The very first ever SWS Marcher painting competition

SWS is pleased to announce the first ever Marcher painting competition

Marcher is SWS's annual gaming extravaganza, held over two days, allowing members to try something new and play in larger games than they usually would on a clubnight. With an evening activity such as beer and a film, beer and beer or just beer.(and soft drinks if you don't like/drink beer). More information about Marcher will be forthcoming - watch this space

As part of this annual event the club is pleased to unveil and announce a painting competition- There is an absolutely fantastic range and level of painted miniatures used in games and it is only right to celebrate the hard work, time effort and energy that members have put into bringing the plastic and metal marvels to life.

Competition rules are included below.

The event will be held on the 6th December 2025.  We aim to complete judging for a prizegiving at 16:30 hours on Saturday, ready for the evening entertainment and in-club meal..

SWS Marcher painting competition rules

All entries are based on the following

Fantasy any mini from this genre (AOS, Warhammer, LOTR  etc),

Historic- any mini used in any historic wargame-( Spartan, Samurai, US Ranger etc),

Sci-fi- any mini from (40k, Trench Crusade, SW Legion), or not covered by the above

Models must be painted by entrant. Otherwise what is the point?

3d printed entries are permitted in so much that they are identifiable for their game system.

Kitbashed and modified models are also welcome.

All models/entries can be mounted on a plinth. But the plinth must not be excessive in height. It is all about the model after all.

No entry is to have offensive imagery, slogans or symbols. (for the purpose of historic entries ie WW2 German symbols such as a swastika will be permitted as it would be in line with the uniform of the time, but will be at the judges' discretion).

Sub categories within each main category-

Single- must be a single standard mini (ie 28/32mm; 15mm or 6mm is too small) used in its respective game - no large models or busts ie giant (this may be considered in future events), must be a piece designed to be played in a game. Can be mounted on a plinth and scenery and other minis used to tell story (max 2 minis extra for scenery purposes-its not a diorama!) dimensions of piece including terrain/ display not to exceed 60 mm base and 200mm high.

Squad- a minimum of 5 minis up to 10 max making up a cohesive squad. Can be foot or horse mounted- no vehicles. dimensions 200mm squared

Vehicle- any vehicle model used in a game system eg tank, SPG, halftrack, ship, planes, trains and automobiles). Also includes cavalry pieces. Due to variances in size no base limit however height must not exceed 300mm (unless the actual model is bigger in height). This can also have crew of the vehicle as part of entry.

Entry costs- there are no entry costs 

Only one entry in each category per person allowed.

No external entries from non members permitted.

Entries to be submitted on 06/12 in person.

On submission of entry the model will be logged and entrant will receive a ticket to enable collection of entry at the end of the day. This is to ensure blind judging for fairness.

Submission time will be between 09:00-10:30.

Collection will be at approximately 16:00.

Levels award

Notable entry- unlimited

Bronze- 1 entry per category will be awarded

Silver- 1 entry per category will be awarded

Best in Class- 1 entry per category will be awarded

All Best in Class entries will then be entered into a finals round

Then judges will decide on Best in show 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Prizes/awards- TBA

The Judges' decision is final, feedback may be permitted after competition closes.

All entries are submitted at the owners own risk SWS claims no responsibility for damages.

Judges are as follows

D.Jones - SWS Chairman

G.King -SWS President

J.Geary - Some other guy

Master Judge TBA