Where precision meets mechanical art.

Step up to the cutting mat and showcase your build prowess! The Sydney Gunpla & Plamo Taikai is landing at Animaga Sydney next March, opening the exhibition cabinets to scale modelers across Australia. Whether you are placing your very first straight-build under the spotlight or entering an extensively kitbashed showpiece, this competition celebrates the patience, artistry, and vision behind every runner clipped.

From immaculate, unpainted snap-fits to complex, airbrushed dioramas complete with realistic battle damage, every build style is celebrated. With entry divisions spanning aspiring junior builders to veteran modelers, the arena is set for the community to share techniques and appreciate fine craftsmanship.

🏆 Divisions & Categories

• Junior Division (Ages 17 & Under): Celebrating the dedication and growing skills of our next-generation builders.

• Straight-Build (Unpainted): Focused on clean assembly fundamentals, nub removal, panel lining, and pure out-of-box presentation.

• Custom Painted: Open to full recolors, airbrushed gradients, custom shading, meticulous weathering, and detailed decal execution.

• Master Class: Reserved for high-tier builds featuring custom scribing, heavy scratch-building, LED integration, kitbashes, and full scenic dioramas.

📋 Competition Guidelines

• Eligibility: Open to all registered convention attendees, crew members, and guest participants.

• Entry Drop-Off: All completed model entries must be delivered to the Plamo Showcase Booth before Saturday at 12:00 PM (Noon).

• Entry Retrieval: Submissions must be picked up from the display cases on Sunday prior to the close of show doors.

• Subject Scope: Any scale kit, garage kit, resin statue, or 3D-sculpted model originating from anime, mecha, gaming, or sci-fi pop culture is welcome. (Our theme guidelines remain broad to support individual creativity.)

• Build Formats: OOB builds, hand-painted finishes, weathered armor, diorama scenes, and fully customized conversions are fully accepted.

• Box Storage: Dedicated storage space is available at the workshop booth during show hours to safeguard your transport cases and packaging.

🧠 Evaluation & Scoring

Submissions are assessed on a 9-point scale across three core pillars:

• Build Execution (3 Points): Alignment accuracy, nub clean-up, absence of stress marks, and seamless part fitment.

• Surface Finish (3 Points): Smooth paint coats, panel line clarity, silvering-free decals, realistic weathering balance, and uniform topcoat protection.

• Vision & Presence (3 Points): Striking stance/posing, balance, color composition, unique kit engineering, and diorama storytelling.

• Judge Critiques: Personalized scoring sheets and constructive guidance are available on request to assist your progression for future builds.

⚠️ Safety & Collection Notices

• Model Security: Show pieces remain secured behind barrier displays. Should handling be required for evaluation, only designated judges will do so with white-glove care. Organizers accept no liability for incidental kit failures.

• Unclaimed Submissions: Kits not collected at the end of the convention weekend will be safely stored for up to 12 months, with collection coordinated via local community pickup.