South Carolina Modelers Association
 

In General

The South Carolina Modelers Association (SCMA) was established on August 27, 1994. It was formed to enable scale model builders to share ideas, learn new techniques, and enjoy the fellowship of other scale modelers. We have and will always welcome modelers of all experience levels and ages. Not everyone is a master modeler, but everyone learns from each other. This si the attitude we strive for.

The SCMA has chapters in Charleston, Spartanburg, Greenville, Midlands, and most recently Elgin. Each year, the chapters of the SCMA host model contests and shows. These contests and shows provide scale modelers a venue to display their work. Everything that goes into a contest falls on the chapter that is hosting it.

The future of scale modeling is Junior Modelers. The SCMA is focused on growing through the addition of more Junior Modelers. All paid members of the SCMA enjoy our monthly newsletter. The newsletter shares the happenings of each chapter with pictures of their latest builds. Information about upcoming shows, new products and model kits, new members, tech tips, and a variety of other topics can also be found in the newsletter.

Meetings and Membership Dues

Each chapter meets once a month. During those meetings, there will always be a business portion where issues involving the chapter are discussed, but most meetings revolve around the fellowship of members and discussion of scale modeling. Each chapter has a monthly contest, with all members and guests encouraged to participate. Membership dues are currently $30.00 
for Single $40.00 for Family annually. All Junior Modelers (16 years and under) do not pay membership dues but are eligible to participate in all SCMA functions.

Annual Events

“Hope It Don’t Snow” Show & Contest
Hosted by Spartanburg the Chapter in January at the Marriott in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This event is typically our largest and draws modelers and vendors from all over the Southeast. At this contest, we host our annual SCMA Build-Off.
During the annual meeting, the membership chooses a topic to build for the following year’s show. The winner may choose the topic for the following year. Our annual meeting is held at the conclusion of the contest. There are three memorial awards presented at this event:

The Bud Moore Memorial Award – A memorial to NASCAR legend Bud Moore and awarded to the Stock Car (NASCAR) Challenge winner.
The Buford Wilburn Memorial Award – A memorial to longtime builder and Spartanburg Chapter member Buford Wilburn. Awarded to the Best Stock Car model.
The Ricky Couch Memorial Award – A memorial honoring his talents as a model builder. Awarded to the Best Automotive model at the event.
 

“Upstate Model Show & Contest”
Hosted by the Greenville Chapter in May at the Activity and Senior Center in Simpsonville, South Carolina. This event consists of three events in one. In addition to the mid-year contest, it includes the “Big Drag Classic” and the “Stock Car Classic.” This event attracts many drag racing and NASCAR enthusiasts.
The Ricky Couch Memorial Award is also presented at this event and is awarded to the Best in Show.
 

“SCMA Lowcountry Nationals Show & Contest
Hosted by the Charleston Chapter on September 26th 2026. This is the final event of the year and a major event for builders in the Charleston area.

Special Interest Projects

The Darlington Museum
This project began in 1997 when the late Jim Hunter, President of Darlington Raceway, contacted the SCMA to ask if the association would be interested in building models of the winner of the Southern 500. The museum constructed display cases to protect the models, and Buford Wilburn spearheaded the project. He donated cars from his personal collection and encouraged others to donate or build models to keep the display current. Each year, a model of the winning car is built by an SCMA member and added to the display along with an identification plate engraved with the builder’s name.
South Carolina Racing Legends in Scale
This display was created in 2016 by the late Ron Minton and Ronnie Bodine. It was designed to honor Stock Car drivers who were born or lived in South Carolina during their racing careers.

If you would like more information about the South Carolina Modelers Association or info on forming your own Chapter please attend a meeting at a Chapter near you or email chapter corresponded below.

Chapter Information: