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Friday, September 22, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: September 26, 2023

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 

Thursday, September 21, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: Sept 19, 2023

Twelve people attended the meeting. Lou reported the 1/32 Tie Fighter and 1972 Toyota Pick-up kits are available. He also reports MiniArt kits are hard to come by at the moment. Kosta shared his recent photo of the USCGC Eagle and the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry docked in New London. 

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

BPMS Model Clinic: Painting 1/35 Scale Figures

BPMS Meeting 9/15/2023

Plastic Model Building Community Meet Up October

Julio will be hosting another Plastic Model Building Community Meet Up. Please see the flyer for more info. Will be on Saturday, October 7, 2023 - same place and time as August Meet Up.

Friday, September 08, 2023

September 5th, 2023 - BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Twelve people attended the meeting. No Tuesday Zoom meeting next week as the in-person meeting is Friday, 9/15/23 at the Community Center. Kevin K will present a clinic on painting 1/35 scale figures. Details are in the flyer, which is in the mail. ]

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

Minutes from the August Meeting
 
Attendance: Members – 26, Guests – 2, Models – 23
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. 

 

 

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 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

Friday, September 01, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 08/29/2023

Fifteen people attended. Lou reports Trumpeter's 1/16 Sd Kfz 251 D is available. Gordon has been busy collecting and comparing sprue cutters. He'll document his findings in a future newsletter. Anticipating the discussion on display space, Kevin told us about the virtual museum on the Fantastic Plastic Models website. 
 
If you're looking for outdoor events, Kosta has two, Ukrainian Day,  on 9/10/23, at 195 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford, CT and, on 9/17/23, a Ukrainian festival at 90 Fleet St, Jersey City, NJ. Contact Kosta directly for details.
 
In progress and completed work included: Eurocopter Tiger (an Italeri kit with problems, although not as many as the real helicopter, according to Vaughan), Jersey Devil,  USS Greeneville, Pz 3, Pz 38t, Stout Skycar, Annular Monoplane 3, Nike Hercules, Ferrari 512 M (Mark was impressed by this Lego offering), B-58 and Tornado.
 
Acquisitions included: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, B-10B decals, Eurocopter (a different manufacturer, with aftermarket parts and Air- Graphics decals), '40 Ford, '59 Surf Shark Cadillac, F-22 Raptor and F-2B (by way of Plaza Japan, one of Frank's favorite sources).
 
The topic was improving/maximizing display space. Lou suggested mounting in-flight aircraft on pedestals of different heights. Several guys keep their models in bins and only take them out for shows. Stackable, purpose-built display cases from Trumpeter and others are handy, but expensive. Basketball display cases are good for large figures/Gundams. Not attaching bases to models allows each to be stored separately, saving space. Vaughn built his 7' high, 4' wide, 18" deep cabinets from scratch and Ikea sells bookcases with glass doors. Wall mounted shelves can hold a lot. Mr. K says the shelves in his workroom hold about 1000 models (next zoom meeting, look for yourself). It was noted that glass shelves, as opposed to wood or metal, make it easier to see what's inside a display case. The most obvious approach is to build only smaller scale kits. But who wants to do that? 
 
Next meeting is Tuesday, 9/5/23 at 7:30pm. Invites to follow.  In the meantime, have a Safe and Happy Labor Day.
 
~Russ



Friday, August 25, 2023

8/22/23 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting report

Eleven people attended the meeting. The 8/18/23 in person meeting, being pizza night and the 3rd quarterly contest, was well attended. Photos are on the BPMS Facebook page. No new releases were reported but we heard about the forthcoming 1/32 Tie Fighter from Round 2.
Mark is working on a list of upcoming shows. Details to follow. Mark received a non-modeler's request for someone to repair their Tu-95 Bear, an inherited model with much sentimental value. Chuck can pick it up if someone agrees to make the repairs. Contact Mark and Chuck directly for details. 
If you missed out getting a BPMS shirt last time around, Gordon may order more in future, provided there's sufficient interest. 
In progress and completed work included: 63 Corvette (Paul started the Agora kit with the engine), Hawker Typhoon, FA-18 (Chuck used Mother's Magnesium and Aluminum polish to restore the canopy), Lego Ferrari, F-14, B-58 (Frank really likes the way Vallejo premium grade black label metallic paints look over a gloss black base coat), Tradewind and VW Type 87. Acquisitions included: Douglas 046 A (Kevin plans to recreate a moment in Staten Island history), Martin B-10 B, Mirage 2000 N and 53 Ford Coca-Cola pickup.
The featured topic was cleaning your models. There were stories of well-intentioned family members washing models in sinks or removing dust with a vacuum cleaner(ouch!). Most of us use soft brushes we've picked at craft stores, hardware stores, cosmetic counters or hobby stores/websites. Q-tips and Kleenex are also used. Gordon supplements his brushes with an electric Air Duster (kinda like a hairdryer). Air brushes aren't recommended for dust removal. Individual dust covers, either DIY or professionally built, are effective at keeping models clean. Or maybe you just want to put your model in a jar. Furniture type cabinets and barrister bookcases minimize dust accumulation but dust still gets in. Bobby recalled Mr. K covered his models with dry cleaners' plastic, replacing it when it got too dusty. Unusual, yes, but, Mr. K does have an awful lot of models to keep clean. 
The next meeting is Tuesday, 8/29/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 
Russ

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

August Meeting Photos

Photos from August 2023 Meeting now up on BPMS Facebook Page


Transformers Arcee Model Kit


For the Robo/Mecha fans out there. Last week I received the Transformers Arcee kit that I had pre-order from last year. 

For those who are not familiar with this model kit, the kit is by Flame Toys - a China, Hong Kong based company. The kit was released in Asia around July 2023 and was released in the USA August 2023 by Bluefin/Bandai Namco Group who are the US distributor. 

For Transformer fans, they would know her from different reincarnation within the brand. The design for his kit is loosely based on Generation One where she's similar in looks but more feminine in body design. The design was created by Japanese artist going by the alias bansan.

The overall kit was beautifully molded with lots of detail. Of course, we have to remember it's a new kit with a fresh mold. The entire kit is snap-on and color molded. 




The first thing I notice compare to another kit from Flame Toys is that there are no poly cap (PC) parts. It seems with the advancement in mold and designs, many new mecha kits no longer needs the traditional poly caps for joints. The kit came standard with foil stickers as with other kits previously however, I notice there was no Autobot symbol. So closer look around the parts I notice the tiny Autobot symbol was prepainted on the part itself. Further examinations I see 2 more pair of parts were prepainted too. I can't say I'm surprised considering that the kit was designed to be put together straight out of the box and the most you need to paint are probably some panel lines and detailing.







With the above said. The kit is great for people who don't want or do not have the means to fully paint a model kit. The kit itself wasn't really design to be painted because on previous Flame Toys kit, I notice how tight joints/moveable areas are and just have no tolerance for paint. Paint would just scraped off around area of the elbows and knees. However, for modelers like myself, we tend to fully paint our kits and some planning is require to work around minor limitations.

Overall, the kit cost $65 and the engineering looks good. I'll have to put this one together to get an idea how well it comes together. Yet, I had build previous kits from Flame Toys and they do come together nicely. From what I found out, Arcee is hard to get at this time due to her popularity and was sold out from many retailers during the first pre-orders. However, Flame Toys announced it will be doing a second round so expect places that had it on pre-order the first time might be doing round two of pre-ordering.

~Gordon

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Plastic Model Building Community Meet-up Interview

Interview with Julio, organizer of 8/12/2023 event: Plastic Model Building Community Meet-up.

Community Group Build at Pier 57, NYC: 08/12/2023

The Group Model Build organized by Julio occurred yesterday and was a huge success! The Daffodil Classroom at Pier 57 big, clean, well-lit and AIR CONDITIONED! It was relatively easy to get to, once you got through cross-town traffic. 

A huge THANK YOU to JULIO for organizing and getting this done!

We estimate that there must have been some 40 - 50 people in attendance during the course of the day. There appeared to be around a couple dozen models on the table covering many facets of the hobby. There were even a couple youngsters walking by the room and came in to inquire about the event. It's rewarding, potentially, to spark the interest of the next generation of model builders!  

Thanks to all the BPMS members who showed up to support this community event, Russ, Steven (& son), Tony, Kevin B, Jeff, Gordon, and Michael "Mido" from our BPMS Zooms. If I missed anyone, I am sorry, I didn't write any names down. 
 
~Bobby P 

May be an image of 12 people, people studying, table and text 


Submitted by Julio: 
 
Hey everyone!

Sorry I’m getting to this late, I always forget to check my email for days on end.

Thank you everyone that came to hang out, it was a blast. I’d definitely say the attendance was around 55 people or so, there was a little bit of musical chairs going on. There was also 27 models on display at the front of the room, all ranging from miniatures, to tanks, robots, giant robots and stuff in between.

I will probably host another one of these in a month and a half’s time. I’m currently reaching out to Bandai Spirits (formerly known as Bluefin Brands) to see if they can send me a case or two of some simple, beginner friendly models they use at events like Comic Con to get people interested. If it works out and I am able to get the supplies, I’d love to make the next event focused towards new modelers or potential new modelers, since down the line, they’ll be the life blood of our hobby. And if not, well, we’ll have a good time anyway.

Thursday, August 10, 2023

August 8, 2023 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Thirteen people attended the meeting. There's no Tuesday Zoom next week, as the in-person meeting is Friday 8/18. It's pizza night and the 3rd quarterly contest. 
 
Julio's Modelers Meet-up is this Saturday, the 12th, at Pier 57, near 11th Ave and W 15 St in Manhattan, 12pm to 5 pm, Daffodil classroom. See the flyer on the BPMS Facebook page for more information. The 2023 Jerseyfest will be Sept 22-23,  at the Newark Airport Marriott. 
 
Lou reported Revell Germany's 1/32 Hurricane Mk 2 and Trumpeter's 1/72 A-6A (Vietnam version) are available. 
 
Mark shared photos from the IPMS Nationals. He may not have taken pictures of every model there (3,100, according to the organizers) but we saw enough to get a good idea of the quality of the models. Thanks, Mark. If anyone else has photos or stories from San Marcos and wants to share them, please let us know.
 
In progress and completed work included: 3D printed Nurgle figure (Warhammer), 3 D printed Dr. Doom (on throne), Norris-spider thing and RJ MacReady figures (from The Thing), Soviet Sub Project 628, Phantom of the Opera figure, annular monoplane, Stout Skycar, 3D printed Eva figure and Tradewind. Acquisitions included: B-36 (old Monogram kit), eyeball decals and waffen ss camouflage book. 
 
We saw two tools, both designed for other uses but valuable for modelers. A keyboard wrist rest also helps at the modeling bench. Plastic pry bars made to remove trim, etc. on full size cars can be used to pry apart kit parts without damaging them. Both tools are inexpensive and widely available. 
 
Almost everyone remembers the model that beat them: ICM's 1/72 Mig-25 Foxbat (recon), Entex's 1/350 Titanic, Revell's E-A6, large scale vinyl Machine Kreuger kit, characters from Dante's Inferno, P-1000 Land Battleship, Master Box's US Civil War Cavalry kit and EA-7 Optica aircraft. One guy was beaten by filling seams with Zap a Gap instead of putty and waiting too long to sand it smooth. A few guys didn't recall being beaten by any model, but they admitted to having partially built kits laying around the workshop. On a shelf, not in the trash, at least not yet.
 
Hope to see you either at Pier 57 in Manhattan on Saturday, 8/12/23 or at the Community Center on Friday, 8/18/23. 
 
~Russ

Thursday, August 03, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: August 1, 2023

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Several said they didn't get invites to recent meetings. It's not clear why it happened. If you don't get your invite by Tuesday morning, let Bobby, Frank C or me know and it will be re-sent.
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
 

Thursday, July 27, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: July 25, 2023

Twelve people attended the meeting. The 7/21/23 in person meeting was well attended. Photos of the night's Red, White and Blue Theme models are on the club's Facebook page. Lou reported ICM's 1/35 AH-1G Cobra and US Army WW1 ambulance and Takom's 1/48 AH-64D (British, Israeli and multiple nations versions) are available. Also, watch for Airfix's 1/48 Sea King, MikroMir's XP-51 and an (ex-Renwal) USS Sarasota. 
 
Mark is soliciting questions to ask IPMS President Dave Lockhart when he meets him at the Nationals next month. If you have any, send them to Mark directly. 
 
Julio has arranged a model builder's get-together at noon on 8/12/23, at Pier 57, near 11 Ave & W15 St in Manhattan (flyer on the Facebook page). It's free, it's Saturday afternoon and it's accessible by public transit. Thank you, Julio. Frank shared photos of the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum in Buffalo NY and the MAPS Air Museum in North Canton OH. Looking for letter/number or stripe decals? Mr. K recommends K4 Decals.com. Railroad related but useful and the service is good. Don is looking forward to getting a 1/18 Mr. Kim's Noodle Boat (from The Fifth Element).
 
In progress and completed work included: F-18F, Wolfie (from Groovie Goolies), Bigfoot bust (Kevin's OSL paint job wasn't challenging enough, so he put a Bob Ross style scene on the back of the bust), Teenage Werewolf, Bell X-1, F-15, NASA F-18 (Angelo does not like this kit!), M151 A2 (this one, he likes), 32 Ford Street Rod, Be-200 (anti-sub version), B-50 conversion, F-14, MS-09 Dom and Tradewind. Acquisitions included: F-22 Raptor and Marshal Jessie figure. 
 
The topic was things we bought, but don't use, things like 3D printers, 3D pens, "third hand" tools, sculpting tools, mini pry bars, propeller blade alignment jig, your second (or third) airbrush, kits that are too big to display and a bone scraper (funny, this never showed up at "Show Us Your Tool" night). And why did we get these things in the first place? Because, as several people said, the time to buy it is when you see it. Who can disagree?
 
Next meeting is Tuesday, 8/1/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow.  Until then, stay safe and stay hydrated.
 
~Russ
 
CORRECTION: The Mikro-Mir kit is the martin XB-51 Bomber in 1/72 scale Sorry for the mistake

Saturday, July 22, 2023

News: Community Event

Hello everyone,

Our member and friend, Julio, is organizing a community event. If you're in or around the NYC area, please see the flier and share. Thanks to all for promoting scale hobby.



Thursday, July 13, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: July 11, 2023

Eleven people attended the meeting. There's no Zoom meeting next Tuesday because the July in-person meeting is Friday, 7/21/23.  Doors open around 6, meeting begins around 7:30. Details are in the newsletter, which is in the mail. 
 
No new releases reported but watch for Squadron's Devastator book and Takom's M-29 Weasel. Michael told us about the Fold 3 website, a repository of military history records and documents, Vaughan told us that V, as in VMF or CV, signifies "heavier than air" and Frank told us Dollar Stores are a good source for inexpensive wood bases.  
 
In progress and completed work included: E A-6A, Teenage Werewolf, Bigfoot (Kevin's exercise in OSL, Object Source Lighting ), B-25, Zero, Wildcat, Roman Warship (no action/adventure movie spoilers, please), Patlabor Griffon, Baby Yoda, A-6 Intruder, F-14 and Tradewind. Acquisitions included: F-16 D, Moon Maiden, Cleopatra's Last Dance, Marilyn Monroe, Norris-thing/head (from 1982's The Thing), brass toothpicks (from Mig Ammo) and toothpick dispenser (from the Museum of Modern Art's gift shop).
 
Gil's tool was the app, TRYCOLORS. It works on iPhones, Androids and laptops. It's inexpensive and helpful for mixing colors, determining a color from a photo and identifying manufacturers.
The topic was toothpicks. It was such a rich topic we ran out of time before everyone had a chance to speak (that's why you saw all those post meeting emails). We have used them to mix and apply epoxy glues, to hold small parts for painting (drill a hole, jam the toothpick in), put pupils in eyeballs, detail dials on instrument panels, apply putty, wedge parts for a better fit, remove excess paint from canopy frames, ream/enlarge holes, remove excess liquid cement form plastic, polish plastic, remove excess plastic putty, even after its dry (wet the toothpick first). Some prefer round toothpicks, some prefer square. They both have their uses. Toothpicks can be put into hobby knife holders. Orange sticks, used for manicures, are an alternative to toothpicks, as are bamboo skewers. And don't forget, you can get them in brass now, too. 
 
Hope to see you at the July meeting. 
 
Russ

Thursday, June 29, 2023

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: June 27, 2023

Nine people attended the meeting. Next Tuesday is July 4, so the zoom meeting is canceled (it's hard to compete with fireworks). Lou reports MiniArt's Modern British and WW2 German (France) tank crews are available in 1/35 as are their Allied Jerry cans in 1/48. 

In progress and completed work included: Chupacabra (Kevin used static grass to represent hairs along the spinal ridge), Michael Landon/Teenage Werewolf bust, A 6-E Intruder, MS 09 Dom (Jeff convinced Bobby to "take the robot", a phrase familiar to anyone who has attended an in-person meeting) and R3-Y Tradewind. Acquisitions included: Wolfie (3D printed Groovie Goolies character) and USAF aggressor decals. 

This week's tool was a wire bending jig. Good for right angles, curves and complex bends, it's inexpensive and widely available. 

Random tips: Have you seen those packages of 3 garlic cloves in the grocery stores? Well, the sleeves holding them have modeling potential and, they can be glued, according to Bobby - vinyl caulking can be used to create seascapes, according to Don. 

The featured topic was organizing your paint supply. Most felt the best way is to organize by color, rather than paint type or brand, although one guy maintained that "organization is for losers". Storage systems included cigar boxes, pencil boxes, plastic cases, office supply carts/Ikea furniture and repurposed nail polish display racks. Paint intended for future needs should be stored separately. Spreadsheets only work if you keep them updated. 


We had time for a spontaneous discussion about modeling in general, kit reviews, what we do/don't enjoy, personality types we've encountered, why manufacturers are increasing parts counts, experiences with judges and what can happen "when a hobby becomes a religion".
Next meeting is Tuesday 7/11/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. 

Have a safe and happy Independence Day. 

~Russ

Friday, June 23, 2023

LEGENDS Theme Contest: December 15, 2023

 
BPMS Theme Contest December 15, 2023
 
LEGENDS!

Legend, noun:
1. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
2. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.


Most of us started building models because someone / something inspired our creativity. Usually it's someone or something that's LEGENDARY! It might be a driver, or a car, a pilot or a plane, a tank, a vessel whether it be whatever version of the U.S.S. Enterprise , and the list can go on forever! For this theme we are asking the members to build something that's a LEGEND with the caveat that you must justify this legendary status. A couple words or a paragraph should suffice. Contest forms will be provided in advance (we should talk of.we want to have them available at the meeting, email them out include them in upcoming newsletters or all 3!!) This theme easily crosses over all aspects of the hobby and should be a lot of fun for everyone to build for! There is no limit to the fields you want to build.

Feel free to speak with the sponsors or officers if you have any questions.

Sponsor: Steven N.
Looking for co-sponsor(s).

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Remember The Member Theme Contest: June 16, 2023

 JUNE 16TH 2023

June 2023 Theme Contest

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!

EDIT 6/22/2023: The theme contest was last week. I had no idea what to expect. This group has been wearing a perfect poker-face every time I made an announcement so I had no idea what to expect in terms of turn-out. Historically we see anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five entries. What we did get was NEARLY FIFTY! An amazing showing of work by the group, each entrant  with a different  heart-warming story about his build. 

The winners:
1st Place: Tom K - Panther D
2nd Place: Joe B - for his display
3rd Place Frank C - for his display
 
HM:
Mark Mullen - for his display
Steven N - Nashorn
Charlie N - for his display
Russ H - Sherman Calliope
 
Special Awards:
ANDY YANCHUS AWARD: Frank C - That's No Parking!
JOE BARRETT AWARD: Tom G - The Last Ride
TIM GREEMAN AWARD: Mark Mullen - Sherman Display
RAY KEEGAN AWARD: Kevin K - Howl Runner
 
 I want to thank EVERYONE who built for this event and for the high level of quality work. The members of the BPMS have always been a special group and to see so much work on display for this most-meaningful theme was outstanding. Thank you all so much!
 
~Bobby P.

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: June 20, 2023

Featured Discussion: Most vehicles have mirrors. How do you represent them? How can you avoid them?

Thirteen people attended the meeting. For those who missed last Friday's in- person meeting, Bobby spoke about the response to the "Remember the Members " theme. Nearly 50 models were presented to honor the memory of 4 BPMS members we lost during the quarantine, Joe Barrett, Tim Greeman, Ray Keegan and Andy Yanchus. Look on the club's Facebook page for photos. If you're wondering about the hooks and wires on Mark M's collection of small-scale vehicles, they're there so he can hang them on his personal Christmas tree. Friday was also BBQ night. Thankfully, there are no photos of that. But seriously, the food was great and thanks again for the hard work done by the cooks, servers and clean-up crew. 

Lou reports Trumpeter's 1/32 F8F1B Bearcat and DML's 1/35 Sd. Kfz. 252 Munitions carrier w/ trailer are available. Also, watch for Italeri's 1/32 Machi 202. Mark N shared photos and stories about the AMPS and IPMS chapters in the Hudson Valley. We also shared stories and tips (some worked, some just created new problems) on pest control: fire ants, moles, rabbits, gophers, etc. I only mention this to prove that model builders go outside, from time to time. 

In progress and completed work included: A-6 (with a troublesome tailhook), Corsair and ground crew at Bougainville (Tom modified the figures by heating them over a candle), T-55, Sheridan, Sherman Jumbo, '72 VW van, AE-6, planetary rover (Frank converted a toy), Eagle (Space 1999), B-25, Sherman Calliope, R3-Y2 Tradewind, Dougram (from Fang of the Sun - Bobby's 2-day build) and Bumblebee the Autobot. 

This week's tool was a toenail clipper. Inexpensive and readily available, they're particularly useful for radial cuts. 

Representing mirrors was the featured topic. Silver or chrome paints were the most common method. A leather punch can make round mirrors or headlight reflectors from foil/thin plastic.
Next meeting is Tuesday, 6/27/23 at 7:30. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.  

 
 

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

A list of the BPMS Theme Contests over the years

1997 – Science Fiction
1998 – The 50s
1998 – To the Rescue

1999 – Israel
1999 – Conceptual
2000 – On Patrol
2000 – The Marines
2001 – Humor
2001 – Diorama
2002 – Space
2002 – “Old Model”
2003 – Things With Teeth
2003 - A Moment in Time
2004 – Adversaries
2004 – US Military
2005 - In the Movies
2005 - Cats
2006 – Worn, Weathered, and Working
2006 – Star Wars / Star Trek Anniversaries
2007 – Vintage 1965
2007 – We Mean Business
2008 – Warsaw Pact
2008 – NASA
2009 – A Mad, Mad, Mad Theme Contest
2009 – Size Matters
2010 – Naval Aviation
2010 – Things That Sting
2011 – Classic Monogram
2011 – The Twilight Zone
2012 – That 70s Theme
2012 – End of the World
2013 - Television

2013 - Sloppy Seconds 
2014 - Asian Invasion 
2014 - Western European Tour 1944 - 1945 
2015 - Modeling With the Stars 
2015 - New Kids on the Block 
2016 - Basic Black
2016 - Island Hopping 
2017 - Star Wars 40th Anniversary 
2017 - Peaceful Plastic 
2018 - WWII - 1946 
2018 - Rivets!
2019 - NASA: 50th Anniversary of the Moon-landing 
2019 - D-Day to The Battle of the Bulge - 75th Anniversary
2020  (no themes due to COVID-19)
2021  (no themes due to COVID-19)
2022 - 70 Years of Aurora Models
2023 - Remember The Members
2023 - Legends 
 

Friday, June 09, 2023

6/6/23 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Nine people attended. Technical glitch delayed the start of the meeting. Note was made for it being the anniversary of D-Day.

Lou reports the following new releases - Hobby Boss 1/144 Shaanxi KJ-500 plane with AWACS dome, 1/35 Russian Vityaz Rocket launcher. Waiting on Revell Germany Hurricane, and the Trumpeter shipments are delayed.

Current WIPs, completions, and new acquisitions include: a WIP Revell EA6 (with lots of problems), Panzer 4, Panzer 3 tracks, Jag Panzer metal barrel, EU Star Wars spaceships, 1/72 Japanese anti submarine patrol bomber- Lorna, RS Models proto-type Lightning, AC 130-A, MPC's two pack of Dark Shadows' Barnabas Collins and the Werewolf, a 1/24 scale Mary Jane (Spiderman) figure, 1/24 scale Revell Germany VW Bus - excellent details, MIG 23, Phantom 2, F104, Mirage 3, resin Baby Yoda, Cthulhu, 1/72 B-26 (plan for a metal finish).

Tool of the Week was a Silicone Brush similar to the clay shapers. Different colors = different densities, can be used to smooth out putty over a seam etc...helps minimize sanding. https://tinyurl.com/554vhz6u (Link is for reference only, not endorsement to buy)

Topic for the week included your favorite build category or era: As expected answers were wide, including - Everything, Modern AFVs, WW2, real space, sci-fi, experimental and/or prototype aircraft, figures, post war jets, early anime mechs.

Discussions included speed paints, trying Amazon.jp for easy, inexpensive way to get Japanese kits, reading/watching OOB kit reviews vs. actually building the kit, dry fitting and pre-sanding before gluing parts then have to use lots of putty. Achieving camo color edges with glazes by brush vs. getting closer by removing needle tip guard (Iwata) and lowering pressure of airbrush.

No Zoom next week as it the in-person meeting. Next Zoom meeting will be 6/20.

Submitted by Kevin K

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

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