Display bases. Can there be TOO much info.?

seadude · February 07, 2011, 10:42:54 AM

How does everyone here like to display their models at contests? Do you include a display base with added bits of facts, figures, etc. about the subject, or do you not add that type of stuff? When can too much info. be overkill and ruin the "presentation" of a model? How do Judges and other modelers feel about "added extras" on the base and/or on the table near the models at contests? Let me give an example:

Last October, I took my Habakkuk model to a contest and had it displayed as such. The display base, as well as the table are not that crowded with info. and other misc. stuff. I put a small booklet on the table in case anyone wanted to read further info. about the Habakkuk.

There are modelers who like to "pull out all the stops" so to speak and make their bases very informative and eye appealing such as the following pic I took at a contest last year. While that is nice, I tend to feel that I would be heavily distracted by looking at all the "added extras" and not focusing my eyes on the main model instead.

I want to display/convey as much info. about my model as possible to others in case I'm not around near the table to answer people's questions. But I don't want to make the base or table crowded to the point where the Judges can't see stuff and are distracted by the smaller "accessories". For an upcoming contest and/or in the future, I was thinking of doing the following:

On the left is a German uboat and Essex carrier for scale reference, as well as a small note explaining why they are there. In the middle is the name plaque (with flags on top), A note with the Habakkuk's original design specifications, and a pic of Geoffrey Pyke, the designer of the Habakkuk. On the right is the cutaway cross-section of the Habakkuk hull as well as a small note giving details on the cross-section. Is what I have enough? Or is it too much and the added extras would be distracting?

Tuck · February 07, 2011, 10:50:41 AM

This is my only real "ultra display". This is still a bit of a work in progress because eventually I want to do the waterline hull kit in some sort of water/dockside display with the out-of-water model up above it. So far this is it. Got a couple of nice wood mounted postcards of the Housitanic and the Hunley along with a replica of Lt. Dixon's gold coin to show.

Weaver · February 07, 2011, 12:15:30 PM

Seadude: I think your setup is fine because it's all about explaining what the viewer is looking at, and Habbakkuk need some explaining!

Cliffy B · February 07, 2011, 01:03:56 PM

It all serves a purpose. That's what you need to ask yourself if you're unsure of any of the components. It looks just fine to me man, honest. If I saw this at a show and knew nothing about it I'd be utterly grateful for all of the extra info. If even one person learns something new from looking over and reading your display then you've accomplished a great deal. Top notch build yet again sir! Keep it up

philp · February 07, 2011, 01:18:26 PM

From past experience it is nice to have little extras if I am interested in learning more. See lots of people include little photo albums showing how their model was made so you can see how much extra they put into it.

However, Judges don't always have the luxury of taking extra time to look at all the extras. I have seldom seen a judge pick up said album and look through it when they are judging (but they might have done that earlier).

Also, judges at most shows in the US are reminded not to judge the display, just the model (unless judging dioramas or collections) so they shouldn't get distracted by the extras.

I like the look of your set up and don't think it hurts to add your booklet alongside for those who want more data. One thing that may distract is having the other ships included for scale. I think it adds to the display but judges may try to judge the other ships as well. As long as you spelled out they are for scale reference, should be OK but on that Bismark display, I wouldn't know which model I was judging or if I should judge both?

Ed S · February 07, 2011, 02:02:06 PM

I think that it looks fine. With something as unusual as the Habakkuk, it gives the viewer something that they are familiar with as a reference for the size. It also explains that this was something that was actually considered and was quite feasible and not just something your dreamed up on your own. Most people would have no idea what you were displaying if you didn't provide some information.

Ed

rickshaw · February 07, 2011, 11:41:22 PM

Your display is informative and not too cluttered IMO. The Bismark display OTOH is. I'd also ask, which model in the Bismark display is to be judged? Your extra models are different and obviously there for size comparison. I'd put your display in a museum any day whereas I'd have to ask the maker of the Bismark one to think seriously about what he's presenting. The booklet is a good idea BTW.

Radish · February 08, 2011, 01:57:22 AM

Sometimes there can be too much info.
Yours looks fine, it'll keep the attention of the viewer.
I often place my models on a base with text, but I've learnt that too long a text can be boring...keep it shortish, snappy, appropriate and if possible, amusing.

PR19_Kit · February 08, 2011, 03:34:25 AM

I can't see the meerkat in that Spitfire anywhere........

seadude · February 08, 2011, 04:34:08 AM

QuoteIf I saw this at a show and knew nothing about it I'd be utterly grateful for all of the extra info. If even one person learns something new from looking over and reading your display then you've accomplished a great deal.

My thoughts exactly.

BTW, It's the bottom pic of the display base I like and want to use.

lenny100 · February 08, 2011, 05:10:35 AM

Quote from: rickshaw on February 07, 2011, 11:41:22 PM
Your display is informative and not too cluttered IMO. The Bismark display OTOH is. I'd also ask, which model in the Bismark display is to be judged? Your extra models are different and obviously there for size comparison. I'd put your display in a museum any day whereas I'd have to ask the maker of the Bismark one to think seriously about what he's presenting. The booklet is a good idea BTW.

i totaly agree

seadude · February 19, 2011, 08:58:15 PM

Went to Wal-Mart earlier tonight and bought some thick foam board to test out some possible signage to display with my Habakkuk. Example pics of foam board placed behind the Habakkuk, with smaller added pics and information.

Not sure what configuration I would use, if any. I could substitute the graph shown in the first pic with a listing of model construction notes as shown in the second pic. The third pic shows only 4 pics in a less cluttered view. The bottom half of the foam board below the pics would be removed, and then the top half would be supported by some type of scratchbuilt framework. This would allow the audience and Judges to still see the right side of the ship from the other side of the table. The whole board structure would not attach to the model base. It would simply sit on the table in back of the model base. And when it came time for judging, I would simply take the board structure off the table so the Judges could see all around the ship.