Spring modeling season in Florida kicks into high gear with Pelicon'27, the annual IPMS model show and contest hosted by the IPMS Pelikan Model Club.
Scheduled for March 6, 2027, in Tampa, Florida, the event promises a full day of outstanding model displays, friendly competition, vendor opportunities, and hobby fellowship. As one of the most anticipated events on the Florida modeling calendar, Pelicon continues to attract builders from across the Sunshine State and neighboring regions.
Whether your passion is armored fighting vehicles, aircraft, automotive subjects, ships, figures, or science fiction modeling, Pelicon'27 provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your work, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow hobbyists.
As a company dedicated to supporting clubs, contests, and hobbyists throughout the country, AFV Hobby Hub is proud to highlight events like Pelicon that help bring modelers together and strengthen the scale modeling community.
Event Details
Pelicon'27
Date: March 6, 2027
Venue: St. Lawrence – Higgins Hall
Address:
5225 N Himes Avenue
Tampa, FL 33614
United States
Region: IPMS/USA Region 11 – Florida
Host: Pelikan Model Club
Hosting Chapter: IPMS/Pelikan Model Club
Website:
https://pelikanmodelclub.org/
Contact Information
Ozzie Leandri
Contest Chairperson
Email: oleandri@verizon.net
A Long-Standing Florida Modeling Tradition
The Pelikan Model Club has long been a cornerstone of Florida's modeling community, and Pelicon has earned a reputation for being both competitive and welcoming.
Each year, the event attracts experienced contest modelers, club members, collectors, and first-time entrants who gather to celebrate every aspect of the hobby. The atmosphere combines serious craftsmanship with a friendly spirit that encourages conversation, learning, and participation.
For many attendees, Pelicon is more than just a model contest—it's an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new hobbyists, and spend a day immersed in the world of scale modeling.
AFV Hobby Hub recognizes the vital role events like Pelicon play in keeping the hobby vibrant and accessible for future generations of builders.
A Great Event for AFV Enthusiasts
For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, Pelicon'27 offers plenty to be excited about.
Military vehicle categories have traditionally been among the strongest divisions at regional IPMS contests, and Pelicon is expected to showcase an impressive range of armor subjects from across military history.
Visitors can expect to see:
- World War I and World War II armor
- Cold War tanks and combat vehicles
- Modern armored fighting vehicles
- Self-propelled artillery
- Armored reconnaissance vehicles
- Military trucks and support equipment
- Battlefield dioramas and combat scenes
The armor tables often provide an excellent opportunity to study advanced weathering techniques, realistic camouflage finishes, detailed stowage arrangements, and creative scratch-built enhancements.
Whether you're building a Sherman, Panther, T-72, Bradley, Leopard, or Abrams, there's no shortage of inspiration waiting on the contest floor.
Competition Across the Hobby
While military vehicles are always a major attraction, Pelicon welcomes modelers from every discipline.
Attendees can expect displays featuring:
Aircraft
Military and civilian aircraft representing every era of aviation history, from early pioneers to modern jet fighters.
Automotive
Classic cars, muscle cars, race cars, trucks, customs, and contemporary performance vehicles.
Ships and Maritime Subjects
Warships, merchant vessels, submarines, and sailing ships from across history.
Figures
Military, historical, fantasy, and science-fiction figures painted to an exceptional standard.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Popular subjects inspired by movies, television, gaming, comics, and original creations.
This diversity of subjects ensures that every visitor will find something new and inspiring throughout the day.
Learning from Fellow Modelers
One of the greatest benefits of attending a regional IPMS show isn't found on the contest tables—it's found in the conversations.
Throughout the event, hobbyists have opportunities to:
- Exchange building techniques
- Discuss historical references
- Compare paints and finishing products
- Share weathering methods
- Discover aftermarket accessories
- Learn about new kit releases
- Connect with local clubs
- Explore upcoming modeling events
These interactions often become some of the most valuable experiences of the entire show.
At AFV Hobby Hub, we believe these personal connections are one of the reasons scale modeling continues to thrive. Every show creates opportunities for mentorship, learning, and friendship that help strengthen the hobby community.
Vendor Shopping and Hobby Treasure Hunting
No model show would be complete without a vendor area, and Pelicon offers attendees the chance to discover new projects and hard-to-find supplies.
Depending on participating vendors, visitors may find:
- Plastic model kits
- Resin aftermarket accessories
- Photo-etched detail sets
- Decals
- Paints and weathering products
- Modeling tools
- Reference books and magazines
- Limited-production and collectible kits
For many hobbyists, vendor shopping is every bit as exciting as the competition itself. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on supplies, locate a long-sought kit, or discover something unexpected for a future project.
Why AFV Hobby Hub Supports Events Like Pelicon
At AFV Hobby Hub, we're committed to more than just providing products—we're committed to supporting the people and organizations that make the hobby successful.
Clubs like the Pelikan Model Club dedicate countless hours to organizing contests, welcoming newcomers, and creating opportunities for hobbyists to share their work. These efforts help ensure that the modeling community continues to grow and remain accessible for enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels.
By promoting contests, supporting manufacturers, and connecting modelers with quality products and information, AFV Hobby Hub remains dedicated to helping the hobby flourish nationwide.
A Florida Gathering Worth Attending
As Florida's 2027 modeling season gets underway, Pelicon'27 stands out as one of the region's premier opportunities to enjoy outstanding models, meet talented builders, and celebrate the hobby.
Hosted by the respected IPMS Pelikan Model Club, the event combines competition, education, shopping, and camaraderie in a welcoming environment that appeals to modelers of every interest.
For AFV enthusiasts, aircraft modelers, ship builders, figure painters, and collectors alike, Pelicon'27 is shaping up to be one of Region 11's highlights of the year.
Whether you're bringing a model to compete or simply attending to enjoy the displays, Pelicon offers exactly what makes model shows special: great models, great people, and a shared passion for the hobby.
For additional event information and updates, visit https://pelikanmodelclub.org/ or contact Ozzie Leandri at oleandri@verizon.net.
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