Bulletin Archive in PDF Format

 

 

 

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Bulletin 2018 12
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Bulletin 2017 12.pdf
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Bulletin 2013 12.pdf
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Bulletin 1996 07.pdf  

Joe B - Fleshtones and Eyeballs.pdf Bulletin 2014 10.pdf 
Spotlights [old] - Holcomb Alvarado Kasza[x2] Ferrara Gertner Reinert Keegan Rosati Maroney Batterman Pokorny Eng.pdf
Weathering Models by Eric Reinert.pdf
Spotlight - Rob Garitta.pdf
Spraying Gloss Finishes by Bobby Kasza.pdf
That 50s Display.pdf SPOTLIGHT - Rosati - Maroney - Batterman - Pokorny - Eng.pdf
BPMS By Laws V2.pdf BPMS By Laws.pdf

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting - 11/05/2024

Part 1 starts promptly at 7:30 PM EST.
Part 2 starts at 8:10 PM if we need more time.

Members and guests are cordially invited to join our group for our weekly online meeting!

All are welcome! If you would like to join, DM us your email address and name so we can include you in the email list with Zoom Meeting details (meeting numbers and passwords)!

On the agenda:

BPMS Club News.
IPMS News.
Other clubs news.
Hobby News.
What's on your workbench?
Featured Discussion 

 

 

October 29, 2024 - BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting

Featured Discussion: Your most ambitious project... Did you celebrate it or regret it?

 

Eleven people attended. 

 

Lou reports Trumpeter's Pz 3 J, Stug 3G (both 1/16), MTLB ZU 23, BTR 70 (both 1/35), Mig 29 PM, F8F2 Bearcat, Eurofighter Typhoon (all 1/32), Me 509, EA 3B Sky Warrior (both 1/48) are available. Watch for Tamiya's 1/35 Pz 1 B and F 35 C. 

 

Gil told us about the Hudson Valley show last Saturday. Being a vendor, he didn't have a lot of time in the model room but he liked what he saw, especially the 1/35 Sky Crane with folded rotors. Several BPMS members went to Poughkeepsie where they met Gil, Mark and Vaughan in person, rather than virtually. Pictures of the event are on the BPMS Facebook page.

 

Bobby recapped the last IPMS Region 1 virtual meeting. They asked how can IPMS attract people to shows and attract younger people to the hobby? That led to a discussion on Gundams, their history and the very large number of different Gundams theoretically available. We closed it out with our thoughts on judging and award types, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place or gold, silver, bronze ratings. 

 

Completed and in progress work included: Ta-152, Mirage, Werewolf (American, London), Norris Spider head (from The Thing), Hover Tank (scratch-built), Willy Ley orbital rocket, F -16 I and SR -71.

 

The tool tip was using magnets to attach models to bases, secure removable panels, attach subassemblies, even stabilize tail heavy aircraft. Small, powerful magnets are widely available and inexpensive. Just remember,  opposites attract, so test fit, then glue.

 

We all had ambitious plans. Some projects, like Vaughan's Saab Draken, Kevin's Circle of Life tableau, Gil's Hover Tank and Frank's F-16, came out well. The Airfix B-17 Chuck is building is, in turns, frustrating and rewarding. One of Kevin's Medusas (he's done several) had a lot more parts than the expected, which took away some of the fun and building the Kitty Hawk P-39Q set a new profanity per part count record, according to Vaughan. Several guys admitted to losing interest in projects that sat around too long. A good observation - less ambitious plans usually have better outcomes. 

 

Today is Halloween. There's still time to trick or treat, just be home by 7:30 pm on Tuesday, 11/5/24, for our next meeting. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. The 5th is also Election Day. 

Russ

 

10/15/2024 BPMS ZOOM MINI MEETING!

Eleven people attended. No Tuesday Zoom next week, the in-person meeting was moved to Friday, the 25th. Bring in your pledge model and/or your spooky model. We'll also finalize plans for the holiday lunch at Dinosaur BBQ - headcount, advance payment, menu extras, white elephant swap, etc. 

 
Lou is looking forward to the release of Academy's 1/48 F4-F Wildcat, with folding wings and open canopy. 

 
The BrookLAN group build was last Saturday. More than two dozen people participated, less than before but still a good turnout. Several BPMS members were there. Julio told us about the class he gave for new builders and Bobby shared photos of the event. 

 
Kosta shared photos from the Mystic Seaport Museum, where the Jamestown and the Aimistad are in drydock. 

 
The Hudson Valley show is Saturday, the 26th, at the Elks Club Hall, at 29. Overrocker Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY and the "Chiller" show is the 25th to the 27th in Parsippany, NJ. 

 
In progress and completed work included: Mirage F-1C, F-8 Crusader, Mig -23, '65 Ford Mustang (Metal Earth kit), 3D printed large scale Warhammer Space Marine and Dragon figures, Mark 1 Tank with modifications for Gaza, LEM, Snow Speeder and Grimoire robot. Many of these pieces were mounted on bases, which was good since the topic was attaching models to bases. Vaughan likes to display his aircraft in flight so he can show off any special features not clearly visible on the ground. He once bent a single piece of wire in such a way as to serve as both the post and the base, but many of his pieces are attached to bases with coat hanger wire or acrylic rods inserted into exhausts. Lou recalled Canal Plastics, on Canal St in Manhattan was (and still is) good source for bases in many shapes and sizes. Armor or large figures can be bolted, screwed or wired onto their bases. Be aware of bolt orientation so you can remove the model if you want to. Whatever connectors you use, don't overtighten them. Lighter, smaller models can be glued directly to the base. Bobby recommends Gorilla Glue, but not the one that expands. Kevin attaches his works to wood blocks with brass or acrylic rods. 

 
Next meeting is Friday, the 25th, at the Community Center. No invites needed. Door open around 6pm. Hope to see you there.

Hey, almost forgot. Don says wood handrail fittings, designed to attach a handrail to a wall, can be used for bases. Inexpensive and widely available.
See you next week.
 

~Russ

October Meeting Rescheduled!

HELLO EVERYONE! 

THIS JUST IN: BBSC IS HAVING AN EVENT FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO JUST PASSED AWAY ON THE NIGHT OF OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING. THE MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 10/25/2024, SAME TIME SAME PLACE.

 

AGAIN, THE MEETING ON 10/18/2024 HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 10/25/2024

PLEASE LET YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CLUB KNOW! 

~BOBBY

BrookLAN Group Build Event

 Couple of photos from BrookLAN Group Build Event 10/12/2024, courtesy of Russ H.

October 8, 2024 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting!

Thirteen people attended. There's no Tuesday Zoom next week, the in-person meeting is Friday the 18th at the Community Center. It's pledge model night and, since it's October, spooky model night. Doors open around 6pm, meeting starts around 7:30. See the Bulletin for more Club information. 

The Gundam (and other) build is Saturday, the 12th, at BrookLAN, 339 Troutman St, in Brooklyn, 2 - 6pm, $10.00 venue fee. 

Mark hopes to arrange a private tour at the Dutchess County Airport, probably in early to mid-November. 

Jimmy and Russ shared photos of last week's Armorcon. Several other BPMS members were there, too. 

In progress and completed work included: Mirage F-1C (Vaughn appreciates the kit's low parts count), Subaru Impreza (Mark was pleased by how well the decal setting solution worked), B- 17, Batpod (from The Dark Knight), Cadillac Escalade, Type 7C U-boat, Crusader P-36, F-8 Crusader, and a robot. Bobby acquired a 3D printed Jack O' Lantern figure. Will it be ready for spooky model night? 

The featured tool was a leather punch, an alternate to modelers' punch and die sets. Not as many sizes, but not as much money. 

The topic was primers. Lou's big sellers are Tamiya White, Light Grey and Metal, Mr. Surfacer and Badger's Stynylrez. Then there's Krylon spray cans and Dupli-Color automotive primer. Everyone agreed that Tamiya's primer had a strong, unpleasant odor. Model paint manufacturers have introduced colored primers that could be used as finish colors, but they're not cheap and some say their quality isn't always consistent. Most feel priming plastic is an unnecessary step but several feel it's a project milestone, the first time your aircraft really looks like an aircraft. Everyone agreed materials like resin, metal and vinyl had to be primed to avoid problems at a later date.
 

There will be a weekly ZOOM on 10/15/2024. Details to come. 

 

UPDATE: Next inhouse meeting is Friday, 10/25/24 at the Community Center . No invites needed. Bring your pledge model, spooky model and donations for the November Super Raffle. 

 

Hope to see you there. 

 

~Russ (edits by Bobby)

10/01/2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Thirteen people attended. Armorcon is this Friday and Saturday, the 4th and 5th at the Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd, Southbury, CT. The Gundam themed group build is Saturday, the 12th, at BrookLAN, 339 Troutman St in Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley Show is Saturday, the 26th, at the Elks Club Hall, 29 Overocker Rd, in Poughkeepsie. 

The holiday lunch will be Saturday, 12/14/24 at Dinosaur BBQ, 640 Union St in Brooklyn. Price, $40.00 per person. Cash bar available. Menu will be posted shortly. If you plan to attend, let Jeff or Chuck know in advance. You can pay in advance, too. 

Kevin reminded us articles for the Bulletin are always welcome. 

Russ asked for advice on attaching a new regulator to an old airbrush compressor. 

IPMS Canada member Mark told us Tamiya spray paint will be banned in Canada. What have you heard? Mark also told us he's trying to arrange a visit to the Dutchess County Airport to see the D-Day C47 residing there. 

In-progress and completed work included: Wildcat (Mark is weathering it with a marbelizing technique), Subaru Impreza, Stinson Reliant (Vaughn was impressed by the old AMT kit), F-22, Warhammer Ork truck, Toon Ship Titanic, RF-4 Phantom, P-47 (Erasmo's first airbrushed natural metal finish), B-17, Willy Ley Orbital Rocket (Kevin is finding it hard to "build like an 11-year-old"), F-8 Crusader, SR-71 Blackbird (Frank is building the old kit, even though he has the new one, too) and Ho-Ri2. Acquisitions included: British Interplanetary Society Lunar Lander and SMB2 Super Mystere Sa'ar. 

The topic was opening sealed paint jars. We heard about tools like nutcrackers, pliers, commercially available adjustable openers like the Gilhoolie and we heard about techniques, like wrapping the cap and jar with rubber bands to improve grip, running bottles under hot tap water, inverting bottles and putting thinner in the space between the bottle and the cap. We heard about best practices, like keeping your hands low, rather than high, while trying to unscrew a cap, opening and closing bottles from time to time, cleaning the necks and wrapping them with Teflon tape before storing them upside down. We also heard about bad practices, like gripping the cap AND the bottle with pliers and not being careful when using acetone. Several people said that the caps on plastic dripper bottles don't seem to get stuck, unlike caps on glass jars. Did we miss your favorite tip? Just write it down and hit reply all. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 10/8/24 at 7:30pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there, or at Armorcon, or both. 

~Russ

 

 

September 24, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Featured Discussion: What paints last longest in the jar/bottle? What dried out quickly? Can old paint be recovered? 

 

The good news is that sixteen people attended. The bad news is that not everyone got to talk. Apologies to those we missed. 

 

Lou reported Italeri's 1/72 F-35C and Takom's "big box" (two 1/35 Tiger1 variants and a 1/16 Wittman figure) are available. And watch for Tamiya's 1/48 F-35 C. 

 

October will be busy, Armorcon is on the 4th and 5^th in Southbury CT, there's a Gundam themed build (although you can build whatever you bring) at BrookLAN in Brooklyn on the 12th and the Hudson Valley show is on the 26^th in Poughkeepsie. Details for each event are (or will be) on the BPMS Facebook page and blog. 

 

Plans for the holiday lunch at Dinosaur BBQ on Union St in Brooklyn are moving along thanks to Chuck. Probable dates are Saturday, 12/14/24 (side room available) or Sunday, 12/15/24. Details to follow.

 

Don told us about attractions and accommodations near the 2025 IPMS Nationals venue.

 

Mark, back from his travels, shared photos of the shows hosted by the IPMS ROC City and IPMS Patriot Chapters plus photos of an Airshow in Nampa, ID, where he saw a pair of water bombers that came up from Australia. Erasmo shared a photo of himself and the other members of the F-35's "first flight" team standing in front of the very same F-35. 

 

Frank G was glad to hear that Airfix/Minicraft had a kit of the Boeing Clipper, even if it's pretty old.

 

In progress and completed items included: Subaru Impreza, Wildcat, Sam Elliot bust (Kevin likes Vallejo's new formulation and numbering system), Moon Rocket (from the 1936 film, Cosmic Voyage), German experimental sub, military and civilian Cessna helicopters and 1966 Mercury (painted with nail polish by you know who).  

 

After a brief discussion on the proper way to make a Martini, we talked about paint. Your experience may differ, but this is what we heard. While you should expect a one-year shelf life,  Humbrol tins last forever.  Mission Models paint also lasts a long time. Gunze Aqueous paints dry out quickly. Lighter colors dry out faster than darker colors. Put a stainless-steel ball in the jar to aid in mixing. Restorer, from Mr. Color, works well on acrylics. Adding thinner to "not so full" Tamiya paint jars prolongs their life. Spraying a 60/40 thinner to paint mix of Vallejo Air at 15psi (max) gives good results. Black enamel paint lasts a long time, grey enamel doesn't. Lacquers last forever. Enamels are easier to restore than acrylics. Keep the mouth and neck of the paint bottle clean. Wrap the neck with Teflon tape before putting on the cap. Store the bottles upside down (Gil cut holes in a piece of foam to store dropper bottles upside down). 

 

Next meeting is Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

 

~Russ

 

 

 

 

Next event happening at BrookLAN 10/12/2024

Here are the details for the next model event happening in October, so they're down on paper. Sorry if the formatting is weird. The event is set up by SiegNuYork.

Date and Time:

October 12th, 2024
From 2pm until 6pm.

Location:

BrookLAN
339 Troutman Street
Brooklyn, NY 11237

Admission:

$10 Ticket Fee (only if you want to participate in the class or sit in the back and build models with everyone) You can get tickets at the door or get them online by clicking this link. Event details are also on there.

Public Transportation:

The absolute closest train is the L train to Jefferson Street. From there, it’s about a block and a half walk to get to the location. Alternatively, you can take the M train to Central Ave, however, you will have yourself about a 20 minute walk.

Details:

At this event, if you have someone that’s never built a Gundam mode before and is interested in learning how to, we’ll be holding a beginners class on this. The class should be about an hour long using a simple model that you can take home with you. If you're not participating in the class and just want to chill out in the back and build some models with every one, you can do that as well. Please let me know if you're interested in participating in the class. Also, if you have a model you'd like to show off and display for the event, feel free to bring something to share with everyone!

We’ll have a vendor there on-site (PopCurator) selling some stuff from Gundam models to figures with flash sales and deals happening all throughout the day and we’ll also be doing $1 raffles every hour until the end of the event.

For those that don’t know, BrookLAN could be classified as an eSports Bar on first glance but it’s a bit more than that. They have plenty of PCs and video game set ups available for rent by the hour, a full bar with some really good food and drinks available. The location itself is highly focused on gaming of different varietys, whether it tabletop, trading card games, video games and anything else you could think of, so that’s majority of what you will be seeing on the screens there are from different live streams to even tournaments if they’re taking place. They're also recognized for hosting major gaming tournament, either for popular video games, card games and even tabletops when they do happen.

If there’s any questions about things, feel free to ask, more than happy to answer any and all questions!

 

~Julio

 

 

 

September 10, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Featured Discussion: Are you really gonna use all that aftermarket stuff? How much photoetch and resin have you used successfully?  
 

With some usual suspects on travel and otherwise engaged, ten people attended the September 10 BPMS Zoom meeting. There is no Zoom meeting this Tuesday, but the real, live BPMS meeting will be Friday, Sept. 20 at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex.  The Friday meeting will include a workshop on weathering aircraft and, as a special draw, hot dogs aged from barbecue night!

Lou reported few new kit arrivals – the 1/48 scale US Marine Corps F/A-18D and Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornets from Kinetic and a 1/ Renault S Turbo motorcycle from Tamiya. He also shared an observation on the apparent value of resin, photoetch, and 3D-printed aftermarket accessories to his customers: “One out of 10 buys resin. Photoetch, forget about it.” Aftermarket bombs and missiles for aircraft find more buyers.

Vaughan updated his progress on his 1/48 Stinson painted in an attractive white-and-gold scheme. Still to be mastered is the neat green piping running from nose to tail. “This thing is turning into experiment.” Suggested approaches include fine-bristle nail-finishing brushes and fine-point paint markers.  

Jimmy showed two packs of new AK Real Color paint markers. The line includes specialty colors for wheels, tracks, and other tactical vehicle details. Jimmy remains a regular user of aftermarket accessories including metal gun barrels for armor kits. He revealed a 3D-printed F-35B gun pod from Galaxy Models and a 3D-printed set of 1/12 scale motorcycle wheels. “I can’t build anything out of the box. I have to add something to it.”

President Tom noted the value of aftermarket parts to replace missing kit details. Erasmo showed off his handsome de Havilland DH.88 Comet built without aftermarket from the ancient Airfix kit and a Polish RWD-6 monoplane racer. He acknowledged, “I love aftermarket. The only problem is I don’t know how to use it very well.” Don suggested using a belt sander to trim resin parts for plastic kits.

Kevin finds little call for aftermarket parts when building fantasy figures and other specialty resin kits. His work-in-progress was Fred Flintstone’s neat roadster with a troublesome droopy resin sunshade. Moderator Frank showed his Monogram F-8E with a replacement seat more representative of early Crusaders but noted resin cockpits seem like more trouble than they’re worth when compared to typical Monogram and Hasegawa cockpits.

Chuck talked about the challenges building the new Airfix B-17 with all its out-of-the-box interior details and said he was not confident using photoetch parts to punch-up aircraft details. With an accountant’s eye, IPMS Region 1 Member of the Year Bobby concluded “I have no interest buying parts that triple or quadruple the cost of the kit. . . If I buy something, it’s because I want to build what’s in the box.”

The next Zoom meeting will be Sept. 24.   See ya for real on Friday!

~Frank

 

MInutes from the 9/3/24 ZOOM Meeting

 

Eleven people attended, and Mark was there in spirit, having sent photos of the mystery cowling we tried to identify back in January. After the meeting, the photos were forwarded to all. Thanks for following up, Mark. 

 

Kosta also had photos. His were from the Gloucester Schooner Festival. 

When Bobby was out of town, he found an ad for Hobby Outlet in Cresco, PA. Chuck knows the place, big inventory, with old and new kits. He recommends you call before you go, as hours are limited. 

 

No updates for future Pier 57 or BrookLAN events. 

Lou reports Meng's 1/35 Merkava 4 with roof armor, ICM's 1/48 WW 2 Japanese pilot and ground crew figures, Ju 88 P, Beaufort Mk 1 and Magic Factory's 1/48 F4U-1A/2 Corsair (2 kit set) were available. 

 

In progress and completed work included: F-22, Stinson Reliant (Vaughn says it's not a bad kit considering its age) Lowbrow Flintstones (definitely not a candidate for The Build Like an 11-Year-Old theme contest, says Kevin), Edmond Fitzgerald,  F-8 Crusader and 3D printed female figure (using open-source software, Gil can scratch build on his computer rather than on his workbench). 

 

Stepping away from his computer, Gil explained how to make a Bare Metal Foil alternative from household aluminum foil, parchment paper and Mona Lisa metal leaf adhesive (from Speedball).

 

A tip from Don, SeamFil, made for filling seams in Formica, works on models, too.

Who rebuilds their old models? Few of us, it seems. Many prefer building the kit again, especially if they have multiple kits in the stash. Some keep the old build as a learning tool, some keep it for spare parts. Erasmo was an exception, refinishing a English Electric Lightning that was built by someone else. Chuck plans to resurrect a partially built SS United States as soon as can figure out the best way to do it.

We had enough time at the end to discuss sponsorship request etiquette and give feedback on the IPMS $60.00 renewal offer. 

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 9/10/24 at 7:30 pm. Bobby will host. Watch for his invite.

 

Russ

09/03/2024 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting

Part 1 starts promptly at 7:30 PM EST.
Part 2 starts at 8:10 PM if we need more time.

Members and guests are cordially invited to join our group for our weekly online meeting!

All are welcome! If you would like to join, DM us your email address and name so we can include you in the email list with Zoom Meeting details (meeting numbers and passwords)!

On the agenda:

BPMS Club News.
IPMS News.
Other clubs news.
Hobby News.
What's on your workbench?
Featured Discussion

 

August 27, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Twelve people attended. Several of them commented on the latest issue of the latest IPMS Journal (Yeah, yeah, it's IUJ but I'm sticking with the old name). Don thought the grey text was used to discourage copying. Jimmy thought the grey looked fine.  Let's see what the next issue looks like. 

 

We talked some more about having the Holiday Lunch at Dinosaur BBQ in Brooklyn, possibly December 8^th or 15th. Other BBQ places were mentioned but Dinosaur is the best value. 

 

There was enough talk about airbrushes to justify making it a discussion topic for a future meeting. 

 

Lou reports Hasegawa's 1/72 F-18 A Super Hornet with Blue Angels markings is available. 

 

In progress and completed work included: M-4 A3 Sherman with Infantry, Medusa, Lucy (Kevin found the way to realistically paint lace), Type VII U-Boat Upper Deck, Chariot (from Lost in Space), F-8 Crusader (Frank rediscovered his appreciation of the old Monogram kits) and Ho-Ri 2 tank. 

 

Gil had two tools this time, a magnetizer/demagnetizer that comes in handy for handling small metal fasteners and a pipe plug he's using as a handle to hold the Chariot's upper section as he applies Bare Metal Foil to the framework.

 

The topic was problems we had while using fluids. Some could have been avoided if we just read the label. It also helps to take your time and double check what's in your hand. Similar-looking bottles with foreign language labels can be differentiated by colored tape or labels you make yourself. Decal setting solutions can react differently to different paints. Try new combinations on your paint mule first. Spills can be a problem, so remember to tighten those lids, caps, corks and seals. The adventitious among us who formulate their own thinners and glues remembered the times they mixed up the ingredients.  It didn't end well.

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 9/3/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Have a happy Labor Day weekend and use your non modeling fluids responsibly.

 

~Russ

 

 

Penn Con 2024

Click to enlarge

 

August 20, 2024, BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Featured Discussion: Updated, "new tool" kits are becoming more common. If you get one, what happens to the old version that's in your stash?

Fourteen people attended. The new IPMS Journal is out and IPMS wants your feedback. Keep it civil, we do represent Brooklyn, after all. We talked about a new location for the holiday lunch, Dinosaur BBQ, on Union Street, in Brooklyn. A few guys know the place and recommend it. Details to follow. Let us know what you think. 

Lou reports Hobby Boss's 1/48 Mig-35 and 1/35 Soviet Gaz AAA Katyusha are available and Italeri's 1/72 F-35 C is on the horizon. 

Erasmo shared photos of the large hobby shop at the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum in Halifax, Canada and Mark shared photos of the recent New York Air Show at the Orange County Airport in New York. 

In progress and completed work included: DH Comet, DH Hornet, Stinson (never rely on a second kit for spare parts, eh Vaughn?), F-22, Medusa bust, Lucy bust (Kevin's build, so it's from a Dracula film, not a Peanuts comic strip), A-6, F-18A, Chariot (from Lost in Space),
Ho Ri-II and alien figure. Acquisitions included: F-35 B, Spitfire, German tank crew, decals and Tamiya lacquer paints. 

The tool was the Spot Sanding Pen by 3M. Gil reminded us to careful working with the pen because of its fiberglass fibers. 

How do we feel about updated kits? While some guys have enough and aren't interested in adding to their stash (Erasmo and others want to build as many kits as they can before, well, you know), most feel updates are expensive and can be unnecessarily complex. Lou recommends looking for reviews on YouTube before buying. Some guys get updated kits when they don't have time or inclination to struggle with an old kit and some guys prefer their older kits. Turning philosophical, Mark wondered, which is better, an old flawed kit or a new flawed kit? Frank noted overly complicated updates can take the fun out of the build. He feels it's not age of the kit that's important, it's what you get out of it. We can learn from old kits. They can be built as practice for the new kit. Some people purge old kits from their stash and some would feel bad about getting rid of them. Maybe that explains Quin Shi Huang's terracotta army? 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 8/27/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ 

 

BPMS & Fantasy Modeling Magazine

 

A blast from the past. This shows you how long age the BPMS was involved in Sci-Fi and Anime models. The magazine was put out by Starlog magazine during the mid 1980's. BPMS member Andy Yahacus was the editor of the magazine. Plus BPMS member Murray Richter built the Bandai 1/60 Zaku II on the cover of issue number one. Magazine only ran 6 issues. (From Jeff E)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkYkWGO5Rdw

Spotlight Modeler: Joe Hartigan

During the July BPMS Meeting we voted in our newest member: Joe Hartigan. While most of us think of Joe as the friendly gentleman who is very knowledgeable about model trains, he turned heads at the meeting with his stunning 1/24 scale Ford and Volvo trucks.

For Joe, getting this this point has been a journey, like most of us. At ten years old he took a shot at his first plastic model. It was the Monogram Little T which he promptly ruined. (Hint, that’s how you build like a 10 or an 11-year-old. It’s about getting it done while having fun!) From there, growing up in College Point, Queens, life happened with its twists and turns. Model building took a pause. He went to St Peters College. He put in his years as a Fire Fighter. Now in retirement Joe was able to return to the hobby.

Now that Joe has been able to get back to the hobby he’s been reacquainted with the best part of it: the FUN of building in his basement and getting projects done. While he does enjoy his train set -ups he also likes getting his plastic models done, too. Of course, that requires inspiration. Where better than the hobby shows? Back to the journey. Going to a local show can easily include side trips to other places of note, especially hobby shops. And, despite being a big train enthusiast, all shows can provide inspiration, and you never know what might show up in the vendor rooms.

Joe sees great value in learning from the mistakes of others. Why re-invent the wheel? Do your research and watch YouTube videos and be prepared for your builds, he suggests. You can also find good detail parts from flea market and FB Marketplace finds. Some of those trashed dis-cast models can be a treasure trove of useful parts.

His outlook for the hobby is positive. With advances in the technology with 3D printing and printing companies that are ready for the future.

When Joe came to us at the BPMS he was impressed with the friendliness with which he was greeted. He had been to other places that things didn’t go so well. Plus, we aren’t very far as currently resides in Belle Harbor, NY.  

In closing, Joe can’t emphasize enough that we should just try to finish off more our projects. They won’t finish themselves! 

~BP

BPMS Sponsors IPMS/USA Winners!

 As is known to most members, the BPMS raised enough member donations to sponsor not one, but two categories. In all fairness to those that donated, we thought you would like to see who won our awards. 

Category 2

 

2024 IPMS Nationals Winners Slide Show

https://www.svsmgallery.com/Top-level/Contests/IPMS-USA-Nationals-2024/Awards-Presentation-Slide-Show

August 6, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fifteen people attended. 

We remembered long time BPMS member Jimmy Maroney, who passed on August 4th, on Long Island. RIP, Jimmy. 

There's no Tuesday Zoom meeting next week. The in-person meeting is Friday, the 16th. It's Pizza Night and Quarterly Contest Night. Details are in the Bulletin, which is in the mail. 

Julio recapped last Saturday's group build at BrookLAN. It was well attended and will be repeated on 10/12/24. There may be another Pier 57 group build in September. Julio is looking at other group build opportunities in Manhattan. 

Lou informed us Tamiya's 1/72 F-35 B is available. Other new products are on the club's Facebook page. 

Kosta told us about the train show in Edison, NJ this weekend and the Gloucester, MA, Schooner Festival on 8/28/24 - 9/2/24. 

In-progress and completed work included: Stinson Reliant, F-22, Tiger 1, Lucy bust (from the 1992 film Dracula), Medusa bust, DH 88 Comet (the vintage kit, not the new one), F-18 A (an almost vintage kit), 3D printed tracks for the Lost in Space Chariot (Gil makes them in 1/35 and 1/24) and Ho Ri 2. Only one acquisition, Flintstones Go Lowbrow. 

Vaughan is using very diluted Simple Green (full strength will corrode metal) to clean airbrushes. Kevin noted that soaking a piece in Simple Green for a few days will remove the paint. 

Gil told us a tire tread depth gauge can be used on models in addition to car tires. They come in digital and mechanical styles. 

The stash. Bobby recalled Frank Tripoli saying the hobby is as much about collecting as it is about building. But how do you explain your stash to others? We heard about stashes that disappeared because of relationships, about ways to convince others your stash isn't so big, about rearranging storage areas to make new arrivals less obvious, about the value of peace offerings and, finally, about why we keep adding to it even though we know better ("When you see it, you gotta buy it!"). Julio called the stash a blessing and a curse and Chuck observed there are two kinds of people, those you don't explain it to and those you can't explain it to. 

The next meeting is Friday, 8/16/24 at the Community Center in Brooklyn. Doors open by 6pm, and the meeting starts around 7:30 pm. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

Jimmy ‘Shea’ Maroney: 1950 - 2024

 

Jimmy ‘Shea’ Maroney: 1950 - 2024

Long-time Brooklyn Plastic Modelers Society member Jimmy Maroney passed away on August 4. Our quiet, knowledgeable, and unassuming friend was 74 years old.

 

Jimmy joined our club in the 1970s when the group met at the Marcy Photo Studios on New Utrecht Avenue in Bensonhurst. He had a lifelong passion for history and built 1/72 and 1/48 scale aircraft with special emphasis on Irish subjects. Jimmy and his father attended some of the earliest BPMS Christmas dinners. He and his sister, Stacey, returned to Brooklyn for holiday luncheons at Nora’s Deli long after the two relocated from Brooklyn to Suffolk County on Long Island in the early 2000s. Significantly, Jimmy maintained his BPMS membership and contacts years after he moved away from the club.

Jimmy grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and graduated from Bishop Ford High School. He had a long career in New York banking and traveled enthusiastically to his ancestral Ireland. Jimmy was a long-time member of the International Plastic Modelers Society. He attended several regional IPMS conventions with our group. He was also a model railroad enthusiast and helped build the elaborate layout in the basement of BPMS founder Bert Berg.

Though he never held BPMS office, Jimmy was a great representative of our club, friendly, respectful, and inquisitive about modeling. He is missed.