Lessons learned.

Documentation:

There are several things that differs from US scale competitions and the JWM. In the US, 3-view's are the primary source of outline documentation, but at JWM, photos are preferred. SO... if you want to be really competitive, this is what you do: Find a jet that is in existence. You are going to need perfect side, front, top and rear view photos for your documentation. Event though the rules state that an artists rendition is OK, you will score much higher if you have access to shooting these photos of the subject. This is very important. The best scores in static all had perfect photos in their documentation.

Get everything officially stamped. The IJMC loves stamps. Get all your color chips, 3-views and photos stamped with some kind of official stamp.

Include your original published 3-views so the judges can see that you have not altered the 3-view you are presenting. (and have it stamped)

Arrange everything in a neat book, with one page showing the side view photo and the side 3-view and so forth. (Remember to have it stamped)

For highest score in color and markings, if possible, bring samples of the original paint the plane was painted with. If it is a restored jet, this is often possible. With current military jets, make friends with someone at the air force, navy ect. paint shops.

Don't worry too much about scale details like bording ladders, kick-in doors ect. The judges does not have that much time to look at them. One of the highest static scoring jets had no inner speed brake details, no inner wheel well detailing, had live hinged ailerons with open gaps underneat. But, it had great photos that where stamped. So, you gotta know what areas that is most important.

Get a composite jet with lots of panel lines and rivets. The craftsmanship judges does not care if the builder made the details or if it came like that from the factory. They don't know how it was made, so all they are looking for is the most realistic looking surface. (AirWorld and FiberClassic score high in these areas)


Flying:

Slow flying without to much wing wobble is the key. Use gyros on every single surface. Gyros are allowed (and used) everywhere you want to put them. Have them on rudder and ailerons at least. The Futaba two channel gyro is perfect. Learn to fly slow, and make sure to keep your speed fairly constant throughout the flight.

Learn to take off and land right in front of yourself. When you practice, put a mark on the runway right infront of yourself and make this your touch down and rotate point.

Learn to place your maneuvers dead center, with equal distance on each side for entry and exit. (Same as in other scale competitions)

Don't fly too high. Anything over a 60 degree vertical angle from the judges position will result in a zero score for that part of the maneuver.

Remember that aerobatic planes fly aerobatic maneuvers.

Smoke looks good, but it also enhances every mistake you make.

Do not show up with something you finished last minute. have at least 50 flights on your competition plane or don't bother. You are up against pilots who know their planes and practice a lot.