Plastic models will take over the Managan Center in Westlake Saturday, Jan. 26, as the 27th Calcasieu Parish Model Contest and Exposition is staged.

“Judging from attendance at our show, there must be more than 200 modelers in this area,” Lester Robertson, representative of Southwest Area Modelers of Plastic, said. Sixteen modelers are on the rolls of SWAMP, he said, but many modelers just build their kits at home and don’t participate in the group. However, others are welcome at club meetings, he said. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month at Paper Heroes, 3941 Ryan St.

SWAMP is one of seven Louisiana affiliates of the International Plastic Modeler Society.

More than 70 categories are judged in the show, dubbed CALMEX. Overall classes include two classes of aircraft, automotive, ships, spacecraft/science fiction, figures (single), dioramas, vignettes (five figures or less, no vehicles), humor in modeling, collections, miscellaneous, junior, pre-teen and war-gaming.

In today’s technology age, a lot of modelers buy their kits and supplies online, Robertson said. However, kits, supplies, paints, glue, sanding material, etc., are available locally at Paper Heroes and other retail stores.

Proceeds from CALMEX go to the Children’s Miracle Network, and the event will provide a donation station for models to give to the Wounded Warrior Project at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, which aids in the rehabilitation of our proud service men and women.

If you go

• The CALMEXT XXVII plastic model show and competition will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Managan Center, Sampson and McKinley streets in Westlake.

• Additional information and a list of categories are on the Southwest Area Modelers of Plastic web site, http://ipmsswamp.com

(Rick Hickman / American Press)

(Rick Hickman / American Press)