Printer Friendly Version

Please consider being a part of the single largest armor modelling event in North America as the 2008 AMPS International Convention takes place at the WW2 Victory Museum in Auburn, Indiana. The dates will be Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12, 2008 .  The theme for the model contest will be "Prototypes and One-Offs" as we focus on the development of military vehicles.

The WW2 Victory Museum combines an excellent museum with an expansive convention space.  The show will be held in the museum's 20000 sq foot Rotunda.  Next to the Rotunda is the museum's extensive galleries which contain 100s of artifacts and military gear.  There are over 150 WW2-era vehicles -- nine of which, like the Sdkfz 251A, are the sole surviving example. For more information about their exhibits, click here.  Your registration to the Convention also allows you full museum access throughout the weekend.

Show UPDATES (April 08, 2008)
We've added two seminars.  Neil Stokes from NJ and Charlie Pritchett from MO will be presenting a KV-1 Soviet Heavy tank seminar and a Scratchbuilding workshop, respectively. Robert Manasherob had to cancel unfortunately.   Check out the revised schedule.

Show UPDATES (April 06, 2008)
1) Early registrations ended up at 124 paid registrations to date and over 389 models for the contest.  This surpasses the total models on the table at HdG last year!  I can't wait to see what comes out.
2) Ron Volstad has informed us that due to a family illness situation, he's had to cancel.  My fingers are crossed that the airline will recoup Ron his expenses.  We'll miss you buddy!
3) Along with the North American industry rep for AFV Club, Mr. Tseng, the president of the company will be on hand.  He will speak in Seminar 3: Friday 3PM.

Show UPDATES (Mar 17, 2008)
1) Early registrations up to 81 paid registrations to date and over 245 models for the contest already.  This option will be available until Saturday, March 22. 
2) Bill Chilstrom informed me that he is unable to attend and present his seminar due to work constraints.  However, the industry reps from Tamiya USA and AFV Club have tentatively agreed to do a Q&A session about their side of the business.  Stay tuned for more details.

Show UPDATES (Mar 11, 2008)

I received word that John Irwin (US Army 3AD gunner, WW2 ETO) needs to bow out of his speaking engagement at the show due to a family situation.  John is greatly disappointed but has indicated that he may consider speaking at the 2009 show.

Show UPDATES (Mar 10, 2008)
Early Bird Registrations are cranking along.  To date we have 64 pre-registrants and 192 models for the contest table.  Take a few minutes now to avoid the wasted time as you peer over to the Vendors room while you have to wait in line at the show! March 22 is the last day for Early Registration.

Show UPDATES (Feb 29, 2008)

I. Early Bird Registration HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Some fifty-plus of your fellow attendees will be inside buying up all the good stuff in the vendor room because they pre-registered!  Will you be standing in the registration line gawking at them?  Don't MISS OUT!  Use the "Registration" link on the left menu to pre-register for the show.  Look at the "Show Specials" for new members, members and renewals.  Early Bird Registration will continue until March 22 ONLY.  It is highly encouraged that you consider this option as you will be able to avoid some of the long lines witnessed at previous shows.

II. Victory Museum Photographer's tour.  The museum displays will be a feast for each of us.  However, the WW2Victory Museum is providing a special "Photographer's Tour" with the purchase of an annual Museum membership of $50.  Museum members will have fuller access to the display vehicles for close-up detail photography and measurement.  Please contact our coordinator, Scott Taylor of Thachweave <scot4944@rogers.com>.

III. Vendor Room filling up. The vendor room will be incredible as always.  Many of our "regulars" will be in attendance as well as new faces too.  At the bottom of this page is a list of vendors to date.   This year's venue allows for more space so some slots still remain.  If you're a commercial vendor, please use the "Vendor Tables" link on the left menu.

IV. Jim Wechsler Prolific modeler and recent winner of the 2007 IPMS-USA Nationals "Best of Show" award (and darn nice guy) has been added to our phenomenal Seminar Speakers' list.  Unfortunately, he is replacing Nick Cortese who has had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict.  Look below for the full list.

A preliminary schedule has already been formed.  This year, we are sponsoring two Thursday field trips to two other museums in Indiana: the Ropkey Armor Museum and the Historical Military Armor Museum of Anderson.  Although across the state, tour participants can attend both of these and then journey up to Auburn and register Thursday evening.  There will be an unofficial "ice breaker" event Thursday night as well.  The Show officially opens Friday morning at 11AM.

1. Chris Mrosko , author and frequently published modeler. Topic: Model Photography
2. Robert Manasherob , IDF reserve officer, former Latrun Museum staffer, author of recent books on the Achzarit & Puma and Sherman M50 and M51. Topic: current IDF AFV research.
3. Ron Volstad , military subject artist, DML and Concord artwork. Topic: Uniform and vehicle research.
4. Tom Jentz , author and German WW2 researcher. Topic: current German AFV research.
5. Mark Steacy , author and German WW2 uniform researcher.  Topic: German zeltbahn camouflage patterns.
6. Jim Mesko , author and US WW2 researcher.  Topic: US camouflage schemes in WW2 ETO and PTO.
7. James Wechsler , prolific modeler and recent 2007 IPMS-USA Nationals "Best of Show" winner.  Topic: "Armor Weathering for Dummies" basic and advanced techniques for AFV finishing.

For hotel listings and directions, just use the menu on the left side.  The city of Auburn hosts several other prominent museums.  Make sure you visit the attractions listed in the Auburn city webpage.

Much is being assembled presently so check back often for updates.  However feel free to direct general questions to the Show Chair and Vendor Coordinator, Roy Chow: roy.chow@aya.yale.edu.

VENDORS LIST to date
3Deli Hobby, OH
Ampersand Publishing, Delray Beach, FL
Archer Fine Transfers, Youngsville, NC
Armor Plate Press, E Rochester, NY
Arsenal, Plattsmouth, NE
Chesapeake Model Designs, Monkton, MD
CRM Hobbies, St Louis, MO
David Doyle Publications, Memphis, TN
Easy1 Productions, Iron Mountain, MI
Formations Models, Bolivar, TN
GC Laser, Genoa City, WI
Great Models Workshop, Sandy, UT
Horners Hobbies, St Marys, OH
Hornet Figures, Roger Saunders & Associates, London, England
M&Models, Oak Lawn, IL
Michigan Toy Soldier, Royal Oak, MI
New World Miniatures, O'Fallon, MO
Pace Paint Booths, Perrysburg, OH
Panzer Tracts, Germantown, MD
PSP Models, La Chaussee Ste Victor, FRANCE
Tank Rat's AFV Depot, Peoria, AZ
Tankvideo.com, Gainesville, VA
Thachweave Products, London, ON
Wespe Models Romania, Versailles, FRANCE
Wings n Treads, Rochester, MN

Tamiya USA, AFV Club and Finescale Modeler will have company representatives.  The MAFVA and MVPA will have information tables as well.