Gather your sprues, get out the glue, shake up the paint and fire up the airbrush… the Thirty-Fifth annual High Plains Con is coming! Save the date, Saturday, October 10, 2026 10:00am.
Being held at the Ranch Events Center/Larimer County Fairgrounds Thomas M. McKee Building – 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538
A Returning Favorite
Back by popular demand is the People’s Choice Award where the attendees can vote to choose their favorite model at the show.
Two New Subcategories Added This Year
In the Dioramas category, we are adding a Vignette subcategory. Following the IPMS/USA definition, a Vignette (Small Composition), that includes one vehicle and/or no more than 5 figures, designed as a small, focused scene rather than a large, multi-vehicle diorama. The composition is typically a single focal point with minimal surrounding detail.
And in the Miscellaneous and Fantasy category, we are adding a Gundam/Gunpla subcategory. IPMS/USA recognizes Gundam models (Gunpla) as a distinct and growing segment in the scale model community. Gundam builds often use kit-bashing, conversions, and painted finishes, which differ from traditional plastic model judging.
Event Special Theme, Route 66 – 100 Years.
Route 66 – 100 Years
Route 66 is an indelible symbol of American freedom and adventure that has shaped the history and culture of the United States for 100 years. Join us as we celebrate this one-time ever event as our special theme for 2026.
Entry Fees
- Entry fee is $15, for up to three models.
- Add $1 for each additional model over three.
- Juniors (under 18) entries are free.
Entry forms must be filled out in person. Be ready to provide your name, email, address, and IPMS member number, if applicable. For each model we ask for the category, subject and kit manufacturer, and scale.
Event Categories
We reserve the right to split/combine categories or add new categories without notice. All our usual model categories are back this year, including Junior Categories. Click on the Category List for more information.
Category List
| Category ID | Category Name |
|---|---|
| 100s | AIRCRAFT: |
| 101 | MILITARY SINGLE ENGINE PROPELLER (1/72 & Smaller) |
| 102 | MILITARY: SINGLE ENGINE PROPELLER (1/48 to 1/50) |
| 103 | MILITARY: SINGLE ENGINE PROPELLER (1/32 & Larger) |
| 104 | MILITARY: MULTI ENGINE PROPELLER (1/72 & Smaller) |
| 105 | MILITARY: MULTI ENGINE PROPELLER (1/48 & Larger) |
| 106 | MILITARY: SINGLE JET (1/72 & Smaller) |
| 107 | MILITARY: SINGLE JET (1/48 & Larger) |
| 108 | MILITARY: MULTI ENGINE JET (1/72 & smaller) |
| 109 | MILITARY: MULTI ENGINE JET (1/48 & Larger) |
| 110 | CIVIL: SPORT, RACING, COMMERCIAL (ALL SCALES) |
| 111 | ROTARY WING (ALL SCALES) |
| 112 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 200s | CIVILIAN VEHICLES: |
| 201 | CARS (ALL SCALES) |
| 202 | LIGHT TRUCKS (ALL SCALES) |
| 203 | COMPETITION (ALL SCALES) |
| 204 | COMMERCIAL (ALL SCALES) |
| 205 | HEAVY TRUCKS (ALL SCALES) |
| 206 | MOTORCYCLES (ALL SCALES) |
| 207 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 300s | DIORAMAS: |
| 301 | DIORAMAS (ALL SCALES) |
| 302 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 303 | VIGNETTES (ALL SCALES) |
| 400s | MISCELLANEOUS & FANTASY: |
| 401 | MISCELLANEOUS (ALL SCALES) |
| 402 | FANTASY (ALL SCALES) |
| 403 | MISCELLANEOUS & FANTASY: JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 404 | GUNDAM/GUNPLA (ALL SCALES) |
| 500s | MILITARY VEHICLES: |
| 501 | TANKS (1/72 SCALE) |
| 502 | TANKS (1/48 SCALE) |
| 503 | TANKS (1/35 SCALE) |
| 504 | SOFT SKIN (1/72 SCALE) |
| 505 | SOFT SKIN (1/48 SCALE) |
| 506 | SOFT SKIN (1/35 SCALE) |
| 507 | HALF-TRACKS & ARMORED VEHICLES (1/72 SCALE) |
| 508 | HALF-TRACKS & ARMORED VEHICLES (1/48 SCALE) |
| 509 | HALF-TRACKS & ARMORED VEHICLES (1/35 SCALE) |
| 510 | ARTILLERY PIECES (ALL SCALES) |
| 511 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 600s | SPACECRAFT: |
| 601 | SCIENCE FICTION (ALL SCALES) |
| 602 | REAL (ALL SCALES) |
| 603 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 700s | NAUTICAL: |
| 701 | SMALLER THAN 1/350 SCALE |
| 702 | 1/350 SCALE |
| 703 | LARGER than 1/350 SCALE |
| 704 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| 800s | FIGURES: |
| 801 | ALL SCALES |
| 802 | JUNIOR (ALL SCALES) |
| SPECIAL | CONTEST THEME: |
| Route 66 – 100 Years (ALL SCALES) |
Event categories are subject to changes/additions.
Sponsorship Information
Sponsorships help make the event happen. Sponsors names along with links for companies and clubs will be displayed on below and around the show floor.
To sponsor the High Plains Con or an award category, please send an email* to Michael Adams.
Available Sponsorships:
- Individual Category and Division Sponsorships $30.00 each
- Best of [Category] Sponsorships $50 each
- Best in Show/Best Theme/People’s Choice Sponsorships $75 each
- All sponsorships are available unless marked otherwise.
- Indicates an HPM Member
Sponsors – Best in Show, Best Theme, People’s Choice Awards:
- Best in Show Award
- Best Theme Award
- HPM Gary E. Moore President’s Award – Dennis Book
- People’s Choice Award
Sponsors – Best of Category Awards:
- Best Aircraft
- Best Auto
- Best Armor
- Best Diorama
- Best Miscellaneous
- Best Figures
- Best Nautical – In Memory of Tony DuMosch
- Best Spacecraft
- Best Junior (under 18)
- Best Groundwork
Sponsors – Categories
- Aircraft
- Civilian Vehicles
- Dioramas
- Miscellaneous & Fantasy
- Military Vehicles
- Spacecraft
- Nautical
- Figures
Vendor Information
Update: 7-28-26, 7 Vendor Tables Already Claimed.
- For vendor tables please send an email* to Michael Adams. to reserve your tables.
- Vendor Fee: $25.00 per 8 feet of table space.
- Vendor Load-in Begins at 9:00am
- Tables are available on a first come first serve basis & must be reserved in advance.
Important Notes
- Please note that pricing may be subject to change before the contest date.
- Cash or check only. Sorry, no credit cards accepted.
- Due to Venue limitations, electricity is NOT available for vendors or modelers.
- While all reasonable efforts are made to prevent damage to any model, High Plains Modelers accept no responsibility for any damages to the entries. Modelers are responsible for their own models, and they must be picked up by the end of the show.
- Judges may handle the entries – as a last resort – in accordance with the IPMS/Nationals rules.
- Spam Notice, if your email is unsolicited spam in nature, your ability submit forms, or email HPM will be blocked at our discretion.