Scale ModelWorld, Telford

Scale ModelWorld is organised and run by the International Plastic Modellers' Society, better known as IPMS UK. It's a two day show held every November, usually on the second weekend of the month, at The International Centre in Telford, Shropshire, and it uses all four of the venue's halls.

The numbers give a sense of the size. IPMS UK lists 100+ traders, over 100 UK branches and over 90 special interest groups, and a dedicated area for over 20 overseas clubs. Between them they put thousands of models on display, from aircraft, armour and ships to cars, science fiction and, yes, a great many painted figures.

At the centre of it all is the IPMS UK Annual Model Competition, which IPMS UK calls internationally renowned. Members from IPMS societies around the globe bring their work to Telford, and anyone with a ticket can walk the tables and look.

Who it's for

The main audience is people who build and paint plastic kits. Figure painters are firmly part of that crowd, which is why the show is worth a trip even if you mostly paint fantasy and sci-fi miniatures. IPMS UK's own list of special interest groups for 2026 includes a Sci-Fi and Fantasy group, alongside groups for mecha, film and TV subjects and military figures.

It isn't a wargames show, so don't expect rows of tournament tables. Go for the painting, the competition and the trade. Seeing how modellers handle weathering, metal finishes and display bases can give your own miniatures a real lift.

Scale ModelWorld 2026 runs on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. The doors open at the same time both days, but Saturday runs later, so if you want a long, unhurried look at everything, Saturday is the day to pick.

Scale ModelWorld has a simple ticket rule: you only need a ticket if you aren't a member of IPMS. Members of any IPMS society anywhere in the world get in free on their membership card, and an hour earlier than the public. Everyone else buys a day ticket.

The show is at The International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4JH. For sat nav, use the postcode TF3 4JH.

By car and parking

The International Centre is just over two miles from junction 4 of the M54, which links to the M6 near Wolverhampton. IPMS UK gives rough drive times of about 45 minutes from central Birmingham, an hour and a half from Manchester, an hour and three quarters from Bristol, and around two and a quarter hours from Leeds or the M25. Its travel page has turn by turn directions from the M6 and the M6 Toll.

There are over 1,500 parking spaces on site, within easy walking distance of the halls. IPMS UK doesn't state a parking price on its travel page, so budget for a charge just in case. It also links a list of Telford town centre car parks if you'd rather park in town.

By train and bus

The nearest station is Telford Central, just over a mile away, and a taxi takes a few minutes. Trains run regularly from Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, and there's a regular bus from the station. IPMS UK also mentions a free minibus from the station, marked "to be confirmed", so check nearer the time.

From further away

Flying in? IPMS UK points to Birmingham Airport, less than an hour away by road, with trains from Birmingham International to New Street and on to Telford. For an overnight stay, the organiser's site has a page on accommodation near the venue. Full details are on the IPMS UK travel page.

The IPMS UK Annual Model Competition

The competition is the heart of the show. IPMS UK describes nearly 100 classes plus more than 50 special trophies, so there's a huge range of subjects on the tables. Anyone visiting can walk round and look at the entries, and that's half the fun. Look out for the figure entries in particular; they're well worth a slow lap.

Entering is a different matter. The competition is open to any member of an IPMS society in any affiliated country, seniors and juniors alike, and IPMS UK says it especially welcomes juniors. Every entry must be registered in advance with the Competition Secretary using the online entry form; there's no registering on the day. Your entry cards arrive by email, and the rules and class list change every year, so read the current version on the IPMS UK competition page rather than last year's.

International trade

With 100+ traders, the trade halls are a big draw. IPMS UK says manufacturers often use the show to announce new releases, and that most specialist book publishers, major model retailers and modelling magazines from the UK and Europe come along. Traders travel from as far as China, Japan and the USA. Expect kits, books, magazines and plenty of new releases to browse.

Clubs and special interest groups

IPMS UK branches from all over the country put on displays, and so do the special interest groups, each focused on a subject. There's an overseas area for clubs from abroad too. This is where you'll find some of the best ideas: club members are usually happy to explain how a model was built and painted.

Talks, make and paint, and a charity sale

IPMS UK lists talks and presentations, with the line-up to be confirmed. There's a make and paint session run by one of the IPMS branches, where anyone can try building and painting a model, which is ideal if you've brought someone new to the hobby. And a charity sale called "Give an Old Model a New Home" offers built models and magazines, with donations going through the society's Technical Advisory Service.

The kit swap

Scale ModelWorld is also known for its kit swap, where modellers sell their surplus kits. IPMS members usually get first go in the morning, with everyone welcome later in the day. IPMS UK's own 2026 pages don't describe it yet, so check before you pack a box of kits to sell.

Food and drink

There's food and drink inside, including a coffee bar, a food servery in Hall 3 and a bar that opens late morning on Saturday. Opening times for each outlet are on the organiser's catering page and may change on the day.

Tips for miniature painters

Take a notebook or use your phone's notes. When a figure stops you in your tracks, jot down what caught your eye: a colour combination, the way a base was finished, how a cloak was shaded. The modellers' approach to bases and metal finishes is often different from what you'll see at a wargames show, and that's exactly why it's useful.

Look at how competition figures are presented too. Plinths, name plates and clean edges all matter on a competition table. If you're new to painting and come home inspired, our guide to painting your first miniature is a good place to start.

We Print Miniatures isn't connected with the show; we've written this guide for anyone thinking of going. For other shows, see our miniature events around the world and the UK hobby calendar. November is a busy month: Warfare in Farnborough and Battleground in Middlesbrough are in it too. If modelling shows are your thing, look at Euro Model Expo in Lingen as well.