WASMEx News:  Updated 5 October 2025

Competition News Updates
5 Oct 25

Following a recent committee meeting some changes have been made to the competition.
Those changes are as follows:

1. NEW for 2026 – 7 category “Best Of’s”
2. Some category reductions
3. Dioramas and Vignettes moved under the main genres
4. Hibernating of 3 perpetuals after 2026

NEW FOR 2026 - "Best Ofs"
In addition to the individually assessed Gold, Silver, Bronze gradings and existing perpetual awards, the committee has decided to introduce a group of “Best ofs” for the categories listed below to meet the true nature of a competition.

BEST AIRCRAFT
BEST MILITARY VEHICLE
BEST CIVILIAN VEHICLE
BEST FIGURE / BUST
BEST SCI FI / FANTASY / REAL SPACE
BEST WATERCRAFT
BEST GUNDAM
 
Category Reductions
The category reduction is mainly due to the introduction of the GSB judging.
As each model is judged on its own merit, the distinction between Out of Box (OOB), Enhanced and Modified is no longer relevant. It has also been noticed in more recent times that a kit may be purchased already containing Photoetch and resin parts. Such a kit if built would have to be considered OOB since the additional parts were already included.

Diorama and Vignette categories
Dioramas and Vignettes have been moved to a distinct category under the main genres.
This is to enhance the hall table settings and group the diorama along with the main body of the category.
Examples -
A tank and soldiers crossing a bridge shall now be entered into category 3.4 – Military Vehicles – Diorama / Vignette – OPEN.
An aircraft on a hardstand base with a couple of pieces of service equipment and no people shall now be entered into category 2.5 Aircraft - Diorama / Vignette - OPEN

Hibernating 3 perpetual awards
The committee has decided to place 3 perpetual awards into hibernation after the 2026 show.
Those 3 awards are:
Best US Navy “Tailhook” Award
Best RAF subject Award
Best Co-operative award
The awards may be reinstated in the future but presently the committee has decided to maintain the focus on Australian subjects and themes, and introduce new “best of” awards.

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WASMEx 2026
23 Sep 25

The AGM is over and the new officers as elected are as follows:

President – David Jessett
Secretary – Andy Lawson
Treasurer – Kurt Fischer

Regards and thanks to Steve Loach who stepped down from his dual role of President and Secretary over the last 2 years.

Going forward - the first committee meeting for the planning of the 2026 Expo will be in December – date / location TBA.
The meeting is also open to volunteers who have contacted the committee with an expression of interest in assisting with the preparation and running of the expo.

If you do have interest in volunteering to help, please do send us an email via [email protected] or [email protected].

There are openings for volunteers to assist with administration, publicity, operation, competition and exhibition hall planning and outdoor display planning.

We will contact you following your email to discuss your interest further.

Best Regards – WASMEx 2026 committee.

WASMEx 2025 is Complete

WASMEx 2025 exceeded all expectations. There were 390 models entered into competition - exceeding the previous record by 100 entries. Public attendance was excellent throughout the weekend despite some marginal weather and there were many new faces and first time attendees. This is always a welcome development.
The club and guest displays were outstanding as were the vendor stands.  Prizes and Sponsorship from local stores and interstate (BNA and SMS) were generous and well received.

All feedback from the community has been very positive. 

Thank you to everyone who attended or contributed to this success in any way!


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