May 30, 2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Lou reports that Minicraft is now part of Academy. New releases- 1/700 USS San Diego (V model?), 1/35 German Infantry (Tamiya), 1/32 Hurricane (Revell Germany), 1/72 M1-A2 (Meng), 1/35 Apache (Meng) and 1/16 Sd Kfz 251/1D (Das Werk). 

 
In progress and completed work included: T-34/85, Wildcat, Pz 4 (70/A) & Pz 4 F1 (Jimmy's making up for lost time), 1980 Ice Patrol Jeep & Ski Mobile, Ju- 86 (Swiss markings), Bf-109 E on skis, Phantom of the Opera figure, Landbattleship (not satisfied with his 1/144 version, Don is building one in 1/72), DFS 40, F-16, Matilda, Valentine, Sheridan, Mary Jane Watson figure, Eagle (the old Space 1999 kit), F-104 and Sherman Calliope. Acquisitions included: T-rex Pz 4 tracks, Annular Monoplane 3, Ruitool nippers (similar to, but cheaper than, GodHand nippers).
The week's tool/product was JoSonja Magic Mix, a sealer/extender. Gil tried it and liked the results. 

 
The featured topic was, which do you prefer, building or painting? Builders like seeing the kit take shape but they don't like overly large parts counts or tiny parts. Painters like the opportunity to individualize their work. Also, starting to paint means you're close to finishing the kit. Paint availibility, different procedures for acrylics and enamels, humidity and other environmental factors and poor color perception make painting a struggle for some. Better putties/fillers make building easier for all. At least one person gets the most enjoyment from putting on decals. Our discussion on the "freeloader" remark in the March/April issue of the IPMS Journal was cut short and will have to wait for next Tuesday's meeting. It's at 7:30pm and Frank C will host/send the invites (thanks, Frank). Stay safe. 

 
~Russ

 

5/23/23 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Ten people attended the meeting. Last Friday's in person meeting had about twenty-five attendees, most of whom participated in the quarterly contest. Jimmy shared photos of the entries from the BPMS Facebook page. Kosta reminded us about Fleet Week (the parade of ships was held earlier today) and the Bethpage Air Show, which is 5/27-28/23 at Jones Beach State Park. If you go to either one , take photos for next Tuesday's meeting. Mark shared photos of Noreastcon and, after the meeting, sent this link http://www.ipmsneny.org/noreastcon2023.html . 

In progress and completed work included: Panzer 4/70(A), A-6 (a challenging build, as Vaughn politely put it), EA-6A, 77 Dodge (with Joker figure), PKZ-2 helicopter, female archer bust, M551 Sheridan, Eagle (from Space 1999) and Sherman Calliope. Acquisitions included: more Reskit items (from Ukraine), a German Infantry figure in 1/16 and 1/35, F-27 A/B, F-16 C, F-18 C, CH-1Skyhook, YH-41Seneca and F/A -18F. Gil started using Jo Sonja Brush Soap and Conditioner on his brushes. It works on acrylics and oil, but the steps differ, depending on the paint type used. 

We asked everyone if they worked seated or standing. Many sit at a desk and several complained about their non-ergonomic chairs. Seated on a stool at a craft bench works for some, while others prefer standing at the bench, especially when airbrushing. After this discussion (and post meeting comments from Michael, Vaughan and Bobby), we can expect people to reevaluate the way they work. Next meeting is Tuesday, 5/30/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Lastly, since the Brooklyn Bridge is a prominent element in the BPMS logo, I want to remind everyone that the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic 140 years ago today. If you're in the area, make a walk across the Bridge part of your Memorial Day weekend. You won't regret it.
 

~Russ

05/09/2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. There's no Tuesday Zoom next week as the in-person meeting is Friday, 5/19/23. It will feature our second quarterly contest. Doors open around 6pm, and the meeting starts around 7:30 pm. For additional BPMS info, see the newsletter, which is in the mail. 

Lou reports three new releases from Takom, 1/35 M103-A1 and M103-A2 and 1/16 Ontos. Vaughan told us of a F-7U walk-around on the USS Midway website, Kosta told us the Kalmar Nyckel opened its sailing season in Wilmington, Delaware and Chuck recommended Lee Sims Chocolates on Staten Island (hey, there's more to life than plastic). Sweeden's S-Tank was the subject of our technical discussion.

In progress and completed work included: chupacabra, Frankenstein monster, Large Marge, an unidentified figure (Kevin is working on a new Speedpaint basecoat technique), 69 Dodge Daytona, VZ-9 Avrocar, several 1/144 C-47s and DC-3 in various markings, 73 VW bus, Eagle 1 (from Space 1999) and Sherman Calliope. Acquisitions included: Reskit aftermarket sets (shipments from Ukraine are moving well), SS United States (vintage kit, partially painted) and Silver Knight. Gil found a new tool. It's called an oil brush cleaner. Think of it as a toilet for paint brushes. Google it, when you see the image, you'll agree. 

The featured topic was paint brushes. We use all kinds, from the cheap, white handled ones from Testors to the costlier Windsor & Newton series 7 Kolinski sable brushes. We don't throw away damaged brushes because even stumps have uses. Kevin, and others, use larger sized brushes (like 10, 6, 1) as long as they have good points. Japanese style calligraphy brushes give good results, once you learn how they work (same goes for Nail Art brushes). Don recommends Jerry's Artarama as a good source for brushes. Brushes from Pisio were said to be good. 

Next meeting is in person on Friday the 19th. No invites necessary. Hope to see you there.
 

~Russ

05/02/2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fifteen people attended the meeting. No new releases reported. Mark, Kosta and Gil went to Noreastcon last Saturday, where Kosta and Gil placed. We'll see photos at a later date. We heard that a restored F7-U Cutlass was delivered to the USS Midway in San Diego.

 

In progress and completed work included: A-6, EA-6, F-16, Valentine and Matilda tanks (rescued from the shelf of doom), Marlon Brando bust (from On the Waterfront), BA-20 armored car, Soviet Submarine Project 628, Kyushu Q1-W1 Lorna, An-2 and Ju-52 (in Milka Chocolate markings- see the actual Ju-52 on our Facebook page), anti-tank gun, Sherman Calliope and Jeep Rubicon.  Acquisitions included: XB-70 Valkyrie, KC 135R, OV-1 Mohawk, Javelin AAWS-M and Jimmy's latest finds (see our Facebook page for the full list). Gil showed us how a Blow Off Duster can be used to clean out Testors spray paint nozzles. Kevin explained how he applied layers of splattered color to get a realistic skin tone for his Marlon Brando bust.

 

We discussed various ways of keeping track of our work. Some people don't document anything other than unbuilt kits, others record the manufacturer,  when it was built and give it a rating. Some use Blogspot to create a building log. A picture with a date stamp is sufficient documentation for most. Some put dates on instruction sheets and file them away and some put the completion date on the model itself. 

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 5/9/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Stay safe, whether you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo or The Kentucky Derby. 

 

~Russ

4/25/23 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Thirteen people attended the meeting. The in-person meeting last Friday was well attended and several people we haven't seen in a while were there. Lou reported a bunch of new releases from Hobby Boss: 1/48 - Hurricane 1, 1/72 - BM 21(late), Westland Lynx Mk 90, F8F-2 Bearcat, 1/35 - 152 mm ShkH Dana, Topel-M ICBM, Scammell Commander with 62-ton Crane Fruehauf semi-trailer, 10 mil gl Truck. Also, watch for Takom's Hetzers and Kinetics' F-16, Block 30. 

Jimmy and Jeff found the part Chuck needed for his Hasegawa F-18. Way to go, guys. Frank shared photos of the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux, France, Kosta shared photos taken in Houston (Space shuttle Independence, Saturn V) and Galveston (Battleship Texas restoration, "When and If", George Patton's schooner) and Mark shared information of US Navy operations in the Pacific during WW 2. Noreastcon is this weekend at 225 Washington Avenue Extension Albany, NY. If you go, take lots of pictures. 

 

In progress and completed work included: F-16, XP-79, M-551 Sheridan, Sherman Calliope, Tu-2, Yak9, and several Me-262 variants (including the prop driven prototype). 

The topic was ways to keep track of your work. Many people mark up the instruction sheets as they go or even mark up the parts themselves, if they look very similar once they're off the runner. Making note of the brand and color of paints used on a model comes in handy when the build is interrupted for any length of time or if repairs are needed in future. Surprisingly, keeping a list of things to be done prior to completion (aka a punch list) isn't that common, at least with this group. A quick tip, steel guitar strings make good aerials. The next meeting is Tuesday, 5/2/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

Schedule Of Events: 2023

January

Kit Sale Night

Model Pledge

February

Show Us Your Tool

Contest Night 1Q23

March

Decal Swap Night

Green Model Night

April

Work In Progress Night

May

Parts Box Night

Contest Night 2Q23

June

Remember The Members Theme Contest

BBQ Night

July

Theme Night / Clinic

TBA

August

Pizza Night

Contest Night 3Q23

September

Swap Night

Theme Night / Clinic

TBA

October

Model Pledge Night

Nominations

November

Contest Night: 4Q23

Super Raffle

December

Legends Theme Contest

Holiday Dinner / Desserts

Minutes from the March Meeting

Minutes from the March Meeting

Attendance:
Members – 23, Guests – 2, Models – 25

Meeting was gaveled to order at 7:30PM.

Old Business: Many models were placed on the tables for “Green Night.”

New Business: Announcement of upcoming shows in the area:
April 1 – MosquitoCon, Wayne, NJ
May 4-6 – AMPS, Camp Hill, PA (Harrisburg)

Announcement: Next month’s meeting will be Work In Progress Night. Anyone with a model that Just isn’t finished yet and place it on the table.
Discuss was had about a missed email, where NJIPS was looking for a donation to help with their MosquitoCon show. Motion was made to send them the $35 requested. The motion was passed.

An announcement of Frank Colucci’s book The Sikorsky Aircraft Centennial -1923-2023 was made. It is available from Amazon.com. A reminder was made of the Remember the Members Night for the June Meeting That night will pay homage to the members that we recently lost. Look for more info upcoming.

The meeting reconvened with the Raffle for 10 prizes. Afterward members spoke about the models that they brought in.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50PM

 

April Meeting: 

April 21, 2023

Location: Bergen Beach Sports Complex

Doors Open by 6:00 PM

Business starts at 7:30 PM

 

Featured Activity: Work In Progress Night. Show us your latest build and where you are with your annual Pledge Model!

 

 

BPMS Zoom MIni Meeting: April 11, 2023

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Lou reports the following new releases: Atlantis' 1/400 Boeing SST, and the 1/56 Bomark missile with Launch platform, Tamiya Panzer IV 70A, US 55 gal. drums, German drums, and Jerry cans. Rumor has it that "Eagle Moss" may be resuming deliveries soon.

Congrats to Vaughn for his upcoming move to a new place.  Get well wishes to Jimmy T, Russ H., and Don I, hopefully you'll be feeling better soon.Welcome to Paul F., a new face to the Zoom meetings. He builds everything, and plans work on a USS Enterprise bridge.In progress and completed work include  a WIP on a new Hobby Room (Don), A-6 (painting problems), XP 79B (canopy problem hopefully solved), 1/20 Alita Battle Angel figure, '73 Volkswagen Bus, a Lost in Space Chariot, an Atlantis F89 Scorpion, a B-50, Roto-Jeep, JU-88 with BF109, JU88 with FW90, an He162 with Arado 155, MPC Joker Get Away Car with resin Joker figure, a 1/48 Sheridan tank (difficult build) with available PE set,  Meng F-18F two seater.Topic was Do you use your tax refund to add to your model stash. Most of the replies were various reasons for a no, tho a 1/16 Tiger tank was a close to refund buy, also a GHAD double action airbrush was a tax refund buy.

Tool of the week was a lesson on converting a battery operated tooth brush into a mini sander with punch & die,  Velcro backed sand paper. Toughest part is reportedly pulling out all the bristles.

Announcement that NoreastCon in Albany, NY will be taking place later this month. Also upcoming is Armor Con (Oct.) and the HVHMG Annual show (also Oct.). Mark N's image of MosquitoCon contest roomwas shown. Discussion ensued about attendance, which then evolved onto young people or the lack thereof in the IPMS. One theory was that it originates at the local level where "oldsters"  scoff when the "youngster" brings in their choice of model- Sci-Fi and especially Gundam figures. Paul F. then put out and appeal for ideas for space themed models. Tom K advised of the JPL Ambassador Program,  then it was pointed out that JPL and NASA has numerous card models available for download. One only has to cut them out and white glue the model together. Kevin K mentioned he uses those paper plans to us as a template for building in styrene.  Bobby P. remembered that he had an endo-scope (from a previous tool tip) and now how to adapt it to image models.

There is no Zoom meeting next week in lieu of the In-Person Meeting. Next Zoom Meeting is April 25th. Invites to follow. (Any errors or exclusions were unintentional).  ;)

 

Second string zoom sec., ;)

Kev K

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 04/04/2023

Fifteen people attended the meeting. Lou reports these new releases: Kinetic's1/32 S-199 and M3A3 Bradley, HK's1/32 B17F, Tamiya's 1/32 German Infantry set and Panzer 4 70/A.
Chuck is having difficulty finding a replacement part for his Hasegawa F-18. Contact him directly for details. 

 
We heard that Replicon was relatively small this year, but Mosquitocon had many entries. Julio had entries in both shows. If you're interested in 80's vintage kits (Sci-Fi, Maschinen Kreiger, Gundam, etc.), check out Wise Guys Hobbies, an eBay store with a warehouse in Williston Park (near Freeport). Owner Anthony Marafino's number is 516 765 1215. 

 
In progress and completed work included: A-6, Silver Knight (Joe likes how Vallejo metallics look on a gloss black base), Surveillance Robot (3-D printed), X-79 B (little canopy, big aggravation), BA 20 armored car, Yak-9, Tu-2, Sherman Calliope and Thunderbird 1. Acquisitions included: Darkness bust (from Legend) and MBT 99A. Gil told us about his latest tool, the GHAD -39, an inexpensive double action airbrush. 

 
The Challenge was designed to see how many A-4 Skyhawk kits the group has built and the results were surprising. Just two people, Frank and yours truly, built a total of six A-4s and five were Frank's. Hard to believe but Mr. K never built an A-4! 

 
The next meeting is Tuesday 4/11/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Happy Holidays. 

 
~Russ

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: March 28, 2023

Fourteen people attended the meeting. Following up on our photography discussion, Pres. Tom (whose photos appear in the current IPMS Journal) offered these tips for better model photos: avoid cluttered backgrounds, elevate the subject to get better camera angles and use a solid color background.

BPMS was well represented at Replicon last Saturday in Freeport. Unfortunately, no pictures were available for the Zoom meeting. We heard about another Saturday show, Heratigecon, at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario Canada and, thanks to Mark's network of modelers, we saw pictures of the well-attended event. Frank C knows the Museum and recommends it if you're in Hamilton. Speaking of shows, Mosquitocon is next Saturday, 4/1/23 in Wayne NJ, Noreastcon is 4/29/23 in Albany NY and Armorcon is 10/13-14/23 in Southbury CT.

In progress and completed work included: XP-79B, BV-38 flying wing (from Raiders of the Lost Ark), B-24J (with aftermarket decals), two Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeeps (Gil had one, Mr. K had the other), Mig-19, Mitsubishi F-1 and F-104 (the last three in 1/144). Acquisitions included: Bigfoot (the version seen in the Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967), F/A 18A+ and an aftermarket 1/144 cockpit set.

The featured tool was the Gaahleri GH AG50A(?) airbrush. Gil was impressed by its ability to spray well at 10-24 psi. Priced around $50.00.

We heard many ways to prevent parts from getting lost. Wear an apron that's attached to the underside of the work surface (or, put a towel on or lap). Remove parts from the sprue with a micro saw rather than a clipper. Cut the sprue into smaller sections for a better grip and better access to the part being removed. Work in a glove box made by cutting hand holes in a lidded clear plastic storage bin (if that's too much trouble, use a zip lock bag). Tape the part to its sprue before cutting and it won't fly off. Avoid removing multiple parts (like grab bars) all at once. COB flashlights are good for finding parts on the floor. Chair mats or other hard coverings can keep parts from being absorbed into carpets. After parts have been removed put them in those lidded containers, jars and pill bottles that you always knew were "too useful to throw away". Of course, some of us believe loss is inevitable and buy multiple kits. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 4/4/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: March 21, 2023

Featured topic The Eyes Have ItWhat do you do to take better photographs of your models? Maybe President Tom will tell us how he got his Panther D in the Jan/Feb 23 issue of the IPMS Journal?

Fifteen people attended the meeting. Two shows are coming up soon, Replicon on Saturday, 3/25/23, at the Recreation Center in Freeport, NY and Mosquito Con on 4/1/23 at the PAL Hall in Wayne, NJ. Noreastcon comes later, 4/29/23, in Albany, NY. 

Lou reports several Trumpeter kits are available: 1/16 Stug 3 G, 1/32 F-35 A, 1/72 Leopard 2 A-4 and Strv MBT, 1/700 HMS Belfast, HMS Exeter and Jean Bart. Model Collect's 1/72 Horton H.XVIIIA was also mentioned. 

In progress and completed work included: Convair Kingfish, Mothman figure(Kevin's latest Cosclay sculpture), B-47, F/A 18, Tarzan figure, Convair XF7 Pogo, C-130 Hercules A(Belgian markings), Silbervogel, Jagdpanther, monocycle with rider, Mig-19 PM, U-2 and Cthulhu. Acquisitions included: XP-79 B, IWATTA airbrush cleaning tools, Convair 990, Wyatt Earp figure, '32 Ford and '57 Chevy Nomad. 

In the tool segment, Gil described how to make a paintbrush cleaning station form a steel junction box cover plate, a magnet, a bottlecap and a pipe screen. Come to think of it, a cover plate and some magnets would make a good (cheap) assembly jig. 

We shared tips on photographing models. Some swear by their digital cameras for their versatility and some swear at them for their complexity and many rely on their phones. Take pictures outdoors if the sunlight isn't harsh or it isn't too windy (paper models are just paper, after all). If indoors, get sunlight through a window. If using artificial light, don't mix colors. Staying indoors, light boxes give good results. Photoshop and apps like those from irfanview.com are useful for improving your images. Old school photographers bracket their shots and pick the best exposure. More tech -savvy photographers use an endoscope to get a driver's eye view from inside a model car. Various materials, like projector screens, yoga mats, pillow cases, etc. can be used as infinity screens. 

The next meeting will be Tuesday, 3/28/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ 

 

 

For the Car Model Guys

 July 7-9, Pawtuxet, Rhode Island:

https://www.concoursdminiature.com/

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report 03/07/2023

Eight people attended the 3/4/23 lunch meeting at Junior's. The group was large enough to fill a table, yet small enough for everyone to hear what was being said around the table. The food was good, too. 

 

Fourteen people attended the 3/7/23 zoom meeting.  No zoom meeting next Tuesday as the March in person meeting is Friday, 3/17/23. Doors open around 6pm, meeting begins around 7:30 pm. Details are in the flyer, which is in the mail. For those who can't be in Brooklyn on the 17th, the meeting will be streamed on the BPMS Facebook page. Thank you, Gordon.  

 

Lou reports Takom's 1/35 AH-64 E Guardian is available now and Revell Germany's 1/32 Hurricane is on the way.  Don went to IPMS Richmond's Old Dominion Show on 2/25/23. He enjoyed the show despite some of the prices in the vendors' room. Rommel also went and placed twice in the Aircraft category with his A6M Zero and P-51.  Congratulations, Rommel. And Mark shared photos taken by friends who attended the Show. His photo of a heavily weathered jet led to a discussion on the evolution of US Naval aircraft markings. He also shared photos of a built-up 1/200 IJN Yamato (contact Mark directly to learn who built it, how long it took and where it will be displayed). 

 

In progress and completed work included: Jagdpanther, A-6A, Convair Kingfish, Tiger 1(World War Toons version), XP-55 Ascender, Sepecat Jaguar and Monocycle.  Acquisitions included: 1/16 Tiger 1 (Andy's Hobby HQ version), Silbervogel,  Mirage MIII CJ and several copies of Frank's book on The Sikorsky Aircraft Centennial. 

 

This week, Gil showed us a paint strainer that fits an airbrush paint cup. A faucet aerator, with the inner part removed, also works (personal experience). Masking was the discussion topic. Common masking materials are masking tape, painters' tape, FrogTape, Tamiya tape, Bare Metal Foil, commercially made stencils (Don likes AK's flexible stencils and there are others), Silly Putty, Panzer Putty, Frisket Film, wax paper, Post It Notes, masking fluids (Mr. Masking line of products or art store products like Daler-Rowney Masking Fluid (works best over gloss finishes, according to Gil). If precut masks aren't your thing, make your own using circle templates, french curves, etc. A good tip from Vaughan, for feathered edges, cut a hole in the center of your paper mask and attach the mask to the model by taping over the hole. The edges of the mask will lift enough to create a feathered edge. Meanwhile, Frank will be investigating the masking potential of Wikki Stix. 

 

Hope you can make it to the Friday meeting. It will be St. Parick's Day, bring a green model or two.   

 

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 02/28/2023

Fourteen people attended the meeting.  We met Tom K (not to be confused with BPMS Pres Tom K), a modeler in South Carolina. The lunch meeting is this Saturday, 3/4/23 at Junior's, 386 Flatbush Ave Extension in Brooklyn at noon. The DeKalb Ave subway station is across the street. Check your favorite map for other nearby stations/connections. Hope to see you there. 

Looking for a new book? Try The Sikorsky Aircraft Centennial: A Tribute by the Igor I. Sikorsky Historical Archives Paperback by John Bulakowski, Frank Colucci and Igor I Sikorsky Historical Archives. 

Lou reports two new releases, Tamiya's 1/48 M8 and I Love Kit's 1/16 M4A3E8 (standard and premium editions). He also reports AKI will be increasing their prices. Will other manufacturers follow? 

In progress and completed work included: Jagdpanther, Type 212 Class sub, A-6A, Convair Kingfish, Pz 3 (Michael had to replace the smart kit's defective tracks with a nice set of workable 3D printed tracks from T-Rex), Pz 1, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Sepcat Jaguar and Su-7.  Acquisitions included: F-4E and F-4EJ (to quote Jimmy, "It's not hoarding if it's models"). 

Ever wonder if Wiki Stix, the waxy yarn product, is good for masking? Well, Frank has, and he'll tell us how well they work. An airbrush cleaning pot was Gil's tool for this week. They're inexpensive and essential if you do a lot of airbrushing. The featured topic was balancing (primarily aircraft) models. Easy way, glue/pin it to a base. No base? Fabricate an external support, like the tail stands used on some full-sized aircraft. Before adding weight, determine where and how to position it. A partial build or a YouTube video can help. Liquid Gravity's small pellets fill voids well, but it can get messy and they're expensive. Cheaper alternatives are model RR car weights, BBs, birdshot and lead tape for sports equipment. If space allows, mashed up fishing sinkers or car tire balancing weights will work. Packing ship model bases with Propoxy 20, a steel reinforced epoxy putty, adds stability. Avoid modeling clay for securing weights. The oils react with the plastic over time.

The next zoom meeting will be Tuesday, 3/7/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow.  The lunch meeting is 3/4/23 at noon. We'll save you a seat. Stay safe.

~Russ

Bulletin Archive in PDF Format

 

 

Bulletin 2023 03

Bulletin 2023 02

Bulletin 2023 01

 

Bulletin 2022 12

Bulletin 2022 11

Bulletin 2022 10

Bulletin 2022 09

Bulletin 2022 08

Bulletin 2022 07

Bulletin 2022 06

Bulletin 2022 05

Bulletin 2019 06
Bulletin 2019 05
Bulletin 2019 04
Bulletin 2019 03
Bulletin 2019 02
Bulletin 2019 01

Bulletin 2018 12
Bulletin 2018 11
Bulletin 2018 10
Bulletin 2018 09
Bulletin 2018 08
Bulletin 2018 07.pdf
Bulletin 2018 06.pdf

Bulletin 2018 05.pdf
Bulletin 2018 04.pdf
Bulletin 2018 03.pdf
Bulletin 2018 02.pdf
Bulletin 2018 01.pdf

Bulletin 2017 12.pdf
Bulletin 2017 11.pdf
Bulletin 2017 10.pdf 
Bulletin 2017 09.pdf
Bulletin 2017 08.pdf
Bulletin 2017 07.pdf
Bulletin 2017 06.pdf
Bulletin 2017 05.pdf  
Bulletin 2017 04.pdf
Bulletin 2017 03.pdf
Bulletin 2017 02.pdf
Bulletin 2017 01.pdf

Bulletin 2016 12.pdf
Bulletin 2016 11.pdf
Bulletin 2016 10.pdf
Bulletin 2016 09.pdf
Bulletin 2016 08.pdf
Bulletin 2016 07.pdf
Bulletin 2016 06.pdf
Bulletin 2016 05.pdf
Bulletin 2016 04.pdf
Bulletin 2016 03.pdf 
Bulletin 2016 02.pdf
Bulletin 2016 01.pdf

Bulletin 2015 12.pdf
Bulletin 2015 11.pdf
Bulletin 2015 10.pdf
Bulletin 2015 09.pdf
Bulletin 2015 08.pdf
Bulletin 2015 07.pdf
Bulletin 2015 06.pdf
Bulletin 2015 05.pdf
Bulletin 2015 04.pdf
Bulletin 2015 03.pdf
Bulletin 2015 02.pdf
Bulletin 2015 01.pdf

Bulletin 2014 12.pdf
Bulletin 2014 11.pdf 
Bulletin 2014 09.pdf 
Bulletin 2014 08.pdf
Bulletin 2014 07.pdf
Bulletin 2014 06.pdf
Bulletin 2014 05.pdf
Bulletin 2014 04.pdf
Bulletin 2014 03.pdf
Bulletin 2014 02.pdf
Bulletin 2014 01.pdf

Bulletin 2013 12.pdf
Bulletin 2013 11.pdf  
Bulletin 2013 10.pdf
Bulletin 2013 09.pdf
Bulletin 2013 06.pdf
Bulletin 2013 01.pdf

Bulletin 2004 06.pdf

Bulletin 2001 06.pdf

Bulletin 2000 05.pdf

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

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Thirteen people attended the meeting. There will a lunch meeting on Saturday, March 4, at noon at Junior's, 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn. It's convenient to public transit (ask Google Maps) and if you've never been to this Brooklyn landmark, now's your chance. Members, former members, zoomers and guests are encouraged to attend and catch up.

 

We received an inquiry from an individual looking for someone to build the 1/600 Academy USS Enterprise CVN-65. If you're interested or know someone who is, send me the contact information and I'll forward to the individual. Thanks in advance.

 

Lou reports AFV Club's 1/35 Churchill Mk 4 AVRE SBG Bridge and Centurion Mk5 AVRE are both available now. Watch for a Wyatt Earp figure from Atlantis and a 1/16 M4-A3-E8 from I Love Kit.

 

In progress and completed work included: Convair Kingfish, Lysander Mk I /III (Vaughan's glad it's finished, even if he can't see much of the instrument panel), Lysander P 12 (a conversion Mr K just happened to have laying around off-camera), International Scout 2, '66 Chevy Street Machine, Tarzan figure, B-52 with X15, DH-4, B-47, Su-7,(Frank was surprised the old OEZ kit fit so well), Sepecat Jaguar and Jagdpanther.  Acquisitions included: Dodge Ram pickup, Ford Trimotor and 3D printed individual link Panther tracks in 1/72 (what was I thinking?)

 

The topic was restoring clear parts. Chuck shared his step-by-step process (pare down high spots, sand with progressively finer grits, polish with toothpaste on wet paper towel, polish with Mother's Magnesium Aluminum Polish on old T shirt and finish with a quick swipe of oil from the bridge of your nose). Frank uses orangewood manicure sticks to remove paint bleed and fine (the pink ones) sanding sticks to remove longitudinal seams from aircraft canopies. Vaughan recommends children's toothpaste for polishing. Don likes Novus Plastic Polish #2 or #3 (finer grade). Bobby says the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer Kit can also be used on model parts. 

 

Next meeting is Tuesday, 2/28/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there and, at Junior's on March 4. Let me know if you plan to go - headcounts always help.

 

~Russ

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: Tues, Feb 7, 2023

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We met Brian, a modeler form Massachusetts. Hope we see him again. No zoom meeting next Tuesday, as the February in-person is next Friday, the 17th. Doors open around 6 pm, meeting starts around 7:30 pm. The Quarterly Contest and "show us your tool" are the scheduled activities. Details are in the newsletter, which is in the mail. Surprised that we still mail a newsletter, Mark said BPMS was like one of those isolated tribes, who found a way to avoid the modern world. He's got a point. Maybe that's why we've been around for fifty years?
Lou was pleased to report Academy's 1/48 A-10 C and Zero 21 and Takom's 1/35 M-48 family (M48 A-3, M48 A-5 and M-247 Sgt. York) are now available.
In progress and completed work included: A-6A, Lysander (an inspection window mishap is no problem for a man with a second kit), Jagdpanzer 4 L/48 (Border's kit includes Zimmerit paste and applicator tool), Porsche, RF-4 (with a troublesome stabilator), Harrison Ford Blade Runner bust (3D printed in washable resin), T-33 and Jagdpanther. Acquisitions included: S-51 helicopter, FW-58C, Humbrol Chrome Silver paint, Blue Stuff thermoplastic molding material, F-16 A and F-4 B.
We heard many ways to temporarily tack parts in place. Starting ,of course, with Blu-Tack, we moved to Play-Doh, rubber bands, plastic bag ties, mini clothespins, clamps, Aileen's Tacky Glue, white glue and various tape types. Frog Tape is low tack and prevents paint bleed. Japanese Kabuki (aka Washi) tape, is also low tack, and repositionable. Lastly, BPMS Superraffle tape, considered by some to be too sicky for masking, is just right for dry fitting parts.
If you're going to Glendale on Sunday, enjoy the game, but not so much that you miss the Friday meeting.
~Russ

In preparation for June 2023 Theme Contest

In preparation for June 2023 Theme Contest, "Remember the Members Theme", a current BPMS member had asked what type of models for those members we are remembering.
I have set up an album for each of the past BPMS members. I have photos which are some examples of their work. Please use the link to their album below.

Andy Yanchus (only photos of him in front of his display of models): https://photos.app.goo.gl/h1naNtEmVzUcaUVa6

Joe Barrett: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PXjnuVTzRwCfUNpk9

Tim Greeman: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nQENJvorYWrBfk4w8

Ray Keegan: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eA7KSe4CK2KvCTqs5

Hope some of these random photos I pulled from the archive will help inspire your project.
~Gordon

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting Report: Jan 31, 2023

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Lou reports two new Rye Field 1/35 releases: Tiger 1, late production and JTLV. We heard about several upcoming events: Old Dominion Open in Richmond VA on 2/25/23, Replicon in Freeport, NY on 3/25/23, Downeastcon in Sanford, ME on 4/16/23 and Noreastcon in Albany NY on 4/29/23. Closer to home, BPMS will have a lunch meeting at Junior's (386 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn) on 3/4/23. 

 

We added the Cesna 195, Airmaster 145, Aurora's Knights and Pyro's antique firearms to last week's dream models list. 

 

In-progress and completed work included: T-33 (Frank thanked Mr. K for last week's tip about a white undercoat for an orange topcoat) and Jagdpanther. Acquisitions included: F-4 E, F-4 EJ and Israeli F-16A decals, F-35 B, F/A-18,  Gundam markers, AH-64 E Guardian and a 3D printed 1/35 Matilda 1 from Vargas Scale Models. The few, but complex, parts (one piece track and suspension, full hull complete with electrical wiring for headlamps) will make an interesting build. Ink was the featured topic. Many of us use Sharpie Markers, few of us use ink. It can be applied with calligraphy pens (nibs come in several widths) or drafting pens ( Leroy, Rapidograph). Ink only works on a flat finish. Colors can be mixed. Don't thin acrylic ink. Once dry, ink is durable. Don has tried airbrushing white ink as winter camouflage. He was semi-satisfied with the results. Gil, who recommends Amsterdam Inks, used a pen to color panels on a spacecraft and was happy with the result.  The tool tip of the week was using Burt's Bees Lip Balm, rather than beeswax, to seal a leaky airbrush nozzle. Another tip, Liquid paper is good for filling small seams. Next meeting is 2/7/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Happy Groundhog Day. 

~Russ

The Last Boeing 747 Leaves the Factory

From the NYT website:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/31/business/last-boeing-747-plane.html

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 1/24/23

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We're thinking of a lunch meeting on Saturday, 3/4/23 at Junior's, 386 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, across from the DeKalb Ave. subway station. It's a good opportunity to catch up with those who can't attend the Friday night meetings. 

Lou reports three 1/35 releases from Trumpeter: Ka-29 Helix helicopter, Iron Dome Air Defense System, M-901 Launching Station w/ Patriot SAM and, one from Hobby Boss, 1/48 F4U-1D. Noreastcon will be 4/29/23 in Albany and AMPS is scheduled for the 5/4&6/23 in Harrisburg, PA. Details to follow. Mark talked about doing kit reviews for AMPS. If you're interested, contact him directly. He also told us why military map symbols look the way they do. Interesting stuff. Thanks, Mark. 

In progress and completed work included: Lysander (Vaughn is putting that second kit to good use), F-104 J, AT-33, Wazbom 40K, RF-4, Delphin Midget Submarine, Gerat 040, Jagdpanther and masked female figure. Acquisitions included: F-4G Wild Weasel, YF-22 and Be-200 ES.

In the tool segment, Gil explained how to make and use a simple vacuum forming device, built using easily available parts. The featured topic was (injection molded) dream models. There was some overlap, but they fell into several categories: never produced (Duplex Drive Sherman, 1988 Mercury Cougar, S-67 Blackhawk, P-8 Poseidon), out of production (SS United States, HMS Hermies), in need of an update (F-7F Tigercat, RF-8 Crusader, M-88 A2, OS2U Kingfisher) or, in a different scale (Forrestall class ships, SH-60 K, HH-E3, Huey Gunship). Several people felt they already had every kit they wanted. Gil was one of them until Don mentioned his Porsche 804 F-1 from Fernando Pinto. 

Next meeting is 1/31/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you then.

~Russ

Remember The Member Theme Contest: June 16, 2023

 JUNE 16^TH 2023

REMEMBER THE MEMBERS

THEME CONTEST

During the quarantine the BPMS shaken with losses of multiple members To remember them, the club will have a remembrance contest to honor those members and what they built in the hobby. It will be a simple contest, since the BPMS is all-inclusive and we love all branches of the hobby, so you can display what you like. We will be preparing special awards for the four specific members we are focusing on:

· Tim Greeman: he primarily built 1/72 armor, loved Shermans, and built occasional figures.

· Ray Keegan: he built everything but was known best as a sci-fi guy, esp Star Wars and Gundam.

· Joe Barrett: known for his 1/35 WW2 German armor and cars, he also enjoyed sci-fi.

· Andy Yanchus: his name is well known in our hobby, especially for his role in Aurora in the early days. Mostly he built sci-fi. Figures, and loved toy conversion. He, also, sponsored one of your earliest theme contest: Humor in Modeling.

There you have it. It will be easy to build for, and we hope to see plenty of work on the tables for this one. Feel free to contact the sponsors with and questions or comments!

BPMS Bulletin: January 2023

BPMS Bulletin 

by Bobby B2 Blue Pokorny 

Welcome to 2023! We hope you had a happy, healthy and a safe Holiday Season. 2022 ended brilliantly! We had 31 models on the tables, most were for the theme contest. Plenty of tasty treats and cheer to go ‘round!

December Meeting

AURORA THEME CONTEST: The theme contest to mark the 70^th Anniversary of Aurora Models (celebrated on the 72^nd, Thanks COVID) finally happened and we had some gorgeous work on the tables.

 

1^st           Jake Moon                          Maserati 3500 GT

2^nd          Bob Pokorny                   Joseph Stalin IS-3

3^rd           Kevin App                           Phantom of the Opera

HM       Russ Holcomb                                Black Falcon

                Kosta Lukyanov            UH-25

                Frank Coluccia               Moon Bus 

The winners of first, second, and third places got awards emblazoned with an early Aurora poster that our master award maker Ed Dietrich  digitized for the anniversary! We’d also like to thank the sponsors – Joe Bergman and Kevin Kilkenny for sponsoring another theme fun for the members to build for.

AWARDS CEREMONY: The group voted and I tallied the numbers all year. Here are the results:

Air

1^st           Frank Colucci

2^nd          Charlie Nelson, StevenNelson

3^rd           Ray Whitton, Rommel Xu

HM       Russ Holcomb

Armor

1^st           Guy Ferrara

2^nd          Howell Serkin

3^rd           Tom Knoll

HM       Mark Mullen

Figures

1^st           Joe Bergman

2^nd          Howell Serkin

3^rd           Don Illjes, Mark Mullen

Sea

1^st           Kevin App

2^nd          Joe Bergman

3^rd           Charlie Nelson

HM       Kosta Lukyanov

Science Fiction

1^st           Mark Mullen

2^nd          Joe Bergman

3^rd           Gordon Cheung

HM       Julio Guadalupe

Miscellaneous

1^st           Kevin App

2^nd          Kosta Lukyanov

3^rd           Bobby Pokorny

Most Popular

1^st           Qtr        Frank Colucci

2^nd               Qtr        Rommel Xu

3^rd           Qtr        Charlie Nelson

4^th          Qtr        Julio Guadalupe

 

Frank Tripoli Memorial

TOP GUN AWARD

JOE BERGMAN

 

Great work! Now the slates are clean and time to start a new year!

HOLIDAY DESSERTS: Thanks to everyone who brought in some goodies, and there was plenty!

raffle: We didn’t have a raffle during the meeting. It will return next month.

WEEKLY ZOOM: Even though we are back to having regular meetings, the weekly ZOOM will continue! New day and time: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Every week EXCEPT for weeks with an in-person meeting. 

On the agenda: JANUARY

2023 Model Pledge: Looks like we got this working nicely now! Bring in an unbuilt model between January and APRIL 2023 to declare as your pledge model. Please have it finished for OCTOBER 2023, for a display. After October you may bring back your pledge for the November meeting for the last contest of the year. For your efforts you get an additional FIVE Super Raffle tickets for completing your pledge! Sweet! Easy enough!

KIT SALE: Bring kits to sell and cash to buy with. There’s no tab at this bar!

JUNE THEME:

JUNE 16^TH 2023

REMEMBER THE MEMBERS

THEME CONTEST

During the quarantine the BPMS shaken with losses of multiple members To remember them, the club will have a remembrance contest to honor those members and what they built in the hobby. It will be a simple contest, since the BPMS is all-inclusive and we love all branches of the hobby, so you can display what you like. We will be preparing special awards for the four specific members we are focusing on:

·        Tim Greeman: he primarily built 1/72 armor, loved Shermans, and built occasional figures.

·        Ray Keegan: he built everything but was known best as a sci-fi guy, esp Star Wars and Gundam.

·        Joe Barrett: known for his 1/35 WW2 German armor and cars, he also enjoyed sci-fi.

·        Andy Yanchus: his name is well known in our hobby, especially for his role in Aurora in the early days. Mostly he built sci-fi. Figures, and loved toy conversion. He, also, sponsored one of your earliest theme contest: Humor in Modeling.

There you have it. It will be easy to build for, and we hope to see plenty of work on the tables for this one. Feel free to contact the sponsors with and questions or comments!

SPOTLIGHT MODELER:

FRANK “GRAIL” GIALLAMBARDO

In NOVEMBER we voted Frank in to join our ranks. He found out about the BPMS on Facebook and came to the February 2020 meeting. Then COVID came around and the quarantine. If you come on the ZOOM meetings, you are probably already familiar with Frank. He’s been a resident of Staten Island since 1962, where he went to school, and he, currently, teaches ESL. He doesn’t only like models; he plays the bass and 12-string guitar, classic rock, original music, chess, baseball, reading and comic book collecting.

 

Like many of us, Frank’s first exposure to the hobby was during his childhood, when his father brought him to a hobby shop. He thinks his first model may have been an Aurora Dracula, and having just celebrated 72 Years of Aurora at the BPMS, she shares the same start as MANY of us in the hobby! 

 

That first figure help set him along his path in the hobby. Frank enjoys figures and science fiction, but we have also seen him working on a historical ship on the Zooms, so his tastes vary greatly. He likes to work on his models, like many of us, on the kitchen table. He suggests that following instructions is a good way to avoid problems during a build and that the internet is a valuable resource for references and learning skills. He also hopes to find models of Indiana Jones and Napoleon Bonaparte to build to apply those skills to in the future. He hopes to find more of the models from the 1969 Aurora catalog being offered, and with companies like Atlantis out there, he might just get his wish!

 

Frank has a similar concern as many of us. The Hobby doesn’t seem to be attracting younger modelers anymore. What would it take to remedy this?  Would advertising help? Maybe some lines of inexpensive models to attract the youngsters. Something needs to be done before the hobby vanishes.

 

In closing, Frank would like to offer us some Wisdumb  --- "Don't get glue on your fingers as you put the model pieces together." Yep! We have all been there!

~BP

EDITOR’S NOTE: After more than 20? 25? years of writing the BPMS Bulletin, I am handing over the reins to the capable hands of Kevin Kilkenny. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the club in this capacity for so many years. It’s been a fun ride. Like Douglas Adams wrote, “So long and thanks for all the fish!” 

~Your humble narrator, Bob Pokorny

Meeting date:

January 20th, 2023

People start shwoing up by 6 PM. 

See you at the BBSC!