Our monthly (January to October) competition table never fails to delight and impress and always features an eclectic array of models showcasing the diversity of interests and abilities that our club is proud to support. Any model of any scale or subject is eligible for the monthly competition, though we do have an annual theme and trophies for certain subjects, as detailed below. Winners are voted for by the membership and each month there is a £10 Parabellum gift voucher up for grabs as well – but you’ve got to be in it to win it!
In November, we have our AGM and the legendary “Beer Mat Challenge”, sponsored by Parabellum, which involves creating a diorama the size of… well… a beer mat, which has led to some very creative, funny and downright astonishing submissions.
See the table below for all of our competition trophies and subjects. Each year, an annual theme is chosen, and models relating to that theme form the central display of our club stand at Scale ModelWorld that year. Notable previous themes have included “silver screen”, “feline” and “mythology”, by way of example – participation in the theme is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory!
A trophy will only be awarded if there is more than one eligible entry in the relevant category in the 10 months of January to October each year.
competition themes, trophies and categories:
| Trophy | Subject Matter |
| Eager Beaver Trophy | Given to the Club’s most prolific modeller of the year; i.e. the most competition entries |
| Three of a Kind | Three models, submitted at the same time, linked by a common idea or theme |
| Jaguar Trophy | Anything with a jaguar theme or connection (not just cars!) |
| Best All-Rounder | A car, a ship, a plane and a figure presented by one person during the year |
| Hudson Trophy | Best conversion – not just different decals! |
| Ivor Dowe Trophy | Best Diorama of the year |
| Flats, Figures and Busts | The top-voted flat, figure or bust |
| Bill Nichols Charity Trophy | Donated kits are drawn at random for £5 each at the December Christmas Meeting. Proceeds are donated to charity. Kits should be built using only paint, glue, and what is in the box. Winner is voted for at the April Monthly Meeting |
| Ron Rowley Trophy | Trophy for the member gaining the most certificates as overall monthly competition winner |
| Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Any models that link to a Science Fiction or Fantasy theme or setting |
| Ron Adams Memorial | Any ship or vessel whose working environment is on or in water |
| Best Russian Aircraft | Any aircraft designed in Russia/USSR, whatever the markings. Alternatively, any aircraft of any origin in authentic Russian/Soviet markings |
| Beer Mat Challenge | A mini-diorama set on a base not more than 110mm x 110mm. The diorama must not overlap the edge of the mat and can be no more than 440mm high |
| Gareth Thomas Memorial | Member of the Year. Chosen by the committee and given to an individual for outstanding service or otherwise distinguishing themselves on behalf of the Club within the previous year. |
IPMS Birmingham 