The BMSS Annual Show 2021
Owing to the ongoing Covid pandemic and restrictions the 2021 BMSS Annual Show cannot be held at our usual time of the last weekend in April. At present we are hoping to arrange the 2021 Annual Show for Saturday 4th September 2021 at the Reading Central Salvation Army hall in Anstey Road, Reading, RG1 7JR, opposite the Hexagon theatre and Oracle shopping Centre. Unfortunately the Covid pandemic meant that we had to cancel the 2020 Show, so we hope that by delaying the 2021 show it may be possible to hold it on this date. However, It will depend on whatever Covid restrictions may still be in place nearer the time. As soon as we are able to confirm details they will be published on this website. Competition Classes for the BMSS Annual Show 2020
(Competitions are open to all, both BMSS members and non-members. Please note that competition entries close at 13.00.) Class 1: Single foot figures up to 54mm 'standard' size. Class 2: Single foot figures above 54mm size. Class 3: Single mounted figures, any scale. Class 4: Vignettes; two or three figures (any scale) with a common theme, mounted on a common base. Class 5: Groups and dioramas, open or closed, that is four or more figures with or without associated equipment. Groundwork is expected but is not mandatory. Class 6: AFVs, soft skins and artillery, any scale, with or without crew. Where a base is used, this is to be simple; elaborate scenes should be entered in Class 5. Class 7: 'Toy soldiers', any number up to a maximum of thirty. These may be figures sold as toys or their modern equivalent. Figures may be converted and can be presented in any manner. Class 8: Converted and scratchbuilt figures, any scale. A card describing the work done must accompany each entry. Class 9: Busts. That part of the figure above the waist which may include arms. Non-military entries are acceptable but no erotica. Class 10: Non-military pieces, of any type including fantasy figures, but excluding erotica. Class 11: Junior Class. Entrants must be under 18 on the day of the Show. Entries may be single figures, groups, vehicles, etc. Fantasy and war-game figures may be entered in this class. Class 12: Wargame unit class: Wargame units with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 40 related figures, foot or mounted. Fantasy units are acceptable. Class 12: Special theme competition: ‘Celebration’ - the depiction of celebration in a military context. Entries must include at least one figure. |
Special awards - to be selected from any entry in any of the above classes:
President's Medal
Best Irish model soldier (Sponsored by the Irish Model Soldier Society)
Lynn Sangster Award - an award in remembrance of the late Lynn Sangster, for the best model of a subject from the Napoleonic era.
President's Medal
Best Irish model soldier (Sponsored by the Irish Model Soldier Society)
Lynn Sangster Award - an award in remembrance of the late Lynn Sangster, for the best model of a subject from the Napoleonic era.
Also at the Show:
Paint 'n' Take - for young visitors. Paint a model soldier (we will show you how) and take away your figure - all free of charge!
Refreshments available through the day
Paint 'n' Take - for young visitors. Paint a model soldier (we will show you how) and take away your figure - all free of charge!
Refreshments available through the day
The BMSS Annual Show 2019
The 2019 BMSS Annual Show was held on Saturday 27 April at St Saviour's Church Hall in Pimlico, and it was another great day for model soldier enthusiasts. The main hall of trade stands was busy all day, while the competitions in the Pimlico Room saw not only a marked increase in the number of entries but the overall standard in the work on display was outstanding. The BMSS thanks the show organisers, stewards, judges, traders, and everyone who attended and brought models along, and offers our congratulations to all who won medals in the competitions..
See below for photos of some of the outstanding models seen at the 2019 show. Click on any image to view it at full size.
For more pictures from previous BMSS Annual Shows, please see our Past Annual Shows page.
The 2019 BMSS Annual Show was held on Saturday 27 April at St Saviour's Church Hall in Pimlico, and it was another great day for model soldier enthusiasts. The main hall of trade stands was busy all day, while the competitions in the Pimlico Room saw not only a marked increase in the number of entries but the overall standard in the work on display was outstanding. The BMSS thanks the show organisers, stewards, judges, traders, and everyone who attended and brought models along, and offers our congratulations to all who won medals in the competitions..
See below for photos of some of the outstanding models seen at the 2019 show. Click on any image to view it at full size.
For more pictures from previous BMSS Annual Shows, please see our Past Annual Shows page.

Trade Stands
Traders at the 2019 Annual Show were:
Ace Miniatures
Alex Riches
C and T Auctioneers
Darkstar
Elan13
Harry Kemp
Hawk Miniatures
Mercator Trading
Military Art
Micks Micks
Redcoat
Replica Metal Soldiers and Models
Oakwood Bases
Peter Harris
Sphere
Tommy Atkins
Tommys War
We thank all the traders for their support, look forward to seeing you at the Show and hope you will have a successful day.
Competition Classes for the BMSS Annual Show 2019
(Competitions are open to all, both BMSS members and non-members. Please note that competition entries close at 13.00.)
Class 1: Single foot figures up to 54mm 'standard' size.
Class 2: Single foot figures above 54mm size.
Class 3: Single mounted figures, any scale.
Class 4: Vignettes; two or three figures (any scale) with a common theme, mounted on a common base.
Class 5: Groups and dioramas, open or closed, that is four or more figures with or without associated equipment. Groundwork is expected but is not mandatory.
Class 6: AFVs, soft skins and artillery, any scale, with or without crew. Where a base is used, this is to be simple; elaborate scenes should be entered in Class 5.
Class 7: 'Toy soldiers', any number up to a maximum of thirty. These may be figures sold as toys or their modern equivalent. Figures may be converted and can be presented in any manner.
Class 8: Converted and scratchbuilt figures, any scale. A card describing the work done must accompany each entry.
Class 9: Busts. That part of the figure above the waist which may include arms. Non-military entries are acceptable but no erotica.
Class 10: Non-military pieces, of any type including fantasy figures, but excluding erotica.
Class 11: Junior Class. Entrants must be under 18 on the day of the Show. Entries may be single figures, groups, vehicles, etc. Fantasy and war-game figures may be entered in this class.
Class 12: Special theme competition: ‘Armour through the ages’ - to illustrate how mankind has made use of armour, in all its guises, for the purpose of defence and attack. Any scale but must include at least one figure.
Traders at the 2019 Annual Show were:
Ace Miniatures
Alex Riches
C and T Auctioneers
Darkstar
Elan13
Harry Kemp
Hawk Miniatures
Mercator Trading
Military Art
Micks Micks
Redcoat
Replica Metal Soldiers and Models
Oakwood Bases
Peter Harris
Sphere
Tommy Atkins
Tommys War
We thank all the traders for their support, look forward to seeing you at the Show and hope you will have a successful day.
Competition Classes for the BMSS Annual Show 2019
(Competitions are open to all, both BMSS members and non-members. Please note that competition entries close at 13.00.)
Class 1: Single foot figures up to 54mm 'standard' size.
Class 2: Single foot figures above 54mm size.
Class 3: Single mounted figures, any scale.
Class 4: Vignettes; two or three figures (any scale) with a common theme, mounted on a common base.
Class 5: Groups and dioramas, open or closed, that is four or more figures with or without associated equipment. Groundwork is expected but is not mandatory.
Class 6: AFVs, soft skins and artillery, any scale, with or without crew. Where a base is used, this is to be simple; elaborate scenes should be entered in Class 5.
Class 7: 'Toy soldiers', any number up to a maximum of thirty. These may be figures sold as toys or their modern equivalent. Figures may be converted and can be presented in any manner.
Class 8: Converted and scratchbuilt figures, any scale. A card describing the work done must accompany each entry.
Class 9: Busts. That part of the figure above the waist which may include arms. Non-military entries are acceptable but no erotica.
Class 10: Non-military pieces, of any type including fantasy figures, but excluding erotica.
Class 11: Junior Class. Entrants must be under 18 on the day of the Show. Entries may be single figures, groups, vehicles, etc. Fantasy and war-game figures may be entered in this class.
Class 12: Special theme competition: ‘Armour through the ages’ - to illustrate how mankind has made use of armour, in all its guises, for the purpose of defence and attack. Any scale but must include at least one figure.