4f85fe2fde7b52ce7fe65c60f7f7.jpg


20250823_133146.jpg.96a24c529e3269930aba6bfef10bf24a.jpg


20250823_133220.jpg.e5c85ca454e59a007784c0e5ce2c8875.jpg


Booklets and QR code

20250823_133531.jpg.b2160c8c7a85af6307f05cc89f4b5117.jpg


20250823_133608.jpg.c9c619db8fa43107b4d16a4008c7c5f2.jpg


The kayak
20221128_172526.jpg
 
I only wish Toronto was a bit closer as I would like to visit that show as well as, maybe, meet you.
I suspect that you will do very nicely wwith the two cars - probably with a first in category. Or at least in my thinking, that's where they rate after watching the two builds. The kayak - nary a clue but suspect that it too will do well.
Please let us know
 
Last edited:
Hey Françoise,

Nice to hear from you, and such good news too. I'm sure you'll make many a heart beat faster with these marvellous models. Your Hydra coupé is truly exceptional. I'm also in awe of your Bentley. It's an amazing piece. But I think it will be difficult in this category, because there will be a lot of model cars there. But with the Hydra ... I'm pretty sure you'll do well there. Unfortunately, I can't say anything about the canoe. But I think it looks really great. Not everyone does that either.

I'm keeping both fingers crossed for you and I'm rooting for you. Maybe you'll send us a few photos and tell us a bit about the fair and special models like yours.

Best regards

Günther Ship-1
 
We are about 4 hours from Toronto and I thought it might make a nice day trip, or even an overnighter, but after looking over the show schedule, it kind of looks like it is a show primarily for the contestants, not for spectators. The schedule shows a window of about an hour and a half (2:30- approx. to 4:00) when you can view the models. Not sure if it's worth it. I'm not really interested in the vendor area where everything will inevitably be way overpriced. Too bad, it looks interesting. I wish you the best of luck @François !

1755988055409.png
 
Well, I'm back from my very first model show. I know i said that I didn't have any expectations but I lied, I had hopes. After seeing how well my models were received by the public, especially the Hydra Coupe. Everyone who passed by it raved and congratulated me and tge majoritysaid they voted for me it the people'schoice. Most understood the amount of work and research that went into it. I say most because apparently, the judges didn't get that, not even a bit. They apparently do not see beyon a nice paint job applied over a store bought kit. Not one mention! I'm not one to hold a grudge but frankly the judging wasn't up to par. I looked at pretty much all other entries (apparently close to 700) and especially the other entries in the same categories as my models and while many were very nicely done, none were at par. I'm a bit saddened by the lack of professionalism from the judges and the show. My wife told me afterwards that someone asked her if she wanted to be a judge. She's a great gal and very intelligent but knows nothing of model making. If that's how they choose the judging staff, no wonder. People I talked to after the even didn't not understand what happened and unfortunately I could not explain.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I'll lick my wounds and see if I can do better at another show in mid October.

At least the bentley got 3rd place. It's a very small consolation, especially seeing what it was up against.

Again, sorry for this ranting but I needed to vent.
 
Well, it's obvious, François, that those judges wouldn't know a good model if it jumped up and put it's food up their backsides. It is one of the most remarkable models I've ever seen and I have been to many shows.
 
Well, it's a shame regarding the quality judge's you had Francois. You should definitely enter as many contest with your work as practical to get a better read on how these events really work.
 
Francois, I have entered many model shows over the years and can honestly say the judging was questionable at the very least. Personally I would like to see a judges credentials before I put any faith in his/her ability to judge detailed scale models. I have found all too often that top honours went to the members of the sponsoring club hosting the event. I don't want this to sound like sour grapes, as I have won a few awards over the years, just a well experienced observation.
Jim
 
This was a common complaint I heard on other plastic modeling sites I used to frequent. It’s a shame because your coupe is a show-stopper for sure.
 
Yes, in my opinion you desire top prize without even looking at the others. Your model is far above anything I've ever seen before.

I think all the judges here should mean much more than that show.
 
Well as far as those of us that follow your fantastic building process, you deserve Best in Show, especially for the Bentley.

I can recount judging bias at car shows I participate in but this is not the place to do that rant
\
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top