Welcome to the Houston Automotive Modeler’s Society (HAMS), a chapter of the International Plastic Modeler Society (IPMS).
We are a relaxed, friendly community of auto-modeling enthusiasts from all walks of life who meet monthly to socialize with people who share our love of modeling and all things automotive. Members and guests are encouraged to bring finished models and “work in progress” projects for “show and tell” each month. Our next meeting is May meeting: Friday 8th. See below for location and meeting details.
You are welcome to bring anything you’re working on, but we also have an optional theme each month to encourage you to bring your theme-related work to the meeting for show and tell. Experts and novices alike freely share their tips and techniques to help you grow in the hobby. Networking with other people also helps you find kit parts, “special deals” and solve your model building puzzles.
We also hold the annual “Space City Shootout” auto-modeling contest which gives everyone the opportunity to showcase their work for a large audience and gain recognition for your accomplishments. The flyer for the 2026 shootout is below.
2026 Space City Shootout
The HAMS club hosts the annual Space City Shootout, and welcomes all builders of model cars or related automotive subjects. The shootout is an opportunity for you to showcase your best work, socialize with other builders and build your stash by shopping from the many vendors who showcase their wares as well.
In addition to the model categories listed below, we have a special theme each year. This year there are two special themes and theme awards.
The Route 66 theme calls for models of any car, truck, or motorcycle that appeared in the TV show Route 66. Your model does not have to be exact replica, and since the show was in black and white, you’re free to use any colors you like.
The Salvinos J R theme is open to any Salvinos J R model. Jim Rogers of Salvinos will be at the show.
There is also a Masters category for kits that have previously won “Best of..” awards at other IPMS-sponsored competitions. See the contest page for details.
CLICK HERE FOR 2026 CONTEST DETAILS =>
CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS =>
Explore a curated collection of incredible models created by our talented society members. Click to see details!
Club meetings are held at 7pm on the second Friday of each month at the Tracy Gee Community Center.
Address: 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Next meeting: Friday May 8th.
Meetings run from 7pm to 9pm and we often adjourn to the nearby IHOP for dinner and conversation.
- Come for the monthly “show-and-tell” where you show off your work
- Come for the Hands-on build sessions where you can get help from other members
- Come for the “how-to” sessions where other builders illustrate how they build their masterpieces
- Come for the monthly door prizes (usually model kits)
Note: we occasionally need to reschedule a meeting based on availability of the Community Center. Please check the calendar below for updates.
Club Calendar for the rest of the year
May meeting: Friday 8th
June meeting: Friday 12th
July meeting: Friday 10th
August meeting: Friday 14th
September meeting: Friday 11th
October meeting: Friday 9th
November and December: tbd
Club Group Builds Update:
Chevy II Novas – Done: The plan is to take the Novas to enter in the Club group build category to the shows that have the category. RiverCon in Shreveport will be the first show that we take the Novas to.
60s Truck Group Build – Rules for the build are: Build any 60s Truck and have it finished by our January 10 meeting.
After the 60s Truck Group build, the Dodge Charger will be the next Group Build. That group build will run from Jan-June.
Below are links to some of the podcasts that we talked about at previous meetings.
https://www.youtube.com/live/z33eRRRJ1pI?si=38462sZLeAD3EYAE
The Automotive Podcast – Episode 30 (S2:E15) – Getting Stoked About the Hobby w/Guest Martin Aveyard
The Automotive Podcast – Episode 29 (S2;E14) – Post Nats, Pre-Tariffs – w/Special Guest Terry Jessee
https://youtu.be/w0ekjIJvNz0?si=CHU1bHmLD_KjlGgD
David