Armor modelers across the United States should mark their calendars now for one of the premier armor modeling events in the country—ARMORCON 2026, hosted by the Northeast Military Modelers Association, a regional Armor Modeling and Preservation Society AMPS chapter based in Connecticut.
Taking place over two full days on October 2–3, 2026, at the Wyndham Southbury in Southbury, Connecticut, ARMORCON continues the long-running legacy formerly associated with AMPS East while introducing an expanded identity and an even larger experience for military modelers, armor enthusiasts, and sci-fi builders alike.
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support modelers, clubs, contests, and events that help strengthen the modeling community and inspire hobbyists of every skill level. Events like ARMORCON represent the very best of the armor modeling hobby—education, camaraderie, competition, and creativity all under one roof.
What Is ARMORCON?
ARMORCON is recognized as the largest armor model show in the northeastern United States, featuring:
- Massive armor modeling contest
- AMPS Open Judging System
- Over 100 vendor tables
- Research and modeling seminars
- Workshop demonstrations
- Huge raffle with major prizes
- Special awards and themed categories
- Sci-fi and Gundam participation
Hosted by the Northeast Military Modelers Association, ARMORCON offers a welcoming environment for everyone from beginner builders to nationally recognized master modelers.
Event Information
ARMORCON 2026 - Armor Modeling and Preservation Society
Dates: Friday & Saturday, October 2–3, 2026
Location:
Wyndham Southbury
1284 Strongtown Rd
Southbury, CT 06488
Event Websites:
www.northeastmilitarymodelers.com
www.facebook.com/Armorcon
Show Theme: “Gun Trucks”
The official ARMORCON 2026 event theme is: “Gun Trucks”
This exciting topic opens the door for:
- Vietnam War gun trucks
- Modern convoy escort vehicles
- Improvised armored transports
- Technicals and field-modified combat vehicles
- Historical logistics protection vehicles
The theme promises to produce some highly creative and historically fascinating contest entries.
Formerly AMPS East — Same Great Show
ARMORCON continues the tradition previously known as AMPS East.
As organizers put it: “Same great show, same great guys, cool new name.”
This rebranding reflects both continuity and growth as the Northeast Military Modelers Association expands the event into an even larger regional modeling destination.
What Makes ARMORCON Different?
One of the biggest draws of ARMORCON is the use of the AMPS Open Judging System, which differs significantly from traditional head-to-head IPMS judging.
Under the AMPS system:
- Builders compete against objective standards, not each other
- Models are graded Gold, Silver, or Bronze
- Judging focuses on:
- Assembly quality
- Paint and finish
- Historical accuracy
- Research documentation
- Every model could theoretically earn an award
Each entry is reviewed by a four-person judging team, and modelers receive valuable written feedback that helps improve future work.
This approach creates a more educational and supportive modeling atmosphere that many builders greatly appreciate.
Contest Features
ARMORCON 2026 will include:
- 18 entry categories
- 20 special awards
- AMPS-style judging
- Sci-fi category
- Gundam entries welcomed
- Research-focused builds
- Display opportunities for all experience levels
A particularly exciting update for AMPS participants:
Winning models from AMPS events CAN be entered at ARMORCON!
That policy gives attendees the opportunity to continue showcasing award-winning work throughout the modeling season.
Vendors, Seminars, and the Monster Raffle
ARMORCON has developed a reputation for one of the best hobby shopping experiences in the Northeast.
Attendees can expect:
Vendor Area
- Over 100 vendor tables
- Military vehicle kits
- Figures and diorama accessories
- Resin conversions
- Aftermarket detail sets
- Tools, books, decals, and paints
- Rare and out-of-production items
Seminars & Workshops
- Research presentations
- Weathering demonstrations
- Armor construction techniques
- Historical discussions
- Painting and finishing clinics
The Famous ARMORCON Raffle
The “monster raffle” is legendary among attendees and regularly features:
- Large kit prizes
- Aftermarket sets
- Tools and supplies
- Hobby accessories
- Rare collectibles
Gundam and Sci-Fi Builders Welcome
One of the standout features of ARMORCON is its growing embrace of the broader modeling community.
In addition to military subjects:
Gundam modelers are welcomed
and encouraged to participate through the dedicated:
Sci-Fi Category
This helps grow the hobby by inviting builders from across multiple modeling genres into the event.
Hotel Information
ARMORCON attendees can reserve discounted rooms at:
Wyndham Southbury
💲 Special Event Rate: $129/night
📞 Call: 203-598-7600
Ask for the: “ARMORCON Room Block”
⚠️ Reservations should be made before: September 1, 2026
Vendor Contact Information
Vendor Table Reservations
Matt Toms
68 Morris Street
Naugatuck, CT 06770
Ssgtoms@sbcglobal.net
Event Schedule
Friday
🕚 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Supporting Armor Modelers Nationwide
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support:
- AMPS chapters
- IPMS clubs
- Armor-focused contests
- Scale modeling organizations
- Military vehicle preservation groups
- Historical research within the hobby
Events like ARMORCON help preserve military history while encouraging craftsmanship, historical accuracy, artistic creativity, and community involvement.
Whether you build:
- WWII armor
- Modern AFVs
- Soft-skin military vehicles
- Artillery
- Figures
- Gundam
- Sci-fi
- Dioramas
…ARMORCON 2026 promises to be one of the must-attend modeling events of the year.
Follow ARMORCON Updates
Show updates and preregistration announcements will be posted here:
👉 www.northeastmilitarymodelers.com
👉 https://www.facebook.com/Armorcon
Visit AFV Hobby Hub
For armor kits, aftermarket accessories, tools, paints, figures, reference materials, and support for the scale modeling community:
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