Euro Scale Modelling 2025

By Matt Bittner

Being an ExPat living in the European Union (EU) I’m now able to attend different (and different types) of model shows than I was privy to in the United States (US). One thing most US modelers don’t understand is that a lot of the EU shows rotate around Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The focus of SIGs at these shows sometimes means the model competition has smaller entries. This was definitely true of the 2025 Euro Scale Modelling show, where there were maybe around 300 models entered. Definitely a smaller turnout than, say, an IPMS/USA Nationals where there are thousands of entered models.

My day started early, as I had an almost two hour bus and train ride to the venue, the Expo Houten in Houten, just south of Utrecht, Netherlands. I left the house at 0746 and arrived at the venue around 0950; the event hadn’t even started since the doors weren’t opening until 1000. Thankfully the bus from Utrecht Centraal took me to almost the front door of Expo Houten, which meant I didn’t get lost.

One great aspect of IPMS/Nederlands (and maybe other EU IPMS groups) is that if you are a member of another IPMS national group, attendance is free. Otherwise the cost was only €10, a bargain by any other name. There were two halls, the first was primarily the IPMS/Nederlands SIGs, while the second hall was SIGs from other countries, as well as all the vendors. While it wasn’t to the level of an IPMS/USA Nationals, it was definitely larger than most US Regionals. The SIGs were scattered throughout the second hall, in amongst the vendors.

There were a few well-know companies, such as Dora Wings and Germania Figuren, etc. Some of the SIGs included SIG Oost Europa, SIG Scandinavië, etc., while the first hall that was primarily IPMS/Nederlands SIGs included SIG Nederlandse Militaire Luchtvaart, IPMS-NL Regio Oost, etc. The level of the SIGs was in no way lesser than what you would see on the competition tables. All models were first rate and top notch. And of course, the competition models were also outstanding. Another aspect not seen in the US is card modeling. There was a vendor that specialized in it as well as a number of displays of nothing but card models.

It was an enjoyable day and I spent many hours looking at everything. I even met members of IPMS/Nederlands to which I also applied. Thankfully I was able to keep myself in budget, making for a happy return home. While I am unsure of the location for next year, I do know it's 28 November 2026.