January 20, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Replicon is scheduled for 3/26/22 at the Freeport Recreation Center. We got a trophy sponsorship request from Mosquito Con, $35.00. Joe suggested sponsoring 1/78 armor in memory of Tim G. No one objected but the officers will have the final say. We talked about another lunch meeting and tentatively scheduled one for 2/12/22 at Nurnberger Berghaus, 817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island. No new releases but we heard about DML's new 1/48 Bf 109-E4 with a slide molded one piece fuselage (followed up by sending everyone a link with photos). Thanks, Lou. In progress and completed work included: Ar-196, SAAB J-32, Alfa Romeo 2300 Coupé "Dinner Jacket" (1/8 Pocher and state of the art, back in the day), F4U-1A Corsair, P-51 K, Ford Bronco, Airspeed Oxford, USS Pittsburg, USS Monitor turret (1/35 Verlinden - another back in the day kit), Panzer 4 G, Mirage 2000 (Republic of China markings) and Battlestar Galactica. New year = new acquisitions: Type XXIII U boat, HMS Ursula, Chevy Nova, Su-57 and SAM SA-2. This week's tool was a purpose-built modeling tool, the Gianotes Precision Cotten Swab G -04n. It's similar to the "Gundam Model Seepage Line Oldening Wiper Remedy Pen Wiping Stick" (that's what they call it) at the TIZA Modeling Store on AliExpress. Next meeting is 1/27/22 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

January 27, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
Part 2 starts at 8:42 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

January 13, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We talked about another lunch meeting, possibly in February, possibly on Staten Island. We have a few weeks to work out the details. Two releases from Atlantis, F-89 D Scorpion (1/89) and Boeing 707 -120. Watch for MiniArt's 1/48 P-47 Thunderbolt and Airfix's 1/24 Spitfire Mk.IXc. In progress and completed work included: Panther D, BMP 1, Me P.1107, SAAB J-21, Gargoyle figure (from the TV movie), MiG-25, Panzer 4 G, L-39 Albatros, Tu-16 Badger, An-2, Raketa hydrofoil river boat, A-50, A-90, Su34, Jagdpanther and Battlestar Galactica. Acquisitions included: Mörser Karl, Il-28, C-97, C-121, X-15, USS Pittsburg and Soviet WW2 armored car. While discussing his J-21, Vaughn pointed out modern wheel wells are painted white to make fluid leaks more visible (something the non-aircraft guys might not have known). We heard a lot of tips. Mark reported mixed results with his vortex paint mixer. It seems to work better with glass bottles, as opposed to plastic bottles. For weathering aircraft, Don uses a small nib calligraphy pen to apply Tamiya washes. Frank used a pencil to good effect on his MiG-25 - apply gloss coat, run pencil along panel lines, smear pencil marks in airflow direction, gloss coat, then flat coat. Costa recommends Vallejo acrylic matt spray varnish. The tool was a Gamecraft Miniature Figure Holder. Intended for Warhammer type figures, it can accommodate larger scale seated figures, like pilots. A useful tool for about $5.00. The next meeting is 1/20/22 at 8 pm. Masks optional. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: January 6, 2022 Report

Fifteen people attended our first meeting of 2022 which, I believe, was our 90th virtual meeting. Amazing! Equally amazing, Gordon joined us for the first time. Hopefully we'll see more of him and his work in future. Frank is working (a polite way to put it) with the new IPMS software to renew the BPMS charter. Vaughn is having a similar experience with his renewal. In industry news, Scalemates' 1/6/22 list of new releases is worth reading and ICM is coming out with two versions (cargo and daisy cutter) of the CH 54 Skycrane in 1/35. The holidays and other obligations seem to have cut into most people's model building time. Even so, we saw some more in progress and completed work: Arma's 1/72 P-51 B/C Mustang (highly recommended), Eurocopter Tiger, SAAB J-21, M-60, Soviet soldier figures, MiG-25 and Garden Tractor. Acquisitions included: 1/72 Hawker Hurricane 2C, 1/144 JASDF F-35 A and 1/144 aircraft ordnance set (including daisy cutter). Rather than showing his models this week, Igor shared photos of aircraft on static display - MiG-29, Mi-24 Hind, Su-34, Tu-144 cockpit, and his homebuilt ultralight. Thanks, Igor. The tool was a set of silicone radial bristle discs for polishing metal. Not suitable for plastics. There was a last-minute change in the featured topic. We shared tips on taking better pictures of our models and discussed digital camera v. smartphone camera, cropping, natural light, Light box, infinity backgrounds, Photoshop and Lightroom. The next meeting is 6/13/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope you can make it.

~Russ

December 30, 2021: BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Some guys haven't been around for a while and it was good to catch up. One new release reported, Zvezda's 1/72 C130 J-30. Tamiya's M-18 isn't available yet. Neither is the Community Center. Maybe we'll be like Hudson Valley and have outdoor meetings when the weather gets better. Can you suggest a venue? In progress and completed work included: female mechanic figure, IL-2, RF-43 (Greek markings), three Mosquitos, M-60 and MiG-25. Acquisitions (some from Santa, some from Amazon) included: Hetzer (Prague 1945), IJN Yamashiro, 1/48 Panther A (w interior & zimmerit), decals for Panzer 3s and F-18 Hornets, German soldier figure, Mirage 3 CJ, and AJ 37 Viggen. 

Kevin put his 2021 builds on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3Ya-JjIEQqs . Michael 's 2021 work is at https://www.igluemodels.com/post/2021-year-in-review . We swapped stories about unclear/incorrect instructions, heard about using liquid glue to disassemble joints, saw how to turn a ball and socket joint into a 3rd hand for painting/assembly work and got product recommendations from Kevin (scale model work stand from The Inner Nerd), Bob (AK Interactive Air paints) and Rommel (Ammo Liquid Mask). The featured tool was a desktop vacuum cleaner. Use it to clean your workbench, find small missing parts or pick up crumbs around the toaster. Look for it on the robotkai.com website. (How does Gil find these things?) The year 2022 marks 50 years of BPMS and we're looking for a contest to mark our 1972 birthyear. The suggestions so far - any 1/72 scale kit- any kit that was available in 1972 or earlier -any kit with the number 50 in the markings - any kit with the number 50 in its name. You get the idea. If you come up with a silver anniversary suggestion, let us know about it as soon as possible so we can incorporate it into the 2022 contest schedule. The next meeting is 1/6/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow.

Russ

Dec 23 2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Seventeen people attended the meeting. Vinny reported the Community Center will remain closed for the foreseeable future. In case you were wondering, Pegaso and Muroc models are still active. New releases: Kinetic's 1/48 F-104 A/C, MiniArt's 1/35 US Army 1 1/2-ton truck, ICM's 1/48 B-26 K and OV-10A. In progress and completed work included: Mirage 2000-5EI, Sea King Mk 42 B, F4F Wildcat, Horten 12, BMW Strahlbomber, Whirlaway, An-2V, A-50, Su-27, Ekranoplan A-90, An-12, Icebreaker Lennin, Ford Bronco, Me 262, Ju-88 (air sea rescue), Fw-190 D (with torpedo), B-47, Zero, Bob Cratchit figure (Kevin met his Christmas deadline), McDonnel Douglas X-36, three Mosquitos (waiting for paint) and Jotnar (from Troll Hunter). A few guys couldn't wait for Santa so they acquired some new items: F-117 A, Spitfire, VW Bug, 1934 Ford, Buick Wildcat and Eduard's Tora Tora Tora dual combo (Rommel highly recommends it). The discussion on snow was timely (overnight flurry in Brooklyn) and informative. Woodland Scenics Soft Flake Snow is relatively inexpensive, easy to apply and maintains its color. From the UK, products from Precision Snow and Ice can produce a wide variety of winter effects. The next meeting will be 21/30/21 at 8pm. Join us as we close the book on 2021 and plan for the club's 50th (yikes!) anniversary in 2022. Invites to follow. Happy Holidays to all.
~Russ

 

From the mention of the snow effects at the zoom meeting,  here are a few vids from You Tube. Woodland Scenics -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWKuKOd7Npw&t=13s

 

Precision Snow and Ice's whole channel is about the effect. Sit back with some coffee and plan a future snow scene - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF298G1YWuEXHFq0fFWv-Aw/videos

 

Merry Christmas to all that partake and until next time - enjoy.

~Kev K

 

 

December 16, 2021 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We were saddened to hear of the passing of two of our friends, longtime BPMS members Ray Keegan and Joe Barrett. Ray left Brooklyn a few years ago and Joe never attended a Zoom meeting, but if you went to our pre-pandemic meetings, you'll remember their good natures and modelling skills. Rest in Peace, Ray and Joe. 

One new release reported, MRC's 1/16 StuG 3 G. No word yet on the 1/35 Tamiya M-18 Hellcat. Noreast Con 2022 will be held on April 29-30 2022 in Latham NY. Details to follow. Mark found a local hobby store, Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop, in Warwick, RI. Nice selection, good prices. The website is HobbyRI.com. He also showed us some of the 3D printed items produced by Micro Cosmos, a Greek company. Kevin and Steve have interesting projects with Christmas deadlines. Kevin is working on a multi figure scene from Dickens' Christmas Carol and Steve is using Paperclay to transform Halloween yard skeletons into Joseph and Mary for an outdoor crèche. In progress and completed work included: Lippisch 13a, Bf-109 (with wavy line camouflage decals ), MiG-31( Frank followed "Dr. Mig's" suggestion- black prime coat followed by random white squiggles followed by a misted grey topcoat), L-39 Albatros, Yak-42 D, pair of An-2s (one on floats, one on wheels), Fiat G-50, Kaiten suicide submarine, Hk-6 Mavis flying boat, Ju-52 minesweeper, Northrup Gamma (on aftermarket vac-form floats), Avro Lincon(Lancaster?) Mk 5 recon conversion and a concept car (glue bomb) rebuild. The featured tool was a solder fume extractor, a compact device to remove harmful particles from the air. We finished by reviewing how paper and various glues can be used to replicate cloth, fill gaps, fabricate thin plates and give newlife to old yard decorations. Next meeting is 12/23/21 at 8 pm. Invites were sent a few days ago. Hope to see you there.
~Russ

December 9, 2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Ten BPMS members and valued friends attended the December 9 Zoom meeting. Live meetings are still expected to resume in January, pending Omicron, the Decepticons, and other imported surprises. Mike D. signed on to the December virtual meeting with a truly historic background – his 1/48 scale Tamiya Zero in the markings of the real fighter flown by Shigeru Itaya commanding the First Wave air attack on Pearl Harbor. Research led Mike to correct the tail number in the kit decals and remind the group, “Just because the instructions say something doesn’t mean that’s what it is.” Kevin K. showed his nicely detailed and weathered Hound’s Tooth spaceship from the Star Wars cartoon series. Igor signed in from Russia with his 1/30th scale KV85 tank, 1/72 scale Su-22 jet and AN-2 biplane and a fun-size Sherman caricature Toon Tank. Bobby P. outshone the scale modelers with video of his restored 1:1 scale 1937 Chrysler backing out of his garage.

Work-in-progress included Kevin’s 1/72 scale Muroc Models X-36 remotely piloted vehicle and Frank C’s embattled Zvezda MiG-31 interceptor. Joe B. showed the group newly-acquired Dolman figures including the 1/24 scale/90 mm Rocket Girl and Navy Girl and 1/10 scale Wild Bill fighter Ace from 1941. He also flashed a rare Pocher 1/8 scale Bugatti Dinner Jacket coupe. Gill H. spoke highly of Gpaint pre-thinned lacquer paint formulated for use on Gundam robots but mixable for other models. The evening’s discussion settled on pigments (powdered colors used in paint) and pastels (powdered colors in a binder). With proper binders or overcoats, both can be brushed on to produce subtle weathering and shading effects. Pastels can, for example, soften flesh tones under the hairlines of figures and pigment slurry can simulate mortar between diorama bricks. Gil showed how he uses a tea diffuser to grind stick pastels for weathering and a paper blunt to soften the effects of weathering powders.

The next BPMS Zoom meeting is this Thursday, December 16 at 8 PM. Virtual meetings will continue weekly, said Bobby P. “This is it until we have butts in seats in Bergen Beach!”

12/2/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Eighteen people attended the meeting. For IPMS members who are also BPMS members, Frank C needs to know the expiration date of your IPMS membership for our charter renewal. You can find it on the address label of your IPMS/USA Journal. Please email it to Frank asap. Thanks in advance. Mark recapped the Hudson Valley Club's 2021 Turkey Challenge, where you start and finish a kit in four days. It can be done and he had the pictures to prove it. Chuck, in addition to preparing for the Dyker Heights Christmas Light extravaganza, it trying out different airbrush pressures to see which gives the best clear flat finish (35psi too high, 24 psi is promising). Having finished his P.180 Avanti, Vaughn told us about the design and performance of the actual aircraft. Bob gave us a bit of scale model trivia. Around 1968, Dumas produced 2,000 vacuform kits of the Creole Queen, to be sold exclusively on the paddle-wheeler, which is still in service. Who knows, maybe some are still on board, below decks in an old locker. Ask around next time you're in New Orleans. New releases to watch for: Zvezda's C130 J-30 (1/72) and T-62 (1/35) and Revell's SR-71A (1/48). In progress and completed work included: Dr.1 (with an incompletely molded wing. Damn!), P.180 Avanti, A 6-M2 Zero, WW2 US Marines w/ dogs, Houndstooth spacecraft (masks by Aztek Dummy), X-36 (a model of the model radio-controlled drone used to test tailless aircraft), Su17, An 225, Ant 25, Tu 22, Yak 130, Tu 195 (Igor has been busy), River Tam figure, MiG 31 and Haunebau 2 (masked with an AK flexible stencil). The tool of the week was a set of nail art brushes. They're inexpensive and good for fine work. Because the meeting was so well attended, there was no time to discuss pigments, so we'll do it next time, 12/9/21 at 8 pm. Frank C will host. He's already sent the invitations.

~Russ

Friday 11/26/21 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting

Twelve people attended the meeting. Not bad for the Friday night after Thanksgiving. In industry news, Revell released a 1/72 US Navy Swift Boat Mk1, Rye Field is coming out with another 1/35 Tiger 1 and Hobby Boss will have another pricey 1/48 Hornet out soon. We saw lots of photos: Mark's on the career of Gen Theodore Roosevelt Jr, Frank's from the 11/20/21 Freeport show and, from several time zones away, Igor's aircraft models. See if you can pick them out below.  In progress and completed work included: WW2 US Marines w dogs, AML 60 armored car, MN Surcouf cruiser submarine , Rosie the Riveter figure, 1/35 US Tank commander (the BDU camouflage is a decal from CrossDelta), VEF I-16, MiG-31, Fishing Trawler, F4F-4 Wildcat, River Tam figure, An-26 RT, Su-25,  An-14, Li-2, and Tu-154 M. This week's tool is a disposable oral swab (aka "Den Tips"). The wood handle makes for a clean way to apply paint by sponge.  Once again, we ran short on time but we managed to hear a little bit about different ways to mix color. Bob uses the Bob Ross, mix on your palette method and Gil combines primary colors on a wet palette. Mark recommended two inexpensive reference books, "Color Mixing Recipes for Oil & Acrylic" by William F. Powell and "Color Theory" by Patti Mollica. He also demonstrated how to use a color wheel. I'm pretty sure we will return to this topic a few more times. Maybe as soon as the next meeting. The one on 12/9/21 at 8 pm. Watch for the invites.  

~Russ

11/18/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Thirteen people attended the meeting. There is no meeting this Thursday because of Thanksgiving. The meeting will be the next day, the 26th. We may be able to resume in person meetings in January. We'll keep you advised. One new release, ICM's 1/35 WW2 Chevy 1 1/4-ton truck. MiniArt will release their version in the near future. Also watch for Mobius' 1/48 Aries 1-B Lunar Lander from 2001 Space Odessey. In progress and completed work included: A-6 M2 Zero, USS Oliver Hazard Perry frigate, Hound's Tooth starship, AMG Mercedes, Ar-234, Fi-103 A1 piloted V-1, Fw 190 variant with vertically mounted, downward firing rockets, Piasecki air jeep, Sevesky P-35 (Swedish markings), Fokker F-27 (Air West livery), Tiger 2, MiG 31 and Sea King Mk 42B. Bob K is looking for instructions for Dumas' vac form (not wood) kit of the Creole Queen. Someone, please tell him where to go (to find the instructions, I mean). We talked about airbrush tolerances, needle interchangeability, vortex type paint mixers, thinning ratios and spray pressure for Vallejo paint (Kevin recommends 2 drops Vallejo thinner to 6 drops Model Color Paint, sprayed at around 16 psi), pros and cons of Gunze, Tamiya Spray Flat, thinned matt medium, Dullcote and other flat finishes. Mark suggested polishing the surface with coffee filter material instead of using clear gloss, before applying decals. It was pointed out that for some products, it's critical to thin the paint with the manufacturer's thinner. The conversation was moving so well we decided to go with the flow and postpone color mixing for another day. That day would be Friday 11/26/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Happy Thanksgiving.

~Russ

11/11/21 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Fourteen people attended the meeting. Mark shared photos from the Air Force Museum in Dayton and, for no particular reason, we spent several minutes on the difference between Staten Island natives and Staten Island residents. The LI Miniature Collector Society will hold its 2021 show at the Freeport Rec Center on 11/19/21 (6-9pm) an 11/20/21 (9-4pm). Three new releases from Lion Roar: 1/144 B-52G and Su-27B, 1/72 F-14 B Bombcat. Watch for Academy's 1/32 F-4 E Phantom. In progress and completed work included: 1/5 Witch figure, "Tiger Meet" A 7-H Corsair 2, Zero 2 seat target tug conversion, FW Triebflügel, I-16 (Finnish markings, skis), P1 Y Frances, AML-60 armored car, Galaxy Quest diorama, Marlene Dietrich figure, and River Tam figure. This week's first tool was a jar and bottle opener suitable for hobby paint (and larger) jars. It's from Micro Mark but similar openers are available elsewhere. If you need something bigger, look for a Gilhoolie Jar Opener. The second tool was a blunt tip syringe. We'll save the details for another time. 

 

Airbrushes were the featured topic. We saw the Sparmax Flyer, a single action brush where the nozzle is on the bottle (it doesn't use cups). When you want to change colors, change the bottle. Each bottle can be adjusted for proper flow and there's no chance of color contamination. We'll have a performance review shortly. The G233 Set from Master Airbrush was also recommended. It comes with 3 tips, 0.1 mm, 0.2 and 0.5mm. and is reasonably priced. The inexpensive airbrushes designed for use on fingernails are handy (couldn't help it) to have around. Of course, the Paasche H still has a lot of fans. 

 

Next meeting is 11/18/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Since there's no meeting on Thanksgiving Day, we'll have one on the following day. Details to follow. 

~Russ

11/04/2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

On the agenda:

BPMS Club News.
IPMS News.
Other clubs news.
Hobby News.
What's on your workbench?
Featured Discussion: Cut me Mick!

Mick knew how and where to cut Rocky so he could go the distance. Do you know how and where to cut a fuselage to change its length, to make a figure taller/ shorter/thinner/wider, to make a waterline hull from a full hull? You get the idea. 

On Nov 6, twelve people met at Nora's for lunch. It was good to catch up with people we haven't seen in a while and to meet people we've only known through Zoom. 

Fourteen people attended the Nov 4 meeting. Last year, we skipped the Thanksgiving Day meeting. For this year, someone suggested we move it to another day. Friday, Nov 26th, seems like the logical choice. We can discuss it at the next meeting. Two new 1/35 releases from AFV Club: Australian M-113 (Vietnam) and IDF M-38A-1/CJ-5 w/TOW missile. Kevin reports Naval Institute Press is having a book sale - 50% off and free shipping until the end of the year. Check their website (usni.org) for details. In progress and completed work included: X4-FU Corsair, reworked Galaxy Quest diorama (apparently downsizing isn't just for empty nesters), Marlene Dietrich figure, Zlin Z-42M, Fokker G-1, Bell X B-1, A6M-2 Zero(with several aotake color trials), Pz 38(t), AMX 10-RC, Mercedes AMG GT3, Sea King Mk 42-B and MiG-25 RBT. Acquisitions included: FDNY Fire Truck Tower Ladder 9 (1/24) and F4F-4 Wildcat. The featured tool was a set of profile sander grips, hard rubber shapes useful as backing when sanding inside corners, recesses, convex and concave surfaces. Widely available. The topic was cutting and splicing parts. It's better to cut the pieces (e.g., fuselage halves) before they're assembled. You can scribe with the back of a blade until the plastic is cut through. You can layout the cut line with tape then, use a razor saw or micro razor saw. If you have access to a woodworker's planer, you can turn a full hull into a waterline hull. Just ask Don. Next meeting is 11/11/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope you can make it.
~Russ

10/28/2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Fourteen people attended the meeting. New releases from Atlantis: Blue Angels F11F (1/54) and Swivel Stand (ex-Revell - you supply the model). Watch for Tamiya's Stuka w/ bomb trolley, ICM's B-26K and OV-10A and Dream Model's UH-1Y. In progress and completed work included: XF-4U Corsair, A6M2 Zero (the aotake question came up again), Dwayne Johnson figure (white ink Gelly Roll pen used for t-shirt logo), P-38 Lightning, C 130 Hercules (Belgian markings), FW-200 and Ju-52 (Luft Hansa markings), A 7-H Corsair 2 (with impressive Tiger Meet decals), Indian Navy SH-3 Sea King (Frank thanked Bobby for his coffee cup lid suggestion) and WW2 Beetle w/4wd. Acquisitions included: Marleina Dietrich figure, FW-190, 50 BC Roman Warship, Jaguar XKE and Weserflug P-1003. People who attended the Hudson Valley show shared their comments and photos. On a personal note, after more than a year of zoom meetings, it was nice to finally meet the guys from the "North of Brooklyn" sub-chapter of BPMS. Tip of the week #1 , Frank suggested coating Vallejo putty with Mr. Surfacer for better results when sanding. The featured topic was clear parts. Seams can be removed with sanding sticks. 2000 grade Micron Paper (available at auto body shops or on line) also works well. After sanding, polish with Novus #2 (not #1) plastic polish or kid's toothpaste and dip in Future (aka Pledge Floor Gloss). Tip of the week #2, when dipping in Future, lift piece out slowly and dab off excess before setting it down to dry. Future can used as glue, provided you give it several days to set up. But other glues are better for canopies. Gorilla glue, Micro Crystal Clear, MiG ultra-glue, Evergreen Scale Models canopy glue and Pacer Formula 560 canopy glue were recommended. People reported mixed results with Revell Contacta Clear. The next meeting is 11/4/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. You don't need invites for lunch at Nora's, but a head count would be nice. We have 7 at last count. See you Thursday.

~Russ

10/21/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting

Thirteen people attended the meeting. The new releases are Tamiya's 1/48 F-14 A Carrier Launch Set and, from Schiffer, new editions of the Aurora and Monogram company histories. Don reports Jersey Fest, held earlier this month at the PAL in Wayne, NJ has become a comic book/collectable show, which was a disappointment. The Hudson Valley show is 10/23/21 in Poughkeepsie NY, Chiller Theater show is 10/29-31/21 in Parsippany NJ, a Tall Ship gathering (and music festival) is set for 10/29/21 in Chestertown MD, and NORAS is NOON on NOV 6 in Brooklyn NY. Support the economy, attend an event or two. In progress and completed work included: Sea King Mk 42B (Indian Navy conversion made possible by a coffee cup lid? Ask Frank), Corsair XF-4U, 37 Ford Panel Truck, P-47 D, Space Ark (from When Worlds Collide), Owl, Toucan & Scarlet Macaw (OK, they're 3d puzzles, but they're kinda like models), Hovertank conversion and Me-264. Acquisitions included: C-130 J, Phantom F4-B and ordnance for same. The tool of the week was Blue Stuff, a reusable molding material from Green Stuff World. Not for production work but useful if you only need to make a copy or two and you don't want to bother making silicone molds. Works well with Milliput or Green Stuff, not so well with Aves Apoxie Sculpt. Judging by the discussion, a lot of us use markers for everything from painting tank roadwheels to marking waterlines on ships. Costs are all over the place. Sharpies are inexpensive. Walmart has acrylic paint pens that go under the name, "Painters". Milwaukee Tools has a set of 2 fine point markers, one red, one black. Gelly Roll pens come in a variety of sizes and colors, including white. Gundam paint markers are not cheap, but they have two tips, one wide one narrow. Pigma Micron Fine Line Markers were also recommended. It was noted that paint markers may obscure detail, Sharpie ink is indelible and can be difficult to remove, India ink holds up well to weathering and, whatever you do, only go in one direction when drawing a line with a marker. Next meeting is 10/28/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

 

And at NORAS. At Noon. On NOV 6. 

 

~Russ

BPMS 10/14/21 Zoom Mini meeting report

Twelve people attended the meeting. In industry news, we noted the passing of Collette Hutchins and the closure of her store, Jan's Hobby Shop in Manhattan.

If you’re looking for road trips, the Hudson Valley show is Oct. 23 (Elks Club Hall, 29 Overrocker Rd, Poughkeepsie). Vaughan will be at the Connecticut Air and Space Center on Nov. 20. He'll be happy to show to show us around (tickets $10, discounts for vets, seniors and kids). Kosta is going to Wilmington to see the Kalmar Nykcael, a modern replica of the 15th Century "Swedish Mayflower". If you go to The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven PA, you might run into our own Peter K, who helps out there when time permits. In progress and completed work included: Galaxy Quest Shuttle diorama , Corsair XF-4U, Saab J-21, P. 180 Avanti, Me-264 and Mi-24 Hind (in Yugoslavian special forces markings). Gil showed us the curved seam scraper he designed and Mark told us about his new toy, a rotary tool from Keshi. It's compact, cordless and best of all, inexpensive. Kevin walked us through the design and construction of his Galaxy Quest diorama. He used a hot wire cutter and carefully applied open flame to sculpt pieces of rigid foam board insulation to create the basic shape. Then, Vallejo texturing paste, sculpted foam rock formations, pebbles, Chinchilla Dust and paint turned it into the desert landing site from the movie. 3mm thick balsa was used to cover the edges of the insulation boards as a final touch. Very impressive. Thanks, Kevin.

Howell, Don, Mark and others also gave tips for building small scale dioramas. 4"x6" picture frames make quick bases. Foam presentation boards, cut into custom shapes and sizes are another option. Model railroad companies have large selections of soil, turf and vegetation products. Look for items marked "extra fine". Use Durham's Water Putty for large stones, Kitty Litter for smaller stones and Chinchilla Powder for grit/dust. Actual soil can be sifted to remove big particles and glued with a 1 pt. glue, 5 pt. water, 3 drop liquid soap mix. Dried roots of real plants are convincing, provided you pay attention to scale. Fine grit sandpaper looks like concrete pavement and wet/dry sandpaper looks like asphalt. Striping, joint seals, stains, etc. can be added as appropriate. Actual pavement/runway images are available online. Self adhesive tufts of grass in various colors and lengths are also available online. Tacky glue, white glue, Modge Podge, model railroad and other proprietary scenery glues, photo mount spray and hairspray are some of the adhesives we've used. A very informative meeting. One of the best, even if we didn't get a definitive answer to the question, dark paint first or light paint first? Next meeting is 10/21/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. 

And don't forget NORAS-NOON-NOVEMBER 6.

~Russ

10/7/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. No date yet for the reopening of the Community Center. The next BPMS lunch is at NORAS (3019 Quentin Rd, Brooklyn) at NOON on NOV 6. If you're looking for places to go before that, Comic Con is at the Javits Center in Manhattan this weekend. The PAL Center in Wyne NJ will host CollectorFest on Oct 16 and 17 and the Hudson Valley show is set for Oct. 23 at the Elks Club Hall, 29 Overrocker Rd, Poughkeepsie NY. With all those shows we can expect to see a lot of new acquisitions in future. Two new releases reported, Zvezda's 1/72 (Snap-Tite) Hurricane Mk2c and HobbyBoss' 1/48 CH-47A. Also, watch for Border Model's 1/32 Avro Lancaster B Mk l/lll and 1/35 Ju-87G. In progress and completed work included: AB 41 Armored Car vignette, large scale Dwayne Johnson figure , small scale Revolver (Metal Earth), Barbarella figure, Hauenbau 1 (some say 2), Flat Earth (good visual pun, Mark), Tiger 1, Gill Woman, Gill Man, Frankenstein's Monster, Fall of Berlin, Saturday night bath, Mi-24 Hind and M-274 Mule. Acquisitions (and items from the stash) included: Nike Hercules, Satyr and Praetorian Guardsman. A few people attended Armor Con last week and gave their opinions of the show. We saw photos of the Corsair, OH-6, S-52, and S-60 on display at the Connecticut Air and Space Center. Thanks, Vaughn. We'll see about organizing a field trip to Stratford. Gil showed how effective Molotow Blackliner is for panel lines. Once again, we ran short and didn't get far on the topic of different techniques for different scales. Painting/blending colors, rather than prep/assembly, is more effected by scale. Kevin was beginning to talk about this when the meeting shut down. We'll pick it up again on 10/14/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow.

~Russ

BPMS 9/30/21 Zoom Meeting Report

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Clubs we've come to know during the lockdown have been meeting in person for a few months, although attendance is down. The Hudson Valley show is still on for Oct 23. Mark sent everyone copies of the flyer. The Cherry Point Air Show was held but with fewer aircraft on display. Maybe we'll see pictures? With the Community Center still closed, how about another lunch meeting? Let's say Brooklyn, first Saturday in November at 12 o'clock at Nora's Park Bench Cafe or, to make it easy to remember, NORA'S, NOON, NOV 6. Details to follow. Several new releases were reported. From Border Models, Bf-109 G6, Tiger 1, Boeb. Panzer 4 J (all 1/35) and from Hobby Boss, F-18 E Super Hornet (1/48). In progress and completed work included: Ferrari 250 GTO engine, Ford Cobra, AB-41 Armored Car, Duane Johnson figure (who knew Kevin was a tattoo artist?), Quasimodo's body is ready for either Anthony Quinn's or Charles Laughton's head, Corsair2 (in tiger stripes), Fokker G-1, Bristol Racer, DC-3, DHC Otter, Creature from the Black Lagoon (with Chip Brush vegetation), Corsair XF-4U, Saab J-21, P. 180 Avanti, Stagecoach and Revolver (both from Metal Earth), Mi-24 Hind. Two acquisitions this week, SF-37 Viggen Recce and South African Mirage F1 AZ/CZ. We saw two paint related tools, the VM-370 Touch Function Lab Vortex Mixer (good for mixing paint in a closed bottle) and the Ivation 9 rack food dehydrator with adjustable time and temperature settings (useful for drying enamel paint jobs). Like its namesake, the paint mule discussion headed in a different direction and we wound up talking about testing airbrush settings, memorable builds, storing built kits, keeping track of spare parts and disposing of kits. Next meeting is 10/7/21 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 9/23/21

Sixteen people attended the meeting. New release: Eduard's 1/48 P-51 K (with bazooka and 2.75" rockets). Watch for a 1/48 H-19 from Mikro Mir. Armor Con is next weekend (10/1-2/21) at a new location, the Wyndham Southbury (1284 Strongtown Rd, Southbury, CT). Not to be outdone, NJ has the Chiller Theater Expo on 10/29-31/21 at the Hilton Parsippany. We learned that Kotare isn't just an iconic bird from New Zealand. It's the new model company run by several Wingnut Wings alumni. Thanks, Mark and thanks for the photos from the Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport NY. In progress and completed work included: USS Frank Knox, Corsair XF-4U, Saab J-21, AB-41 armored car, Silly Surfer Hodad, Destroyer Z-38, 1972 Pontiac GTO, P47-D, USS Ingraham, Hind, F-86 A and Tiger 2. To some of us a 1/8 scale car is big, but not to Bobby P. He and his brother are restoring the family's 1937 Chrysler Royal. Good luck, guys. This week's tool was the CANARY spray can hole punch. Use it to release propellant from spray paint cans (this will take some time), remove the top of the top of the spray can with a suitable tool and you have thinned paint, ready for use. Thanks , Gil. A new tip, Tamiya's airbrush thinner and extra thin cement are almost chemically identical. Could they be interchangeable? Two old tips, Simple Green corrodes metal, WD40 gets gummy over time. The topic was metallic finishes and we spoke about our experiences with Alclad, AK Interactive, Mr. Color, Vallejo, Humbrol, Rub 'n Buff, aluminum decals and metal foil. Surface preparation, base coats and sealers were also discussed. Next meeting is 9/30/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

9/16/21 BPMS zoom mini meeting report

Twelve people attended the meeting which began with thoughts on the passing of early BPMS member (sponsor of the Box of Junk contest) and hobby industry legend, Andy Yanchus. Several people spoke about his skills as a model builder/designer and his friendly, helpful and encouraging manner. His efforts to get IPMS recognition of science fiction as a legitimate category are well known. Andy was the subject of a 2020 YouTube video. Here's the link https://youtu.be/luue2Xle4xQ. RIP. Andy.

Kosta reported on and shared photos of last week's Maritime Heritage Festival in New London. It wasn't too crowded and he got to see Coast Guard and merchant marine vessels, local fortifications and, of course, submarines.  Some new releases from Hobby Boss: Russian SAM 2 Missile with Launcher Cabin and BM-21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher (both 1/72) and Panther G early (1/35). Tamiya's new 1/35 M-18 should be available in about 2 months. In progress and completed work included: F-5 E, 1937 Ford Panel Truck, Do-335, Ju-86D, Tiger 1 (nice rust effects), Tiger 2, BM-13 Katyusha, P.180 Avanti, XF-4U, VW Transporter T-1 and 1956 Ferrari. This week's acquisitions included: Polar Bear (from Revell's Endangered Animal series), 1972 International Harvester Scout 2 and Ford F-100 Service Truck. Gil showed us how a magnetic drill bit holder from Harbor Freight can be used to hold hobby knives. Use a 21/64 reamer to make a nice fit, AND DON'T FORGET TO PUT COVERS ON THE BLADES! (If you saw it loaded up, you know what I mean). We talked about assembling Metal Earth Model kits and bending photoetch parts. Bending tools may be best for large pieces but a smooth surface (glass, metal, ceramic tile) and a pair of single edge razor blades or chisel blades also works well. Maybe we'll have a real time demonstration of bending and folding techniques in the future?  Next meeting is 9/23/21 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hopefully the recent problems some of us have been having with Zoom will be resolved by then. Log in and see for yourself.

~Russ     

  

Atlas Obscura - The Caspian Sea Monster

The Caspian Sea Monster

Ekranoplan Lun, Derbent, Russia
An enormous Soviet aircraft, the only one of its kind, stands at the deserted shore of the Caspian Sea.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ekranoplan-lun

 

Some more fun stuff to see:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/

Andy Yanchus, longtime BPMS member and a legend in the hobby, passed away on 9/11/21

Sadly a name many will know, Andy Yanchus, died yesterday (ironically 9/11). Andy was Product Manager at Aurora for many years, then went as a colorized for Marvel Comics. He was an expect at many aspects of the hobby and, with Dennis Price, wrote the definitive book on Aurora Monster Scenes.

Unfortunately he had been ill for some time, and had moved from his long-time New York home to stay with his sister Pat in Florida.

RIP Andy, you will be missed by many.

~Matt Irvine

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luue2Xle4xQ 

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/159696410@N03/albums/with/72157712637535592

 

I found these obituaries, each celebrates a field that Andy was a legend in.

Andy was 77 when he passed away. 

https://celebritiesdeaths.com/andy-yanchus-death-obituary-news-longtime-marvel-colorist-has-died/

https://www.scalemodelnews.com/2021/09/farewell-to-andy-yanchus-model-expert.html

I got the distinct pleasure of meeting Andy, and becoming friends with him through the BPMS. Of course, that was back in the Marcy Studios days. When I joined the club I wasn't even 18 yet, and was building mostly sci-fi which was right up Andy's alley. He was very encouraging and offered lots of suggestions and advice. At the time, I had no idea what Andy's accomplishments were, I knew him as the jovial guy with amazing skills and wasn't afraid to share his methods. He was HAPPY to inform anyone who wanted to know how he did things.

As BPMS members, we should always keep in mind that we are very lucky because we are such an inclusive group. Thanks to early members like Joe Turner, who invented the "miscellaneous category" and Andy Yanchus who redefined Science Fiction in the IPMS. Before Andy science fiction was considered Star Trek and Star Wars, and similar. Since Andy enjoyed the entire realm of modeling, he knew full well that building "fringe" items, like Asian mecha kits or even conversions of toys was a skill-set of its own, and not to be belittled. I maintain that when you see model shows TODAY with categories for Gundam / Mecha, that's one of Andy's greatest contributions to the hobby: ACCEPTANCE. We ARE all modelers here, afterall.

I can go on for pages and pages about his accomplishments, but I will leave this here. Andy was an amazing guy, and I bid him a fond farewell. He may be gone, but will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Andy.

~Bobby

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: 09/09/2021

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Two new Airfix releases were reported, Blenheim 1 (1/48) and Cromwell Mk VI ( 1/35). The Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival is this weekend in New London Ct. Ships, helicopters and Revolutionary War re-enactors will be there. Check their website for details. Speaking of shows, Penn Con 21 (Gettysburg) is, according to their website, still on for tomorrow. Replicon (Freeport) will not be held this year. We reminisced about the 1981 IPMS National Convention, held in NYC. We saw the convention button (I guess that was before pins) and heard about the modelers that took a walk on the wild side. 

In progress and completed work included: XF-4U conversion (Vaughn gives a whole new meaning to plastic surgery), P.180 Avani, T-55 Enigma, Sherman, Bradley, T80, Panther, AMX-10, Tiger1, VW Mini Big Rig conversion, F-5 and , what Frank called a greenhouse but what Joe would call a dust cover for his half scale T800 Terminator. Just one acquisition, a circa 1990 vinyl Creature from the Black Lagoon (missing a hand, unfortunately). The featured tool was the flexible blade by Flash Master Hobby (flashmasterhobby.com). Gil was impressed by how flexible this blade is. It can go where a chisel can't. Our topic was photoetch, but we ran short and only had enough time to begin talking about cutting pieces off the fret. We'll start from there next week and talk about bending, painting, gluing etc. Next meeting is 9/16/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope you'll be there.

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: Thursday, Sept 2, 2021

Twelve lucky people attended the meeting. October looks to be busy, with shows at Freeport on the 2nd, Southbury on the 1st & 2nd and Poughkeepsie on the 23rd. Bob K reports Round 2 is coming out with a Garbage Truck (will aftermarket garbage be available?). Check their website for pictures. In progress and completed work included: King Tiger, P.180 Avanti (here's where luck comes in - if you weren't at the meeting, you'll never see the well-appointed interior of this model), XF4-U conversion , Houndstooth, Tiger 1, Ki-79, VW Bug Coupe de Ville conversion, B-25, FW 127 turboprop, Horton 7, Tornado and F-5E. Acquisitions (full disclosure, some items were found in long forgotten storage areas) included: RF 8 Aerosan, Convair Manned Observation Satellite, M1-A1 Abrams, Bell X-1B, Mercedes, Kettenkraftrad and Italian armored car. Paint tip from Vaughn, Testors Gloss Black enamel paint can be used to eliminate "steps" at joints. Paint, let dry for 24 hours, sand, repeat as necessary. Only works for steps, not for gaps. This week's topic was - Why are you building what you're building now? Many reasons were given: wanted to build something different, wanted to use certain deals, inspired by the box art, easy assembly, latest acquisition, show technical development of an object over time. That led to a discussion on differences among Canadian, Danish and Norwegian F-104s, a brief history of conformal tanks and a comparison of the T-38 and the F-5. Next meeting is 9/9/21 at 8 pm. invites to follow. Hope to see you there. Do something relaxing for Labor day.

~Russ