Animaga Melbourne 2026 | Plamo Workshop & Activities

Animaga plamo workshop

Discover the world of creativity and craftsmanship at the Animaga Plamo Workshop 2026—a dedicated space where precision meets imagination and the joy of plastic modeling is celebrated! Explore the culture of ‘Plamo,’ the Japanese term for the art of building plastic models, ranging from detailed vehicles and military replicas to iconic anime-inspired figures.

Learn about the history of Plamo, which began in 1961 in Shizuoka, Japan—the home of the country’s first plastic model produced by Aoshima. Today, Shizuoka remains the global center for this hobby, hosting famous industry names like Tamiya and Bandai, which continue to drive the evolution of modeling craftsmanship. Explore the legacy of ‘Gunpla,’ the Gundam-themed plastic models that have been a staple of Japanese culture since 1980. These kits, based on the famous Gundam universe, provide an ideal mix of challenge and ease, featuring snap-fit designs and pre-colored parts that make them accessible to hobbyists of every skill level.

At the Animaga Melbourne Plamo Workshop, attendees of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to discover their inner builder. Whether you are a newcomer interested in starting your first kit or an experienced hobbyist looking to perfect your skills, our area offers a welcoming environment for everyone. Gain practical experience with entry-level kits or work on complex builds while receiving guidance from expert modelers sharing their best tips and techniques.

The workshop serves as a creative center where essential tools like nippers are provided, though builders are always welcome to bring their own favorite equipment and projects. View impressive displays of painted and customized models, discuss your work with other fans, and enjoy the community atmosphere that makes the Plamo hobby so unique.

Keep an eye out for more information regarding specific activities for the Animaga Melbourne Plamo Workshop in 2026. This is a great chance to connect with fellow builders and celebrate the art of plastic modeling in an inspiring setting at the MCEC!

A celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and mecha mastery.

Are you prepared to showcase your model-building skills? Whether you are a first-time builder or a seasoned professional, the Melbourne Gunpla & Plamo Taikai at Animaga 2026 invites you to join fellow hobbyists in one of Melbourne’s most anticipated scale model competitions. This is your opportunity to exhibit your hard work, meet other fans, and stand alongside builders of all ages and skill levels at the MCEC. This competition embraces all styles—from clean, out-of-box builds to fully painted dioramas and custom scratch builds. With categories designed for young builders, newcomers, and experienced veterans, everyone has a place in the showcase.

🏆 Categories:

Under 18
Unpainted
Painted
Master Category

📋 Rules:

For weekend pass holders, guests, volunteers, and committee members only, unless prior arrangements are made.
Entries must be submitted before Saturday noon at Animaga and collected on Sunday at end of day.
Accepted entries include any plastic scale model kit, 3D print, or sculpture that has appeared in an anime or anime-like work. This rule is loosely enforced to encourage artistic freedom and creativity.
Transport packaging may be stored safely on-site during the event.
The competition welcomes all types of builds: out-of-box, modified, painted, snapped, scratch-built kits, and full dioramas.

🧠 Criteria:

Each model will be judged out of 9 points across three areas:

Quality of construction
Quality of painting
Creativity and originality

On request, participants may receive feedback from the judges highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. Whether you’re competing for glory or simply to grow your skills, our judges are here to support your journey.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Only designated judges will handle your model if necessary, and every effort will be made to ensure it is treated with care. However, Animaga accepts no responsibility for any damage.
Any unclaimed or abandoned models will be transferred to Salt Mine Hobby Shop for collection and stored for up to 12 months.

Looking to try your first plastic model kit or just want to sit down and build something cool during your Animaga weekend? Head over to the Plamo Area, where you can join one of our Free Kit Build Sessions, generously supported by Hobbyco and Rhypla Builds.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s built dozens of kits before, we’ve got something for you — and it’s totally free to join.

Each session gives you the chance to sit down, snap together a kit, and experience the joy of building. You’ll be guided by friendly volunteers who are there to help, answer questions, and cheer you on as you bring your mini masterpiece to life.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we’ll be offering two awesome kits:

30MF Rookie Soldier (Armor Exchange Ver.) for those with a bit of experience or confidence
Bandai Dinosaur Kit for kids, younger fans, or anyone just starting out

We’ll assess each group on the spot and hand out the kit that suits your skill level — whether you’re curious and cautious or ready to challenge yourself with something more advanced.

Sessions run every hour throughout the day, offering plenty of chances to join in. Each session includes a limited number of 10 to 12 kits, featuring a flexible mix of around 5 Rookie Soldier kits and 7 Dinosaur kits. The exact distribution will depend on who’s participating. If we have younger builders or complete beginners, we’ll lean toward the dinosaur kits. More experienced fans may be offered the Rookie Soldier for an extra challenge.

There’s no need to bring anything with you. Just head over to the Plamo Area, make a quick on-site booking when you arrive, take a seat, and get ready to build. Our goal is to provide a fun, relaxed, and creative environment where everyone can enjoy model building at their own pace.

Come build with us!