Australian Model Expo 2026

[buzzbomb]

Kings Birthday weekend 6-8 June 2026

Sandown Entertainment Centre, Springvale, Vic
https://www.modelexpo.com.au/

Best in Show for 2025.. rather superbly painted Pirate Captain Lyra.


Still getting along as a great show with some really excellent models usually turning up.

[Old Wombat]

Not this year (again) but, maybe, next year.

Depends on what the Orange One & his mates do to screw the World up in the meantime.


I want to save enough to do Melbourne for the AME show, then Canberra, Nowra & Cairns for the museums. 

[zenrat]

I can't commit to this until I get a date for my surgery.
I should have a better idea after I see the surgeon 22nd May.

[NARSES2]

Best In Show 2025 is excellent, not OTT at all   

[Rick Lowe]

Looks like a Pirate Girl, not a Glamour version... 

[Old Wombat]

Looks like a Pirate Girl, not a Glamour version... 

Except for the high heels ... I'm disappointed by the high heels. 



The rest is stunning!   

[Rick Lowe]

To be fair, the fashions of the era did include high-ish heels, even for the Guys, but maybe not of quite those proportions - and not at sea.
Helps with defining and enhancing the calves. Or so I understand.

And in my defence, I couldn't see the heels in the original photo...

[buzzbomb]

Except for the high heels ... I'm disappointed by the high heels. 

It was an entry in Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Movie figures, so the need for "historical" context is sort of moot.

If nothing else it demonstrates that 3D model creation is booming in the figure zone. Regardless of the subject, I can tell you the paintwork was extraordinary.

[NARSES2]

If nothing else it demonstrates that 3D model creation is booming in the figure zone. Regardless of the subject, I can tell you the paintwork was extraordinary.

It looks exceptional on screen, let alone in the "flesh" so to speak 

[zenrat]

I shall be attending tomorrow.
Anyone wanting to join Comrade Harps and I on our annual whiff hunting stroll around the displays should be at the Helicopter class table at 1300.

[Steel Penguin]

I hope you ( Zenrat, Comrade Harps, and any others in attendance)  have a great day, and find a few cloaked whifers.
  

[zenrat]

Had a good day.  Caught up with some people.  Got a second for my '48 Ford Woody and a commended for my Universal Carrier "Hedge Trimmer".  The judges had been into my reference material (it was in a different order).  Hopefully they read and enjoyed my back story which I had included in the bag.

Swamp and Smell seemed less crowded that usual and prices seemed up.  The bloke selling Matchbox kits at collector prices was there again. - $90 for a Privateer!.  I asked if I could open a Do 18 box to check the clear parts and he acted like i'd asked if I could deflower his first born.  I bought the Dornier because its a kit I had as a kid and have never seen since.  It wasn't $90 but it was pricey.  When I passed his table on my second lap i don't think he had sold anything else.
I also had a seller complain when I handed him a $50 note to play for a $20 kit.  Apparently if I know I am coming to a Swamp and Smell it is my responsibility to bulk my wallet out with small notes.  No moron, if you know you are selling your kits it is your responsibility to have some f**king change for your customers.
But I spent some money and got some bargains and some not so bargains.  Downstairs in the main hall where everything being sold is new I got tools and supplies.

Comrade Harps and I did the rounds and I took some pics.  There were at least two red Me 163 builds.  Were these whiffs?  We were not sure.
Here are some pics.

Model Expo 2026 - 142 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 138 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 125 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 123 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 85 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 81 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 80 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 66 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Model Expo 2026 - 43 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

More pics here. https://www.flickr.com/photos/156376527@N06/albums/72177720334085257

[Old Wombat]

Good photo set, Fred! 

Nice to see a few familiar builds, too. 

[su27rules]

      

[Nick]

I really like that RAN F-111B. Looks the part. 
Just can't help but wonder what ship it might have flown from?