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TO PAUSE BULLETIN - PLACE MOUSE POINTER OVER THE SCROLLING MESSAGE BOX

Monday, January 25, 2021

01/21/2021 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Fifteen people attended the meeting. We heard about new releases in a range of scales: F86F-30 (1/8), A 26C (1/32) and Ford GT 40 (1/12). Completed and in progress work included: Mirage 3E, Michael Meyers figure (with lighted jack-o-lantern and leaf litter - more about the leaf litter later - say that 3 times, fast), Sikorski S 61, Saab Viggen, Pontiac Catalina, Ford Bronco and snap fit Harrier in Yak 38 colors and markings. Acquisitions included: C 130 decals, Fokker G1, FW 183, Arado E 555, Me 110, Avia B 71, MD 120 Flying Crane and old favorites U 505, Multipose Japanese infantry, Centurion and Churchill tanks. We saw the punches used to make Mike Meyers' leaf litter and glass nail files, very good for removing the nubs formed by cutting parts from a runner. Look for them next time you're getting nail polish to paint that 55 Chevy wagon. Several stupid questions were answered before we got to the big one, why do you build models? Some answers: it's an escape, it's a way to be creative, it's a tangible link to history, it reminds me of the person who introduced me to the hobby, I'm never going to own an actual F 16 and where would I keep it if that Kickstarter thing ever pans out? Lots of reasons but not enough time to hear them all. We'll pick this up again real soon. Next meeting is 1/28/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

Saturday, January 16, 2021

BPMS 01/14/2021 Zoom meeting report and request

A New Year's request. Some of us haven't attended a BPMS zoom meeting in a while. Some have yet to attend. That's OK, but we are a club and we're interested in how our brothers in glue are holding up. So, everyone, when you have time, check in by hitting Reply All. Tell us what you're building, what you've bought, your pick for the Superbowl, whatever, just check in. Thanks in advance. Now, back to business. Twenty people attended the meeting. One release reported, Trumpeter's 1/200 Scharnhorst. In progress and completed work included: cloth sails, F4 U Corsair, Mirage 3E, J35 Draken, Rabelo wine barge, two small (but not the smallest) scale LCACs, Panther A, and Viking ship. New year = new acquisitions: Buick Wildcat, AR 234, AH 1Z Viper, F35B and WW1 trench section. A question about how companies pick subjects to model led to a discussion on licensing rights. Some companies won't grant them and go to great lengths to prevent big and small manufacturers from making and selling kits. We heard some interesting stories. Then we saw how useful a jeweler's vice can be when removing burrs from small  pieces and working with wire; much more secure than pliers or tweezers. We saw a new, inexpensive ($30 +/-), rotary tool with flex shaft and accessories. Performance details to follow. Next meeting is 1/21/21 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

Monday, January 11, 2021

Links for 2021

Submitted by Mark N.

Airfix 2021 Launch Plans on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVx0yLyeeuQ&t=661s

Eduard Newsletter with 2021 “what to expect” after warehouse fire

https://www.eduard.com/info-eduard-%7c-january-2021/?cur=2

Sunday, January 10, 2021

01/14/2021 BPMS Zoom mini meeting

01/14/2021 BPMS Zoom mini meeting

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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?

BPMS 01/07/2021 Zoom mini meeting report

Twenty people attended the meeting. We began with a remembrance of Tim Greenman, a longtime member of BPMS, an officer and member of other clubs in the NY/CT area and a dedicated small scale armor builder. Pictures of some of his work are on the BPMS Facebook page. It was suggested we hold a 1/72 scale armor group build in his memory later in the year. Watch for details. In progress and completed work included: Edsel, tank carrier, Stuka (with personnel pods), F5E, Mirage, Wonder Woman, Mars Attacks figure, and cloth (no vac form here) sails. Acquisitions for the new year included: Saab J 21A3, Titanic (as an egg type model), Pontiac Catalina, Tiger 2 (Porsche turret) and Land of the Giants snake attack. We had a quick lesson on Me 109 canopies and a quicker look at our tool of the week, the Pin Bench. The next meeting is 1/14/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

Hi all,

Sorry about missing out, I seem to have bad luck getting to Zoom on Thursday nites.

What I usually do each new year is to make a little slide show of the models I've done thru out the year. 2020 was
no exception. Things were a little slow in Jan and Feb while I was recovering from surgery, and also a few months in summer until I got a new AC for my attic studio. TIA for taking a look!

https://youtu.be/tqTUnhmMt18

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Kev K.

Sunday, January 03, 2021

01/07/2021 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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?

12/31/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

We had a relatively light turnout; nine people attended the meeting. Think of it this way, more than the Magnificent Seven, less than the Dirty Dozen. Two new releases were mentioned, ICM's CR 42 and Dragon's Panzer 3L. Following up on previous discussions of the Lancaster, we found out that one was flown in WW2 by the RAF's only Cuban born pilot, but I'm sure some people knew that already. In process and completed work included: F5E (Taiwanese markings), 55 Chevy station wagon, Yak 55 M,

F 15, Sopwith Triplane, Sopwith Camel, Stuka, ICM's MiG 25 &Tamiya's P 38 (both with multiple step by step construction photos) Thanks, Rommel. Chuck shared photos of scratch-built wood models built by his father, a Depression Era lunch wagon owned by his father (Chuck's grandfather), a western stage coach and a Greek Galley. Nice work. Thanks, Chuck. We closed with New Year's modeling resolutions: build more 1/48 scale, never build another tank, finish all the kits I started. Tell us your resolution at the next meeting, Jan 7 at 8 pm. Invites to follow.

~Russ

Long-time member Tim Greeman passed away today

It is with great sadness that I am reporting the passing of Tim Greeman, this afternoon, January 3rd, 2021at 2:30 PM.

He was admitted into the hospital mid-December suffering from COVID-19 and ultimately passed away from complications from the virus.  His wife was with him. 

DM for more details.

EDIT: Obituary added
https://www.coxeandgraziano.com/obituaries/Timothy--K--Greeman

 

Editor's Note: I will always remember Tim as the friendly guy who was always eager to learn from the other members as well as share his wisdom with the group Always in a pleasant mood and with a sense of humor. Tim was a genuinely nice guy with good intentions. His contributions will never be forgotten and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. ~Bobby
 
 

Monday, December 21, 2020

12/31/2020 Zoom mini meeting

Final Zoom of 2020!

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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?

12/17/20 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Zoom was generous, allowing the meeting to run as long as we wanted. In this case about an hour and a half. Maybe we'll get more time for the New Year's Eve Meeting. Remember, there's no meeting next Thursday. In progress and completed work included: SH 3, yacht America, F5E, Pz Kw 38t, AA Crusader, M1151, Phantom of the Opera, Monitor and Merrimack, Su 122, Wappen Von Hamberg, Woodpecker, 58 Edsel, Viper Mk 2. One in progress item we heard about but didn't see was a 3-D printed, 30" tall Kraken. Hopefully we'll have photos soon. We saw several acquisitions: Discovery, Galileo (the shuttlecraft, not the astronomer), Dakota, snow mobile dragster, Johnny Quest Dragonfly, Ki 79b, F 35A. Much of the meeting was spent discussing decals, from basics like using shallow, rather than deep, trays for water, to burnishing tools and silicone tipped clay shapers. Designed for shaping clay (duh?), they're useful for positioning decals and applying putty. Sponge cloth and cosmetic wedges are good for blotting and conforming decals to irregular surfaces. Some people use Microset AND Micro Sol, some just use Micro Sol and others use Solvaset. Instead of applying decals over a gloss coat, try polishing the area with coffee filter paper, place the decal then overcoat. Yellowed decals can be restored by taping them to an east facing window for about two weeks. Watch out for condensation on the window. Old and fragile decals can be strengthened with a decal bonding spray. Our next meeting is 12/31/20. Join us at 8 pm to say good riddance to 2020. Invites to follow. Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night. 

~Russ

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Sunday, December 13, 2020

12/17/20 BPMS Zoom mini meeting - featured topic: decals

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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 topic: Decals (if you would like to join in, please have a couple couple words prepared and maybe even some pics to share!

12/10/2020 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Traditional modelers will be happy with two new releases, USS Enterprise (CVN 65, not NCC 1701) and F 100. Adventurous modelers will be happy with foldable 3d printed tanks. Look for the folding Tiger 1 video on YouTube. In a smaller scale, it would make a nice "tank in a bottle" display. In progress and completed work included: Panther A, F117, M 10, PzKw 38T, Viper Mk 2, Sopwith Camel,  Hurricane (which will soon have an instruction sheet, thanks to a helpful modeler), Mustang (car, not plane), Rubicon  (Jeep, not river), Jekyll/Hyde, MiG 25, MiG 27 and Chuck Yeager's Bell X1.  Despite Santa's imminent arrival, we continue to get more stuff: Si 204 A conversion set, Subaru Brat, Alpha jet, F 8 Crusader and Cadillac Escalade.  We saw new tools: airbrush holder, watchmaker's vice, precision glue/paint applicators. We talked about Tamiya panel paint and Gaia metal paints. And, one week later, we saw pictures from another club's "Turkey Challenge", where contestants have four days to build a model. Entries included: HMS Astute, B 24J, P 51, BA 6, Universal Carrier,  SWAT(ish) team figures, Sherman, M3 Grant, V2 and Hanomag, SR 71 and the Hunley. It's surprising to see how much quality work can be done in four days. Thanks, Mark. Next week's featured topic is decals. Everyone is invited to contribute. What were your best, worst or most complicated markings? How did you restore old decals? What setting solutions work/don't work? Your favorite aftermarket decals? Tell your horror stories and use pictures, if you're not easily embarrassed. Next meeting is 12/17/20 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
 
~Russ

 

Monday, December 07, 2020

12/10/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting details

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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?

12/03/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Seventeen people attended the meeting. In Club news, our charter has been renewed. In industry news, two new releases were reported, a Panzer 3N from Takom and a MiG 29 from some other company. As for in progress and completed work, we saw The Invisible Man (sorry, couldn't resist), Jekyll/Hyde, Lancaster, F 117, MiG 15, P 40 E, B 36 and a 3D printed Mandalorian. Acquisitions included an 8/1 scale human tooth (with interior), Si 204, Taurus SHO and the Wappen Von Hamburg. We heard that two of our local hobby shops, Rudy's in Astoria and Brownie's in Staten Island, are still open. Check the hours before you go. The tool demonstrated this week was Infini's Easycutting Matte. A simple idea but very useful to quickly cut masking tape into straight or curved strips, or other complex shapes. Thanks, Gil. The featured topic, assembly/painting sequences for tracked vehicles was illustrated with photos and live shots. Masking road wheels, with either kit-specific aftermarket masks or a circle template, produces good results and makes painting less tedious. Tracks, particularly multi part, individual, nonworkable links can be tedious, too. Workable tracks in metal, resin or plastic, cost extra but greatly simplify track installation and hey, how much is your time worth? We didn't forget about vinyl tracks and discussed various ways to join and install them. Thanks, Tom and Jimmy. In the last minute (literally) of the meeting we saw the first photo of a quick build contest the Hudson Valley Club organized for Thanksgiving. Thanks, Mark. We'll see the rest of them next week, so don't forget to join us on 12/10/20 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. 

~Russ

Saturday, November 21, 2020

12/03/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting featured topic: painting/assembly sequence for tracked vehicles

Our next meeting will be on DECEMBER 3rd, 2020!
  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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 topic: painting/assembly sequence for tracked vehicles

11/19/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Nineteen people attended the meeting. Just one new release reported, a MiG 21PF in 1/72 by Eduard. In progress and completed work included: Saab 29 Tunnan, El Camino with trail bike, VW Baja Bug, Offshore oil platform, Creature from the Black lagoon, General Zod and Ursa, MK 3 Crusader, B36 (1/144), Prowler(1/144), T 55 Enigma. New acquisitions included: USN Cleveland, H34 Choctaw, JU 126-127. We had a full agenda, starting with a step-by-step description of the casting process, including casting bed fabrication, materials used, effect of temperature and humidity, mold release agents, minimizing air bubbles (in case you don't have a vacuum chamber or pressure pot). Thanks, William and thanks to the other guys who shared their considerable experience in casting. We also talked about brush painting. What's best, synthetic or natural hair? What are the advantages of the different shapes? What's the best way to clean a brush? Notice I'm not giving you the answers. That's not to be a wise guy, it's to encourage meeting attendance. Speaking of meetings, the next one is in TWO WEEKS. Invites to follow. Have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving. 


~Russ

Sunday, November 15, 2020

11/12/2020 Zoom mini meeting report

Twenty people attended the meeting. No new kit releases reported this week. 

 IPMS/BPMS MEMBERS ONLY: The charter is up for renewal. Please provide your membership # and expiration date to Frank C as soon as possible. Thanks in advance. 

Also, BPMS was asked about sponsoring a trophy package for the 2021 Nationals (assuming they are held). Votes will be taken at a future meeting. We had an update on the Community Center. The building and the grounds remain closed and are likely to remain that way into the start of 2021. That led to a discussion on the Christmas lunch and it looks like that'll be postponed too, unless someone can find a restaurant that can accommodate us. Any thoughts? 

There was a lot of in progress and completed work: Panther A, Cthulhu, steampunk fish submarine, EA 6 Prowler, F 117, Nosferatu, Celtic noble, Crown Victoria, FW 190, P 40, MiG 15, El Camino, DH 88 Comet, Yak 55, the Hulk, Stug 4, Brumbar, Opel Blitz, Stalin tank. We saw a demonstration of the Dspiae ball bearing pin vice, pricey maybe, but comfortable to use and inexpensive bits are readily available. We also had a well-illustrated talk on "Liquid Gravity" including tools and techniques needed to get it to stay where you want it. Hopefully we'll have more demonstrations at the next meeting which is Nov. 19 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

Saturday, November 07, 2020

11/12/2020 BPMS Zoom mini meeting

Time: Nov 12, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

  • Part 1 starts promptly at 8PM EST.
  • Part 2 starts at 8:42 if we need more time.

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

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?

11/5/20 BPMS Zoom meeting report and a socially distanced model show

Fifteen people attended the meeting. For weeks, we've been wondering when in-person shows will resume. Some say this October, some say next year. But that wasn't good enough for the dedicated and creative modelers of the Hudson Valley Club, so they organized a small, outdoor show. Pictures of the venue, models, winners and awards are attached. Safety protocols and judging rules are also attached, in case you want to host your own Covidcon. Thanks, Marc. Only one new release, a 1/350 USS Birmingham from Very Fire. In progress and completed work included: F 106, Delorian (with flux converter), Offshore Oil Platform, Corsair, Hurricane, Panther A. There were some interesting aircraft acquisitions: Edgley EA 7 Optica, Victory 357 Ekranoplan, B36 (1/144). The Tool Demonstration featured the DISPAIE STA single blade nipper, when to use it and, equally important, when not to use it. The blade is thin and is intended for fine work only. And while we didn't have an actual demonstration, several people talked about using ac/usb powered miniature rotary tools. They're lightweight, relatively inexpensive and widely available. These demonstrations generate a lot of useful information. I hope we're able to do them on a regular basis. The meeting ended with a clinic on preparing 3D printed resin and monofilament parts. We saw and discussed clean up, priming and assembly techniques. Next meeting is Nov 12 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Speaking of meetings, you may have noticed that Thanksgiving is on Thursday (duh) and so is Christmas Eve. Since these are traditional family holidays and since BPMS is a family friendly club, I suggest we skip the meetings for those two weeks. Thursday New Year's Eve is another matter. You can have plenty of family time between the end of the meeting and the ball drop. Just saying. See you next week.

~Russ