Show & Theme Awards

The following special awards will be presented at the show.
These awards represent the best of the models present, as decided by a team assembled by the Chief Judge.

Best German

This includes all German-marked entries, regardless of time period

Best United States

This includes all U.S.-marked entries, regardless of time period

Best Russian/Soviet

This includes all Russian/Soviet-marked entries, regardless of time period

Best Commonwealth

This includes all of the British Commonwealth-marked entries, regardless of time period

Best Small Army

This includes entries marked for all other armies, regardless of time period

Best Figure

This includes only the entries in Category XI. Entries in this category will not be eligible for any one of the other category “Best of” Awards

Best Diorama

This includes only the entries in Category XII (Dioramas). Entries in this category will not be eligible for any one of the other category “Best of” Awards.

Best Vignette

This includes only the entries in Category XIII (Vignettes). Entries in this category will not be eligible for any one of the other category “Best of” Awards.

Best Master

This award is based on the Masters voting on which of their pieces is considered the best on the table at the time of our International Convention. If there is a tie in the votes, the Chief Judge will make the final decision on the “Best Master.”

Judges' Best of Show

Theme Award

This is given to the model that most appropriately represents the theme selected for the convention. It may be given to either an INTERMEDIATE or ADVANCED skill level entry. Note: Category “Best of” Award winners are also eligible for the Best Theme Award. In cases of ties, judges will reconvene to determine the best of the best, with remaining entrants given honorable mention.

 Contest Categories

AMPS Judging Philosophy:
"Models are not just technical scale miniatures of their prototypes, but also artistic representations of historical, hypothetical, or imaginary subjects. While mechanical precision and fidelity to detail are highly desired, there are few other absolute rights or wrongs with most of the aspects of our builds. There are many different construction and finishing techniques and methods that can be employed to create the artistic representation of our subjects. These combine to create each model-builder's unique "style." Although judges are expected to assess and score the models, they are also expected to do this within the context of the individual modeler's style and not their own."

Most categories contain three skill-levels. The exceptions are those where major conversions or scratch building is required; these are not basic skills, and it is unfair to both the modeler and to the judges to expect one to be so entered.

I - Closed Top Tracked Armor to 1899-1934 (based on markings)

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

II - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1935-1945 Axis (based on markings)

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

III - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1935-1945 Allied (based on markings)

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

IV - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1946-1990 (based on markings)

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

V - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1991-Present (based on markings)

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

VI - Open Top/Open Hatches AFVs with interiors & halftracks - All eras

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

VII - Wheeled Vehicles and Armored Cars - All eras

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

VIII - Ordnance (with prime movers in travel) - All eras

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

IX - Major Conversions (INT & ADV ONLY)

• Intermediate
• Advanced

X - Scratchbuilt (INT & ADV ONLY)

• Intermediate
• Advanced

XI - Figures

• Junior
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

XII - Dioramas

• Junior
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

XIII - Vignettes

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

XIV - Fictional, Futuristic or Proposed Vehicles

• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

XV - Juniors

• Junior

XVI - Masters

• Master

XVII - Display Only

• Junior
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Master