90 jaar Spitfire – speciale jubileumwedstrijd tijdens de ESM 2026
On 5 March 1936, the legendary Spitfire prototype K5054 made its very first flight. Ninety years later, we will be celebrating this special anniversary at the ESM on 28 November 2026 with a special Spitfire model-making competition.
Every Spitfire and Seafire is welcome: from the prototype to the final production models, in all variants and scales (1/144 to 1/24). Whether you’ve built a classic RAF aircraft, a tropical version, a PR variant or a Dutch Spitfire – come and show it off!
The competition will be judged separately from the regular competition, with particular emphasis on originality, craftsmanship and historical value. A genuine Spitfire specialist will be on the judging panel, and there are some fantastic and surprising prizes to be won.
Chances are you already have a Spitfire in your display cabinet. Dig it out or build a new model this year and take part in this unique anniversary competition!
You can register from 1 October using the entry form on the ESM page. We hope for an impressive field of entrants and look forward to a wonderful celebration of 90 years of the Spitfire.
Competition:
The competition takes place on premise of EXPO Houten, only via pre-registration through this website. No models will be registered on the day itself.
Registration is possible from October 1, 2025 to November 1, 2025. The models will be judged during the event and can be admired on location during the day.
On November, 29 it is possible for contest participants to hand in their models for the contest between 09:30 – 11:00 (a separate entrance will be opened).
After 11:00 you cannot hand in your model anymore because the contest management will be making the final arrangements before the judging starts at 12:00.
The awards ceremony takes place at the IPMS Booth around 16.00.