History & Goals
The Ottawa Scale Auto Contest (OSAC) came from a need in the local community to have an automotive themed contest in our region.
AMRO has a great show every year in Gatineau (Hull) but it was always felt there should be one in Ontario as well.
IPMS Capcon is another great local event, it is held every two years and while it has categories for automotive classes it is a more military themed event.
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Model Car contests have a long history in Ottawa. Back in the day, the Capital Auto Replica club (CAR) had an annual contest as part of the Autorama Car Shows at Landsdowne Park. These were judged contests and featured an awards presentation at the end of the show. There was no vending or flea market involved with this show.
Another show was held at the RA Centre for about 5 years. Ottawa Scale Auto Promotions was the group that operated that show which had a dealers' room as well. Budgetary constraints caused that show to dissolve nearly 20 years ago.
An interested group of car modelers decided the time was right to get something going again in Ottawa. The first 3 shows were held at the Civitan Hall in Almonte Ontario. It was felt we could get more facility for our dollar going outside of Ottawa and the hall was superb.
Our shows had been a success, but it was felt that there was no room to grow having the show there.
The 2nd event was held during a monsoon, the 3rd on a weather perfect September Sunday. the number of entrants and models was virtually the same so we concluded it was time to change the location.
The 4th and 5th Events, were held in Ottawa at the Calvin Christian Reform Church on Merivale Road.
After 2 successful shows at the new venue, the show has outgrown that facility and a larger facility was required. Through contacts in the Ottawa Service and Supply Battalion Association, we have secured the Holland Armoury on Walkley Road. This facility is a double sized gymnasium, similar to the venue that AMRO operates in. There is loading door access, ample parking and NO STAIRS!
We look forward to an even bigger and better show in 2024. We have expanded and added categories in response to increased participation.
The goals of the show are:
- To provide a FUN environment to show and share our models,
- To encourage growth and participation in the hobby, and
- To have a great vendors flea market with all kinds of models and specialty items for sale.
In order to put the emphasis on FUN, there is no judging. The modelers who entered vote for their favorites, so their peers make the picks. There is a Peoples' Choice award that is picked by non entrants for their favorite subject.
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