ACTSMS Blitz Build 2026

What is a blitz build?

The Blitz Build is a fabulous, silly event which can help the modeller blow the cobwebs off and get something completed! The idea is to pick something from your stash, one of those 'bought on a whim and will probably never be built' kits (we all have them) and get it built and on the shelf all in one weekend! The mantra is 'Build it like you are 12 again!' :-) Don't stress the details, don't bother about after-market, just get on with it and BUILD! :-) This is especially good for people who have been working on a big project for months and months - put it aside for one weekend and rediscover the joy of slapping something together quickly! :-)

The original club Blitz Builds were run over a 24 hour period which was a bit challenging! (yes, you can get a model built in 24h) - but with time, we've relaxed the rules to include a whole weekend - from Friday evening to Sunday night - this gives more time for paint and glue to dry and acknowledges that weekend chores still need to get done in and around the modelling frenzy :-)

For the naysayers who think it can't be done, the unofficial ACTSMS Blitz record is (we believe) held by a certain Mr T.M. who managed to build 6 (was it 6 Tony?) models in a weekend! That's from box open, to built, painted, decalled, and sitting on the shelf! So yes, it most definitely can be done!

The whole idea is to have a bit of fun socialising online over the event and set yourself a small challenge by starting and finishing a kit in a short time.

An important aspect of the Blitz is sharing as you go - we encourage you to take photos as you work on your projects and post them up to the Facebook event page - this lets everyone see how you are getting on and provides valuable encouragement to everyone! :-)

Rules:

• Participants are to start a model (or models!) from 7:00pm Friday 24th April 2025 and aim to complete it by midnight, Monday 27 April.

• Proof of commencement and completion needs to be either emailed (address will be supplied) or posted to the discussion tab of the Facebook event here.

• Four good clear photos of each model completed should to be emailed to president@actsms.asn.au or posted to the Facebook event to qualify for judging. 

Prizes:

As the event is running over the ANZAC weekend, we will have the following prizes.

• Best model completed by an Australian modeller will receive a $50 BNA voucher.

• Best model completed by a New Zealand modeller  will receive a $50 BNA voucher.

• Also up for grabs, are bragging rights and a digital trophy created for the country who completes the most number of models!

Judging:

• Once the dust settles, judging will be conducted in the form of Facebook Polls (virtual peoples choice). Winners will then be contacted to obtain your email address so prizes can be emailed to you.

Who can join in:

• While the event is being held over the the ANZAC Day long weekend which is particularly significant for Australian and New Zealand modellers, the blitz is open to all modellers from all-over the globe - so if you wish to participate from outside Australia and New Zealand please join in and have some fun with us!

Connectivity:

• Over the weekend, we will have several online catch-ups by clicking on the following blue text Google Meet. This will take you to the page to explain how you can join in.

Cost:

• Nadda - Zip - nothing! There is no cost for participating! :-)

Advice:

• Dig through your stash and pick smaller, simple kits. Older kits that have been superseded by newer / better releases make great Blitz subjects (let's face it, you aren't going to build them otherwise!)

• Check your glue / paint supplies beforehand - it's a pain to find you've run out of the colour you need at 10 in the evening! 

• Superglue is your friend for high-speed work :-)