The Central Pennsylvania IPMS (CPIPMS) is preparing to welcome
modelers from across the Mid-Atlantic region for another exciting edition of:
PennCon 2026 Model Show &
Contest
September 12, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Eisenhower Campus Center
Messiah University
One University Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
As an AMPS-supported event, PennCon has become one of the premier
annual modeling gatherings in the Mid-East region, attracting builders,
vendors, collectors, and hobby enthusiasts for a full day of competition,
shopping, and fellowship.
At AFVHobbyHub.com, we
are proud to support events like PennCon that help strengthen the scale
modeling community and provide modelers with opportunities to showcase their
work and connect with fellow hobbyists.
One of the Mid-Atlantic's Premier
Annual Model Shows
Every September, PennCon draws participants from:
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Virginia
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- New York
- The broader
Mid-Atlantic modeling community
The event has earned a reputation for:
- Well-organized
contests
- Excellent
vendor participation
- Strong club
support
- Friendly
atmosphere
- Quality judging
Whether you're an armor builder, aircraft enthusiast, automotive modeler,
or sci-fi fan, PennCon offers something for every modeler.
Admission & Registration
Contest Entry
Adults $15
- Includes up to
3 model entries
- Additional
entries: $1 each
Juniors (16 and Under) $5
- Includes up to
3 model entries
- Additional
entries: $1 each
Walk-In / Display Only Admission
Individuals $7
Families $10
Free Admission For: Uniformed military
personnel, Messiah University students, faculty, and staff with valid ID
Extensive Contest Categories
PennCon features a broad range of categories covering nearly every major
modeling genre, including:
- Aircraft
- Armor &
Military Vehicles
- Automotive
- Ships
- Figures
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Dioramas
- Miscellaneous
Subjects
The event's diverse category structure welcomes builders of all interests
and experience levels.
Contest categories can be found through the CPIPMS website.
Professional IPMS Judging
PennCon follows established IPMS judging procedures designed to ensure:
- Fair
competition
- Consistent
evaluation
- Attention to
craftsmanship
- Recognition of
modeling excellence
Modelers seeking to improve their skills are encouraged to review the IPMS-USA
Modeling Basics & Judging Guide, which explains what judges look for
during evaluation.
This educational aspect makes PennCon valuable not only as a contest but
also as a learning opportunity.
Vendors & Shopping
One of the highlights of PennCon is its strong vendor room.
Attendees can expect:
- Plastic model
kits
- Aftermarket
accessories
- Resin upgrades
- Photo-etch sets
- Paints and
weathering supplies
- Figures and
diorama accessories
- Reference books
- Rare and
collectible kits
For many modelers, vendor shopping is every bit as exciting as the
contest itself.
Support the Hobby Through
Sponsorship
PennCon also offers sponsorship opportunities for individuals, clubs, and
businesses looking to support:
- Category awards
- Event
operations
- Local modeling
activities
Supporting events like PennCon helps ensure that regional model shows
continue to thrive.
A Great Opportunity for Armor
Modelers
As an AMPS-supported event, PennCon continues to attract many
military vehicle and armor builders, making it an especially appealing
destination for:
- Tank modelers
- AFV enthusiasts
- Diorama
builders
- Military figure
painters
Combined with its broad IPMS category coverage, PennCon provides one of
the most diverse modeling environments in the Mid-Atlantic.
Why PennCon Matters
Regional events like PennCon help:
- Preserve and
grow the hobby
- Encourage
younger modelers
- Promote
craftsmanship
- Support hobby
retailers and vendors
- Build
friendships throughout the modeling community
These face-to-face gatherings remain one of the best ways to learn new
techniques, discover new products, and share completed projects.
Plan Your Visit
September 12, 2026
Eisenhower Campus Center
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Whether you're entering models, shopping the vendor room, or simply
enjoying the displays, PennCon 2026 promises another excellent day of scale
modeling.
Visit AFV Hobby Hub
👉 http://www.AFVHobbyHub.com/news
For model show coverage, hobby news, product announcements, and modeling resources.
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