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!
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
Welcome!
Sunday, November 26, 2023
BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: 11/28/2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: 11/21/2023
Ten people attended the meeting. Lou told us Tamiya's 1/148 F-35B will be available shortly.
The holiday lunch is Saturday, 12/2/23 at noon at Nora's, 3019 Quentin Rd, Brooklyn. Good food, good company, good enough parking.
Kevin reported Hobby Lobby is will open a store on Staten Island by the end of the year. Details to follow. Vaughan is looking for post WW 2 Luftwaffe decals for his Eurocopter Tiger. Contact him directly for details. We briefly discussed commission builds and ways to attract new people to the hobby, like model displays rather than model competitions.
In progress and completed work included: Revell/Smithsonian Hurricane Mk 2, Ghost of Christmas Past, Wolf Man, Napoleon Bonaparte, 1940 Ford, Dagon and Mig-29. Acquisitions included: Igor/Marty Feldman bust, Dr Frankenstein/Gene Wilder bust, Seafire 17, Hase mini sub, Tu-134, Su- 355 Flanker E and Canadian Ram Mk 2.
A tip from Mr. K, put a pencil eraser cap on your hobby knife handle to keep it from rolling around. A tip from Kevin, Reikland Fleshshade from Citadel, is good for, you guessed it, shading flesh.
The topic was black Friday deals. Apparently, we're not particularly excited about black Friday. Offers from outfits, like Andy's Hobby HQ and Sprue Brothers were mentioned, but no one found the "offer he couldn't refuse" (but Frank couldn't refuse a1/48 Cesna 195, if one was available). You may find good deals on Amazon and AliExpress if you look around on a regular basis. Case in point, a 16-bottle set of Vallejo paints from Amazon for $26.
Next meeting is Tuesday, 11/28/23 at 730 pm. Invites to follow. Tell us what you bought on cyber-Monday.
~Russ
Wednesday, November 08, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: November 7, 2023
Lou reported AMT's 1/200 Aretmis-1 is available and Frank G reported a new Hobby Lobby opened on Staten Island, on Forrest Ave near Decker Ave.
The Freeport Rec Center will host the L.I.A.R.S. (cars) show on 11/11/23. Mark shared photos of the Hudson Valley Show and a large show in Belgum.
In progress and completed work included: Samuri Figure, Ghost of Christmas Past bust (Kevin's conundrum -paint it as a ghost or as an actor playing a ghost), M-3 Stuart, Merkava 4, C-130, Mr. Kim's Noodle Boat (Don's resin kit is rapidly becoming a scratch-built kit), P-47, 3D printed monster sea turtle, 1940 Ford pick-up and, from Vaughn's stash, Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIC (Revell-Smithsonian). Acquisitions included: Werewolf head, 3D printed Dagon, F3F Wildcat, M-12, Seversky J-9 and aftermarket USCG decals and railings (Mr. K is impressed by Trumpeter's 1/350 set) for the Burton Island kit.
We talked about the times we've done the wrong thing. Stuff like modifying kit parts before our research is completed, overcoating a base coat with incompatible paint, attaching small parts too early in the build, not noticing "handed" parts until they're glued in place and incorrectly thinning acrylics for airbrushing. We review instructions thoroughly, but we often alter sequence of work as we see fit. Sometimes we come to regret it. We've gone wrong when the instructions are too complex, oversimplified or just plain illegible. Then there are the garage kits that come without instructions or pictures of the final build. So, even when you're not being told what to do, you can go wrong.
Remember, our next meeting is Friday. Do the right thing and show up.
~Russ
Sunday, November 05, 2023
Halloween BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 10/31/2023
No tricks, just treats this Halloween. Mark shared photos of last week's Hudson Valley show, where there were 274 entries and BPMS sponsored two categories. Then, Michael shared many photos of Japan. Well, to be honest, interiors of model shops in different cities and a museum in Japan. Some shops were multi-level buildings in the model district, some were small, independent businesses at various locations. Regardless, they were all well stocked with kits, paint and accessories. Prices were reasonable, helped by the favorable exchange rate. The Kure Maritime Museum has a 1/10 model of the Yamato in addition to many smaller WW2 related items. Not technically a museum, Tamiya's headquarters featured examples of their products from their early wooden kits (who knew?) to the present day (lots of Phantoms, and Frank knew them all).
In progress and completed work included: Napoleon Bonaparte figure, F-90 Gundam and Mig-21. Acquisitions included: Ghost of Christmas Past bust and F-15 J.
Being Halloween, we discussed masks. We heard about Aztek Dummy stencils, combining Tamiya thin tape with less expensive tapes or paper to make large masks with sharp edges and securing paper masks to flattened Blu Tack "worms" to mask large areas.
The next meeting is Tuesday, 11/7/23 at 7:30 pm. (Don't forget to change your clocks.) Invites to follow. Hope to see you there
~Russ
Friday, November 03, 2023
BPMS Bulletin: November 2023 by Kevin K
Meeting was gaveled to order at 7:40PM.
•The meeting centered around Pledge night displays, and it was also Spooky Models Night. Anything that was either spooky, or had a name that was spooky was eligible.
•A report from Julio’s Manhattan Model Build session was another success despite some bad weather. Modelers of all ages and interests participated. Other shows included Armor Con and the HVHMG show. Look for the flyer and categories elsewhere in this issue.
•It was also reported that Julio was injured and not able to attend the event. The Club wishes him all the best for a speedy recovery.
•A report from ArmorCon indicates a nice show, even though the room was small. At least 150 models were on display. The Vendor room was good!
•The monthly raffle was held with 14 winners!
•October is Nominations month, and Tom Govia was Nominated for President. Kevin Kilkenny was nominated for VP.
•Discussion also included the Christmas Dinner to be held Dec. 2. See below.
•Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM
December 2 – Mark your calendar! This year’s Christmas Luncheon will once again be at Nora’s starting at noon. The price for the event is $45 per person. If you didn’t sign up at the meeting, please contact a Club Officer. Make sure to indicate if you have a +1.
Nora’s is located at 3019 Quentin Rd., in Brooklyn.
- Contest Night: 4Q23 – The last contest of the year. What have you built recently? Bring it in and put it on the table! Good Luck to everyone.
- SUPER Raffle: November is the month for the super raffle. For every model you brought in you got a ticket, and then for declaring a pledge, and then bringing it in for show you get 5 tickets. There’s always a load of goodies to be won. So, make sure you arrive on time!
- Looking to thin the stash? We’re always looking for kit donations for the raffles. Take a look way at the bottom in the back of the pile. I’m sure you can find one or two to bring in. Thanks in advance!
Meeting date:
November 17, 2023
Location: BBSC
Time: We usually have members setting up by 6 PM. Feel free to come by early!
Thursday, November 02, 2023
Bulletin Archive in PDF Format
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 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
Saturday, October 28, 2023
10/24/23 BPMS Zoom mini-meeting report
The Hudson Valley show is this Saturday, 10/28/23, at the Elk's Club, 29 Overrocker Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY and the Long Island Figure Show is 11/18/23 at the Freeport Rec Center. The BPMS holiday lunch is 12/2/23 at Nora's, details to follow.
In-progress and completed work included: Eurocopter, F-117 A, AR-2, Annular Monoplane, F-90 Gundam, Tornado, A-4 Skyhawk, MiG-21(recon), a pair of Necronomicons and a trio of Cuthulhus. Acquisitions included: Fokker D-7, F3F-3, B-24, Wildcat (all from Westchester Trains and Hobby in Yorktown Heights), '41 Plymouth and 1911 Deperdussin Monoplane.
The featured tool was a texture pallet Gil made to refine his dry brushing technique. It's a random grouping of spare parts, assorted scales and shapes, primed and glued to a flat surface so you can practice/adjust your dry brushing before attempting it on your model. Good one, Gil.
Only a few of us have used phosphorescent/fluorescent /UV reactive paints. Those who have used them mentioned fluorescent powder that can be mixed with acrylic medium or clear coat for brush painting. Also, Gaianotes produces a line of fluorescent paints for modelers.
Next Tuesday is Halloween. It's also our next zoom meeting. Don't be afraid to join us at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow.
Russ
More paint information, courtesy Gil. https://glomania.com/
Friday, October 13, 2023
BPMS Bulletin: October 2023 - By Kevin K
Attendance: Members – 20, Guests – 2, Models – 23
Meeting was gaveled to order at 8:00PM.
• Other shows included Armor Con and the HVHMG show. Look for the flyer and categories elsewhere in this issue.
• IPMS Region 1 held a Zoom meeting to discuss current events. Topics including welcoming “new” models – i.e., Gundams etc. And the GSB vs. 123 judging styles.
• The monthly raffle was held with 10 winners!
• October is the time to show your Pledge models, Nominations will also be held, and the theme for the Oct. meeting will be Spooky.
• Discussion also included the Christmas Dinner to be held in early Dec.
• Kevin K gave a short talk on painting 1/35 scale figures for your dioramas. .
• Meeting was adjourned at 9:35PM
NOMINATIONS: Usually a regime gets to sit up front for two years, but with COVID we relied on these guys to maintain stability for an extended period of time. Who will be ascending to the desk up front?
SPOOKY MODELS: October is officially the spookiest month, so why not display a spooky model. Will it be a figure of Michael Myers or a Banshee jet, that's up to you to figure out a way to interpret this theme night! ~Bob
Meeting date:
October 20, 2023
Location: BBSC
Time: We usually have members setting up by 6 PM. Feel free to come by early!
Thursday, October 12, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 10/10/2023
Schedule Of Events: 2023
Wednesday, October 04, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: October 3, 2023
In progress and completed work included: Gundam RX-78(Gordon's custom-made decals include functional QR codes), B-58, Skyhawk, Tornado, a supplemental shelf (Frank found a simple way to create more display space), a pair of Necronomicons (for October's spooky theme meeting) and VW Type 87. Acquisitions included: Tiger 1, aftermarket Panther tracks and AH 1-G Cobra.
We heard more tips on decal application - blot the decal with the side of a flat brush or a thin sponge cloth, use a sponge soaked in hot water to set the decal. We also heard thoughts on the best gloss topcoat.
The main discussion was about sponsoring trophy packages. It seems fewer requests are being made and those that are are incomplete, not mentioning the cost or where to send the money. Why the cost of trophy packages varies from club to club is unclear. Is it due to materials or to help raise funds for the host club, which is OK, but would be nice to know. Bottom line, standardizing some of the information in the sponsorship requests will make it easier for potential sponsors to decide who to sponsor. After all, if you're asking people to give you money, you should lit them know what they're getting and make it easy for them to pay.
Next meeting is 10/10/23 at 7:30. Invites to follow. The Modeler's Meet-up is 10/7/23 at noon. No invite needed.
~Russ
Saturday, September 30, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: September 26, 2023
Julio has arranged another Modelers Meet-up for 10/7/23 at Pier 57, Daffodil classroom, from noon until 5pm. Details are on the BPMS Facebook page. Armorcon is 10/13-14/23 in Southbury CT, and the Hudson Valley Show is 10/28/23 in Poughkeepsie NY.
Kevin and Julio shared impressive photos of the entries and the vendors at Jerseyfest. Thanks, guys. We heard about a judging controversy at the IPMS Nationals, which led to a wide-ranging discussion on judges, Gundam v. Mecha, attracting new people to the hobby and so on.
In progress and completed work included: 3D printed Val Kilmer bust (Doc Holliday, from Tombstone), Spitfire (Swedish recon version), Mr. Kim's Noodle Boat (from The Fifth Element), B-52 with X-15 and 3D printed Laura Croft figure. Acquisitions included: Patriot 105 airbrush, '23 Model T Depot Hack, and Wyatt Earp figure. The tool/product of the week was the Pulsarpro FX dry transfer system. You will, however, need a laser printer and a laminator.
Decal application was the featured topic. We heard variations on the basic "gloss coat, setting solutions, flat coat" procedure. Mark N uses a coffee filter to prepare the surface for decals. He also sprays a very thinned mist of the model's main color over the decal to blend it in. Micro Set, Micro Sol, Mr. Mark Setter, Mr. Mark Softener and Tamiya Mark Fit Strong are commonly used decal solutions. Walthers Solvaset is reserved for only the most stubborn decals. Vallejo's gloss coat is a good substitute for Future (or whatever they call it now, if they even make it). If you use Dullcote, Mr. K recommends replacing 1/3 of it with thinner for a dead flat coat.
The next meeting is Tuesday, 10/3/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ
Thursday, September 21, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: Sept 19, 2023
Jerseyfest is this weekend. Details are on the club's Facebook page. Several people are going, so we expect to see a lot of interesting acquisitions next Tuesday. Julio has arranged another Modelers' Meet Up at Pier 57 on 10/7/23 from noon to 5pm. Details are on the club's Facebook page. Thank you, Julio. Armorcon is 10/13-14/23 in Southbury, CT and the Hudson Valley show is 10/28/23 in Poughkeepsie, NY.
In progress and completed work included: Eurocopter Tiger, Ilyushin Il-2, Pz-4 J, Bearcat, Gundam F 90, 3D printed large scale Laura Croft figure, VW Type 87 and Necronomicon (an HP Lovecraft/Evil Dead thing). Acquisitions included: Tiger 1, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (75 mm figures) and B-17.
Gil's latest tool was a magnetic tool holder. The magnetic strip keeps tools accessible and organized. Safety note: don't position sharp tools so that you accidentally stab yourself.
The topic was washing kit parts prior to assembly. For current plastic kits, some do (it's a good way to check that all the parts are there, better safe than sorry), some wash them after assembly (dust, shavings and fingerprints will spoil any paint job) and some don't (why bother, it's an urban myth). But for older plastic kits, resin kits and 3D printed kits, everyone agrees that cleaning is essential. Gil went from soaking resin kits in whitewall cleaner to abrasive blasting his 3D figures, followed by an alcohol wash/scrub, followed by a dish soap wash. The blasting medium he uses is aluminum oxide 120, as used with the Paasche Air Eraser. Kevin uses Purple Power to clean resin. Bobby uses Scotch-Brite pads on resin. And, if the resin isn't completely cured, he puts it under UV light in a lightproof box. Gordon uses microfiber cloths when drying small parts. Gil uses a food dehydrator to dry large pieces and complete assemblies.
The next meeting is Tuesday 9/26/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Plastic Model Building Community Meet Up October
Friday, September 08, 2023
September 5th, 2023 - BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting
Lou told us about a new kit from Tamiya, The Walking, Swimming Duck (not to be confused with the DUKW). Italeri's 1/72 AMX Ghibli is also available.
Gordon showed us some of the sprue cutters he's been evaluating. Watch for his detailed write up in a future newsletter. Mark visited the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Horseheads, NY. He'll share photos at a future meeting.
In progress and completed work included: Eurocopter Tiger (Vaughn fabricated the complex gun sight from laminated plastic on an improvised lathe), Jersey Devil, Pz 4G, Catwoman figure (Gil is getting into 3D printing), B-58 and VW Type 87. Acquisitions included: 5 gal. portable air tank (we remembered some old alternatives to compressors and why they went away) and plexiglass sheets etc. for creating extra display space. The tool of the week was a pop-it fidget toy. Acrylic paint doesn't stick to it making it an easy to clean paint pallet.
Revisiting last week's topic, maximizing display space, Bobby, Vaughn and Gil gave Frank several options for building supplemental shelves and Don gave important advice on tools and procedures to cut Plexiglas safely. Moving to this week's topic, we talked about what influences our decisions on what to build/buy. For me, if a vehicle was ever on display at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, I'd buy the kit. For Gil, it's anything Volkswagen. Also, space ships, particularly from the old Irwin Allen shows. Kevin built Aurora's monsters when he was a kid and moved up to limited run monster kits and real space kits. A work assignment got Vaughn interested Soviet aircraft, so he built quite a few. Frank likes building F-4 Phantoms because with all the variants and all the national and operational markings/paint schemes used and payloads carried, he can make every model unique.
The next meeting is Friday, 9/15/23. Doors open around 6PM, meeting starts around 7:30 pm. No invites needed. Hope to see you here.
~Russ
Thursday, September 07, 2023
BPMS Bulletin: September - By Kevin K
Meeting was gaveled to order at 7:40PM.
• Pizza Night and the 3Q Contest.
• A favorable report was giving by the members who attended the IPMS Nationals.
• Reported 2024’s Nats will be in Madison WI, and 2025 will be at Hampton Roads, VA.
• Julio Guadalupe and Bob Pokorny reported on Julio’s Scale Model get together. Another will be planned for the future. See below…
• The monthly raffle was held with 14 winners!
• There was an extended break for pizza and the contest voting.
• Meeting was adjourned at 9:35PM
Meeting date:
September 15, 2023
Location: BBSC
Time: We usually have members setting up by 6 PM. Feel free to come by early!
Activity: Painting 1/35 Figures, hosted by Kevin K.
Friday, September 01, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 08/29/2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
8/22/23 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting report
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Transformers Arcee Model Kit
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Plastic Model Building Community Meet-up Interview
Community Group Build at Pier 57, NYC: 08/12/2023

Thursday, August 10, 2023
August 8, 2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting
Thursday, August 03, 2023
BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: August 1, 2023
Lou reports three Tamiya kits, 1/72 USAF F-35 A, 1/35 JGSDF 8 wheeled armored car and 1/24 GMA T-50 sports car are now available. Jimmy saw 3D printed masks for bomb tips in various sizes, which will be useful
Joe wanted us to know the Hudson Valley show will be Oct 28. Julio's "Modelers Meet-up" is Aug 12 at Pier 57, by the Hudson River, in Manhattan (see flyer on our Facebook page). Kosta is looking for a 1/43 3D printed Browning 50 cal mg. If you can help, contact him directly.
In progress and completed work included: Alien figure (Joe says the completed kit will be 4 feet tall), Kurt Russell and Norris figures (from The Thing), Gary Oldman figure (from Dracula), 3D printed APC (from Alien), F-14, B-58 (Frank will paint a natural metal finish) and Tradewind. Acquisitions included: Hawker Type 2, Il-2, Quick Boost tire stencils, Halcyon Drop Ship (from Alien), a pair of Super Mysetre (one kit, two planes) and a book on same.
This week's tool was a fountain pen ink syringe filler, a clean and efficient way to transfer and, maybe apply, inks. There were brief discussions on aircraft deicing boots, UFOs/UAPs and flying saucer kits, base coats for natural metal finishes, bulged tires for aircraft and what's the best time of day for building. The featured topic was tips for using yellow paint. Some use white as a base coat. Joe recommends a 1 to 2 mix of white and yellow as a base coat. Tan and certain flesh tones also work. Then there's the paint itself. Vallejo's yellow was said to be too transparent, while Citadel's was rich in pigment. Gil likes G-Paint (lacquer based) and Golden Paint (acrylic).
Next meeting is Tuesday, 8/8/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
Russ