Some model contests are regional favorites.
Others become destinations.
For more than three decades, the Old Dominion Open has established itself as one of the largest and most respected single-day scale modeling events in the United States. Hosted by IPMS Richmond, this Virginia modeling institution attracts competitors, vendors, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
On February 27, 2027, modelers will once again gather at the historic Richmond International Raceway Complex for a full day of competition, shopping, learning, and fellowship.
As a company committed to supporting scale modeling clubs, contests, and hobbyists nationwide, AFV Hobby Hub is proud to highlight events like the Old Dominion Open that help grow the hobby, inspire builders, and strengthen the modeling community.
Event Details
Old Dominion Open 2027
Date: February 27, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM EST
Venue: Richmond International Raceway Complex
Address:
600 East Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Host: IPMS Richmond
Hosting Chapter: IPMS/Richmond Chapter
Region: IPMS/USA Region 2 – Mid-East
Website:
http://ipmsrva.org/
Contact Information
Richard Leininger
Contest Chairperson
Email: raleininger@verizon.net
One of America's Largest Single-Day Model Shows
The Old Dominion Open has spent more than 30 years building a reputation as one of the premier modeling events on the East Coast.
What immediately sets the show apart is its scale.
The event features:
- 80 contest categories
- More than 45 vendors
- Approximately 36,000 square feet of exhibition space
- Competitors and visitors from multiple states
For attendees, that means more models to admire, more vendors to explore, and more opportunities to connect with fellow hobbyists than many local or regional events can offer.
The result is a show that feels less like a traditional club contest and more like a full-scale modeling convention packed into a single day.
A Venue Built for Big Events
One of the strengths of the Old Dominion Open is its impressive location.
Held within the historic Richmond International Raceway Complex, the event benefits from a spacious facility that allows organizers to create expansive contest and vendor areas.
Unlike smaller venues where tables can feel crowded and displays compressed, the Old Dominion Open offers attendees room to comfortably examine models, take photographs, and spend time appreciating the craftsmanship on display.
For many visitors, it's an opportunity to slow down and truly study the techniques and details that make award-winning models stand out.
Armor Modeling Takes the Field
For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, the armor categories alone are worth the trip.
The Mid-Atlantic has long been home to some of the hobby's most talented military vehicle builders, and many of them bring their finest work to Richmond each year.
Visitors can expect to see:
- First World War armor
- World War II tanks and assault guns
- Cold War military vehicles
- Modern armored fighting vehicles
- Self-propelled artillery
- Engineer and recovery vehicles
- Soft-skin military transports
- Detailed military dioramas
From subtle weathering and realistic paint finishes to intricate detailing and scratch-built modifications, the armor displays frequently showcase the very best techniques the hobby has to offer.
Whether you're interested in Shermans, Panthers, T-72s, Abrams, Bradleys, or modern combat engineering vehicles, there is no shortage of inspiration throughout the contest hall.
Eighty Chances to Compete
One of the reasons the Old Dominion Open continues to attract such large participation is its extensive category structure.
With 80 contest categories, competitors have an opportunity to enter virtually every type of model subject imaginable.
This broad approach ensures strong representation for:
- Armor and military vehicles
- Aircraft
- Automotive subjects
- Ships and maritime models
- Figures and miniatures
- Science fiction and fantasy subjects
- Dioramas
- Specialty categories
The diversity of entries creates an exciting atmosphere where attendees can experience every corner of the hobby under one roof.
A Vendor Hall Worth the Drive
For many attendees, the shopping opportunities are every bit as exciting as the contest itself.
With more than 45 vendors, the Old Dominion Open has become one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier destinations for hobby shopping.
Visitors can expect to find:
- New model kit releases
- Rare and discontinued kits
- Resin upgrades
- Photo-etched accessories
- Decals
- Paints and weathering supplies
- Modeling tools
- Historical references
- Aftermarket detail sets
For armor builders, the vendor area frequently turns into a treasure hunt, with hard-to-find AFV kits, aftermarket accessories, and unique reference materials appearing throughout the day.
Many hobbyists arrive with a short shopping list and leave with far more than they expected.
More Than Models
The best contests are about more than awards.
They're about people.
Throughout the day, attendees can be found discussing:
- Historical research
- New kit releases
- Building techniques
- Painting methods
- Weathering effects
- 3D printing technology
- Aftermarket accessories
- Future projects
These conversations are one of the most valuable aspects of attending a show. Whether you're a newcomer working on your first armor kit or an experienced contest modeler, there's always something new to learn from fellow hobbyists.
This sense of community is one of the reasons AFV Hobby Hub remains committed to supporting clubs, organizations, and events that bring modelers together.
Why AFV Hobby Hub Supports Events Like the Old Dominion Open
At AFV Hobby Hub, we believe local clubs and model contests are the backbone of the hobby.
Events like the Old Dominion Open provide opportunities for builders to showcase their work, exchange ideas, improve their skills, and inspire the next generation of modelers. They create an environment where friendships are formed, knowledge is shared, and creativity flourishes.
By supporting shows, highlighting club activities, and connecting hobbyists with the products and resources they need, AFV Hobby Hub continues its commitment to helping the modeling community grow and thrive.
A Mid-Atlantic Tradition Worth Experiencing
Every region has a handful of events that become part of the modeling calendar year after year.
In the Mid-Atlantic, the Old Dominion Open is unquestionably one of those events.
With 80 contest categories, dozens of vendors, thousands of square feet of display space, and a reputation built over more than three decades, the show offers something for every modeler.
For AFV enthusiasts, it provides a chance to see some of the finest armor modeling in the region while connecting with builders who share a passion for military history, craftsmanship, and scale modeling.
When the doors open in Richmond on February 27, 2027, attendees won't simply be walking into another contest—they'll be taking part in one of the hobby's enduring traditions.
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