Fellow AFV modelers:

AMPS 2019 is almost here (May 9-11) and online pre-registration will close on midnight April 30th. If you have never pre-registered, but still debating whether you should; just try it! You'll be glad you did. The advantages outweigh putting it off and registering when you arrive at the show. It sure beats getting to the show and having to list all (let alone remember) the work you did to each model entry as people around you are heading to the vendor room or leaving it with an armload of kits and aftermarket goodies.

Pre-registration really does help members get maximum enjoyment from the show by having all paperwork completed ahead of time in the comfort of your own home, desk or wherever you get your best modeling done and having registration fees paid BEFORE you arrive. This way, all the hard earned cash you bring can be spent in the vendors' room. So, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT to pre-register and complete the forms for the models you intend to bring. NOTE: Print those forms and stick them right in your storage box for the models! We want to make sure your time is well spent, and these little items of attention will go a long way to helping your AMPS volunteers to keep the show flowing!


Judging Certification and Call for Volunteers:

AMPS is offering both Judge's and Table Captain's Certification training at the AMPS 2019 International Convention. This training will be on 9 May 2019, at the Buffalo Grand Hotel (formerly the Adam's Mark Hotel), Buffalo, NY. The Judge’s Certification training will be held at 5:00-7:00 PM in the Ontario Room and the Table Captain’s Certification training will be held, 5:00-6:00 PM in the Michigan Room.

Judge’s Certification Training: The purpose of Judge’s Certification training is to build a corps of judges who understand and can consistently apply the AMPS judging criteria at the local, regional and international levels of competition. The certification process includes two hours of classroom instruction on the AMPS Judging Criteria. In addition, each candidate must successfully perform at least two judging sessions as a Field Judge. Upon successfully completing this certification process the candidates will be awarded certification as an AMPS Judge. Guaranteed, it will improve your modeling game.

Table Captain’s Certification Training: The purpose of this training is to focus on leadership and managing the flow at the judging table. In order to take the Table Captain's Certification training each candidate must be AMPS certified judges and have judged at previous AMPS international and regional competitions. This training offers candidates an opportunity to take a closer look at leading a judging table and requires participating in at least two judging shifts as a Table Captain. Upon successfully completing this certification process the candidates will be awarded certification as an AMPS Table Captain.

Diorama/Vignette Judges Training: This training session will be conducted on 10 May 2019, 8:00-9:00 AM in the Ontario Room. The purpose of this training is to acquaint judges to the specific criteria and techniques for judging Dioramas and Vignettes. This training is highly encouraged for any modeler who wants to expand their judging knowledge.

If you are interested in any of these training opportunities, reach out via e-mail toMike Petty through the AMPS web-site at http://amps-armor.org/SiteMain/AboutAMPS.aspx#Executive

Additionally, you can contact Dave Vickers at [email protected] if you are interested in Diorama/Vignette judges training.


Raffle Donations:

We are still looking for the following items in new or unused condition and complete:

newer released kits, figures (resin and plastic), aftermarket sets (conversions and upgrades), reference materials and diorama-related items (structures, furniture, vegetation, trees, etc.).

If you've got some items for donation, drop Frank Ciccarella, our AMPS 'Raffle King' at [email protected] to let him know that you would like to donate and what you are providing. Once you arrive at the show you can drop them off with Frank or his always cheerful raffle crew who will kindly take them off your hands.

As many of you already know, the proceeds from the raffle goes directly into the AMPS treasury to help supplement the Boresight (along with membership dues), show supplies to include medals and awards, and donations to various armor preservation projects. For those who have contributed to this year's show and past contributors, a big thank you for helping make the AMPS raffle one of the many anticipated events throughout the convention weekend.

It takes volunteers doing all kind of jobs to help make a successful show for everyone, regardless of the job. If you are still undecided about judging, consider volunteering some time to help out in other ways like being a Runner, Ram Rod, Security or some administrative duties like registration. Even volunteering for a shift in one of these jobs will help out the dedicated show crew and all the volunteers who are working to make the show the best one yet! Check out the AMPS homepage (amps-armor.org) to find POCs to volunteer.


Till the next AMPS 2019 Show Announcement, build on!

Chuck Willis
AMPS Public Information Officer