In addition to competing in the standard classes and categories, the 2026 contest will include a series of special categories created by the sponsor committee and some key sponsors. We encourage you to peruse the list and check whether something you are bringing will fit or maybe build something new to match. The model registration will include a place to indicate which special categories your model fits.
Please note that these awards will be judged by the sponsoring party or a designee and might not strictly follow IPMS/USA judging rules.
We look forward to seeing your work on the tables and hope you participate in these categories.
- Happy Birthday America - The American Revolution: Any figure of American Revolutionary War soldiers (American or British) or a Founding Father (e.g.: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin) or any diorama depicting an event representative of the American Revolution (Washington crossing the Delaware, The Boston Tea Party, the Shot Heard ‘Round the World, etc.).
- Truck Town USA - International Harvester: Any International Harvester model (semi tractor, cement mixer, farm machinery, construction equipment, Scout, etc.) or any diorama with International Harvester as a main component.
- Gundam RX-78 - Back to the Beginning: Any variant of RX-78, from any manufacturer, or any diorama featuring an RX-78 variant.
- 60th Anniversary of Star Trek: Any vehicle, figure, or diorama from the entire Star Trek franchise.
- 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland: Any British or German WWI ship or any diorama containing such ships.
- All American Red, White, and Blue (Presented by Adam-David Stephenson): Any aircraft or helicopter sporting an American-themed red, white and blue motif ( e.g., bicentennial, flag scheme, US Thunderbirds) including aircraft in a diorama or vignette.
- United States Marine Corps (Sponsored by John Fluck): Any USMC figure, vehicle, or aircraft, or any diorama or vignette containing such vehicle, figures, or aircraft.
- Best United States Navy Aircraft Carrier, Amphibious Assault Ship, or Auxiliary Ship (Sponsored by Nora Figueroa, CWO4, USMC (Ret.) & John Figueroa DSC(SW), US Navy (Ret.)): Any US Navy aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ship, or auxiliary ship, from any era, or a diorama or vignette containing any such ship.