For modelers across Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and the broader Southwest region, RiverCon XVI 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting contests of the year.
Hosted by the IPMS Red River Modelers – Jack Crumbliss Memorial Chapter, RiverCon remains the only dedicated scale modeling competition in North Louisiana and has earned a reputation for welcoming builders from throughout Region 6 and beyond.
Taking place on March 13, 2027, at the LSUS University Center in Shreveport, RiverCon XVI will once again offer a full day of competition, vendor shopping, raffles, special awards, and fellowship among hobbyists who share a passion for scale modeling.
As a company committed to supporting model clubs, contests, and hobbyists nationwide, AFV Hobby Hub is proud to recognize events like RiverCon that bring builders together, encourage creativity, and help keep the modeling community thriving.
Event Details
RiverCon XVI 2027
Date: March 13, 2027
Venue: LSUS University Center
Address:
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115
United States
Host: IPMS Red River Modelers
Hosting Chapter: IPMS Red River Modelers – Jack Crumbliss Memorial Chapter
Region: IPMS/USA Region 6 – Southwest
Website:
http://www.ipmsredrivermodelers.org/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RiverConIPMS
Contact Information
Andrew P. Bloom
Contest Chairman
Phone: 318-294-2414
Email: bloom4him@hotmail.com
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force
One of the major attractions at RiverCon XVI will be the show's featured theme:
80th Anniversary of the United States Air Force
Eligible entries include virtually any USAF-related subject from September 1947 through the present day, including:
- Aircraft
- Military vehicles
- Boats
- Missiles
- Figures
- Dioramas
- Ground support equipment
This broad theme creates opportunities for modelers to showcase everything from early jet-age aircraft and Cold War missile systems to modern stealth aircraft, support vehicles, and airfield dioramas.
Military historians and aviation enthusiasts alike can expect to see a fascinating variety of entries honoring eight decades of Air Force history.
A Strong Event for AFV Modelers
While the Air Force anniversary theme will undoubtedly attract attention, RiverCon has long been known for its strong military vehicle participation.
For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, the armor categories are expected to be a major highlight of the show.
Visitors can look forward to:
- World War II armor
- Cold War tanks and combat vehicles
- Modern armored fighting vehicles
- Military transport vehicles
- Self-propelled artillery
- Historical dioramas
- Armored reconnaissance vehicles
The talented group of military modelers who regularly attend RiverCon consistently produce some of the region's finest armor modeling work.
From realistic weathering and detailed stowage arrangements to expertly crafted groundwork and crew figures, the contest tables provide a valuable opportunity to see advanced techniques up close and learn from experienced builders.
The Return of the Patton Mug Award
One of RiverCon's most popular and respected special awards is returning for 2027.
The Patton Mug Award
Open to:
- Any U.S. Army tank
- Any U.S.-manufactured tank
- Any era
- Any scale
- Any national markings
The only exclusion is diorama entries.
The Patton Mug consistently attracts some of the show's most impressive AFV entries and has become a favorite challenge for armor modelers throughout the region.
For tank enthusiasts, this special award alone makes RiverCon worth attending.
An Outstanding Collection of Special Awards
RiverCon XVI offers a wide variety of special awards designed to recognize excellence across multiple areas of the hobby.
President's Choice Award
Selected personally by the President of the Red River Modelers Club.
Wings of the Mighty Eighth
The Harold "Buck" Rigg Memorial Award honors subjects connected to the 8th Air Force, from World War II through the modern era.
Eligible subjects include:
- Aircraft
- Missiles
- Support equipment
- Historical displays
Bud Lindemann Trophy
Inspired by the classic Car and Track era, this award recognizes automotive subjects from 1967 through 1975, including production and racing vehicles.
60th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro Award
Celebrating one of America's most iconic performance cars, this category welcomes Camaros from every generation.
People's Choice Award
Chosen by attendees and often considered one of the most prestigious honors of the weekend.
Grand Master's Award
One of RiverCon's most unique categories.
This class is reserved exclusively for models that have already earned a major "Best Of" award at a previous contest. Participants must provide proof of the original award, creating a showcase of championship-caliber craftsmanship.
Schedule of Events
Friday and Saturday Activities
7:30 AM
Vendor setup begins
9:00 AM
Show and contest open to the public
10:00 AM
Raffles begin
11:00 AM
Pre-judges meeting
11:55 AM
Judges meeting
12:00 PM
Contest registration closes
After Registration
Judging begins
3:30 PM
Awards ceremony
5:00 PM
Show concludes
Affordable Entry Fees
RiverCon continues its tradition of providing an affordable and accessible event for hobbyists.
Adult Competitors
- $10 registration fee
- Models 1–5: $2 each
- Models 6 and above: $1 each
Young Modelers (Ages 6–17)
- $5 registration
General Admission
- $5 for non-competitors
- Children 12 and under admitted free
This pricing structure makes it easy for builders of all ages to participate.
Vendor Shopping and Hobby Treasure Hunting
No major model show is complete without a strong vendor presence, and RiverCon delivers plenty of opportunities for hobby shopping.
Attendees can browse:
- Plastic model kits
- Resin upgrades
- Armor accessories
- Decals
- Paints and weathering supplies
- Modeling tools
- Military references
- Rare and out-of-production kits
Vendor tables are available for $30 each.
Vendor Contact
Tommy Ortiz
Phone: 318-518-9586
Email: tgoii@bellsouth.net
For many hobbyists, the vendor area becomes a treasure hunt filled with hard-to-find kits, aftermarket upgrades, and unexpected discoveries.
Why AFV Hobby Hub Supports Events Like RiverCon
At AFV Hobby Hub, we believe local clubs and regional contests are among the most important contributors to the hobby's continued success.
Events like RiverCon create opportunities for modelers to display their work, learn from fellow builders, discover new products, and develop friendships within the modeling community. They encourage participation, inspire creativity, and help ensure that the hobby remains vibrant for future generations.
By supporting manufacturers, clubs, and events throughout the country, AFV Hobby Hub remains committed to helping modelers of every skill level enjoy and grow within the hobby.
One of the Southwest's Best Modeling Weekends
With its celebration of the U.S. Air Force's 80th Anniversary, outstanding military vehicle participation, unique special awards, active vendor area, and reputation for Southern hospitality, RiverCon XVI 2027 is shaping up to be one of the premier modeling events in the Southwest.
Whether you're entering a competition-ready tank, competing for the Patton Mug, hunting for rare kits in the vendor area, or simply looking for inspiration from fellow builders, RiverCon offers a full day dedicated to everything that makes scale modeling great.
For AFV enthusiasts, aircraft builders, automotive modelers, figure painters, and collectors alike, RiverCon XVI promises another memorable chapter in one of Region 6's most respected modeling traditions.
For updates and contest information, visit www.ipmsredrivermodelers.org or follow RiverConIPMS and AFV Hobby Hub on Facebook.
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