Some model shows welcome armor.
Others devote a few categories to military vehicles.
AMPS Atlanta 2027 is different.
For one weekend, armored fighting vehicles become the center of attention as modelers, historians, researchers, and military vehicle enthusiasts gather for one of the most respected armor-focused events in the United States.
Hosted by the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (AMPS), this annual gathering has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, world-class judging, educational opportunities, and one of the finest vendor halls in the hobby.
On February 19–20, 2027, armor builders from across North America will converge on Marietta, Georgia, for a weekend dedicated entirely to military vehicle modeling.
As a company deeply committed to supporting the modeling community, AFV Hobby Hub is proud to spotlight events like AMPS Atlanta that celebrate the history, artistry, and camaraderie that make armor modeling such a rewarding hobby.
Event Headquarters
AMPS Atlanta 2027
Dates: February 19–20, 2027
Venue:
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center
Address:
500 Powder Springs Street
Marietta, GA 30064
Phone:
(770) 427-2500
Additional registration, seminar, and event information will be available through the official AMPS Atlanta website as the show approaches.
Built by Armor Modelers, for Armor Modelers
Unlike traditional contests that divide attention among aircraft, cars, ships, and science fiction subjects, AMPS events are designed specifically around military vehicles.
Visitors can expect to see:
- Tanks
- Tank destroyers
- Self-propelled artillery
- Armored personnel carriers
- Reconnaissance vehicles
- Soft-skin military vehicles
- Recovery vehicles
- Engineering vehicles
- Missile carriers
- Military dioramas
- Historical battlefield scenes
For AFV enthusiasts, few events offer the opportunity to spend an entire weekend surrounded by builders who share the same passion for military history, weathering techniques, camouflage finishes, and vehicle research.
Whether your interests involve World War I armor, WWII classics, Cold War vehicles, or the latest modern combat systems, AMPS Atlanta provides an environment unlike any traditional model contest.
The 2027 Theme: Artillery From 1898 to Today
One of the highlights of AMPS Atlanta 2027 will be the special theme category:
Artillery: 1898 to Present
Eligible entries include:
- Towed artillery
- Self-propelled artillery
- Mobile artillery systems
The category spans more than a century of military history and opens the door to an incredible variety of subjects, including:
- World War I field guns
- Interwar artillery pieces
- WWII self-propelled guns
- Cold War artillery systems
- Modern rocket artillery
- Contemporary wheeled self-propelled guns
For modelers who enjoy artillery subjects that often receive less attention at traditional contests, this year's theme provides a perfect opportunity to showcase their work.
A Vendor Hall Every AFV Builder Will Love
One of the biggest attractions at AMPS Atlanta is its massive vendor area, featuring more than 100 vendor tables dedicated largely to military modeling products.
Attendees can expect to find:
- Plastic AFV kits
- Rare and discontinued releases
- Resin conversion sets
- 3D-printed accessories
- Metal gun barrels
- Track and suspension upgrades
- Photo-etched detail sets
- Paints and weathering products
- Books and historical references
For many attendees, the vendor room is a destination all by itself.
It's not uncommon for hobbyists to discover long-sought kits, unique aftermarket products, and specialized references that are difficult to find anywhere else.
Why the AMPS Judging System Stands Out
One of the defining features of every AMPS show is its judging system.
Rather than focusing on direct competition between entries, the AMPS Open System evaluates each model on its own merits.
Judges assess:
- Construction quality
- Accuracy
- Finish
- Detailing
- Presentation
- Overall craftsmanship
Each entry is reviewed by a team of four judges. To enhance fairness and consistency, the lowest score is discarded and the remaining three scores are combined.
This approach encourages modelers to focus on improving their skills and craftsmanship while providing constructive feedback and recognition for quality work.
The result is a judging system widely respected throughout the armor modeling community.
A Competition for Every Skill Level
One of the strengths of AMPS events is their accessibility.
Categories are organized according to experience level, helping modelers compete among peers with similar levels of expertise.
Junior
Designed to encourage younger hobbyists and introduce them to competitive modeling.
Basic
Perfect for newer modelers and those returning to the hobby.
Intermediate
The largest category, representing hobbyists who regularly build and exhibit models.
Advanced
Reserved for highly experienced builders who consistently demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship.
This structure creates a welcoming atmosphere where builders can learn, grow, and challenge themselves without feeling overwhelmed.
Learning Beyond the Contest Tables
AMPS Atlanta is much more than a competition.
Educational presentations and seminars have long been an important part of the event, providing attendees with opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge.
Past seminar topics have included:
- Armor research
- Historical references
- Painting techniques
- Weathering methods
- Diorama construction
- Figure painting and integration
- Advanced detailing
- 3D printing technologies
- Aftermarket products and upgrades
For many attendees, these educational opportunities are among the most valuable parts of the weekend.
Potential Fort Benning Armor Collection Tour
Another attraction that has generated considerable interest is the possibility of a tour of the Fort Benning Armor Collection, subject to approval and availability.
If approved, attendees would have the opportunity to view some of the most important armored vehicles in American military history up close.
Additional details are expected closer to the event date.
More Than a Contest
While the models are certainly the stars of the show, AMPS Atlanta is ultimately about community.
It's where hobbyists exchange ideas, discuss historical research, evaluate new products, and build friendships that often last for years.
At AFV Hobby Hub, we believe these gatherings are essential to the future of the hobby. They inspire newer builders, encourage the sharing of knowledge, and create opportunities for modelers to learn directly from some of the most talented craftsmen in the industry.
Supporting clubs, organizations, and events that bring modelers together remains a core part of AFV Hobby Hub's commitment to the armor modeling community.
The Southeast's Premier Armor Modeling Destination
With its armor-exclusive focus, respected judging system, educational programming, special artillery theme, extensive vendor hall, and welcoming atmosphere, AMPS Atlanta 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most important AFV modeling events of the year.
Whether you're building your first Sherman, detailing a modern Abrams, creating a complex diorama, or competing at the highest levels of the hobby, AMPS Atlanta offers an experience unlike any other.
For military vehicle enthusiasts, this isn't simply another contest.
It's a weekend dedicated entirely to armor modeling—and that's what makes it special.
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