Some pics from the BPMS Holiday Dinner

These are the gents who braved the rain to come to the dinner.

 

 

 

 

This is the infamous equation and solution

The winner, Gordon, and the donor, Joe.

Bulletin: 12/2011

T H E

M I N U T E S

by Bobby the Blue

November was a great meeting with an amazing showing for the month. We had 31 members and 2 guests who brought in a 21 models for the final contest of the year.

November Meeting

CONTEST NIGHT 4Q11: We had our final contest night of the year. Did you take advantage of the last chance to rack up votes for 2011? Hopefully I’ll have the numbers fully crunched and awards ready for the December meeting.

SUPER RAFFLE: We had close to 100 prizes so chances were around 1/3. The prolific were rewarded for their efforts, and everyone had a good time.

DINNERS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Who likes Czech food? Looks like we’ll be at Sweik again for the holiday dinner, which will take place on December 6th. It’s a good time as it shouldn’t interfere with other holiday parties at work, etc. Details will be available at the meeting and the BPMS Blog. Stay tuned. We continued discussions regarding the 40th Anniversary Celebration. We’re leaning towards the 56th Fighter Group, like we did 10 years ago.

REGION TWO: The club sponsored a trophy package for the Region 2 will be held in NJ on 10/21-22. We had some members who went and reported on the show: the location wasn’t great., light turn-out but high quality.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda December

MONOGRAM THEME CONTEST: I hope you’ve been building because it’s HERE! Just build a Monogram kit and you’re set! More details HERE.

AWARDS & HOLIDAY DESSERTS: Provided there’s enough time to crunch the numbers and get teh printing done, the awards for the BPMS Annual contest should be ready. But regardless, we will have the tables open for desserts. If you would like to bring in any sort of treats for the meeting, please feel free to do so. Thanks in advance.

Our next meeting will be on

DECEMBER 16, 2011

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

Holiday Dinner, December 2011, Details

SWEIK Y WBEHKA

(Czech / German Food)

2027 Emmons Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11235

718-332-0330

http://www.sweikonline.com/

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

7:00 PM

Google Map

Bulletin: November 2011

THE MINUTES

by Bobby the Blue

October was a great meeting with an amazing showing for the Model Pledge. We had 31 members and 1 guest who brought in a total of 18 models. More details below.

October Meeting

NOMINATIONS: What?!?!? Fuhgettabouttit! These guys only put in one year so far! They have another year before we let them go!

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: Not bad. The majority of members who signed up for the 2011 Model Pledge came through with a finished product. We have 13 pledges on the tables and the guys told us a couple words about getting it done. Looks like we should be bringing this activity back for 2012.

DINNERS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Who likes Czech food? Looks like we’ll be at Sweik again for the holiday dinner. The date we’re looking at is December 6th. It’s a good time as it shouldn’t interfere with other holiday parties at work, etc. Details will be available at the meeting and the BPMS Blog. Stay tuned.

REGION TWO: The club sponsored a trophy package for the Region 2 will be held in NJ on 10/21-22. We should have members reporting about the show during the next meeting.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda November

CONTEST NIGHTT 4Q11: This is the final installment of the BPMS Annual contest, so it’s your last chance to amass votes! (This is the quarterly contest that the votes are all combined and tallied for the DECEMBER MEETING.)

SUPER RAFFLE: It’s that time of year again. The prolific model builders get rewarded for their labors over the year by getting one ticket per model, and five additional for getting their pledge done. If you want to donate anything to the raffle, feel free to do so!

* * *

A HALT TO TROOP SUPPORT

Currently, we do not have any active Points of Contact to whom we can mail the donations made by the club. I've been in contact with the IPMS-USA lead for troop support and he also is lacking any current contacts. With the rapid draw-down in Iraq by the end of this year and the long-standing difficulty in establishing contact with troops deployed to Afghanistan, I am reluctantly suspending the collection of donations at the monthly chapter meetings in anticipation of a continuing lack of POCs. Should any members have any contacts or can suggest a worthwhile recipient of the remaining store of kits and supplies, please email me at shuvlboy [at] gmail [dot] com. I have the notebook of thank you emails and certificates of commendation we received and can make it available at any meeting. In closing, I would like to commend the membership for their sustained and generous support over the past six years. We know that we have had a positive impact on the lives of many deployed servicemen. Thanks for your support. ~ Hugh

Our next meeting will be on

NOVEMBER 18, 2011

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

Monogram Models Night

Activities at the BPMS December Meeting will include our Monogram theme contest. All you have to do to enter is build any Monogram kit issued before the merger of Revell-Monogram. Kit-bashing and modifications are okay, but please no resin or aftermarket photo- etched parts. If you have the original box art and/or instructions, please bring ‘em along for display. To set the stage for our Monogram Night, here’s a quick Internet history of Monogram Models by Frank Colucci.

The fit of the parts wasn’t always great, and the working features usually didn’t work for long, but all of us got some of our love of plastic modeling from Monogram kits. Monogram’s founders Robert Reder and Jack Besser worked for Comet Models making wooden recognition models and scale drawings for US forces in World War II. They started their own company in Chicago in 1945, initially selling balsa model ships. In 1948, Monogram branched out with a wooden Jet Midget Rocket Car propelled by a CO2 cartridge. “Speedee-Bilt” flying kits like the Midget Mustang racer and Kaydet biplane trainer soon included plastic cowlings, propellers, and other details with their die-cut wooden parts. With the market success of Revell’s easier-to-build plastic kits in the early 1950s, Monogram entered a plastic kit competition that continued until 1986 when the two companies merged.

Monogram issued its first all-plastic kit – a 1/25 scale Midget Racer – in 1954, and quickly expanded its model range to include aircraft, ships, military vehicles, and spacecraft. The company’s first all-plastic aircraft kit was a B-26 Invader. Many Monogram kits included exceptional details and accessories. The first release of the C-47 Skytrain in 1955 had paratroopers, and the 1/77 scale Ford Trimotor arctic explorer that same year gave the modeler a dogsled team. Competition with Revell gave many kits working features. In 1955, a 1/83rd scale B-66 Destroyer dropped a nuclear bomb when the builder pushed a button on top of the wings. A 1/72 scale SA-16 Albatross had both retractable landing gear and a diorama crew to be rescued from a life raft.

The growing line covered a range of detailed subjects and non-standard box scales. The Monogram Wanderlust sailing yacht was 1/54 scale, and the Snark cruise missile in 1957 1/80th. Monogram introduced well-detailed car models in 1/24th scale, a little bigger than the competition. In 1959, the company issued a 1/24 1932 Ford 'Deuce' hot rod with a Mercury engine and detailed suspension. Not all the cars were real -- in the early 1960s, Monogram launched a series of "fun cars” based on vintage and fantasy automobiles. The Li'l Coffin show rod included a skeleton; the Red Baron a Fokker triplane; and Rommel’s Rod an Afrika Corps-ghost crew.

Monogram models also got bigger and more elaborate. The company started releasing 1/8 scale car kits in 1962, and the 32nd-scale Phantom Mustang, 24th-scale Phantom Huey, and 48th-scale Visible B-17 had large clear parts to show off interior structure and working parts. The 1/72 scale B-52 was released in 1968 with a motor for jet engine sound.

Also in 1968, Monogram started a still-successful line of Snap-Tite models that required no glue for assembly. That same year, Monogram was acquired by Mattel Toys which reorganized pushed more working gimmicks. The motorized 1/48 Flap Jack 'Air Farce' had the shape of the XF-85 Goblin with flapping wings and a turning propeller. The product line nevertheless grew with accurate, popular WWII types and jets. The 72nd scale B-36 in 1977 remains the largest plastic aircraft model in mass production. Financially troubled Mattel sold Monogram Models to private investors in 1984, and the company was sold yet again in 1986 to the holding company that purchased Revell.

Jack Besser died in October, 2004 at age 89; Robert Reder passed away this February at age 93. The company they started continues to operate under Revell Inc., headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and now owned by Hobbico based in Champaign, Illinois.

A Halt to Troop Support

Currently, we do not have any active Points of Contact to whom we can mail the donations made by the club. I've been in contact with the IPMS-USA lead for troop support and he also is lacking any current contacts. With the rapid draw-down in Iraq by the end of this year and the long-standing difficulty in establishing contact with troops deployed to Afghanistan, I am reluctantly suspending the collection of donations at the monthly chapter meetings in anticipation of a continuing lack of POCs. Should any members have any contacts or can suggest a worthwhile recipient of the remaining store of kits and supplies, please email me at shuvlboy [AT] gmail.com. I have the notebook of thank you emails and certificates of commendation we received and can make it available at any meeting. In closing, I would like to commend the membership for their sustained and generous support over the past six years. We know that we have had a positive impact on the lives of many deployed servicemen.

~Hugh A

Bulletin: October 2011

T H E

M I N U T E S

by Bobby the Blue

September was a busy meeting with news and the Aurora Theme. We had 28 members and no guests who brought in a total of 38 models. More details below.

September Meeting

DAWN OF MODELING THEME: In the beginning, there was AURORA! Members brought in 22 Aurora models, including 16 unbuilt, for this theme. We had an informative stroll down memory that night.

SWAP NIGHT: Members brought in items to swap and sell. I saw a lot of goodies changing hands. Outstanding!

DINNERS AND ANNIVERSARIES: We briefly discussed dinners and the 40th Anniversary of the BPMS. That should be in the second quarter of 2012. If you have any ideas for the celebration, feel free to present them at the next meeting.

REGION TWO: The club voted to sponsor a trophy package. The package will be a Joe Turner memorial and will be for the Civil Aircraft Category. The Region 2 will be held in NJ on 10/21-22. Show details will be available at the meeting.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda October

NOMINATIONS: What?!?!? Forget that! These guys only put in one year so far! They have another year before we let them go!

HOLIDAY DINNER: It’s that time of year again. The October meeting is upon us and before we know it, the end of the year. We need to iron out details for a Holiday Dinner ASAP. It’s usually the first Tuesday of December after the first Monday. We kicked around the idea of going back to Sweik again. The members seemed fine with that idea. If you want to try something different, please do some research and report to the group at the next meeting.

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: It seemed that we kept the concept entirely too loose for members tastes last year so we tightened them up a little in 2011. You SHOULD’VE brought in an unbuilt model between January and March to declare as your pledge model. Please have it finished for THIS MEETING, OCTOBER, for a display. After October you may bring back your pledge for the November meeting for the last contest of the year. For your efforts you get an additional FIVE Super Raffle tickets for completing your pledge! Sweet! Easy enough? Now go have fun with it!

Meeting date: October 21, 2011

Same Time,

Same Place!

IPMS Region 2 Show JerseyCon 2 - October 21 & 22 2011

From Mike at NJIPMS:

On October 21 & 22 NJIPMS will be hosting our second Region II show - JerseyCon 2 !! Only about 3 weeks away!

We are very excited because of the outstanding venue he have for the show. The Wyndham hotel right off Exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike on Rt. 73 in Mt. Laurel, NJ. We'll have more space than ever before for models and vendors.....and we have lots of vendors lined up!!

We invite you to visit our website, www.njipms.org for more information about the show. Just click on the JERSEYCON link.

BPMS Bulletin: September 2011

We hope everyone made it through the hurricane okay!

THE MINUTES

by Bobby the Blue

August was a jam-packed meeting with the quarterly contest AND pizza night! We clocked in 29 members and 1 guest who brought in 26 models, for a busy meeting.

August Meeting

BPMS ANNUAL CONTEST – 3Q2011: I’m looking at the paperwork and it looks like we had a pretty good showing of about 20 models for the contest. It also looks like it was a good scattering as there are votes in all categories. Good show!

PIZZA NIGHT: This is the biggest event of the year, and I MISSED IT! As a result the club was able to cut back by two pizzas. Well done, the night ended with only three left over slices!

REGION TWO: The club voted to sponsor a trophy package. We held a special raffle for the cause. The show is coming up in October in New Jersey. More details will be available at the meeting.

NEW MEMBER: She attended three meetings and builds models, therefore, Kamilla L. was voted in as our latest member! You may also know her as Konstantin’s daughter.

Welcome to the fold!

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Photo-Blog:

http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda: September

DAWN OF MODELING THEME: In the beginning, there was AURORA! Please bring in any Aurora models you may have, (built or unbuilt) and please be prepared to tell the group a couple words about them. It’s just a display, not a contest. No worries!

SWAP NIGHT: Bring in stuff to trade or sell. It would also be a good idea to bring a little cash with you. You never know when that elusive kit might show up, and there’s no tab at this bar!

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: How's your progress? Your Model Pledges are due in OCTOBER! Better get things in gear!

MONOGRAM THEME CONTEST: Build a Monogram Model. Easy as that! More HERE:

http://bpmsclub.blogspot.com/2011/06/monogram-theme-contest.html

Our next meeting will be on

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Same time, same place!

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

2012 IPMS Nats!

Not sure what to do next summer?
Chi  passed along the info for next year's IPMS Nats!
Have a look:
http://www.ipmsorlando.com/index.php?topic=1051.0

Bulletin: August, 2011

THE MINUTES

by Bobby the Blue

July was an educational meeting with the Paper Modeling Clinic. We clocked in 29 members and 2 guests who brought in 21 models, for a busy meeting.

July Meeting

TWILIGHT ZONE THEME CONTEST: And the winners are:

1st: Bob E - Uncle Simon

2nd: Frank C - The Brain Center at Whipple’s

3rd: Ed J - Thirty Fathom Grave

We have to thank everyone who took the time to participate and build for this fun theme contest. We also must extend an extra special THANK YOU to the sponsors; Don I, Joe B, and Russ H; who gave us a fun theme to build for!

PAPER MODELING CLINIC: We have some very talented members in the realm of Paper Modeling. The combined efforts of Charlie N, Tomasz K, and Nestor M put together a very thorough and informative clinic about anything you ever wondered about and everything could ever need to get started in this growing part of the modeling hobby. THANKS GUYS!

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda: August

BPMS ANNUAL CONTEST – 3Q2011: Where has the time gone? We’re already up to the third quarterly BPMS contest. You know? The third installment of the annual contest. You may bring in anything that hasn’t been in a quarterly contest, including entries in the Twilight Zone Theme Contest for this. Be sure to fill out your contest entry forms, without proper paperwork you can’t be judged. The votes from the quarterly contests get crunched together for the Annual Contest Awards Ceremony in DECEMBER.

PIZZA NIGHT: This is possibly the biggest event of the year. PIZZA NIGHT! There have been many traditions around pizza night: the Cockrums' onion pizza, Captain Bart’s red jumpsuit, and your humble narrator killing a whole pie each of the past 3 years. All you have to do to get in on the fun is be a member in good standing. So that means that your dues must be paid up, and no guests. Done. Have fun!

Our next meeting will be on

AUGUST 19, 2011

Same time, same place!

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

Bulletin: July 2011

THE MINUTES

by Bobby B2 Blue Pokorny

June was a busy meeting with a contest and bbq. We clocked in 30 members and 1 guest who brought in 15 models, for a light theme contest.

June Meeting

BAR-BE-QUE NIGHT: Who doesn’t love a BBQ? Our group certainly loves it! Vinny, Don, and Gordon worked the grill and kept the food coming while the rest of the group made quick work of it all. Thanks to the members who contributed to the food. A special thank you to the gents who ran the grill. That’s some hard, HOT work out there!

TWILIGHT ZONE THEME CONTEST: And there it was! We had some gorgeous models on display for the contest. The awards will be presented during the JULY meeting.

IPMS NATIONALS: I am really bad at reporting the shows that we support. I will do better in the future. Last month we voted to sponsor a trophy package for the IPMS Nationals this summer.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda: July

PAPER MODELING CLINIC: We’ve been mystified by the quality of the paper models that Charlie has been bringing in for years. Now with the addition of Tomasz to our fold, it’s a good time to have a clinic hosted by our paper modeling experts on the subject. Bring your notebooks, this will be educational!

TWILIGHT ZONE THEME CONTEST: The contest was last month. The judging took place. The sponsors will be presenting the awards during the July meeting.

DECEMBER 2011

CLASSIC MONOGRAM THEME CONTEST

Some thoughts on the December theme contest:

We would like to challenge the members to select a Monogram pre-merger (Revell/Monogram) kit of any type, air, sea, armor, auto or anything in their line and build it using some of the techniques you have learned, the skill you have acquired and the material you have collected to build the best representation of the prototype you can. See just how good some of these kits really were.

A chat between Jimmy Maroney, Frank Colucci and myself at the March meeting with regard to some of the models displayed for the ‘my favorite model’ segment led to the idea that maybe we should encourage the members to build some of the ‘older’ kits we built in our youth.

Frank’s Monogram Phantom became the focus of our discussion as Monogram produced some of the first really accurate (outline) and really detailed (variant choices) models available to us in the 60’s. They began to move away from the toy-like features like bomb drops and retracting landing gear and on to cockpit detail and multiple variants.

True they all had raised panel lines and details, but that was the state of the mold-making art at the time. It cost far less to remove small areas of the mold to create the detail than to remove vast areas of the mold to leave the detail behind.

Truth be told, when some of the early models are finished with care and painted with some shading and weathering they are as good visually as any kit today. It is only under close scrutiny that their age becomes apparent and the way the detail is depicted becomes evident.

We would like to exclude kits from molds after the merger with Revell and any kits from 3rd party molds acquired by Monogram. We would also ask that you limit the aftermarket ‘stuff’ to a minimum. Why put $40.00 worth of PE on a $5.00 kit. Use your parts box and take a shot at scratching some extra detail.

If you have any doubts about a particular mold call one of the sponsors (or email) and we will do a little research and let you know. Frank C., Frank T. Rich B. and Jimmy M.

To sum up – will these kits build into models that will compete at the contest level – probably not without a lot of work – but considering what they can be had for in $$, when compared to the TamyGawa or limited run kits go for, they can be built into very respectable likenesses of the prototypes. There seems to be a pre-conceived notion that these older kits are not worth building – that notion is BS. The majority of us don’t build for the ‘CONS’ so give it a try.

~Rich Berner

Some thoughts on building older kits:

In any type of hobby or pastime, as with anything humans can conceive of as an activity, there are levels of involvement. It usually starts with an interest and progresses to participation, then to a passion and finally to an obsession.

For most of my life I have been fascinated with things that go fast. First it was soap box derby cars and while my dad was alive, speed related control line model airplanes. Then came bicycles (banked track @ Kessina Park). Go karts were next, then in college USAC sprint cars in Oswego, NY.

After I graduated and got married, my wife put her foot down, so I took a step back to stock class drag racing. I also ran a modified Volkswagen, my wife thought how fast can a Volks go? 10 seconds at 120 plus. Let’s not tell her.

As kids came along and money got tighter, I used the cars to go to the market and got involved with fledgling R/C airplane racing and that has continued on and off till this day. Now the bleeding edge is getting too sharp as engines top $600.00 per copy and the airframes top $1000.00. (not including radio equip., batteries or fuel not to mention travel and lodging) So once again I look to static modeling to decompress.

Each time I move back from the 200 mph toys and re-enter the world where the toys don’t move unless thrown, I am impressed with the mold maker’s skills and the subjects presented and most of all the level of detail included.

The thing that troubles me though is the rising cost of the gems we purchase and I ask myself are they that much better than what came before and does that make the preceding kits inferior?

It troubles me that a kit that 5 years ago was ‘bleeding edge’ is now relegated to the ‘swap meet table’. Is it really that bad??

While the detail on the newer kits may be more refined than an older kit of the same subject does that mean the older kit is not worth building? If you can’t, or won’t, spring for the newer kit and have the older kit don’t hesitate to build it using your skills to make it the best it can be.

Several years ago one of our members purchased the then new Accurate Miniatures SBD Dauntless. He had a Hasegawa SBD with the PE dive brake detail. He sold it to me for a fraction of what he paid for it because it ‘wasn’t as good as the AM kit’. Not being the proud sort I have started it and should have it done for the 4th Qtr. Contest.

The question I have is, without close scrutiny, when I’m finished, will you be able to tell which kit it came from – will it not be recognized as an SBD and will the quality of the Hasegawa kit not show through?

We build models and show them to our colleagues because we wish to do something that not everybody is motivated to do, to create something that will be appreciated by like minded folks and to satisfy ourselves with the sense of accomplishment in finishing the project.

Let’s try to put the concept of newer being superior and older being inferior behind us and simply recognize the concept of different. Build it because you want an example of it in your collection. Build it for the reason you bought it in the first place, because you liked it or it inspired you.

Let’s build some of the older kits and make them as good as our skills will allow and show everybody how good a $10.00 ‘swap meet special’ can look on our display tables without feeling we need to apologize because it ain’t the latest and greatest.

Maybe we might consider an annual theme contest where the members pick a kit – any subject – where the original mold is let’s say 25 or 30 years old and see what can be created.

Thus ends the sermon for today.

~Rich Berner

The next meeting will be:

July 15, 2011

Same Time!

Same Place!

Your Chapter can make a big difference in this IPMS election cycle

It is "Election Time" and I'm appealing directly to you to enlist your aid in "getting out the vote" in this IPMS election cycle.

Please make the effort at your next chapter meeting, or whenever and wherever you might see your chapter members, to circulate a copy of the ballot. Please consider collecting thos ballots during the meeting, placing them in an envelope, and sending them to the National Office. The mailing address appears on the ballot. Your members can remove the ballot contained in the May/June issue of the Journal and have it in the outgoing mail in under five minutes. Or, if you wish to save some postage, you can go online and register to vote on the IPMS website. It takes only about five minutes, is easy to do, and we promise that the electrons you use will be recycled.

The url for the online voting system is http://voting.ipmsusa3.org/

You are being encouraged to vote "in favor" of the amendment by both the Constitution Review Board (a committee of indivuals who are not currently serving on the E-Board) as well as the current members of the E-Board. The recommendation statement by the CRB is available in both the Journal and on the website. If you do not approve of the amendment then please, by all means, vote "no".

Lastly, only two of the current E-Board officers wish to change office. I am not running for President but am seeking the office of Secretary. Larry Randel, the current Secretary, is running for Dir.of Local Chapters. All other offices are uncontested and are being sought by individuals who are seeking office for the first time. Please vote "Yes" for the five candidates who are running unopposed. They have made the committment to serve IPMS and its membership back in January when nomination petitions were made available. Now they need your support and your vote will provide that very important and much needed statement of support.

There you have it. A simple request from me to you. Please vote. Please encourage your friends who are also IPMS members to vote. Please do it now and do not put it off for another minute.

Thanks!

Dick M.

Int.Plastic Modelers Society-President

Monogram Theme Contest - December 16, 2011

Monogram Theme Contest

December 16, 2011

Some thoughts on the December theme contest:

We would like to challenge the members to select a Monogram pre-merger (Revell/Monogram) kit of any type, air, sea, armor, auto or anything in their line and build it using some of the techniques you have learned, the skill you have acquired and the material you have collected to build the best representation of the prototype you can. See just how good some of these kits really were.

A chat between Jimmy M., Frank C. and myself at the March meeting with regard to some of the models displayed for the ‘my favorite model’ segment led to the idea that maybe we should encourage the members to build some of the ‘older’ kits we built in our youth.

Frank’s Monogram Phantom became the focus of our discussion as Monogram produced some of the first really accurate (outline) and really detailed (variant choices) models available to us in the 60’s. They began to move away from the toy-like features like bomb drops and retracting landing gear and on to cockpit detail and multiple variants.

True they all had raised panel lines and details, but that was the state of the mold-making art at the time. It cost far less to remove small areas of the mold to create the detail than to remove vast areas of the mold to leave the detail behind.

Truth be told, when some of the early models are finished with care and painted with some shading and weathering they are as good visually as any kit today. It is only under close scrutiny that their age becomes apparent and the way the detail is depicted becomes evident.

We would like to exclude kits from molds after the merger with Revell and any kits from 3rd party molds acquired by Monogram. We would also ask that you limit the aftermarket ‘stuff’ to a minimum. Why put $40.00 worth of PE on a $5.00 kit. Use your parts box and take a shot at scratching some extra detail.

If you have any doubts about a particular mold call one of the sponsors (or email) and we will do a little research and let you know. Frank C., Frank T. Rich B. and Jimmy M.

To sum up – will these kits build into models that will compete at the contest level – probably not without a lot of work – but considering what they can be had for in $$, when compared to the TamyGawa or limited run kits go for, they can be built into very respectable likenesses of the prototypes. There seems to be a pre-conceived notion that these older kits are not worth building – that notion is BS. The majority of us don’t build for the ‘CONS’ so give it a try.

~Rich B.

BPMS Bulletin

T H E

M I N U T E S

by Bobby B2 Blue Pokorny

May was a busy meeting. We squeezed in a lot in relatively little time. We clocked in 29 members and no guests who brought in 22 models, for a busy meeting.

May Meeting

PART-BOX NIGHT: Members brought in parts. Members brought home parts. Worked out perfectly! Remember, Gordon brings the big bin of community parts each month if there’s something you’re looking for, or parts you want to add.

ANNUAL CONTEST – 2Q2011: The second installment of the annual contest is in the books. Your next chance to rack up some votes will be in August.

MAY MEGA-RAFFLE: After much fanfare and excitement we finally had the draw, and I REALLY wish I took a note of who won. But I know someone went home happy with such a great kit as that Tiger. Thanks to the members who bought raffle tixx, and a special thanks to Joe Bergman for his generosity by donating the kits.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda: June

BAR-BE-QUE NIGHT: I was thinking that this isn’t a very long run activity in the BPMS timeline, but we’ve had BBQ Night almost as long as our stay at our current home, The BBSC. This is simple, you bring yourself in, be sure your dues are paid up, and pay approx $6 (definite price will be settled at the meeting because everything has gone up in the last year!). Then eat. We just ask for a little order and consideration. Please wait for everyone to get their first helping before heading back for seconds and thirds. If you’d like to donate chips, sausages, etc, feel free to do so. Also, we must thank Vinny Rosati for allowing us to use the facility grills, and I’m sure El Presidente Don Illjes will lead the way of volunteers lending a hand.

TWILIGHT ZONE THEME CONTEST: Time flies. Our first theme contest is already upon us! These guys will have some WILD awards ready for this, so I hope you builty! More details HERE.

Our next meeting will be on

JUNE 17, 2011

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

BPMS 5/20/2011 Photos by Hugh A.

Message from Gordon

Well, on my rush to finish my model for the 2nd Quarter Contest I forgot to bring the most important thing for photography... the camera! I had to settle to use my camera phone to take some photos. However, Hugh was kind enough to take a couple of photos for me in case my photos don't come out right since camera phone have certain limitations. Thanks Hugh for helping me out. Click the link below to see the photos.

Hugh's Photos

In case you are wondering, my photos actually came out right and are being schedule to post daily. Look for my posts starting from 5/21/11 to 6/2/11.

Bulletin: May 2011

THE MINUTES

by Bobby Pokorny

April turned out to be a great month despite the scheduling problem. Due to an accident on the Belt, things got started a little late. However, we clocked in 31 members and one guest who brought in 24 models, for a busy meeting.

April Meeting

WORK IN PROGRESS NIGHT: What’s on your workbench? Your pledge? Your theme contest entry? Something else? Members brought in 16 WIPs that they’re working on and spoke about it with the group. Looks like we should have several Robby the Robots for the theme contest….

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

 On the agenda: May

PART-BOX NIGHT: Do you have a box of spare parts that you would like to share with the group? Feel free to bring it in! We’ll have tables dedicated to this. If you don’t want to bring it home, you can toss it into the parts bin the Gordon brings each month.

ANNUAL CONTEST – 2Q2011: Time flies. We’re already up to the second installment of the BPMS Quarterly Contest. Just bring in work that hasn’t been in a contest, and fill out all the proper paperwork to compete.

MAY MEGA-RAFFLE: In an effort to try to raise funds for certain activities Joe Bergman donated a 1/35 King Tiger Dragon “white box” with a tank crew. For such a nice prize we’ll have a special raffle in May. Tixx are only $5 a pop. The drawing will be THIS MONTH! This will be your last chance to buy tickets! [You might notice a little switcharoo in the name. This is to avoid confusion with the Super Raffle we have every November. ~B2]

THE TWILIGHT ZONE THEME: It’ll be here sooner than you think! More details HERE.

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: It seems that we kept the concept entirely too loose for members tastes last year so we’re tightening them up a little in 2011. Please bring in an unbuilt model between January and March to declare as your pledge model. Please have it finished for the OCTOBER MEETING for a display. In between there will be one WIP night, which would be nice to show us your progress (April). After October you may bring back your pledge to the November meeting for the last contest of the year. For your efforts you get an additional FIVE Super Raffle tickets for completing your pledge! Sweet! Easy enough? Now go have fun with it!

Our next meeting will be on

MAY 20, 2011

See you at the Bergen Beach Sports Complex!

Bulletin: April 2011 (Meeting on 4/22!!!)

THE MINUTES

by Bobby Pokorny

NOTE: Our next meeting will be on

APRIL 22, 2011

March was another great month. Due to an accident on the Belt, things got started a little late. However, we clocked in 24 members who brought in 17 models, for a meeting that originally looked like it might be a bust. We even voted in a new member. Nice!

March Meeting

DECAL SWAP NIGHT: I think guys brough in decals to swap and sell. I got in late, so I didn’t notice. Oops!

FAVORITE MODEL: A bunch of members brought in what they consider to be their favorite model, at least for that night, and explained to the group why.

MAY MEGA-RAFFLE: In an effort to try to raise funds for certain activities Joe B. donated a 1/35 King Tiger Dragon “white box” with a tank crew. For such a nice prize we’ll have a special raffle in May. Tixx are only $5 a pop. [You might notice a little switcharoo in the name. This is to avoid confusion with the Super Raffle we have every November. ~B2]

NEW MEMBER: He came in for three meeting and showed his work. He builds about everything! So we made him a member. Konstantin L., welcome to the fold!

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/




On the agenda: April

DELAY: MEETING WILL BE ON APRIL 22, 2011.

Due to a scheculing conflict at the BBSC, our meeting is being pushed back to 4/22. Tell your friends!

WORK IN PROGRESS NIGHT: What’s on your workbench? Your pledge? Your theme contest entry? Something else? Bring in what your working on to show the group. Be prepared to tell a couple words about your methods. Thanks!

THE TWILIGHT ZONE THEME: It’ll be here sooner than you think! More details here.

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: It seems that we kept the concept entirely too loose for members tastes last year so we’re tightening them up a little in 2011. Please bring in an unbuilt model between January and March to declare as your pledge model. Please have it finished for the OCTOBER MEETING for a display. In between there will be one WIP night, which would be nice to show us your progress (April). After October you may bring back your pledge to the November meeting for the last contest of the year. For your efforts you get an additional FIVE Super Raffle tickets for completing your pledge! Sweet! Easy enough? Now go have fun with it!

Our next meeting will be on

APRIL 22, 2011

Same time,

Same place!

A plea from the Pres

From IPMS:

If you have yet to visit the IPMS website and view the recently posted E-Board minutes (April, 2011) you will find two significant items of business mentioned. The first item is the list of candidates for E-Board. The nomination process for the upcoming E-Board election has come to an end and there are some new faces on the list. The downside to this list is that only one office has more than a single candidate. IPMS is led and staffed by volunteers and my hope is that there would be more interest among the membership in taking on one of these very important roles. The upside is that the individuals whose names appear are all proven  leaders in their local chapter or at a national level, and thusly, bring significant experience to bear. The only seat which has multiple candidates is the Director of Local Chapters position. Both candidates have experience as Regional Coordinators and both are, to put it plainly, nice guys.

The second item is the mention of Amendment 2011-01 by Ron Bell. You may have visited the forum and read some of the posts regarding this very important amendment. This change is greatly needed and I ask you to vote in favor of the amendment. Please consider that it was written by Ron Bell, who is the 2nd VP (in charge of all things regarding the National Convention at the national level) and is the single most knowledgeable person on the planet when it comes to National Conventions and how the Society should approach this annual event. The amendment will update the Constitution to reflect the changes that have  taken place over the last 45+ years. The amendment will also provide a flexible, dynamic, and realistic platform which will make the Convention process easier for the host chapter and for the Society as a whole.

A ballot will be included in the upcoming Journal and the plan is to have all six E-Board seats as well as the Amendment question on the same ballot. You will also be able to cast your vote online through the IPMS website. The online site will be active at or about the same date as the Journal with the ballot begins showing up in your mailboxes.

The most significant point is that, whether you favor or oppose the amendment, you vote. Not voting accomplishes absolutely nothing. No good comes from this abysmal level of non-participation. When you view the ballot you will see a Yes/No/Abstain option. Please mark one of those three options. It Is Important!

Dick Montgomery
Int.Plastic Modelers Society-President

Notice: April meeting delayed to the 22nd!

Due to a scheduling conflict the April meeting will not be on the 3rd but on the 4th Friday of the month. Lend a hand. Tell other members.  

Next meeting date:

April 22nd, 2011

Same time,

Same place!

Bulletin: March 2011

THE MINUTES

by Bobby Pokorny

February was a great month. We had 29 members and 2 guests who brought in 28 models, for a very impressive quarterly contest.

February Meeting

SHOW US YOUR TOOL: This is a fun activity with an AWFUL name! We had many members bringing in various items to show the group. Did you learn something new?

CONTEST NIGHT 1Q2011: The tables were FILLED to capacity with contest entries. This was a most impressive kick-off to the 2011 annual quarterly contest. Did you have trouble filling out your ballot, I mean with all the choices in each category, and not the under-complicated ballot we use!

MAY SUPER RAFFLE: In an effort to try to raise funds for certain activities Joe Bergman donated a 1/35 King Tiger Dragon “white box” with a tank crew. For such a nice prize we’ll have a special raffle in May. Tixx are only $5 a pop.

MODEL PLEDGE: We got a good number of members signing up for the 2011 Model Pledge. Will you join in the fun? More details below.

You can see pics from each meeting either at the Club Website or on the Photo-Blog: http://gmobile17.blogspot.com/

On the agenda: March

DECAL SWAP NIGHT: Bring in decals to sell or trade. You might want to bring in some money in case the sheet you’ve been looking for shows up!

FAVORITE MODEL: Do you have a model that you consider your favorite? Whether it’s built of unbuilt, please bring it (or them) in and be prepared to tell the group a couple words about your fondness for it.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE THEME: We had three sponsors come forward for the June theme contest. More details HERE.

2011 MODEL PLEDGE: It seems that we kept the concept entirely too loose for members tastes last year so we’re tightening them up a little in 2011. Please bring in an unbuilt model between January and March to declare as your pledge model. Please have it finished for the OCTOBER MEETING for a display. In between there will be one WIP night, which would be nice to show us your progress (April). After October you may bring back your pledge to the November meeting for the last contest of the year. For your efforts you get an additional FIVE Super Raffle tickets for completing your pledge! Sweet! Easy enough? Now go have fun with it!

Troop Support Update – Report to Date for 2011

Since establishing contact with SPC Craig Perry at FOB Speicher at the beginning of the year, we have sent four shipments, totaling 86 hobby items, consisting of:

· 1 Airbrush

· 1 Compressor

· 30 Model Kits

· 14 Bottles of Paint

· 14 Paint Brushes

· 6 Hobby Knives

· 6 Hobby Magazines

· 4 Sanding Blocks and Sticks

· 10 Miscellaneous Tools

In addition to the request for the airbrush and compressor, SPC Perry has requested more paint and glue. Please keep in mind that paints and glues must be non-flammable. Also, we cannot ship aerosol cans through the USPS.

Thanks again for your donations!

A reminder – we can't ship any flammable materials, so no model airplane cement or paints with a flammable base such as enamels, lacquers, and some acrylics (Tamiya, for example). Frequently requested materials are paintbrushes and automotive kits.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Hugh

T-SHIRTS: The first wave of shirts arrived a couple months ago. The BPMS blue and white never looked better! Our t-shirt artist came up with another concept that we’re taking orders for now too. Logo on the left-side of the chest, with two options! Ask about it at the meeting. Approx. $12 a pop.

TAKE A PART / LEAVE A PART: Gordon will bring in the big basin monthly for “Take a Part / Leave a Part.” Please feel free to toss your spares into the big bin too! This is something we can all add to or take away from.

GENERATING MONEY: The club will continue to sell magnets and patches and run raffles and to generate some extra money. The reserves for raffles are hitting rock bottom, any donations of recent models would be greatly appreciated! Can we count on you to help fund various activities and sponsorships?

NEW MEMBER? If you're a new member, please see Hugh Alcock to have your photo taken for our newsletter and photo roster. Putting your picture and name in the newsletter is a great way for the membership to get to know you. And the photo roster is a great way for you to get to know the membership. If you didn't get a photo roster, see Bobby Pokorny or Hugh Alcock.

40 YEARS OF THE BPMS: 2012 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the BPMS. We have a year to set up a bash. It should be fun! A dinner is certainly in order. Maybe we should figure out a way to tie in a theme contest. Ideas? Let the officers know!

SUPPORT THE BULLETIN: Some ideas for the newsletter from Hugh –

* Members can write a paragraph or two on how they got interested and/or re-interested in modeling.

* Show us your workbench: Have folks take a picture of their modeling habitat at home and describe what they like and/or don’t like about the setup.

Our next meeting will be on March 18, 2011.

Same time

Same place

SPC Perry has sent several thank you e-mails to let us know how much our support is appreciated by the troops forward deployed in Iraq.