CTF is a uniquely British phenomenon and is often a confusing term to those who live overseas. However, the proliferation of British hobbyists on the internet means that it is becoming more and more common in usage although the huge competitive sections are still a feature unique to British live shows.
CTF means craft, toy, foundation. CTF Plastic refers to models that are made of plastic (as the name suggests). This could include everything from Schleich to Grand Champions to My Little Ponies.
These models are original finish (custom finish models would go in custom) with a few exceptions unique to CTF.
Most shows will have a CTF section and this will often be split between plastic and bendy. If there is no CTF section the show holder may allow these models to go into original finish.
CTF means craft, toy, foundation. CTF Plastic refers to models that are made of plastic (as the name suggests). This could include everything from Schleich to Grand Champions to My Little Ponies.
These models are original finish (custom finish models would go in custom) with a few exceptions unique to CTF.
Most shows will have a CTF section and this will often be split between plastic and bendy. If there is no CTF section the show holder may allow these models to go into original finish.
Breyer #31001 Horse Sense 2nd Edition
The Brands
There are a large number of CTF plastic brands but here is a list of some of the ones you will most commonly encounter:
Breyer Mini Whinnies
Schleich
CollectA
Safari
Papo
Grand Champion
My Little Pony
Generally speaking when a show is split between CTF Plastic and CTF Bendy, everything that is plastic goes in plastic and everything that isn't goes in bendy. CTF Plastic tends to mainly include the more realistic solid plastic models, these classes are usually huge and very competitive. They may only cost a few pounds each but that means everyone can afford them! Most UK hobbyists will own at least one CTF plastic model, whether they collect them or not.
Breyer Mini Whinnies
Schleich
CollectA
Safari
Papo
Grand Champion
My Little Pony
Generally speaking when a show is split between CTF Plastic and CTF Bendy, everything that is plastic goes in plastic and everything that isn't goes in bendy. CTF Plastic tends to mainly include the more realistic solid plastic models, these classes are usually huge and very competitive. They may only cost a few pounds each but that means everyone can afford them! Most UK hobbyists will own at least one CTF plastic model, whether they collect them or not.
Grand Champion 'Mr. Chip'
The Grey Areas
CTF is a unique concept and as a result there are a few fuzzy areas. Most of these are governed by convention or left to the show holder and you simply have to learn these unwritten rules or check with the show host exactly what they want.
I have duplicated this section in both the bendy and plastic sections as there is huge overlap.
Custom Anomalies
The vast majority of custom CTF models go in custom. However, there are a few exceptions:
My Little Ponies
Magpies
Julip HOTY
When customised these models stay in their original section. Why is this? Well in the case of things such as Dream Ponies (Magpie) they were often sold as kits so the vast majority may be customs. Secondly there is an issue of realism of finish. It simply seems more suitable to have a Julip HOTY custom up against other Julip HOTY models than custom Breyers.
However, not all show hosts follow this convention so always check first! Some may have simply never thought about it...
Plastic Bendies
There are a few things that usually go in CTF Bendy rather than plastic. These are:
Magpies/Dream Ponies
Julip HOTY
This is because they are more similar in type to bendies (and in the case of Julip HOTY are the same brand) so it seems more sensible to put them in CTF Bendy rather than plastic. However, again check, not all shows follow this rule.
The Fuzzy Brands
Some brands are simply not clear where they should be. As a general rule everything that isn't plastic should go in bendy, but this doesn't always follow. The following brands may end up in either section depending on the show host:
My Little Ponies
Plushies
Magpies/Dream Ponies
Julip HOTY
Handmade Pieces
If in doubt...check! Or just leave showing your model until a show with a combined CTF section...
Craft Collectable
A very small selection of shows have a section called 'craft collectable', this has been referred to as 'posh CTF' by some hobbyists, although a little derogatory it does actually explain the section quite well!
Craft collectable is basically for expensive bendy CTF models that are more realistic. It would include non-Foundation Equorums, RubberNedz and Rydals. The idea being that these sculptures are of a standard much higher than say a Foundation Equorum or Julip Original and should therefore be judged separately.
I have duplicated this section in both the bendy and plastic sections as there is huge overlap.
Custom Anomalies
The vast majority of custom CTF models go in custom. However, there are a few exceptions:
My Little Ponies
Magpies
Julip HOTY
When customised these models stay in their original section. Why is this? Well in the case of things such as Dream Ponies (Magpie) they were often sold as kits so the vast majority may be customs. Secondly there is an issue of realism of finish. It simply seems more suitable to have a Julip HOTY custom up against other Julip HOTY models than custom Breyers.
However, not all show hosts follow this convention so always check first! Some may have simply never thought about it...
Plastic Bendies
There are a few things that usually go in CTF Bendy rather than plastic. These are:
Magpies/Dream Ponies
Julip HOTY
This is because they are more similar in type to bendies (and in the case of Julip HOTY are the same brand) so it seems more sensible to put them in CTF Bendy rather than plastic. However, again check, not all shows follow this rule.
The Fuzzy Brands
Some brands are simply not clear where they should be. As a general rule everything that isn't plastic should go in bendy, but this doesn't always follow. The following brands may end up in either section depending on the show host:
My Little Ponies
Plushies
Magpies/Dream Ponies
Julip HOTY
Handmade Pieces
If in doubt...check! Or just leave showing your model until a show with a combined CTF section...
Craft Collectable
A very small selection of shows have a section called 'craft collectable', this has been referred to as 'posh CTF' by some hobbyists, although a little derogatory it does actually explain the section quite well!
Craft collectable is basically for expensive bendy CTF models that are more realistic. It would include non-Foundation Equorums, RubberNedz and Rydals. The idea being that these sculptures are of a standard much higher than say a Foundation Equorum or Julip Original and should therefore be judged separately.
Schleich Suffolk Stallion