BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: September 1, 2026

Twelve people attended. Among them was John V, a modeler I met at the IPMS Nationals. Talk about your small world; Lou and Simon remembered John from the time he lived in New York, back in the late 80's, buying stuff from Ace Hobbies and going to IPMS meetings in New Jersey. Welcome back, John, even if it's only virtual.

Jimmy was glad to see that Takom is coming out with the new 1/35 M-113 and M-577 A1 kits.

There's a group build this Saturday, 9/5/26, at Pier 57 in the Seahorse classroom from 1 - 6pm. Pier 57 is In Manhattan on 11th Ave near W15 St. See the BPMS Facebook page for details.

The meeting started with a spontaneous discussion on the pros and cons of using the CVM-22B Osprey for carrier onboard delivery. A little later, we learned about heavy lift helicopter development with a focus on the Skycrane. Could it be we haven't gotten over the June Theme contest yet?

We saw Vaughan's reworked Monogram Vigilante (with scratch-built bomb bay, and 3D printed replacement engine nozzles) and recently completed Skycrane (a fun build provided you pay close attention to the instructions), Lee's 3D printed Alan Shepard figure (w/ Lunar golf equipment), Kevin's Inga (from Young Frankenstein), Simon's CR-42 and Saab J-21, Gil's 3 D printed Woman with cigarette, Frank C's English Electric Lightning and C-5, and Michael C's 3 D printed 1/44 (not 1/144) ATAT. Michael used Artist's Loft modeling paste, a water-based product he calls "very forgiving" to cover the prominent grow lines rather than sand them down. Bobby thinks Hobbico Hobbylite Filler would also work. Gil likes Duplicolor Sandable Primer for covering grow lines, and Kevin uses UV curing resin.

Gil's tool of the week was a food tray. He likes them for preventing runaway parts, organizing tools, paint container, etc. and keeping things tidy. You may remember that Bobby once told us how Joe Turner would glue wet and dry sandpaper to a food tray and fill it with water so he could sand large items without making a mess.

The topic was symmetry. When Vaughn can't trust his eyes during assembly, he builds a cardboard jig. Jimmy found an aftermarket jig for lining up F-18 tail fins. Michel finds a bow compass is good for replicating precise measurements. Simon pointed out that decals can be stressful so, when there are no surface features to use as references, wrap a strip of tape around the fuselage, or turret or whatever and use that. Kevin keeps a mirror handy to check his work for symmetry. Kevin also had this advice for painting eyes. If you're right-handed, paint the left eye first. And it's easier when the eyes look to the side rather than straight ahead.

The next meeting is Tuesday, 9/8/26 at 7:30pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there, or at Pier 57 on Saturday, or both. Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

~Russ