BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: March 28, 2023

Fourteen people attended the meeting. Following up on our photography discussion, Pres. Tom (whose photos appear in the current IPMS Journal) offered these tips for better model photos: avoid cluttered backgrounds, elevate the subject to get better camera angles and use a solid color background.

BPMS was well represented at Replicon last Saturday in Freeport. Unfortunately, no pictures were available for the Zoom meeting. We heard about another Saturday show, Heratigecon, at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario Canada and, thanks to Mark's network of modelers, we saw pictures of the well-attended event. Frank C knows the Museum and recommends it if you're in Hamilton. Speaking of shows, Mosquitocon is next Saturday, 4/1/23 in Wayne NJ, Noreastcon is 4/29/23 in Albany NY and Armorcon is 10/13-14/23 in Southbury CT.

In progress and completed work included: XP-79B, BV-38 flying wing (from Raiders of the Lost Ark), B-24J (with aftermarket decals), two Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeeps (Gil had one, Mr. K had the other), Mig-19, Mitsubishi F-1 and F-104 (the last three in 1/144). Acquisitions included: Bigfoot (the version seen in the Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967), F/A 18A+ and an aftermarket 1/144 cockpit set.

The featured tool was the Gaahleri GH AG50A(?) airbrush. Gil was impressed by its ability to spray well at 10-24 psi. Priced around $50.00.

We heard many ways to prevent parts from getting lost. Wear an apron that's attached to the underside of the work surface (or, put a towel on or lap). Remove parts from the sprue with a micro saw rather than a clipper. Cut the sprue into smaller sections for a better grip and better access to the part being removed. Work in a glove box made by cutting hand holes in a lidded clear plastic storage bin (if that's too much trouble, use a zip lock bag). Tape the part to its sprue before cutting and it won't fly off. Avoid removing multiple parts (like grab bars) all at once. COB flashlights are good for finding parts on the floor. Chair mats or other hard coverings can keep parts from being absorbed into carpets. After parts have been removed put them in those lidded containers, jars and pill bottles that you always knew were "too useful to throw away". Of course, some of us believe loss is inevitable and buy multiple kits. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 4/4/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ