The Brooklyn Plastic Modelers Society

Thursday, September 05, 2024

MInutes from the 9/3/24 ZOOM Meeting

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

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

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

No updates for future Pier 57 or BrookLAN events.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russ

Sunday, September 01, 2024

09/03/2024 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting

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

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

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

On the agenda:

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

August 27, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Russ

Monday, August 26, 2024

Penn Con 2024

Click to enlarge

Thursday, August 22, 2024

August 20, 2024, BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BPMS & Fantasy Modeling Magazine

VINTAGE FANTASY MODELING MAGAZINE #4 jy

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

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

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Spotlight Modeler: Joe Hartigan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~BP

BPMS Sponsors IPMS/USA Winners!

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

Category 2

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

2024 IPMS Nationals Winners Slide Show

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

August 6, 2024 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fifteen people attended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Russ

Monday, August 05, 2024

Jimmy ‘Shea’ Maroney: 1950 - 2024

Jimmy ‘Shea’ Maroney: 1950 - 2024

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

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

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

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

Saturday, August 03, 2024

Gundam Group Build ay BrookLAN

Thanks to Julio G., and Richie in the Sieg Zeon group, there was a Gundam Group Build today, 8/3/24, at BrookLAN, 136 Troutman St, (Brooklyn) from 2 to 6pm.

Good people, good place, good burgers and Lots of good looking models!

Friday, August 02, 2024

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: July 30, 2024

Twelve people attended. The next group build is tomorrow, 8/3/24, at BrookLAN, 136 Troutman St, (Brooklyn) from 2 to 6pm. Building models in a bar. What could be better?

Congratulations to Mark N on being named IPMS's Regional Coordinator of the Year. Unfortunately, he didn't make it to the Nationals, but Charlie did and he gave us a full report on the show. Son Steve, you may recall, posted a link to pictures of the event on Monday.

We heard that several companies are coming out with new kits of the Pzkw 1 tank, S-55 helicopter, A-4 and F-14 B.

In progress and completed work included: FL-282 Kolibri, F-22, Stinson Reliant, Igor bust, Sam Elliott bust, Evel Knievel bust, Skyray prototype, RW-D 6, Tiger 1, River Tam figure (from Firefly) and A-6 (Frank had a pleasant build, thanks to tips from Vaughn).

The discussion on making your own decals brought to mind the old saying, if it was easy, everyone would do it. Several people tried and were disappointed with the results. Gil, who scans kit decals into a library for backup, is more familiar with the dos and don'ts of printing decals on laser or ink jet printers and not wasting space on the decal paper. It can be intimidating. Guess that's why they have people who make decals, like https://www.decalcomaniacs.net/index.html

Next meeting is Tuesday, Aug 5, at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there and at BrookLAN.

~Russ

Friday, July 26, 2024

BPMS: Zoom Meeting Report 7/23/24

Twelve people attended. Andrew L, who we met at the in-person meeting, wasn't one of them but he sent this photo of his 1/48 Hobby Boss Crusader. It came with straight wings. He folded them.

The next group build is August 3rd from 2 - 6 pm at BrookLAN, 136 Troutman St, in Brooklyn. See the BPMS Facebook page for details.

Lou reported Revell Germany's 1/48 F-89C is available. Erasmo shared photos of Benoist Plaza in St. Petersburg, FL, site of the world's first commercial air service. Kevin shared photos of his visit to the USS Midway, which led to a spontaneous game of name that aircraft.

In progress and completed work included: Fletter 282 helicopter (Vaughn found the spring-loaded scissors on his pen knife were perfect for cutting small pieces from the sprue), A-22 Raptor, Circle of Life tableau, Tiger 1 E (Jimmy surprised himself by avoiding aftermarket parts), VW bus/tank conversion, Mirage 2000, A-6E, Type 5 Experimental Gun Tank (just because it's from Amusing Hobby doesn't guarantee a fun build) and Alien figure.

Following up on Vaughn's comment that stretched sprue is good for cleaning airbrushes, Gil showed us a set of reamers designed to clean tips on welding torches. They can be used to clean many small openings. Widely available and conveniently packaged.

What we look for or avoid in vendors rooms was the featured topic. We avoid manufacturers that we feel go out of their way to get a large parts count or manufacturers that, in our opinion, have a reputation for making , let's just say, less than good kits. If the box is open, it has to be from a reputable company and the parts have to be in sealed bags. We look for shrink wrapped kits. We look for bargains. We look for experimental aircraft. One last piece of advice, if the box isn't sealed, look inside, or you might buy the box the vendor uses to hold his paperwork. Long story, don't ask.

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

~Russ

Friday, July 19, 2024

Gundam Group Build in Brooklyn: August 3rd, 2024

From Julio:

Yes, there is another event however, this wasn’t one organized by myself but by Richie in the Sieg Zeon group. I just helped him hash out the details with the location and checked the place out in person with him to meet management.

Some details:

August 3rd, 2024

Starts at 2pm until 6pm

Location: BrookLAN

339 Troutman Street

Brooklyn, NY 11237

The place is almost like an Internet cafe. I’ve known them for hosting major gaming tournaments either with video games or table top/ card games. There will be a vendor there selling a few Gundam models. Like any other build events, it’s bring your own stuff (or buy something from there if it’s available) and do the usual sit down, build a model, talk with some people if you want to.

We’ll also be doing $1 raffles there, with a few Gundam models to give away. They have a website if you want to check it out: https://www.brooklan.com/ They also have a full bar at the front and serve food as well. I’m pretty sure they have a menu on their website as well. It’s all bar food really but it is good, imo, having tried it myself.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

BPMS Bulletin: July 2024 by Kevin.

Minutes from the June Meeting

Attendance: Members – 28, Guests – 3, Models – 22
President Tom G. gaveled the meeting to order at 8:20PM.
Business: Tonight’s meeting is BBQ Nite as well as the D-Day Theme Contest.

•With the BBQ going on, it was eat first, talk models later. A big THANK YOU to chefs Vinny R. and Gordon C. Thanks too to all the members who brought in extra goodies.
•Was discussion continued of the possibility of a model exhibition at the Manhattan location.
•The July Meeting will be the Apollo Space Themed exhibition. If you have any NASA spacecraft, bring it in. Since it’s not a contest, an older model can be dusted off and brought in.
•The August meeting will be Pizza Nite as well as the 3Q Contest.
•Bob P reported on the Region 1 Zoom meeting on having better practices for the members. More on the Facebook page.
•A break was then called. The meeting reconvened at 8:50 with the monthly raffle. There were 10 winners.
•Judging was done earlier in the night and the Nelson’s handed out the Awards. See our Facebook page for the listing. Final activity of the night was the model Show & Tell.
•The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Next meeting is July 19. Doors open by 6 PM. See you at the BBSC!

Download the full six-page PDF version HERE

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: July 9, 2024

Nine people attended. Jimmy was volunteered into moderating the meeting on short notice. He did an outstanding job.

There's no Tuesday Zoom next week. The in-person meeting is Friday, the 19th at the Community Center and it is lunar landing theme night. Details are in the Bulletin, which is in the mail.

No news from Lou, but Jimmy found and posted some new items on the club's Facebook page.

Julio is working on a new event for August. The place is BrookLAN, 136 Troutman St, Brooklyn. Details to follow.

In-progress and completed work included: vintage Sikorsky S-55 (Vaughn was surprised by how well the decals worked), Igor bust (from Young Frankenstein) and Circle of Life tableau (Kevin has many interests), Mirage 2000 (Frank needs an Orpheus pod, Jimmy has one he doesn't need - problem solved, thanks to BPMS), A-6E, P-47D (Russ used a straw dipped in paint to put ID bands on the bombs) and 3D printed Akuma (from Street Fighter - for easy of transport, Julio used magnets, not glue, to join the components).

We compared notes for successfully masking straight lines. Tamiya tape got high marks, but don't forget to burnish the edges. Metal or plastic straightedges are essential for drawing guidelines on the model and for cutting fresh, sharp edges on "no name" tapes. In some cases, an index is all you need to paint a straight line. Speaking of masking, Kevin had an unexpected problem when he removed Igor's Silly Putty mask and pulled up everything down to the resin surface. A stubborn mold release agent was the most likely cause.

The next meeting is Friday, the 19th at the Community Center in Brooklyn. Doors open around 6pm, meeting starts around 7:30 pm. The Lunar Landing was 55 years ago so you've had plenty of time to build something related to the Appolo program. Let's see how many LEMs, moon buggies, astronauts with golf clubs etc. we can fit on the display table. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

PS: Post it notes work very well. Always a straight line and you can stick them to the model and the glue won't lift the paint. ~Steven

PPS:Sharing my 1/35 Dragon Panzer III Ausf. F build. This was my first experience with a Dragon tank kit. Unfortunately, it could have been better. Unclear instructions and the DS tracks nearly killed me. But at least my spares box ate well!

Aside from that, the PIII is a fascinating vehicle. Its upgrade/obsolescence trajectory offers parallels with the German army as a whole in WW2.

https://www.igluemodels.com/post/panzer-iii-ausf-f

Hope you enjoy!

~Mido

Friday, July 05, 2024

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report – July 2, 2024

Twelve people attended the July 2 Zoom meeting.

New product announcements were topped by Mike’s 1:1-scale Baby Felix, destined for early BPMS membership.

Lou announced arrival of the more mundane 1/48 F4U Corsair with ground crew from Magic Factory, 1/48 J-20 Chinese stealth fighter from Meng, and 1/35 German StuG.III Ausf.G Early- Mid- and Late-Production versions from Takom. Takom also surprised with a 1/35 scale Mk. 45 5 in. naval gun. Likewise in 1/35 scale, Tamiya has released a German machine gun set and a KS600 motorcycle with sidecar.

Lou was winner of the night’s Theme Horror Story – When I Opened the Box Surprises. In the days of Gateway Hobbies, he opened a 1/24 scale Airfix Hurricane to find all the parts melted together in one large plastic pancake!

Few other meeting modelers have encountered similar kit disasters. Chuck bought a Mr. Hobby SE5A with missing wing struts and filed sprue to shape. Vaughan’s bargain-shopping at estate sales has provided a few disappointments he vows to repeat. On the plus side, Frank was fortunate to buy a Minicraft KC-135 tanker at Mosquitocon to find two complete kits in the box -- a rare BPMS win at the annual Jersey show.

Finished work and Work-In-Progress included Vaughan’s heloerotic S-67 Black Hawk from Anigrand in 1/72 and the ancient Revell S-55/H-19 in 1/48 scale.

Kevin proudly displayed a bust of Young Frankenstein’s Frau Blücher complete with terrified horse. He used an extra-fine brush to paint the fine detail around the lady’s collar and cuffs.

Frank C tempted fate with Revell’s 1/48 scale A-6E Intruder.

Mike showed greater courage with Revell’s 1/48 P-40B, and revealed an absolutely beautiful 1/35 German 38T tank. Mike is also building a Tamiya 1/35 M3 Stuart which he intends to hand-paint with new and supposedly reformulated Vallejo colors.

The South’s Bob K had two 1/72 scale A-37Bs in process from the Encore combo kit. His new purchases included the 1/144 scale AC-130A from Minicraft and 1/144 scale TU-134 from Zvezda. Also new in the mail was a foam ship’s cradle from Micromark meant to make ship building easier.

Gil showed off a 3-D-printed Wonder Woman modeled on Gal Gadot and painted with fleshtone ink and Tamiya metallic blue for her dress.

Gil’s tool session talked about scale rivets made with a Pounce Wheel and super-fine solder balls. You just draw the rivet line with the pounce wheel and nudge microscopic balls into the depressions to simulate rivets. (Right)

Gil also noted that Scale 75 has issued a monochrome paint set to finish move models in good ol’ Black and White.

The next BPMS Zoom will be Tuesday, July 9.

~Frank

Sunday, June 30, 2024

The Rumor Mill

There was a post seen on one of the Facebook Figure Models groups that there will be no JerseyFest for 2024. The person that saw the post, also came back the next day and reported that the post making the announcement was gone. So, he’s not sure what’s going on. Your intrepid editor looked into it and saw that the JerseyFest FB Group hasn’t been updated since Nov. of 2023, and the webpage (jerseyfestfair.com) is completely gone. I’m afraid JerseyFest is most likely no more… unless someone steps up for the save.

Check back with us to keep in touch with whats happening.