FREE Winter Swap Meet 2027

For many scale modelers, January brings two familiar realities: cold weather and a growing wish list of kits, tools, and aftermarket accessories. Fortunately, modelers in the Great Lakes region have the perfect cure for both.

The FREE Winter Swap Meet, hosted by the Shenango Valley Area Scale Modelers, returns on January 16, 2027, offering hobbyists an opportunity to browse tables full of kits and supplies, meet fellow builders, and spend a winter Saturday immersed in the scale modeling community all without paying an admission fee.

Whether you're hunting for a rare armor kit, clearing space in your stash, or simply looking for an excuse to talk models during the off-season, this event is worth a trip to Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Event Details

FREE Winter Swap Meet 2027

Date: January 16, 2027

Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST

Venue: Elks Sharon Lodge No. 103

Address:
260 E. Connelly Boulevard
Sharon, PA 16146

Host: Shenango Valley Area Scale Modelers

Hosting Chapter: IPMS/Shenango Valley Scale Modelers

Region: IPMS/USA Region 4 – Great Lakes

Contact Information

Dave Taylor Email: daverace@roadrunner.com

The Best Price in Modeling: Free

Let's start with the biggest selling point.

Admission is completely free.

In a hobby where even a single model kit can quickly add up, events with no admission charge are becoming increasingly rare. Whether you're bringing money to spend or simply browsing for inspiration, the FREE Winter Swap Meet welcomes everyone through the door at no cost.

For newcomers who have never attended a modeling event before, this makes the swap meet an ideal introduction to the hobby community.

A Treasure Hunt for Modelers

Every experienced hobbyist knows that some of the best finds don't come from online retailers—they come from swap meets.

The tables at events like this often hold:

• Out-of-production kits
• Vintage releases
• Armor and aircraft kits
• Ships and automotive subjects
• Aftermarket accessories
• Decals
• Reference books
• Tools and supplies
• Partially completed projects seeking a new home

No two swap meets are ever exactly alike, and that's part of the appeal.

One attendee may stumble across a long-discontinued AFV kit. Another might find the perfect aftermarket set needed to complete a project that's been sitting on the workbench for years. The next great find could be waiting on any table in the room.

A Winter Gathering for AFV Enthusiasts

For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, the swap meet represents an excellent opportunity to expand an armor collection without paying full retail prices.

Past swap meets have often featured:

• World War II armor kits
• Cold War military vehicles
• Modern AFV subjects
• Resin conversion sets
• Figure accessories
• Military reference books
• Weathering products and supplies

It's also a good chance to meet fellow military modelers and exchange ideas about current projects, upcoming contests, and favorite kit releases.

Sometimes the conversations are just as valuable as the purchases.

Turn Extra Kits Into Future Projects

Most modelers have one thing in common: a stash that's bigger than they planned.

The Winter Swap Meet creates an opportunity to turn those forgotten kits into something useful. Sellers can reserve tables and connect directly with hobbyists looking for their next project.

Vendor Tables

Tables are available for:

$10.00 each

For those looking to clear space in the workshop or pass along kits that no longer fit their interests, the event offers an affordable way to connect with fellow builders.

More Than Shopping

While buying and selling are the main attractions, swap meets have always served another important purpose—bringing hobbyists together.

The off-season can be a long stretch between major contests and exhibitions. Events like the FREE Winter Swap Meet provide a chance to:

• Catch up with fellow modelers
• Discuss new releases
• Share building techniques
• Learn about upcoming contests
• Discover local clubs
• Exchange historical research and references

The friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons modelers continue returning year after year.

Start the 2027 Modeling Season Right

January may not be contest season yet, but it's the perfect time to gather supplies, discover new projects, and reconnect with the local modeling community.

Whether you're searching for your next AFV build, looking to sell a few kits, or simply enjoying a day surrounded by fellow hobbyists, the FREE Winter Swap Meet 2027 offers a simple reminder of what makes scale modeling such a rewarding hobby: the people.

With free admission, affordable tables, and plenty of opportunities to buy, sell, trade, and talk models, this event is an excellent way to kick off the 2027 modeling season.

For additional information, contact Dave Taylor at daverace@roadrunner.com.