Model Contest

Welcome to the 2026 IPMS/USA National Model Contest. You will be among the best modelers in the country and around the world once you set your models on the table.

In addition to the standard categories, for 2026 we have a series of special awards for which you can compete. We have spread the special awards across genres, but also tried to honor Ft. Wayne and its history (home of International Harvester) as well as America's 250th birthday. 2026 also marks the 45th anniversary of the first Gunpla and the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. The categories:

• Happy Birthday America - The American Revolution: Any figure of American Revolutionary War soldiers (American or British) or a Founding Father (e.g.: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin) or any diorama depicting an event representative of the American Revolution (Washington crossing the Delaware, The Boston Tea Party, the Shot Heard ‘Round the World, etc.).
• Truck Town USA - International Harvester: Any International Harvester model (semi tractor, cement mixer, farm machinery, construction equipment, Scout, etc.) or any diorama with International Harvester as a main component.
• Gundam RX-78 - Back to the Beginning: Any variant of RX-78, from any manufacturer, or any diorama featuring an RX-78 variant.
• 60th Anniversary of Star Trek: Any vehicle, figure, or diorama from the entire Star Trek franchise.
• 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland: Any British or German WWI ship or any diorama containing such ships.

We look forward to seeing what you have built and how it compares to to those best-in-the-nation builds.

The categories and contest rules will come out February 15, but the 2025 rules are included to give you a start. When registration opens, we will also have a link to the online contest registration.

Also, if you have a large model or need power for your display, please contact us so we can make arrangements for you.

Good luck and look forward to seeing you on the awards stand.

Steve Bacon
Vice Chair and Awards Coordinator
2026_vice_chair@ipmsusa.org