The Ramp Trash Award
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. In the world of aviation photography it refers to any aircraft that is not worthy of the photographer’s time and film (when we used to use film) to photograph it. An example would be any type of trainer or transport aircraft. In other words an aircraft that doesn’t have an “F” or “A” prefix in the designation. A Cessna 172 from the Civil Air Patrol would be Ramp Trash, an F-15C would not. The idea is to inspire the modeling community to build Trainers, Cargo and Special Use Aircraft. The award for this Category is very unique and has been popular with all the recipients at our shows. As with any contestentry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The SAC Bombing Trophy
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. The theme for this award harkens back to the days when Strategic Air Command dominate the United States Air Force. Strategic Bombing competitions were held annually to promote competition among the Bomber Squadrons throughout SAC as well as other Nations. This award is given to the best model of a bomber from any nation that could carry out the Strategic Bombing mission from B-52’s to Bears and Vulcan’s. The award is not limited to Cold War aircraft alone. B-17’s, Lancaster’s etc. also qualify for this award. Carrying a nuclear payload does not necessarily qualify a model for the SAC award as most modern tactical aircraft can carry “THE BOMB”. A true Strategic Bomber is a weapons platform that is designed to carry the fight to an enemy’s homeland over vast distances. Basically, any large, multi-engine, bombing platform. The Judges have wide latitude in selecting the winner and may select any aircraft that best holds to the spirit of the award.

The “TOP GUN” Trophy
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. “Time to do that pilot stuff Maverick!” This award is dedicated to any and all Aggressor Aircraft used throughout the world, by any Air Force or Navy. This includes Russian and Indian MiG-29’s, etc. used by their respective Governments in the Aggressor role. The Model must typify the role of a DACM (Dissimilar Air Combat Maneuvering) Aircraft so just being a fighter is not enough. F-5’s from any of the USAF/USMC/USN Aggressor Squadrons are a good example but there are many more to choose from. As with any contestsentry, the selected model for this special award is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The Aviation Ordnancemen’s Award
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. The idea for this award dates back quite a few years and is the result of a conversation had between fellow modelers regarding the quality and finish of ordnance displayed on aircraft models. Over a last few years it has become clear that the level of quality of aircraft building has greatly improved but is inversely proportionate to the quality of ordnance displayed on the same. A good example was a model on a well-known web site recently. There was a beautiful P-51D model – natural metal finish, the works. The modeler said the model looked empty so they put 2 nondescript looking bombs under the wings (hand painted blue no less) to finish the kit. It brought an A+ model down to a D. With this in mind we have created an award that celebrates things under wings. Examples include Bombs with fusing wires and decals, Missile’s with the rocket motor drilled out, painted and marked correctly. The Judges have wide latitude in selecting the winner and may select any entry having the best representation of Aviation Ordnance displayed on an aircraft model.

The “Lucky 13” Award  
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. This is a very simple and straightforward award. ANYTHING utilizing the number “13” in its designation or on its surface qualifies. For example a racing car with the number 13 on it – or an F-5N from VFC-13 at Fallon would qualify. Put your phobias aside and let your imagination run wild. As with any contestentry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The Best Presentation Award
Grayhawk Productions Ltd sponsors this award. This award pays homage to a good friend and fellow modeler, Bill Magnie. For those of us privileged to know Bill, he was a true friend and booster of all things relating to and inspiring Junior modelers. This award was created at a San Jose Invitational contest in 1979. We had several “Special Awards” that had gone unused and Bill and I were directed to “use them”. After bestowing several others we had one left. There was a model that had been displayed in a very unusual way but did not fit into any particular category. It wasn’t a diorama, but it did have a theme. It used photos and newspaper clippings attached to a base to tell the story of a particular fighter pilot and his aircraft (hence the idea of “Presentation”). It was a very elegant tribute to fallen warrior and the builder was very pleased we had chosen to honor his work with an award. Judging is always a subjective thing but Judging a display is even more so. It takes a modeler with an eye for artistic to come up with something truly unusual. Invariably, one particular modeler’s display will stand out from the rest. For this reason the Best Presentation Award was created.

The RARA (The Reno Air Racers Annual) Award
The IPMS Reno “High Rollers” sponsor this award. It honors the Gods of SPEED.It is awarded to the model best representing an air racing aircraft of any type, scale, or era entered in our show. Reno has been known as the home of air racing for may years and since the High Rollers are a Reno based club it’s only proper we sponsor an award that is dedicated to TheWorlds Fastest Motor Sport (Sorry IMSA, NASCAR, Sprint, Drag, etc.). As with any contestentry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The Stranger in a Strange Land Award
The IPMS Reno “High Rollers” sponsor this award. It is dedicated to Military Aircraft from all the Small Air Forces and Navies of the world. There aren’t to many modelers who seek out the unusual when it comes to Air Power. While anyone can build F-16 from dozens of different USAF or even US Navy Squadrons, how often do you see an Italian or Belgian aircraft model built. This award celebrates all these Military Air Arms and their many and varied aircraft and markings. As with any contest entry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The Best Conversion or Scratch Built Aircraft Award
The IPMS Reno “High Rollers” sponsor this award. As the award suggests this award is given to the most deranged (Sorry) dedicated of modelers the “HACKER”! This is the builder with EVERY type of razor saw, Evergeen Plastics and Plastrut item in their work space. They use Resins and Vac-u-form things. They also tend to have a nervous tic and talk to themselves (a lot) but that’s another story. So if you’re willing to build a AP-2H from a Falcon or Grayhawk Productions conversion kit or tackle building some obscure 1 of airplane, this award is for you. You need to give the judges a clue when entering your model such as a brief description or photos documenting you work. Something that let’s our Judges (as well as the nice men in the white coats) know you have made something that’s out of the norm. As with any contest entry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.

The Contest Theme Award  
This award changes annually and is, at times, an inspiration or consternation to our members and our Judges. We try to make our theme award topical and diverse in order to allow the most participation by the attendees. This provides them the opportunity to compete with builders in various categories and with different types of models. It can be very interesting to watch our Judges try to compare and contrast the merits of aircraft models and cars or figures. If doing something different is your bag, this is the category for you. As with any contest entry, the selected model is subject to the best interpretation of the spirit of the award by the Judges.