Why this contest?
There are quite a few quality mecha contests, so what does this contest add?
While we see a lot of cool designs, we feel that there is not enough love for the weird robots that fall too far out of the gundam/transformer/mechanical man design type. We here at the Peculiar Robot contest prefer the weird and unlikely. Non-standard, non-humanoid mecha/robots with unexpected physical make-up, asymmetrical bodies and just plain weird details. We wish to stimulate people to build things that feel more surreal – think Dali, Giger, Stalenhag, Beksinksi, Rosalski, Kishi Omori, Jan Buragay, early Yokoyama, Kobayashi – for example, something peculiar that stands out from the rest.
For inspiration please visit the inspiration page.
When will the contest start?
The contest will start on 01-Februay-2024
When does the contest end?
The contest will end on 01-December-2024 AoE. Entries must be sent in by then.
What models can I use?
As the goal is to create something new and weird it does not matter where the base parts come from. Scifi, gundam, tanks, airplanes, anything can be used. It does not matter as long as the end result is not too literal. There must be some kind of discerable re-imagination. Kitbash or scratchbuild with all you have or wish to use.
Can I use parts from other mecha to make an original mecha design?
Yes! it does not matter where the parts come from, as long as the end result is not too recognizable as the base model. There must be some kind of discerable re-imagination. Kitbash or scratchbuild with all you have or wish to use.
What other materials can I use?
Any material really, be it clay, household materials, metal, plastics, wood, paper.
I want to make an organic mecha, is this allowed?
Yes! Mechanic, biomechanic, organic, crystalline, it is all ok, as long as it is not too much of an human shaped monstrosity.
Can I use 3D-printed parts?
Yes and no, we would like to focus on model building arts and crafts. We do not forbid the use of 3D-printed parts, but we would like the model to be mostly made of other materials.
As for how much can be 3D-printed, somewhere around 10-20% is acceptable, but this will be subject to the discretion of the judges. If you have any doubts or questions about this, please send a message to peculiarrobotcontest@gmail.com.
Can I submit a diorama or a model on a base?
Yes, of course, story or context can be helpful – especially if your model is very weird, but the primary focus will be on the quality of the model itself. Though any base may detract from scoring if not of the same standard as the model.
Will there be any prizes?
Yes! At we are currently filling the prize pot with all sorts of goodies, follow our Instagram or join the Facebook group for updates and announcements! The current state of the prize pool can be found in the prizes section.
Of course, we are always open to sponsors or donations from the community.
What will be the judging criteria?
The judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and deviation from the basic human form (an asymetric multi armed mecha will score higher than a mecha closer to the human form), though we do not have a specific scorecard or preset judging criteria. Of course the quality of building and paintwork will be very important as well.
Who are the judges?
For this edition we have three wonderful judges: Richard ‘Plainries’ van de Meijden, Marcel du Long, and Ethan ‘KiBaRo’ den B. Combined they have about a century worth of experience in building peculiar robots and other weird stuff.
How should I photograph my model?
Photographs are all important. They are the only means we have of evaluating your work. It is probably inevitable that work-in-progress photographs might be ‘messy’ or ‘on bench’, but, for the finished model, please do try to consider the background, lighting, focus, depth-of-field. A simple grey A3 size paper sheet makes a great background, and a single ‘daylight’ anglepoise lamp directed at the front of the model is a good starting point for a light source. It is possible to take good photographs with a smartphone, but a digital camera and tripod are perfect, if you have them. Remember – you are ‘selling’ the model to the judges with your photographs – so make sure they convey your hard work and show your model to its full potential. Show the judges what you see, when you proudly look at your model.
I don’t have facebook/instagram, can I still participate?
Yes ofcourse! Just e-mail the required pictures and information for entering to peculiarrobotcontest@gmail.com.
I have a recently started design that would be great for this contest, can I still enter?
If your model is really at the beginning of building and planning, and less than about 15% built, than we may allow it. In this case it is best to contact us at peculiarrobotcontest@gmail.com to prevent surprises or dissapointment.
What else should I consider?
If there is any particular detail of construction/modelling/materials that you feel is important to understanding your entry, please describe it in your email submission. We are not looking for a history, story or lore but if your process/method is important, then please briefly describe what and why.
I have a really cool piece of lore that I really want to share, can I submit this?
While it is not the focus of the contest and will used in scoring your model, it will not detract from it either. If you really want to share the lore behind a model, please do and we will post it alongside the results if possible.
I want to showcase my work in progress on social media, is there a hashtag or group?
We have a Facebook group for participants here.
For Instagram we use the hashthag #peculiarrobotcontest2024.
We are not currently active on other socials, as our time is limited and we are too old to understand all this youngster stuff ;).