Written by renowned miniature painter Andy Langridge, Field Manual II builds on the success of Field Manual I with advanced painting techniques, expanded tutorials, and deeper insights into color, cloth, light, and artistic decision-making. Featuring 50% more content and improved photography, it is designed to help figure painters take their skills to the next level without sacrificing clarity or accessibility.
The Eastern Iowa Model and Vendor Show 2026, hosted by IPMS/Major’s River Edge Modelers, takes place September 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Davenport, Iowa. This Region 14 event features model contest entries, vendor tables, and a welcoming atmosphere for hobbyists across all modeling genres. Attendees can expect displays, shopping opportunities, and community engagement throughout the day. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports this event and others that help grow and strengthen the scale modeling community.
NordicCon 2026 takes place September 26, 2026, in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and is recognized as the Midwest’s largest scale model contest. Hosted by multiple IPMS and modeling organizations, the event features a vast range of categories, extensive awards, and a major vendor presence. This reminder highlights the importance of preparing early, as the event offers opportunities for builders of all skill levels to compete, showcase their work, and connect with the modeling community. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports NordicCon and events that continue to grow and strengthen the scale modeling hobby.
Fall Con ’26, hosted by IPMS Race City Modelers and Fast Trax Hobbies, takes place September 26, 2026, at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville, North Carolina. The event features a combined model contest and swap meet, with expanded categories planned for 2026. Attendees can expect vendor tables, buying and trading opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere for modelers of all skill levels. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports Fall Con and events that continue to grow and strengthen the scale modeling community.
The IPMS Fayetteville Annual Swap Meet 2026 will take place on September 19, 2026, at VFW Post 670 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This reminder highlights the opportunity for modelers to buy, sell, and trade kits, as well as participate in a relaxed display area for showcasing completed builds. Vendor setup begins at 9 AM, with doors opening at 10 AM. The event offers a friendly, community-driven environment perfect for hobbyists of all experience levels. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports this event and others that help grow and strengthen the scale modeling community.
Head for the Highlands 2026, hosted by the Appalachian Scale Modelers Association, takes place September 19, 2026, in Greeneville, Tennessee. The event features 35 detailed categories covering aircraft, armor, automotive, ships, and miscellaneous subjects, along with Gold/Silver/Bronze open judging and multiple “Best Of” awards. Special themes include Box Art and Red, White & Blue (250th Celebration). With a focus on individual model evaluation and skill development, the event offers one of the most structured and inclusive competitions in the Southeast. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports this event and the modelers who keep the hobby growing.
AFV Hobby Hub takes a closer look at FIELD MANUAL I – Workbench Edition, Andy Langridge's practical figure-painting guide designed to sit flat beside the modeller's workbench. Following strong digital sales and exceptional preorder demand, the new edition is helping establish the Field Manual series as a leading educational resource for military figure painters.
The Military Modelers Club of Louisville Annual Invitational 2026 will take place on September 26, 2026, at the Paroquet Springs Convention Center in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Hosted by IPMS/Military Modelers, this Region 4 event welcomes modelers across all categories for a day of contest entries, displays, vendor activity, and hobby fellowship. As a key late-season Midwest show, it offers a great opportunity for builders to showcase their work and connect with fellow hobbyists. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports this event and others that continue to grow and strengthen the scale modeling community.
SVASMCON 41, hosted by IPMS/Shenango Valley Scale Modelers, takes place September 19, 2026, in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 41st annual show, this Region 4 event welcomes modelers across all categories for a day of contest entries, displays, vendor participation, and hobby fellowship. Known for its friendly atmosphere and long-standing tradition, SVASMCON remains a key regional event for the Great Lakes modeling community. AFVHobbyhub.com proudly supports SVASMCON and events that help grow and strengthen the scale modeling hobby.
ARMORCON 2026 will take place October 2-3, 2026, at the Wyndham Southbury in Southbury, Connecticut. Hosted by the Northeast Military Modelers Association, the event continues the tradition formerly known as AMPS East and remains the largest armor modeling show in the northeastern United States. Attendees can enjoy a major armor modeling competition, AMPS Open Judging, over 100 vendor tables, educational seminars, live demonstrations, a legendary raffle, and dedicated Sci-Fi and Gundam categories. The 2026 theme, "Gun Trucks," is expected to inspire highly creative and historically focused contest entries. Supported by AFV Hobby Hub, ARMORCON 2026 promises an unforgettable weekend for modelers, researchers, collectors, and military history enthusiasts.
