AMPS is all about armor modeling and the preservation of armor and mechanized heritage.

AMPS International Convention

AMPS has been hosting annual conventions every year since 1995 and most consider it the ultimate in armor modeling and history. Each convention includes interesting and educational seminars presented by some of the leaders in the armor modelling field, tables and tables of vendors selling kits, accessories and conversions specially oriented to armor modelers and historians, and the renowned AMPS modeling contest. The convention is always held near a site of historical interest to armor modelers.

Get all the details about our next convention here

AMPS Judging Principles

AMPS created a unique system to both judge the model and honor the modeler for artistic achievement and historical accuracy. It is a peer evaluation and mentoring and not a performance critique by experts. The system groups modelers that have similar skill levels and talents and rates the model in relation to the ability of the modeler rather than against the work of another modeler. The skill levels are Junior, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.

Each model is reviewed and evaluated on its own merits and never compared to another one. Established criteria determine the scoring of the model and qualify the modeler for Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Models are judged by a team of judges that score each model independently. The lowest score among the team is dropped. Constructive feedback is provided that sets a path to becoming a better, more skilled modeler.


Hosting An AMPS Show

AMPS model shows range from local gatherings with a few dozen models, regional events with several hundred entries, and the annual International Convention, where armor modelers from around the world gather.

Anyone can host a show. We have prepared a Standard Operating Procedure document that will lead a show crew through the process of setting up and running an model contest using the AMPS judging system.

We are also on the lookout for new venues to host the annual International Convention. A bid process document can be downloaded, detailing all the information needed to submit a proposal for hosting the convention.

 AMPS Masters

An AMPS Master has been the recipient of the "Judges' Best of Show" at an AMPS International Convention. These modelers consistently demonstrate themselves to be the very best in all aspects of armor model building.

  • 2024, BestOfShow, Stan Spooner , SU-122 54 Early
  • 2023, BestOfShow, Greg Hanchuk , Boys N The Hood- Russian Forces in Syria
  • 2022, BestOfShow, Jeff Feller , Home Alone
  • 2019, BestOfShow, Scott Bregi , 9K35 Strela-10
  • 2018, BestOfShow, Low Harvey , Canadian TLAV
  • 2017, BestOfShow, Michalak Todd , Pz Kpfw IV Aus P H Germany 1945
  • 2016, BestOfShow, Tony Zadro , IDF M2 w/20mm Orlekon Gun
  • 2015, BestOfShow, David Vickers , Victory and Contempt
  • 2014, BestOfShow, Chris Durden , Special Forces LMTV "Warpig"
  • 2013, BestOfShow, John Kesner , 17cm K. 18 Matterhorn
  • 2012, BestOfShow, Jim Wechsler , Israeli Nagmachon
  • 2011, BestOfShow, Cesar (Manny) Rodriguez , Spanish Panzer I
  • 2010, BestOfShow, Mark Corbett , Smoke 26, M1059 Smoke Carrier
  • 2009, BestOfShow, Tom Jett , Buck, M4 HST
  • 2008, BestOfShow, Steve Milstone-Turner , Bergpanther
  • 2007, BestOfShow, Mark Hazzard , IDF M2 Halftrack
  • 2006, BestOfShow, Don Barclay , ARV Mk1 - Fort Garry Horse
  • 2005, BestOfShow, Alexander Deleon , Let's Make a Deal - Diorama
  • 2004, BestOfShow, Doug Lee , End of an Era - Diorama
  • 2003, BestOfShow, Jason Jennings , C7P tractor with 155mm howitzer
  • 2002, BestOfShow, Charlie Pritchett , Iraqi T-72
  • 2001, BestOfShow, Lynn Kessler , The Frozen Chosin - Diorama
  • 2000, BestOfShow, Roger Lange , K-5E Railway Gun
  • 1999, BestOfShow, Mike Siggins , Grizzly Combat Engineer Vehicle
  • 1999, Honorary, Chris Mrosko
  • 1998, BestOfShow, Bob Clifton , Semovente SP Gun
  • 1997, BestOfShow, Dave Dean , Opel Radio Van
  • 1996, BestOfShow, Bob Collignon , Marine DuKW
  • 1995, Merit, Dave Lockhart
  • 1995, Merit, Dave Kahn
  • 1995, Merit, Mike Roof
  • 1995, Merit, Tony Englehart
  • 1995, BestOfShow, Ken Davis , RNAS Rolls Royce Armored Car
  • 1994, Merit, Mike McFadden
  • 1994, Merit, Mark Muller
  • 1994, Merit, Mark Ford
  • 1994, Merit, Dan Tisonick
  • 1994, Merit, Paul Gaertner
  • 1994, Merit, Stephen (Cookie) Sewell
  • 1994, Merit, Steve Zaloga