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,  Stan Spooner , SU-122 54 Early

2023,  Greg Hanchuk , Boys N The Hood- Russian Forces in Syria

2022,  Jeff Feller , Home Alone

2019,  Scott Bregi , 9K35 Strela-10

2018,  Low Harvey , Canadian TLAV

2017,  Michalak Todd , Pz Kpfw IV Aus P H Germany 1945

2016,  Tony Zadro , IDF M2 w/20mm Orlekon Gun

2015,  David Vickers , Victory and Contempt

2014,  Chris Durden , Special Forces LMTV "Warpig"

2013,  John Kesner , 17cm K. 18 Matterhorn

2012,  Jim Wechsler , Israeli Nagmachon

2011,  Cesar (Manny) Rodriguez , Spanish Panzer I

2010,  Mark Corbett , Smoke 26, M1059 Smoke Carrier

2009,  Tom Jett , Buck, M4 HST

2008,  Steve Milstone-Turner , Bergpanther

2007,  Mark Hazzard , IDF M2 Halftrack

2006,  Don Barclay , ARV Mk1 - Fort Garry Horse

2005,  Alexander Deleon , Let's Make a Deal - Diorama

2004,  Doug Lee , End of an Era - Diorama

2003,  Jason Jennings , C7P tractor with 155mm howitzer

2002,  Charlie Pritchett , Iraqi T-72

2001,  Lynn Kessler , The Frozen Chosin - Diorama

2000,  Roger Lange , K-5E Railway Gun

1999,  Mike Siggins , Grizzly Combat Engineer Vehicle

1999,  Chris Mrosko

1998,  Bob Clifton , Semovente SP Gun

1997,  Dave Dean , Opel Radio Van

1996,  Bob Collignon , Marine DuKW

1995,  Dave Lockhart

1995,  Dave Kahn

1995,  Mike Roof

1995,  Tony Englehart

1995,  Ken Davis , RNAS Rolls Royce Armored Car

1994,  Stephen (Cookie) Sewell

1994,  Steve Zaloga

1994,  Mike McFadden

1994,  Mark Muller

1994,  Mark Ford

1994,  Dan Tisonick

1994,  Paul Gaertner