AMPS 2026 International Convention
Thu Apr 16, 2026 to Sat Apr 18, 2026
Century Center, 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601
Time Left to Finish Your Models:
If you have any questions concerning eligibility for a category or award, please contact David Vickers, Chief Judge for this show.
Show & Theme Awards
The following special awards will be presented at the show.
These awards represent the best models present, as decided by a team assembled by the Chief Judge.
Best German
Sponsored by Squadron, World of Armor, Sooner AMPS
This includes all German-marked entries, regardless of time period
Best United States
Sponsored by David Doyle Books, Wanamaker Hobbies / Hobby Link, AMPS Chicagoland
This includes all U.S.-marked entries, regardless of time period
Best Small Army
Sponsored by Decalcomaniacs, Rick Carlson, AMPS Upper Valley Model Club
This includes entries marked for all other armies, regardless of time period
Best Figure
Sponsored by ICM, Russ Clark, NJHMA
This includes only the entries in Category XI. Entries in this category will not be eligible for any
Best Junior
Sponsored by Microworld Games LLC, Nick Butta, Dan Egan
This only covers the entries in Category XV (Juniors).
Best Russian/Soviet
Sponsored by Mikkel Petrich, Bunker Club Indiana PA, Tamiya
This includes all Russian/Soviet-marked entries, regardless of time period
Best Commonwealth
Sponsored by Boomers Books and Empire Models, Chuck Rothman, Northern Virginia AMPS (NOVAMPS)
This includes all of the British Commonwealth-marked entries, regardless of time period
Best Vignette
Sponsored by American Heritage Museum, Mike Powers, Plastic Posse Podcast
This includes only the entries in Category XIII. Entries in this category will not be eligible for any one of the other category “Best of” Awards.
Best Diorama
Sponsored by Custom Dioramics, AMPS Central Maryland, Minuteman AMPS
This includes only the entries in Category XII. Entries in this category will not be eligible for any one of the other category “Best of” Awards
Andy Smith Best Basic Model
Sponsored by Mike Petty, Northern Colorado AMPS, Frank Froment
Awarded to the highest scored BASIC skill level entry in the manner of the other "Best of" awards
Best Master
Sponsored by Plastic Posse Podcast, Northern Colorado AMPS, Northern Colorado AMPS
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.”
Best Ordnance
Sponsored by Steve Andreano
This award is presented to the best entry in Category VIII. All skill levels are eligible for this award.
David Bingham Memorial Best Braille Scale
Sponsored by AMPS Central Pennsylvania
This award is presented to the best 1/72 scale and smaller model. All skill levels are eligible for this award. This award is presented by Central Pennsylvania AMPS in memory of David.
Best Fictional, Futuristic or Proposed Vehicle
Sponsored by Brian Eberle
This award is presented to the best entry in Category XIV. All skill levels are eligible for this award.
Best Specialty Armored Vehicle
Sponsored by 3 Rivers AMPS
Defined as armored vehicles (1917 to present) specially designed (or purposely modified) to ensure freedom of movement / maneuver to friendly forces; or to restrict the enemy's ability to do the same. Open to Intermediate and Advanced skill level entries. This award is presented by Three Rivers AMPS.
Tom Gannon Best Israeli Sherman Award
David Harper Best Marine Corps Armor
Sponsored by Dave Vickers
This award is presented for the best Marine Corps armor in all categories except figures. Any nationality or era can be modeled as long as the armor has Marine Corps/naval infantry markings. All skill levels are eligible for this award. This award is presented by David Vickers.
Peoples Choice
Sponsored by AMPS Waterloo-Wellington, Plastic Posse Podcast, MiniArt
This award is given to the entry that receives the most votes from the model registrants and visitors to the show. All entries except category XVII (Display Only) are eligible. The awardee is determined by the most physical votes in the ballot box at 3 PM on the day of the show.
Theme Award
Sponsored by Fredericksburg AMPS, Pendleton AMPS, AMPS Central VA
This is given to the model that most appropriately represents the theme selected for the convention.
Dave Lockhart Judges Best of Show
Sponsored by AMPS
The "Dave Lockhart Judges Best of Show Award" is selected from each category "Best of" winners.
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.
01 - Closed Top Tracked Armor to 1899-1934 (based on markings)
Sponsored by Clay Caras
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
02 - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1936-1945 Axis (based on markings)
Sponsored by World of Armor, In Memory of Mark Ford, NMMA (Northeast Military Modelers Association)
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
03 - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1936-1945 Allied (based on markings)
Sponsored by David Doyle Books, Armordillos/North Florida AMPS
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
04 - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1946-1990 (based on markings)
Sponsored by Graeter Woodworking, Jeffrey Nelson, Brian Messier
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
05 - Closed Top Tracked Armor 1991-Present (based on markings)
Sponsored by Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society, Scott Bregi
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
06 - Open Top/Open Hatches AFVs with interiors & halftracks - All eras
Sponsored by David Doyle Books, The Treadheads
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
07 - Wheeled Vehicles and Armored Cars - All eras
Sponsored by Glue, Sprue & BBQ (Mark Bradley), Andy's Hobby Headquarters, Andy's Hobby Headquarters, Andy's Hobby Headquarters, Andy's Hobby Headquarters
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
08 - Ordnance (with prime movers in travel) - All eras
Sponsored by Mike Delvecchio, Steve Andreano
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
09 - Major Conversions (INT, ADV, EXPERT ONLY)
Sponsored by James Surratt, Mac Johnston
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
10 - Scratchbuilt (INT, ADV, EXPERT ONLY)
Sponsored by Brian Eberle, AMPS Upper Valley Model Club
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
11 - Figures
Sponsored by Chuck & Kim Aleshire, Gotham AMPS
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
12 - Diorama
Sponsored by Peter Espada , Lee Fogel , HAAM (High Altitude Armor Modelers) of Southern Colorado
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
13 - Vignettes
Sponsored by AMPS Central VA, Dave Vickers
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
14 - Fictional, Futuristic or Proposed Vehicles
Sponsored by Eddie Aamsel, Gregor Eiserhorn, Setsuna Seiel, Glue, Sprue & BBQ (Mark Bradley), Neil Stokes
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
15 - Junior
Sponsored by Black Widow Model Disposal, Steve Andreano
- Junior
16 - Master
Sponsored by Spray Gunner
- Master
17 - Display Only
- Junior
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
- Master
About AMPS
The Armor Modeling & Preservation Society
