International Model Competition

The International Model Competition returns for a new edition at the Musée des Blindés in Saumur!

For more than 30 years, the Armored Museum of Saumur has welcomed military model-making enthusiasts for a weekend who meet in this unique setting, at the foot of their steel models.

The 2024 edition uses the formula that makes up the DNA of this competition: a historical theme, a demanding competition, an exhibition of more than 400 models at the foot of armored vehicles in the museum rooms, stands selling specialized equipment, demonstrations by a guest recognized in the field, on-site catering outlets, guided tours of the museum's reserves and dynamic demonstrations of armored vehicles...
2024 also offers new features such as, among other things, a space dedicated to remote-controlled models and introductory workshops for children!

The ambition of the Musée des Blindés is clear: to increase the strength of this event to reinforce its unique, international and essential character for the community of modelers.

THE COMPETITION, INSTRUCTIONS:
The competition is open to all models presenting a land vehicle - armored or not - dating from 1900 to the present day (in line with the museum's collection). Each participant will choose to compete in one of 10 categories - standards and masters - which allows different techniques, levels, ages, scales and creativity to express themselves!

The most experienced offer their model in the master categories, and in particular in the most anticipated of the competition: the theme. This changes every year and 2024 naturally turns to “1944: the year of the landings”. All the landings taking place in 1944 throughout the world are expected.

A PROGRAM FOR ALL AUDIENCE:
- EXHIBITORS
Competitors and other modelers are also invited to reveal their works to the public. There, no more limits: the themes are as broad as the imagination of these enthusiasts and boats, planes, figurines rub shoulders with armored vehicles and motorized vehicles of all sizes. Some come individually, others in clubs. They all cross France and sometimes our borders for the pleasure of presenting their creations to the public and discussing with their peers in a beautiful atmosphere of exchange and conviviality.

- TRADERS
Specialized traders are also responding to the call for this event. On their stands they offer everything you need, and much more, to indulge your passion for modeling: glues, materials, small tools but also models to assemble from all brands. 2024 will have its share of new stands to welcome! Alongside them, artisans also sell their own model kits: unique models to assemble yourself.

– DYNAMIC AND ARMORED DEMONSTRATIONS
Visitors attending the International Armored Museum Model Competition also have the chance to witness dynamic demonstrations of armored vehicles. The 6 vehicles chosen also respect the theme “1944, the landings” and will show all their power and precision on May 19 and 19 in Saumur.
Free, twice a day.

– VISITS TO THE RESERVES
During this event, the Museum also offers tours of its reserves! A rare opportunity supervised by volunteer guides to make the most of it. For conservation and security reasons, groups and visits will be limited.
To reserve a place, it is recommended to book online at the Museum's new ticket office (open from February 10, 2024). A few places will also be offered for sale on site. Price: €5 per person.

NEWS:
– INTRODUCTION STAND FOR CHILDREN
During the two days, a stand is reserved to introduce children to the art of model making! Adapted projects, explanations and tailor-made support, enough to delight Saumur's future competitors.

– GAME: “GET INTO THE CHART!”
Visitors and participants can purchase tickets 30 minutes before each dynamic demonstration. The winners will be drawn at random and will have the unique chance to climb into one of the 6 tanks in the dynamic demonstration and feel the sensations of the tankers.
Possibility of replaying for each draw!
Ticket price: €2.

THE GUESTS :
- Kristof Pulinckx
Trained at the famous Belgian school, he was able to develop his own style and in the 1990s made a name for himself on the international modeling scene. author of countless articles in a multitude of publications and in several languages, he is also very popular for demonstrations at major international exhibitions.
On May 18 and 19, Kristof will play his brush in Saumur to demonstrate his painting techniques to the public and discuss his manufacturing secrets with visitors!

– DAVID GRUMMITT
Editor-in-chief of the magazine "Military Modelcraft International", the first model making magazine in the English language, David Grummitt is an experienced and recognized model maker who is part of the competition jury.