Animaga plamo workshop
Step into the world of Plamo at Animaga Sydney 2026 — where creativity meets craftsmanship and plastic model kits come to life. Plamo, short for plastic models, has been a cornerstone of Japanese hobby culture for decades, ranging from detailed vehicles and dioramas to anime-inspired masterpieces.
At our Plamo Workshop, fans of all ages and skill levels will have the chance to try their hand at model building. Whether you’re discovering the hobby for the first time or you’re an experienced builder refining your skills, there’s a place for you at the table. Tools and beginner-friendly kits will be available, while advanced builders are welcome to bring their own projects and share tips with fellow enthusiasts.
Learn about the history of Plamo, from its roots in Shizuoka, Japan — home to legendary companies like Tamiya and Bandai — to the rise of Gunpla, the iconic Gundam models beloved worldwide. Explore the artistry, precision, and imagination that make this hobby so enduring.
The workshop space is not just for building — it’s also a hub of community. Swap tips, admire customised displays, and celebrate the joy of creating something with your own hands.
More Plamo activities and special sessions will be announced as we get closer to the event. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, Animaga Sydney 2026’s Plamo Workshop promises to be an inspiring and hands-on experience you won’t want to miss.
Step into the spotlight and celebrate the art of mecha mastery, custom figure creation, and scale modeling! The Sydney Gunpla & Plamo Taikai invites hobbyists of all experience levels to display their incredible craftsmanship. Whether you are assembling your very first kit or bringing years of custom building expertise, this is your moment to share your passion at the ICC Sydney.
We welcome every style imaginable—from straight out-of-the-box snaps to intricate, fully painted dioramas and custom models. With specific categories for youth, beginners, and seasoned veterans, there is a spot on the display tables for everyone.
🏆 Competition Categories
Under 18
Unpainted
Painted
Master Class
📋 Entry Guidelines
Participation is reserved for weekend pass holders, official guests, volunteers, and committee members (unless alternate arrangements are secured in advance).
Please submit your models before midday on Saturday at Animaga, and collect them by the end of the day on Sunday.
We accept a wide variety of entries, including plastic scale kits, custom models, or sculptures inspired by anime or anime-adjacent media. We enforce this guideline loosely to promote ultimate artistic freedom!
Safe on-site storage is available for your transport packaging during the convention.
All build types are celebrated: out-of-box, modified, fully painted, snap-builds, scratch-built creations, and expansive dioramas.
🧠 Judging Criteria
Our expert panel will evaluate each piece out of a total of 9 points, focusing on three core areas:
Construction Quality
Painting Execution
Creativity & Originality
Upon request, builders can receive direct feedback from the judging team to highlight strengths and identify areas for future growth. Our judges are here to cheer you on and help you elevate your craft!
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Only our designated judging team will handle your creations if moving them is required. We make every effort to treat your work with the utmost care; however, Animaga assumes zero liability for potential damage. Any models left unclaimed after the event will be securely transferred to Salt Mine Hobby Shop, where they will be held for collection for up to 12 months.
- Where: Animaga Plamo Area
- All-Day Event
Build Your Own Masterpiece: Free Plamo Sessions
Looking to dive into the world of plastic model building, or simply want a relaxing spot to snap together something awesome during your Animaga weekend? Head over to the Plamo Area and join our Free Kit Build Sessions, proudly supported by our incredible sponsors, Hobbyco and Rhypla Builds.
Whether you are a complete beginner who has never held a pair of nippers, or a seasoned builder with a shelf full of mecha, these sessions are entirely free to join and designed for everyone!
Take a seat, snap your kit together, and experience the relaxing joy of model building. Our friendly team of volunteers will be right there with you to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and cheer you on as your creation comes to life.
What We Are Building
Thanks to our sponsors, we have an amazing lineup of kits available. When you sit down, our team will have a quick chat with you to gauge your experience level and hand you the perfect kit for your session:
Bandai Dinosaur Kits: Fantastic for kids, younger fans, or anyone completely new to the hobby who wants a fun, easy start.
RX-78 Kits: The absolute classic! Perfect for anime fans wanting to build the iconic granddaddy of mecha.
30MF Rookie Soldier (Armor Exchange Ver.): Ideal for builders who have a little more confidence and are looking for a fun, customizable challenge.
How to Join
Hourly Sessions: Sessions run every hour throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunities to participate.
Limited Spots: Each session accommodates a cozy group of 10 to 12 builders. We provide a flexible mix of the Dinosaur, RX-78, and Rookie Soldier kits tailored specifically to the skill levels of the people sitting at the table.
Just Show Up: There is absolutely no need to bring your own tools or kits! Simply head over to the Plamo Area, make a quick on-site booking for an available timeslot, and get ready to build.
Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming, and creative environment where fans of all ages can enjoy the art of model building at their own pace. Come build with us!
- Where: Animaga Plamo Area
- All-Day Event