Gusair Photography


Through the lens of Gus & Clara


HeritageCon 17 at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

On Sunday, March 23, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum hosted HeritageCon 17, Canada’s premier plastic scale model contest and sale. With the sun shining on a cool spring morning, anticipation ran high as scale modelling enthusiasts gathered for this eagerly awaited annual event.

Before the doors even opened at 9 a.m., a long conga line had formed outside the museum. Excitement buzzed through the crowd as attendees eagerly waited to enter. Once inside, the venue quickly filled with visitors of all ages. It was a record turnout, with attendees ready to explore the incredible displays, vendor tables, and competition entries.

This year, vendor tables were completely sold out in advance, a testament to the growing popularity of the event. Hobbyists and collectors had the opportunity to browse and purchase a wide range of scale modelling kits, tools, and accessories. The contest featured an impressive array of categories, including Aircraft, Armour, Automotive, Ships, Figures, Space, and Collections. Young modellers were also well represented with Intermediate, Junior, and Bantam entries, showcasing the next generation of talented builders.

One of the most exciting aspects of HeritageCon 17 was the special draw for a flight in the museum’s Second World War D-Day Veteran Dakota FZ692. Visitors who purchased an admission ticket by March 21st at noon EST were automatically entered for a chance to win a pair of seats on this historic aircraft, adding an extra thrill to an already fantastic event.

From the moment the doors opened to the final moments of the day, HeritageCon 17 was a vibrant and engaging experience for all who attended. It was a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and community, bringing together scale modelling enthusiasts and aviation lovers in a celebration of creativity and passion. Whether admiring the incredible contest entries, picking up new additions for their collections, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of the museum, attendees left with great memories and an even greater appreciation for the art of scale modelling.

As the event continues to grow each year, HeritageCon remains a must-visit for anyone with a love for scale models and aviation history. The success of this year’s show sets the stage for an even bigger and better HeritageCon in the future.