Modelers across the Midwest and beyond should make plans now for one of the biggest and most comprehensive modeling events of the year:
NordicCon 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CDT
Location:
Veterans Memorial Community Center
8055 Barbara Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
IPMS Region: Region 5 – Midwest
Hosted By:
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we proudly support marquee events like NordicCon that showcase the very best of the modeling hobby. Known as the Midwest’s largest scale model contest, NordicCon delivers an unmatched combination of categories, awards, vendors, and community engagement.
A Massive Event for All Modelers
NordicCon stands out for its extensive category structure, welcoming virtually every modeling discipline and skill level:
- Juniors
- Aircraft
- Military Vehicles
- Automotive
- Ships
- Figures
- Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Space
- Dioramas
- Wargaming
- 3D Printed Models
This wide-ranging structure ensures that no matter what you build—or how long you’ve been in the hobby—you’ll find your place at NordicCon.
Extensive Category Breakdown
Juniors
- Ages 9 and under
- Ages 10–13
- Ages 14–17
Aircraft
- Biplanes & fabric aircraft
- 1/72 single & multi-engine props
- 1/72 jets & rockets
- 1/144 all aircraft
- 1/48 props and jets
- 1/32+ large scale
- Helicopters
- Misc (drones, gliders)
- Basic Kit Build category
Military Vehicles
- Basic, Intermediate, Advanced levels
Figures
- 54mm and smaller
- 70mm and larger
- Busts
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy figures
Automotive
- Large scale (1/18+)
- Small scale (1/32 and smaller)
- Factory stock
- Hot rods, street rods
- Street machines
- Competition vehicles
- Trucks
- Weathered vehicles
- Curbside builds
- Basic Kit Build
Ships
- 1/600 and smaller
- 1/350–1/500
- 1/200 and larger
- Submarines
Sci-Fi & Space
- Sci-Fi builds
- Gundam
- Scratch-built conversions
- Real spacecraft & missiles
Dioramas
- Military
- Non-military
Miscellaneous
- General builds
- Trifecta entries
- Collections (5+)
- Scratch-built models (51%+)
Additional Categories
- Wargaming
- 3D Printed Kits
Special Awards – One of the Most Extensive Lists Anywhere
NordicCon features a huge range of specialty awards, including:
- Best Aircraft (Prop & Jet)
- Best Armor
- Best Figure
- Best Ship
- Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
- Best Diorama
- Best Youth
- Best Modern Military Best WWII / WWI Subjects
- Best Experimental Aircraft
- Best Competition Vehicle
- Best Airline (Dave DeBace Memorial)
- David Huffmeier Memorial Award (Best Luftwaffe Aircraft)
- Best Polish Subject
- Judges’ Choice
- People’s Choice
…and many more specialized awards recognizing niche subjects and modeling excellence.
Judging Format
NordicCon utilizes structured judging across categories, including:
Standard competitive judging
Skill-based levels in some categories
Dedicated “Basic Kit Build” categories
Basic Kit Build Rules:
- Instructions must be included
- Designed to promote clean builds and craftsmanship
This balance of competitive and skill-based judging allows beginners and advanced modelers to compete fairly.
A Premier Midwest Vendor & Community Event
In addition to the contest, NordicCon features:
- Extensive vendor presence
- Aftermarket accessories
- Rare and collectible kits
- Tools, paints, and supplies
- Networking opportunities
It’s one of the best shopping events of the year for Midwest modelers.
Why NordicCon Matters
At www.AFVhobbyhub.com, we recognize NordicCon as one of the most important regional modeling events in the country.
Events like this:
- Promote advanced modeling techniques
- Encourage younger builders
- Showcase cutting-edge work
- Strengthen the modeling community
- Bring together multiple IPMS and modeling organizations
Contact Information
Contest Chairperson
Bob Maderich robertmaderich69@hotmail.com
Plan Your Visit
September 26, 2026, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. With its unmatched category depth, extensive awards, and large vendor presence, NordicCon 2026 is truly one of the must-attend model shows in the Midwest.
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