The Exhibition

The Rocky Mountain Expo is based on an open medal system (i.e. gold/silver/bronze) which was developed by Sheperd Paine and others. Rather than ranking entries against one another, each piece is evaluated on its own merits and is awarded either gold, silver, bronze, or certificate of merit.

This approach avoids fixed categories and limited awards, ensuring that work is recognized regardless of how many similar entries are present. Models are not evaluated “against” other models but assessed individually against the current standards of the hobby.

Judging acknowledges that evaluation is not purely mechanical or objective. While guided by shared criteria, it allows room for informed judgment, creativity, and overall impact. The goal is to recognize excellence, encourage growth, and create a rewarding experience for every participant.

Evaluation considers factors such as degree of difficulty, creativity, workmanship, painting and weathering, presentation, and overall effect. The relative importance of these elements may vary depending on the type of work being shown.

Unlike traditional shows where entries are scattered by category, our event features exhibitor-focused displays. Every modeler is allocated their own dedicated space, allowing visitors to appreciate their entire body of work and unique style in one place.