Head for the Highlands 2026 – IPMS Expanded Contest Categories & Event Details

Modelers across the Southeast are gearing up for one of the most detailed and inclusive regional shows of the year as the Appalachian Scale Modelers Association (ASMA) presents:

Head for the Highlands 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Greenville Parks and Recreation Department
456 E Bernard Ave
Greeneville, TN

At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support modeling events that not only bring hobbyists together but also provide well-structured, skill-focused competition—and Head for the Highlands is a standout example.


A Fully Developed Contest Structure

Head for the Highlands offers an impressive and structured competition, featuring:

35 Categories Across All Modeling Types

Gold, Silver, Bronze Open Judging System

Individual Model Evaluation

Multiple “Best Of” Awards

This format ensures:

  • Fair judging across all skill levels
  • Recognition based on craftsmanship and effort
  • Opportunities for every modeler to succeed

AIRCRAFT Categories

  1. Prop-driven – 1/72 and smaller
  2. Prop-driven – 1/48 and larger
  3. Jet-propelled – 1/72 and smaller
  4. Jet-propelled – 1/48 and larger
  5. Large Scale – 1/32 and larger
  6. Rotary-wing – all scales

ARMOR Categories

  1. Fully tracked vehicles – 1/48 & smaller
  2. Semi-tracked, wheeled vehicles & artillery – 1/48 & smaller
  3. WWII & earlier fully tracked – 1/35 & larger
  4. Post-WWII fully tracked – 1/35 & larger
  5. Open-top AFVs – 1/35 & larger
  6. Semi-tracked & wheeled vehicles & artillery – 1/35 & larger

AUTOMOTIVE Categories

  1. Out Of Box* – all scales
  2. Factory stock – all scales
  3. Custom cars – all scales
  4. Curbside & Slammers – all scales
  5. Street rods (1948 & older) – all scales
  6. Street Machines (1949 & newer) – all scales
  7. Straight line competition – all eras
  8. Closed circuit competition – all eras
  9. Small trucks (<10,000 lbs)
  10. Large trucks (>10,000 lbs)
  11. Motorcycles – all scales

SHIP Categories

  1. 1/700 & smaller
  2. 1/350 & larger
  3. Sailing vessels / non-motor

MISCELLANEOUS Categories

  1. Figures – all scales
  2. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Figures
  3. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Vehicles
  4. Gundams & Mechs
  5. Real Spacecraft & Missiles
  6. Dioramas & Vignettes
  7. Other Miscellaneous
  8. Junior – all subjects
  9. Collections (5+ of same subject)

Awards & Special Recognition

Medal System:

  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Bronze

Best Of Awards:

  • Best of Show
  • Best Aircraft
  • Best Armor
  • Best Automotive
  • Best Ship
  • Best Miscellaneous
  • Best Themes

Special Awards Include:

Tom Daniel MDA Tribute Award (Honoring builds from the canceled MDA show)

C. Chuck Balo Memorial Award For best Tri-Five, Corvair, Chevelle, or other GM subject


Judging Philosophy

Models are judged individually based on:

  • Construction / Craftsmanship (clean build, alignment, seams)
  • Finish / Paint (quality, realism, techniques)
  • Effort (added detail, improvements, creativity)

Judges focus on:

  • Identifying flaws
  • Recognizing added effort and detail
  • Encouraging improvement

Models are NOT judged against each other, this promotes learning and skill development


Special Show Themes

  • Box Art – recreate iconic model box scenes
  • USA Red, White & Blue – 250th Celebration

Additional Event Details

  • Display-only tables available

  • Vendor setup:

    • Friday (9/18): 5 PM – 8 PM
    • Saturday (9/19): starting 7 AM
  • Entry forms and details: www.asma-ipms.com


Important Rules

  • Out of Box entries must include instructions
  • ❌ No diecast allowed in any category

📞 Contact Information

John Maine mainehokies@charter.net
David Newland harleyultrac@comcast.net


Supporting the Modeling Community

At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we are proud to support events like Head for the Highlands that:

  • Encourage all skill levels
  • Promote craftsmanship and creativity
  • Offer structured and fair judging
  • Bring the modeling community together

This is exactly the type of event that helps the hobby grow.


Plan Your Visit

September 19, 2026
Greeneville, Tennessee

With its massive category list, open judging system, creative themes, and strong community focus, Head for the Highlands 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most complete regional contests of the year.


Visit AFV Hobby Hub

👉 www.AFVhobbyhub.com


Build models. Improve your skills. Support the hobby.

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