Events

43rd Annual Northeast Ship Model Conference — April 25, 2026

The Northeast Ship Model Conference is one of the longest-running regional gatherings for ship modelers in the country, bringing together builders of all skill levels for a day of models, demonstrations, and camaraderie. This year’s 43rd edition returned to its longtime home at the Port ‘n Starboard in New London on April 25, with the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild serving as host club. (The host club rotates annually, but the venue remains the same — and for good reason.)

The turnout was strong: over 100 registered attendees plus walk-in visitors, with nearly 100 models on display spanning sail, power, and everything in between.

Continue reading “43rd Annual Northeast Ship Model Conference — April 25, 2026” →

Admiralty Models Workshop Marks a Milestone Transition

By

Ron Neilson

Queenston, Ontario
October 15 & 16, 2025

Since the early 2000s, master ship modeler, and mentor to many, David Antscherl has presented informative, hands-on workshops for ship modelers in partnership with his American colleague, Greg Herbert. This year’s event in Antscherl’s hometown of Niagara-On-The-Lake (NOTL), Canada, focused on “Admiralty” Style & Prototype Framing.

Continue reading “Admiralty Models Workshop Marks a Milestone Transition” →

A Wooden Ship Guy at the IPMS National Convention

I recently attended the 2025 International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) National Convention in Hampton, VA. As someone firmly rooted in the “wooden sticks and strings” side of the hobby, this was my first IPMS event — and I even took the plunge and booked a vendor booth for SeaWatch Books. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I came away impressed by the scale of the show and the enthusiasm of the community.

The convention filled the Hampton Convention Center for four full days. With more than 100 vendors, several hundred contest models, and well over 1,000 attendees, it was easily one of the largest modeling events I’ve attended — certainly bigger than our annual Northeast Joint Clubs Conference.

Continue reading “A Wooden Ship Guy at the IPMS National Convention” →

Northeast Model Ship Enthusiasts Gather for Joint Clubs Conference

The 42nd Annual Northeast Joint Clubs Conference, held on April 26th in New London, Connecticut, was a resounding success! The Ship Model Society of New Jersey (my club) proudly hosted this year’s event, which drew approximately 110 attendees and showcased over 50 models across a diverse range of categories. Alongside the SMSNJ, the participating joint clubs included the Connecticut Marine Model Society, NY Shipcraft Guild, Philadelphia Ship Model Society, and USS Constitution Model Ship Guild.

Continue reading “Northeast Model Ship Enthusiasts Gather for Joint Clubs Conference” →