Modelers across the Carolinas and the Southeast should mark their calendars for one of the region's premier scale modeling events of the year.
The IPMS/Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers will host Americana – Region 12 Regional Con 2026 on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the impressive Havelock Tourist & Event Center in Havelock, North Carolina.
Combining a unique theme, excellent venue, diverse contest categories, vendor opportunities, raffles, and a welcoming modeling community, Americana 2026 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for builders of every interest and skill level.
At AFV Hobby Hub, we're proud to support model clubs, contests, manufacturers, and hobby events that help grow and strengthen the scale modeling community. Events like Americana play a vital role in bringing modelers together, encouraging creativity, and preserving the traditions that make this hobby so rewarding.
Event Information
Americana – Region 12 Regional Con 2026
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
Location:
Havelock Tourist & Event Center
201 Tourist Center Drive
Havelock, NC 28532
IPMS Region: Region 12 – The Carolinas
Hosted By:
Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers
Hosting Chapter:
IPMS/Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers
Event Website:
https://www.ecpmod.com/downeast-con-2026.html
Celebrating America's Inspiration and Innovation
The centerpiece of Americana 2026 is its unique event theme: (see all contest rules at DownEast Con 2026 - Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers)
Special “Americana Theme” rules: There are no categories or scale divisions, all kits will be judged together as a theme class. All theme builds must be placed on the theme table(s) where they will be judged. Only models of subjects in the categories listed below will be allowed to participate in the Theme Contest.
NOTE: Models entered in the Americana theme contest will be judged only in the theme contest. They are not eligible for competition in any other category. All entries for the theme award must be placed on the Theme Tables only. If they are mistakenly placed in their normal category area they will be ligible and judged for that category only. (A 1/72 P-51 would be judged in category 04)
"America's Inspiration and Innovation"
This theme celebrates the people, inventions, technologies, and achievements that have shaped American history and influenced the world.
Organizers have highlighted classic subjects including:
- The Ford Model T
- USS Nautilus (SSN-571)
- Aerospace achievements
- Military innovation
- Engineering breakthroughs
- Automotive milestones
- Naval advancements
- Aviation history
- Space exploration
The broad scope of the theme provides modelers with tremendous creative freedom.
Potential entries could include:
- Historic American military aircraft
- U.S. Army armored vehicles
- NASA spacecraft and launch vehicles
- American muscle cars and hot rods
- Naval vessels and submarines
- Transportation and industrial subjects
- Historic engineering projects
For modelers who enjoy combining craftsmanship with historical storytelling, Americana offers a theme unlike any other regional contest.
A Great Event for AFV Modelers
For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, Americana 2026 promises plenty of opportunities to showcase military vehicle subjects.
The event's focus on American innovation naturally opens the door to a wide variety of military vehicle entries, including:
- World War II armored vehicles
- Cold War armor
- Modern U.S. Army combat vehicles
- Marine Corps armored vehicles
- Engineering and support vehicles
- Military transport equipment
- Historic military dioramas
From the Sherman and Pershing to the Abrams and Bradley, Americana's theme provides an ideal platform for showcasing the vehicles that have played significant roles in American military history.
As always, AFV Hobby Hub encourages armor modelers to support events like Americana, where builders can display their work, learn from fellow hobbyists, and help strengthen the military modeling community.
An Outstanding Venue in Eastern North Carolina
Americana 2026 will once again be held at the highly regarded:
Havelock Tourist & Event Center
The venue is already familiar to many hobbyists and event attendees and offers numerous advantages, including:
- Spacious event facilities
- Excellent vendor accommodations
- Convenient access for travelers
- Nearby lodging options
- Onsite food service
- Comfortable contest and display areas
Organizers note that two quality hotels are within walking distance, making the event especially convenient for out-of-town visitors.
The facility's location near the Museum of Marine Aviation also makes it a fitting destination for a modeling event focused on American innovation and military history.
Expanded Gundam and Mecha Categories
One of the most exciting developments for Americana 2026 is the expansion of:
Gundam & Mecha Classes
The modeling hobby continues to evolve, and organizers have embraced the growing popularity of:
- Gundam
- Mecha subjects
- Anime-inspired models
- Science fiction builds
These expanded categories help ensure that Americana appeals not only to traditional military and historical modelers but also to the rapidly growing community of science fiction and mecha enthusiasts.
AFV Hobby Hub strongly supports this inclusive approach, recognizing that today's modeling community includes a diverse range of interests and building styles.
Vendors, Raffles, and Hobby Shopping
No major regional convention would be complete without plenty of shopping opportunities.
Americana 2026 will feature:
- Plastic model kits
- Aftermarket accessories
- Decals
- Paints and weathering products
- Hobby tools
- Reference materials
- Rare and collectible kits
- Specialty modeling products
The event will also feature a popular raffle with prizes that add excitement throughout the day.
For many attendees, the vendor room is every bit as enjoyable as the contest itself, offering opportunities to discover new products, find hard-to-locate kits, and gather supplies for future projects.
A Community Event with a Unique Touch
One aspect of Americana that consistently earns praise from attendees and vendors is the strong sense of community surrounding the event.
A particularly appreciated tradition has been the assistance provided by active-duty Marines who have helped vendors unload and pack up merchandise.
It's the kind of support that reflects the welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers events and one of the reasons attendees return year after year.
Building on a Strong Reputation
The Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers have earned a reputation for hosting events that are:
- Well organized
- Competitor friendly
- Vendor supported
- Family welcoming
- Community focused
Their commitment to continuous improvement has made Americana one of the most respected events in Region 12.
According to organizers, the goal is simple:
"We are striving to make this one the best yet."
Given the quality of previous events, the exciting theme, and the outstanding venue, Americana 2026 appears well positioned to achieve exactly that.
Why AFV Hobby Hub Supports Events Like Americana
At AFV Hobby Hub, we believe local clubs and regional conventions are essential to the future of the hobby.
Events like Americana help:
- Encourage creativity
- Inspire new builders
- Support local clubs
- Promote hobby retailers and vendors
- Share modeling knowledge
- Build lasting friendships
- Strengthen the modeling community
Whether you build armor, aircraft, ships, automobiles, figures, Gundam, science fiction subjects, or dioramas, these events provide an opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the hobby alongside fellow enthusiasts.
Supporting organizations such as the Eastern Carolina Plastic Modelers is one of the many ways we help foster a vibrant and growing modeling community.
A Regional Event Worth Experiencing
With its inspiring Americana theme, outstanding venue, expanded competition categories, strong vendor support, and welcoming atmosphere, Americana – Region 12 Regional Con 2026 is shaping up to be one of the premier modeling events in the Carolinas.
Whether you're entering a contest-winning AFV, displaying a favorite aircraft, showcasing a Gundam build, or simply enjoying a day surrounded by fellow hobbyists, Americana offers something for every modeler.
For anyone passionate about scale modeling, July 18 promises a day filled with craftsmanship, creativity, education, and community in the heart of Eastern North Carolina.
Contact Information
Alan Welch
Contest Chairperson
Email: info@alanwelch.us
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