December 27, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Eleven people attended the meeting, the last of 2022. Available for the New Year: Hasegawa's 1/200 Air Force One VC-25A and 1/72 Osprey CVM-22B, US Navy. Also, watch for Academy's 1/48 A-10 C and several large-scale, die cast, James Bond vehicles from Agora.  

In house and completed work included: Lysander (ask Vaughn how a missing propeller blade got him thinking of buying another kit and building an accurate fuselage),  Frankenstein Monster (Mobius kit with aftermarket head), 1/18 X - Wing fighter, Ferrari 250 GTO, RF-4 and 3D printed female biker on Fat Boy motorcycle. There were two end-of-year acquisitions, F-4 B and F-4 G Phantoms (guess who got 'em). This week's tool was another NWSL product, The Riveter. The attachment for NWSL's Sensi-press (last week's tool) is a calibrated advancing table for embossing rivets.  

Surprisingly, to me at least,  cold weather doesn't seem to be as problematic to model building as hot weather. Sure, Parafilm is temperature sensitive, acrylic paints have to be protected from freezing and vent windows can let in the cold but these can all be worked around. Use a coffee mug warmer to warm spray paint cans rather than immersing in warm water (ask Joe about water drops on a fresh paint job). Use a hair dryer to dry paint in a cold work area. Get a cheap thermometer for your work area. We had enough time to discuss some other topics briefly, the Pasche H-1 airbrush, how different brands of paint spray differently, touching up sprayed paint with brushed paint, thinning acrylic paint with acrylic ink, craft store thinner medium, painting freehand v using masks, remembering Frank Tripoli and other early BPMS members and their contributions to the Club and, of course, what's your dream model. I expect we'll see many of these as featured topics in 2023. Join us and see for yourself.  The next meeting is 1/3/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. And if you're going to Times Square on New Years' Eve, wear your BPMS shirt. We'll be watching.

~Russ

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: Dec 20, 2022 - When are you finally finished?

Ten people attended the meeting. No new releases announced, but Jimmy keeps finding stuff on line and at Bay Shore Hobbies. (Keep reading. You'll see). Turnout was good for the December in-person meeting, featuring the long-awaited Aurora theme contest. In case you weren't there, photos are on the club's Facebook page. While photos can be shared on the internet, the evening's holiday desserts can only be shared in person, so mark your calendars for next December. Speaking of sharing, Mark shared photos of National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and the USS North Carolina (BB-55). We heard that Noreastcon 2023 will be held on April 29 and Jersey Fest will be held September 22-24. Locations for both are TBD.

In progress and completed work included: Lysander, Aerosan, B-50 & XC-97 conversions, EC-121 R, FW-152, Tarzan figure, Lock N Load Cyborg bust, Harrier GR-7A/9A and RF-4 Phantom. Acquisitions included: Su 30 SM Flanker, T-72 B3, T-80 BVMT, 1/16 Panzer 3 J and FA-18-D. Gil had another NWSL tool for us, the Sensi-Press, very useful for precision work. Vaughn had a good tip for transporting/storing aircraft models. He puts the model on a cardboard cradle, upside down, protecting antennae and putting no stresses on landing gear. Mr. K uses a "layer cake" approach, put the model(s) in a bed of packing peanuts, cover with a sheet of newspaper, repeat. 

 
The topic was, When do you consider a model finished? Some answers: when it's on its base, when you're sick of it (Frank's patience budget), when you bring it to the meeting/show, when you remove the masking, when you have to ask if more work will make it better. Some never get finished because it's faster to leave it alone and build a new kit and one guy, like a Zen Master, gets the kit, aftermarket sets, paint and decals. Then, after carefully examining each element, builds it in his mind. But, hey, we all do that. 

 
Next meeting is Tuesday 12/27/22 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope your Holidays are happy.

 
~Russ

THE GOLDEN AGE OF AURORA THEME CONTEST: DECEMBER 2022

December 16, 2022!!!

THE GOLDEN AGE
 
OF AURORA
 

THEME CONTEST
 

Celebrating 70 Years

of Models!

Who among us in this hobby doesn’t have some sort of memory of a fond AURORA memory? To celebrate the 70^th Anniversary of AURORA MODELS we bring to you THE GOLDEN AGE OF AURORA theme contest for June. The criteria are simple: build any model produced by Aurora, Polar Lights (re-pop), Monogram (who acquired the remaining Aurora molds from the train wreck), Moebius (did a minor re-pop), Atlantis (re-pop), Doll and Hobby (newest re-pop company). Revell USA acquired a few molds, and a short-lived spin off company called Addar would all be acceptable. Since AURORA produced models in every niche, there’s something for everyone, and with all the re-issues over the years, they aren’t cost restrictive any longer. 

Here is a video on YouTube on the history of Aurora:

https://youtu.be/KBgCRQ2wIvw

The winners:

1^st Jake Moon - Maserati 3500 GT

2^nd Bob Pokorny - Joseph Stalin IS-3

3^rd Kevin App - Phantom of the Opera

Honorable Mention:

Russ Holcomb - Black Falcon

Kosta Lukyanov - UH-25

Frank Colucci - Moon Bus

Sponsors:

·       Joe Bergman

·       Kevin Kilkenny

BPMS Bulletin: December 2022

BPMS Bulletin 

by Bobby B2 Blue Pokorny

November was an excellent meeting. We had 25 members and no guests who brought in 20 models, most of which were for the quarterly contest.

November Meeting

COntest night – 4^th qtr 2022: This was the final installment of the quarterly BPMS Annual Contest. Now it’s my turn to crunch the numbers and see who we voted for in 2022!

 super raffle: This is the reason why you must fill out your paperwork at each meeting. For every new model you brought in over the course of the year you got ONE SUPER RAFFLE TICKET. We had around 285 tickets and 125 prizes for the year. Nice job! Can we beat that in 2023? Also, thank you to everyone who made donations! 

DUES 2023: With all the expenses going up, the club is forced to push up the dues to $35 annually.

NEW MEMBER: If you come on the Zooms you should already know Frank “Grail”. He’s been to three meetings and has shown us his models so we voted him in. Welcome to the fold! 

 raffle: We did NOT have a regular raffle during the meeting. It’ll probably return in December.

 On the agenda: DECEMBER

 DECEMBER THEME CONTEST: Finally! It’s Here! It’s time for the December theme contest:  

The Golden Age of AURORA Models.

 Sponsored by Joe B and Kevin K

HOLIDAY DESSERTS: ‘Tis the season! Why not close out the year with your BPMS buddies and some tasty treats? You are cordially invited to bring some sort of dessert or snack or treat to this meeting. Thanks in advance!

 AWARDS CEREMONY: At the time this is being written, I have the numbers crunched. Hopefully I’ll have the awards printed out in time so we can see who the winners are for 2022.

 Photo-phone list: Gordon started taking photos of the group for the photo-phone list. If he didn’t take your photo at the last meeting, please see him at the next meeting. 

 WEEKLY ZOOM: Even though we are back to having regular meetings, the weekly ZOOM will continue! New day and time: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Every week EXCEPT for weeks with an in-person meeting. 

 SPOTLIGHT MODELER: Julio G.

Where do you live? How Long?: I’m from the Bronx, NY. Lived here just about my whole life. 

Where did you go to school?: I went to DeWitt Clinton Highschool in the Bronx and Eventually Bronx Community College.

When/ how were you first exposed to the hobby?: My first experience was through one of my older brothers that liked Sci-fi Models. For my 11^th Birthday he got me the Battlesaurus model from the Techno Zoids (Now widely known as just ZOIDS) series, which he had a few of growing up. We spent a few hours putting it together and it was pretty much the coolest thing I had. I didn’t build any other models until I was about 17, buying Gundam Models from a local video game store I frequented. I pretty much bought out the stores entire stock over time.

How long have you been involved in the hobby and what do you like to build?: I’d say I’ve been building seriously for about 4 or 5 years. I did build some models when I was younger but there wasn’t any effort outside of snapping them together. Nowadays, I like giving my models a bit of work and breathing some life into them. I’d say my taste in models is rather broad, since I do enjoy armor, I enjoy giant robots and I also enjoy busts. Basically, if I like it, I’ll want to work on it.

How did you learn the techniques you use when building a model?: They were learned online, by looking for websites with how-to turtorials and youtube videos. I also have some friends that are into scale modeling, so I consulted with them too. Great thing about the current day and age is that there is a ton of information available, gathered from so many experienced modelers, readily available with a few clicks of a mouse or taps of your finger.

Do you remember the first model you built?: First model for sure was the Battlesaurus (aka Ultrasaurus), a giant mechanized Brontosaurus, by the Kenner toy company from a line they released called Techno Zoids, a rebranded localization of the ZOIDS series. While it was from a toy company, this thing came in a huge box loaded with a ton of runners. All pieces, like a traditional model, needed to be cut off the runner and put together. It was a snap tight model (As is the nature of almost every ZOIDS model out there) so assembly was pretty easy. My older brother and I put this together in an evening, I’d say over a course of 5 hours. Despite being a model, it was marketed as a toy due to the fact it came with a battery powered motor to make the model not only light up, but walk as well, which was a new feature to ZOIDS models. They all used to sport a simple wind-up motor to make them move.

What was your favorite model to build? Why?: My favorite model to work on would be this Cthulhu bust I worked on about a year or two ago. It’s a 3D printed model, made from grey resin, and I don’t think there was a scale to it at all. Its my favorite because it was a very new experience for me, being outside of a traditional plastic model and also being a bust, which I was interested in working on for some time. Having to paint this both via airbrush and by hand, was an enjoyable experience and I tried to pour as much of what I’ve learned so far into it. It currently sits in a friend of mines house that liked it so much, I decided to give it to him.

Where do you usually work on models?: I have a dedicated desk space for working on models. Its located in my living room, in a nice corner out of the way from everything else. Its currently a mess right now, but what kind of scale modeler doesn’t have a messy desk?

Are there any models you wish would be produced? Why?: I’m not sure. Nowadays, there are models of almost everything. There model kits off Cup Noodles out there, so I don’t think there’s anything left that doesn’t have a plastic model out there.

How do you feel about the current state of the hobby and how do you think it will survive the future?: I think the current state of the hobby is doing well and only going to get better. There’s more interest in plastic models as they are somewhat easier to get a hold of these days and there is an extremely large selection to choose from. You like tanks? There are plenty of tanks. You like big robots, there’s plenty of those. Like boats? There’s so many to choose from! Scale modeling as a hobby will definitely be a thing, now and many years into the future. If there is a version that exists of it, there will always be someone out there with love and an appreciation for taking a subject and making a real looking counter part in a scaled down size.

How/ When did you find out about the BPMS? How long have you been a member?: I first heard about BPMS after looking up on line what the closest to home IPMS Chapter was. This took place after a trip to Mosquitocon a few years ago. Saw it was in Brooklyn, said hey, I’m going to go participate and I am looking to continue to do so.

Do you have other interests or hobbies?: I play Video Games pretty often. Mostly platformers or action/adventure games. Always have since I was a kid and don’t plan on stopping. I think it helps keep my hand/eye coordination in check.

Any other comments, such as anecdotes or hobby stories that you would like to share?:

Thank you to all the awesome scale modelers out there. From the people who are just getting started to the seasoned veterans, without you guys, the hobby wouldn’t be as rich, rewarding and fun as it is now.

 Meeting Date: Dec 16, 2022

Location: BBSC

Time: Doors open by 6 PM, business starts at 7:30 PM

See you there!

 

December 6, 2022 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting Report

Thirteen people attended the meeting. The December in-person meeting is Friday, the 16th, so there's no Zoom meeting next Tuesday. Lou was happy to report Tamiya's 1/48 F-35 A is finally here, as are ICM's 1/72 Ki-21 1b Sally and 1/48 Gotha 242 glider. Kevin hears that Jerseyfest will be back, in some form, in 2023. 

In progress and completed work included: Lysander (with instrument decals from airscale.co.uk), a familiar reindeer (in clay, to go with Yukon Cornelius), Harrier GR-7A/9A, RF-4 Phantom and female motorcyclist with bike. Acquisitions included: Ju-88-A6, Panzer 3 Mineroler conversion, A-6 EA, Dr. Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronkensteen")bust, Norris figure (from 1982 film The Thing), Tarzan figure, Stout Skycar 2, Tu 2, Yak 9, PT 19, Morser Gerat 0-40 (these last 6 from Mr. K's stash, which he considered large until Lou told of the time he visited a guy with 10,000 unbuilt kits). A handle bending tool from Trumpeter was the featured tool, followed by some Q&A about Gil's cordless airbrush (from Autolock). It's a double action brush that's good for thinner paints (not for primers), a 1 hr. charge gives 20 min of work time, handy for small paint jobs. 

We discussed what we look for in vendors' rooms. Some of us are disciplined and stick to a shopping list prepared in advance. Others will get the first new, shiny thing (or things) they see. We also look for tools, supplies, hard to find kits, reference material, what Frank describes as "comfort plastic" and, most of all, bargains. The session closed with Kevin answering questions about clay and sculpting. This may be a clinic at a future in-person meeting. 

Next meeting will be in-person on 12/16/22 at the Community Center. No invite required. Doors open around 6pm. meeting starts at 7:30. It will be busy, what with the Aurora Theme Contest, Holiday Desserts and the 2022 Awards. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: 11/29/22, Tuesday

Thirteen people attended the meeting. Frank was asked about the IPMS chapter renewal process. It's not very intuitive, but a helpful IPMS rep walked him through it. Thank you, Frank.

Lou reports Dragon's Pz 4 D DAK - Tropical Version and AFV Club's Javelin AT missile, both 1/35, are available. Also watch for a 1/16 Tiger 1 from Andy's Hobby HQ. Mark shared photos of the 2022 Turkey Challenge; fifteen entries, mostly armor, a tank crew and a Tumbler Batmobile. Nice work, even with the tight schedule and holiday household chores. Mark also shared data on his club's October show and we returned to the subject of competition v display at shows. Some feel competition isn't the draw it used to be, that more people are coming to see models, socialize and, of course, visit the vendors' room.
In progress and completed work included: Lysander (the model is as tricky to build as the actual aircraft is to land, as we learned from Vaughn), an original, scratch-built Yukon Cornelius figure (Kevin used Cosclay flexible polymer clay to sculpt the impressive figure), Ferrari 312 T4 (Joe's opportunity to build a detailed engine, then hide it behind a firewall), Oil Tanker (Gil's nod to the TV Movie Duel), Junkers F 13 W, MiG-15 UTI, 

B-50 and XC-97 conversions (Mr. K isn't one to waste parts), three F-4 F Wildcats (Michael described his method of painting engines), Harrier GR-7A/9A, F4-F Phantom and, because Frank had all those JASDF decals, an F-104. Acquisitions included: Frankenstein monster, Maria (from Metropolis), Cyclops (from 7thVoyage of Sinbad) and F-4B Phantom. This week's tool was another NWSL product, the Duplicutter, useful when you need identically sized pieces. Random tips: Kevin found an inexpensive source for uv cure clear resin in the jewelry section of Amazon. Color tints are also available. Frank found that asking Alexea for English/Metric conversions is quicker using a calculator. Mr K found gloss lacquer can get cloudy when sprayed in damp weather but a hair dryer can make it clear. Others use hair dryers to dry paint, to soften thick vinyl parts before cutting/bending and a properly used hair dryer can also remove moisture stains from furniture. The next meeting is 12/6/22 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ