3/3/22 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Not much in the way of industry news. The new Amusing Hobby catalogue shows several new armor and aircraft kits. Check their website for details. In progress and completed work included: Yul Brynner (as Ramses) bust, TBF Avenger, Alfa Romeo 2300 roadster, O-2 Skymaster, OV-10 Bronco (is an O1 Bird Dog far behind?), USS Pittsburgh, Yak-42 and A-7K. Acquisitions included: Ju-288 C, James Dean bust, Jabba the Hutt bust? figure? (ask Kevin), B-17, DH. 4, USPS Mail truck (Metal Earth), MIG-29 Swifts and De Havilland Comet decals (Mr. K got them from Vintage Flyer and he says they're pretty good). Those who tried Gil's recipe for ultrasonic cleaner solution said it worked well. We heard recommendations for publications (Sci-Fi & Fantasy Modeler magazine -out of business, look for old issues) YouTube channels (Randy Cooper - impressive Sci-Fi builds) and products (AK Interactive camouflage elastic putty - can produce feathered edge, no residue). The featured tool was a clear acrylic ruler with a metal edge (good for trimming decals) from Creative Impressions. To ensure enough time, Bobby began the meeting with the decal library discussion. Good thing he did too, because it took up the entire first session. Some key points: 1. Scans are insurance against loss, deterioration and placement mishaps. 2.They can be stored on a thumb drive or on the Cloud. 3. Scan at 1200 dpi or higher. 4. Include a short (about 3") ruler on the scan to facilitate size adjustments later.  5. Image converter programs, like IrfanView are useful. 6. After printing, each image must be closely trimmed (here's where the metal edged ruler comes in handy). 7. Making dry transfers is possible but requires a laser printer and laminator.  Plus, it's labor intensive. 8. Colors may bleed through the printed images. Dry transfers won't bleed through. 9. White images require white decal paper and careful trimming. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences. Next meeting is 3/10/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

 

Thanks for the notes Russell.

Build time has been limited lately, but that hasn't kept me from enjoying other areas of the hobby.

I finally finished my 1/35 Tiger 131 post. There is plenty of historical information in addition to the standard build commentary. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.igluemodels.com/post/tiger-131

 

Anyone who is interested in the camouflage putty from AK

https://www.megahobby.com/products/reusable-elastic-putty-for-airbrush-camouflage-masking-80g-ak-interactive.html

 

 

Greeblies

What are GREEBLIES? That is a term coined by George Lucas for any generic detail parts to go on the models for film. What were they made from? Just about anything, but especially pilfered from existing plastic model kits. Model studios would have a wealth of various kits that were sacrificed to supply detail parts for everything you'd see on screen. 

Now, you have people putting out STL files so you can produce your own greeblies with a 3d printer, and save the expense of the kits.  

Find some files HERE: https://www.thingiverse.com/rob_jedi/collections/greeblies

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting Report: 02/24/2022

Not surprisingly, the situation in the Ukraine was discussed on Thursday.  Without going into details, some of our guys have family and friends in the conflict area. Please keep them in your thoughts and be considerate. Thanks. 

 

Eighteen people attended the meeting. It was good to see Jay after a long absence and it was nice to meet Tony for the first time. He's a car guy in Brooklyn. Hopefully we didn't scare him away. Lou reported Dragon has several new items, Tiger 1 and Sd. Kfz. 234 in 1/35 and several 1/72 kits in the NEO track series.  He recommended checking their website for details. Hobby Boss has a 1/35 Jagdtiger in the works. Tamiya's 1/34 Hellcat is?  Look at the IPMS Region 1 Facebook page for a post marking the 50th anniversary of BPMS. Thanks Mark and Bobby. In progress and completed work included: 41 Ford Woody (proof that Tony is a car guy), Birdcage Corsair (with an interesting Hellcat v. Corsair discussion), P-51 Mustang (with tips on painting propeller tips), Mk 38 twin 5"gun mount, SAAB J-21 conversion, TBF Avenger, Panzer 3, T-34/76, Manned Observation Satellite, Roman warship, Yak-42, An-2 and chopped 49 Mercury. Acquisitions included: Project Vanguard satellite (Kevin's first build, back in the day), Lancaster (big, even in 1/48), Soviet Proj. 628 sub (with V-1) and FY-1 Pogo.  Gil continues to find new stuff. This time it's a handle to hold figures for painting. It's called The Hobby Holder. Check this link to see how it works https://gameenvy.net/new-hobby-holder-miniature-holder/. We talked about a lot of things - Noreast Con on April 29-30 in Latham NY, new engines for old B-52s, a new A-10, how Alclad looks when sprayed over different base colors, keeping a record of build time for a kit, availability of Tamiya paint and glue in Siberia, tools from Northwest Shoreline and recommendations for Real Colors High Compatibility Thinner and the Netflix documentary, "Downfall". Once again, we didn't have enough time to talk about the decal library. Next week for sure, according to Bobby. It'll be the first item of business on 3/4/22 so, don't be late. Invites were sent last night. Hope to see you there.

 

~Russ

 

 

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 Discussion: Decal Library (continued)

2/17/22 BPMS Zoom mini-meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Jimmy recalled that our last in person meeting was February 2020! Where did the time go? Speaking of meetings, thirteen people attended the 2/12/22 lunch meeting at Nurnberger Berghaus. It was good to catch up with the guys who can't attend the Zoom meetings. Since we don't know when the Community Center will be available (Vinny says indoor gatherings are limited to 10-15 people), we might want to have another lunch meeting in March. If you're interested, suggest some dates and locations. Also, Vinny is looking into the possibility of outdoor meetings at the Center when the weather gets warmer. Lou reports Zvezda's 1/35 T-62 and Round 2's 1/350 USS Grissom are available. Watch for Academy's reissued 1/48 F-86 Sabre. In progress and completed work included: Vaughn's pair of SAABs ( 32 Lansen and J-21 jet conversion), Rommel's pair of A6M2 Zeros (Tora, Tora, Tora dual combo kit), Gargoyle (from the TV movie, Gargoyle), Galaxy Being (from the TV show, Outer Limits), Tiny Tim (from the film, Scrooge), TBF Avenger, 76 Chevy Sport, Hansa Brandenberg W-29, Fokker F-27, Me P.1107, Soviet Maxim MG w/crew, Mirage 2000 and A-7 K Corsair 2. This weeks' acquisitions included: Panther D, Panther G. Staghound, Lancaster Mk 1, De Havilland Commet, 65 Dodge Coronet, Ju-287 V3 A1, reference books and C-130 decals. The decal library discussion went in many directions. Bob K has decal sheets for every era and every category of model. Kevin K has just one sheet, for the 737-600s Janet Airlines uses to serve Area 51. Many guys remove the decals from the kit right away and store them in zip lock bags, away from light and kept from extremes of heat, cold and humidity. Don reminded us that an attic is not a good place to store decals. Everyone seems to have their favorite gloss coat (Vallejo, Ammo by Mig) and setting solution (Microset, Microsol, Walthers, Mr. Mark, Vallejo and Tamiya, which was said to only work with Tamiya decals). Frank C thought the many markings now available for the F-4 Phantom will encourage him to build more of his old kits. (This will, of course, free up storage space for new kits. Ah, the Circle of Life). Lastly, Steve N said he makes high resolution scans of his decals in case he needs replacements. Hopefully Steve will be at the next meeting to tell us more about this procedure as we continue to discuss decal libraries. Next meeting is 2/24/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: 02/10/22

Seventeen people attended the meeting. The lunch meeting is tomorrow, Saturday 2/12/22 at Nurnberger Berghaus, 817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island at 12:30 pm. Hope you can make it. Here's a 1/32 good news, bad news story. Good news, Hong Kong Models put out a B-17 E/F and a Lancaster Grand Slam. Bad news, reported list price is $500. Above your budget? Great Wall Hobby has a 1/32 P-40 B that lists at a little over $200. Lou explained manufacturers are going after the international market, where most of today's customers are. But Star Trek fans won't have to cash in their Bitcoins. The new Polar Lights/ Round 2 USS Grissom goes for about $50. For the rest of us, Kosta reports a Russian bookstore on Brighton Beach Ave in Brooklyn has Zvezda kits on sale. Frank found a 3D printed Bolt 117 bomb and other ordnance at https://www.ebay.com/itm/403216848317.  In progress and completed work included: SAAB J-21 jet engine conversion, FW-190-night intruder, warrior & beast vignette, Alpha jet, P-51 D (Old Crow markings), Ju-87D-1, USS Monitor (box scale-Atlantis), USS Monitor turret (1/35 scale-Verlinden), Yak-42, Me P.1107 (with spot camouflage decals, lots of decals, lots of tiny decals), Battlestar Galactica (illuminated), Protector (Galaxy Quest), Panzer 3, T-34/76  and Mirage 2000. Acquisitions included: 1/8 Porsche 917 KH, 1/12 Alfa Romeo 2300 roadster, Himiko Water Bus, 59 Caddy ambulance, Belgian Air force C-130 decals, KV-1 and JSU-152. In the tool segment, Gil showed us how to build any size flex-i-file, using coat hanger wire, alligator clips and sandpaper strips. We revisited ultrasonic cleaners and after the meeting Gil was kind enough to send everyone a recipe for ultrasonic cleaning solution and some tips on using the machine.  We closed the pre–Valentine's Day meeting with photos of work people put their heart ONTO (Russ' B-1 bis turret) as well as work they put their heart INTO (Michael's Hello Kitty F-8F Bearcat and Bobby's restored 1937 Chrysler Royal). The next meeting is 2/17/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Lunch is tomorrow at 12:30, no invite needed. 

~Russ

You may not be a romantic but you may have built a Valentine tank, a Hawker Hart (spelling doesn't count), a Flower class corvette, or you may have used hearts or flowers in nose art or squadron markings. Show us anything you've built with even a remote connection to Valentines Day, which is the 14th in case you forgot.

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 Discussion - Put Your HEART in it!

2/3/22 BPMS Zoom Meeting

Sixteen people attended the meeting. The next lunch meeting will be Saturday, 2/12/22 at Nurnberger Berghaus, 817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island at 12:30 pm. Let me know if you're going so that I can get a head count. Thanks in advance. Lou reports the Nuremberg Toy Fair and the NY Toy Fair have been cancelled for 2022. Shipping is still slow, but watch for Zvezda's 1/35 T-62, ICM's 1/48 B-26 K and Hobby Boss's 1/72 U-2. Frank recalled the Airfix U-2 from the 1980's was a good kit, inexpensive, too. Vaughn asked for advice on cleaning his Paasche Talon airbrush. He got plenty, Vallejo flow improver, Vallejo airbrush cleaner, 91% alcohol, enamel thinner and an ultrasonic cleaner, just to name a few. In progress and completed work included: B-25 (destined to sit on an aftermarket wooden flight deck), Robbie the Robot, Sputnik (a one-day build), SAAB J-21 R (converted from a J-21), FW-190, Frankenstein's monster, Ogre & warrior vignette, L-39 Albatros,

Mil Mi-1, Mil Mi-4, Yak-24 P (Igor did a nice job on the vintage East German kit), D-558 Skystreak and Panzer 4 G. Acquisitions included: M-10 tank destroyer, C-30 Autogyro, MiG-15, YH-41 Seneca, C-130 Hercules, 3D printed ordnance, Duke Hawkins' book on the Phantom (Frank likes it), books on Tigers & 88m flak guns and (saving the big one for last) a 3D printer. Kevin told us about Speedpaints from The Army Painter. These acrylics are specifically thinned to produce realistic shadows and highlights when applied over a white base coat, saving time and reducing frustration. Bobby recommended the Adam Savage's YouTube channel for modelbuilding tips and inspiration. He sent everyone a link after the meeting ended. If you're tired of the Dollar Store, Don found very inexpensive serving trays (remember Joe Turner's wet sanding tip) and chopping pads at Ikea. The featured topic was customer service. Revell Germany, Glencoe and Atlantis got high marks, Dragon was so-so. Eaglemoss didn't do well at all. Next meeting is 2/10/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there and at Nurnberger Berghaus on 2/12.
~Russ

 

Mythbusters Guy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiZPuE0wBE8

~Bobby

 

I posted the video tutorial for the Speed Paint on our page at FB, but for those that don't take part in that - look here:  https://youtu.be/X6WulQ68mhg

 

I noticed the IPMS side of the net blowing up about the competition rule change for this years Nats  eliminating OOB, and replacing it with BKB (Basic Kit Build) and thought it may make a future topic.

 

Kev K

 

January 27, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. No new releases were announced. Deliveries to distributors are 6 weeks behind. The next lunch meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, 2/12/22 at Nurnberger Berghaus, 817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island. Details to follow. We agreed to sponsor a trophy package at MosquitoCon, 1/72 armor in memory of Tim G. We had a good example of why virtual meeting are worthwhile. Frank asked if Wildcats carried on-board life rafts. Within a minute, he had the answer and the name of the book it came from. This led to a discussion of aircrew safety measures and aircraft flotation device designs. Very interesting. We saw examples slide molded gun tubes (Tamiya's M-551 Sheridan) and fuselages (AMK's MiG /-31 and F-14) and wondered if modelers are getting spoiled (no one complained). Don reports a very large barge mounted crane (it's actually "The Left Coast Lifter", last used on the Mario Cuomo/Tappen Zee Bridge job) is tied up at Richmond Terrace & Clove Road on Staten Island. Not open to the public but worth a look if you're in the area. In progress and completed work included: (Young) Frankenstein's Monster, SAAB J-32, Millenium Falcon (1/43 DeAgostini kit with interior and lighting), P-40 Flying Tiger, B-25 B (Doolittle Raid markings), M-551Sheridan, IDF M-113, scratch built Russian Artic Explorer, M-3 Grant (Lulubelle markings), Stearman crop duster conversion, BTR-80 (these last 5 built by friends of Mark), F 4F Wildcat, Mirage 2000, L-39 Albatros, Yak-42 D, 76 Chevy Sport Pickup, Convair Manned Observation Satellite, Panzer-4 G, Battlestar Galactica and Roman Warship. Distributers may not be getting kits, but our guys are. Acquisitions included: two Polish submarines, two German torpedo weapons, Autogyro, and F-50. The tool was something Bobby has been curious about for some time and Gil answered his questions when he told us about the "EWK Patented Aluminum Refillable Aerosol Spray Can, Pneumatic Compressed Air Sprayer for Lubrication and Anti-Rust". It's an inexpensive, refillable alternative to Dust Off. The transparent paint discussion was brief but informative. Maybe we'll revisit it in future. Groundhog Day is 2/2/22. The next meeting is 2/3/22 at 8pm. Unless, well, you've seen the movie, you know what can happen. Invites have been sent. Hope you can make it.

~Russ

January 20, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Replicon is scheduled for 3/26/22 at the Freeport Recreation Center. We got a trophy sponsorship request from Mosquito Con, $35.00. Joe suggested sponsoring 1/78 armor in memory of Tim G. No one objected but the officers will have the final say. We talked about another lunch meeting and tentatively scheduled one for 2/12/22 at Nurnberger Berghaus, 817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island. No new releases but we heard about DML's new 1/48 Bf 109-E4 with a slide molded one piece fuselage (followed up by sending everyone a link with photos). Thanks, Lou. In progress and completed work included: Ar-196, SAAB J-32, Alfa Romeo 2300 Coupé "Dinner Jacket" (1/8 Pocher and state of the art, back in the day), F4U-1A Corsair, P-51 K, Ford Bronco, Airspeed Oxford, USS Pittsburg, USS Monitor turret (1/35 Verlinden - another back in the day kit), Panzer 4 G, Mirage 2000 (Republic of China markings) and Battlestar Galactica. New year = new acquisitions: Type XXIII U boat, HMS Ursula, Chevy Nova, Su-57 and SAM SA-2. This week's tool was a purpose-built modeling tool, the Gianotes Precision Cotten Swab G -04n. It's similar to the "Gundam Model Seepage Line Oldening Wiper Remedy Pen Wiping Stick" (that's what they call it) at the TIZA Modeling Store on AliExpress. Next meeting is 1/27/22 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

January 13, 2022 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We talked about another lunch meeting, possibly in February, possibly on Staten Island. We have a few weeks to work out the details. Two releases from Atlantis, F-89 D Scorpion (1/89) and Boeing 707 -120. Watch for MiniArt's 1/48 P-47 Thunderbolt and Airfix's 1/24 Spitfire Mk.IXc. In progress and completed work included: Panther D, BMP 1, Me P.1107, SAAB J-21, Gargoyle figure (from the TV movie), MiG-25, Panzer 4 G, L-39 Albatros, Tu-16 Badger, An-2, Raketa hydrofoil river boat, A-50, A-90, Su34, Jagdpanther and Battlestar Galactica. Acquisitions included: Mörser Karl, Il-28, C-97, C-121, X-15, USS Pittsburg and Soviet WW2 armored car. While discussing his J-21, Vaughn pointed out modern wheel wells are painted white to make fluid leaks more visible (something the non-aircraft guys might not have known). We heard a lot of tips. Mark reported mixed results with his vortex paint mixer. It seems to work better with glass bottles, as opposed to plastic bottles. For weathering aircraft, Don uses a small nib calligraphy pen to apply Tamiya washes. Frank used a pencil to good effect on his MiG-25 - apply gloss coat, run pencil along panel lines, smear pencil marks in airflow direction, gloss coat, then flat coat. Costa recommends Vallejo acrylic matt spray varnish. The tool was a Gamecraft Miniature Figure Holder. Intended for Warhammer type figures, it can accommodate larger scale seated figures, like pilots. A useful tool for about $5.00. The next meeting is 1/20/22 at 8 pm. Masks optional. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: January 6, 2022 Report

Fifteen people attended our first meeting of 2022 which, I believe, was our 90th virtual meeting. Amazing! Equally amazing, Gordon joined us for the first time. Hopefully we'll see more of him and his work in future. Frank is working (a polite way to put it) with the new IPMS software to renew the BPMS charter. Vaughn is having a similar experience with his renewal. In industry news, Scalemates' 1/6/22 list of new releases is worth reading and ICM is coming out with two versions (cargo and daisy cutter) of the CH 54 Skycrane in 1/35. The holidays and other obligations seem to have cut into most people's model building time. Even so, we saw some more in progress and completed work: Arma's 1/72 P-51 B/C Mustang (highly recommended), Eurocopter Tiger, SAAB J-21, M-60, Soviet soldier figures, MiG-25 and Garden Tractor. Acquisitions included: 1/72 Hawker Hurricane 2C, 1/144 JASDF F-35 A and 1/144 aircraft ordnance set (including daisy cutter). Rather than showing his models this week, Igor shared photos of aircraft on static display - MiG-29, Mi-24 Hind, Su-34, Tu-144 cockpit, and his homebuilt ultralight. Thanks, Igor. The tool was a set of silicone radial bristle discs for polishing metal. Not suitable for plastics. There was a last-minute change in the featured topic. We shared tips on taking better pictures of our models and discussed digital camera v. smartphone camera, cropping, natural light, Light box, infinity backgrounds, Photoshop and Lightroom. The next meeting is 6/13/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow. Hope you can make it.

~Russ

December 30, 2021: BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Some guys haven't been around for a while and it was good to catch up. One new release reported, Zvezda's 1/72 C130 J-30. Tamiya's M-18 isn't available yet. Neither is the Community Center. Maybe we'll be like Hudson Valley and have outdoor meetings when the weather gets better. Can you suggest a venue? In progress and completed work included: female mechanic figure, IL-2, RF-43 (Greek markings), three Mosquitos, M-60 and MiG-25. Acquisitions (some from Santa, some from Amazon) included: Hetzer (Prague 1945), IJN Yamashiro, 1/48 Panther A (w interior & zimmerit), decals for Panzer 3s and F-18 Hornets, German soldier figure, Mirage 3 CJ, and AJ 37 Viggen. 

Kevin put his 2021 builds on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3Ya-JjIEQqs . Michael 's 2021 work is at https://www.igluemodels.com/post/2021-year-in-review . We swapped stories about unclear/incorrect instructions, heard about using liquid glue to disassemble joints, saw how to turn a ball and socket joint into a 3rd hand for painting/assembly work and got product recommendations from Kevin (scale model work stand from The Inner Nerd), Bob (AK Interactive Air paints) and Rommel (Ammo Liquid Mask). The featured tool was a desktop vacuum cleaner. Use it to clean your workbench, find small missing parts or pick up crumbs around the toaster. Look for it on the robotkai.com website. (How does Gil find these things?) The year 2022 marks 50 years of BPMS and we're looking for a contest to mark our 1972 birthyear. The suggestions so far - any 1/72 scale kit- any kit that was available in 1972 or earlier -any kit with the number 50 in the markings - any kit with the number 50 in its name. You get the idea. If you come up with a silver anniversary suggestion, let us know about it as soon as possible so we can incorporate it into the 2022 contest schedule. The next meeting is 1/6/22 at 8pm. Invites to follow.

Russ

Dec 23 2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Seventeen people attended the meeting. Vinny reported the Community Center will remain closed for the foreseeable future. In case you were wondering, Pegaso and Muroc models are still active. New releases: Kinetic's 1/48 F-104 A/C, MiniArt's 1/35 US Army 1 1/2-ton truck, ICM's 1/48 B-26 K and OV-10A. In progress and completed work included: Mirage 2000-5EI, Sea King Mk 42 B, F4F Wildcat, Horten 12, BMW Strahlbomber, Whirlaway, An-2V, A-50, Su-27, Ekranoplan A-90, An-12, Icebreaker Lennin, Ford Bronco, Me 262, Ju-88 (air sea rescue), Fw-190 D (with torpedo), B-47, Zero, Bob Cratchit figure (Kevin met his Christmas deadline), McDonnel Douglas X-36, three Mosquitos (waiting for paint) and Jotnar (from Troll Hunter). A few guys couldn't wait for Santa so they acquired some new items: F-117 A, Spitfire, VW Bug, 1934 Ford, Buick Wildcat and Eduard's Tora Tora Tora dual combo (Rommel highly recommends it). The discussion on snow was timely (overnight flurry in Brooklyn) and informative. Woodland Scenics Soft Flake Snow is relatively inexpensive, easy to apply and maintains its color. From the UK, products from Precision Snow and Ice can produce a wide variety of winter effects. The next meeting will be 21/30/21 at 8pm. Join us as we close the book on 2021 and plan for the club's 50th (yikes!) anniversary in 2022. Invites to follow. Happy Holidays to all.
~Russ

 

From the mention of the snow effects at the zoom meeting,  here are a few vids from You Tube. Woodland Scenics -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWKuKOd7Npw&t=13s

 

Precision Snow and Ice's whole channel is about the effect. Sit back with some coffee and plan a future snow scene - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF298G1YWuEXHFq0fFWv-Aw/videos

 

Merry Christmas to all that partake and until next time - enjoy.

~Kev K

 

 

December 16, 2021 BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. We were saddened to hear of the passing of two of our friends, longtime BPMS members Ray Keegan and Joe Barrett. Ray left Brooklyn a few years ago and Joe never attended a Zoom meeting, but if you went to our pre-pandemic meetings, you'll remember their good natures and modelling skills. Rest in Peace, Ray and Joe. 

One new release reported, MRC's 1/16 StuG 3 G. No word yet on the 1/35 Tamiya M-18 Hellcat. Noreast Con 2022 will be held on April 29-30 2022 in Latham NY. Details to follow. Mark found a local hobby store, Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop, in Warwick, RI. Nice selection, good prices. The website is HobbyRI.com. He also showed us some of the 3D printed items produced by Micro Cosmos, a Greek company. Kevin and Steve have interesting projects with Christmas deadlines. Kevin is working on a multi figure scene from Dickens' Christmas Carol and Steve is using Paperclay to transform Halloween yard skeletons into Joseph and Mary for an outdoor crèche. In progress and completed work included: Lippisch 13a, Bf-109 (with wavy line camouflage decals ), MiG-31( Frank followed "Dr. Mig's" suggestion- black prime coat followed by random white squiggles followed by a misted grey topcoat), L-39 Albatros, Yak-42 D, pair of An-2s (one on floats, one on wheels), Fiat G-50, Kaiten suicide submarine, Hk-6 Mavis flying boat, Ju-52 minesweeper, Northrup Gamma (on aftermarket vac-form floats), Avro Lincon(Lancaster?) Mk 5 recon conversion and a concept car (glue bomb) rebuild. The featured tool was a solder fume extractor, a compact device to remove harmful particles from the air. We finished by reviewing how paper and various glues can be used to replicate cloth, fill gaps, fabricate thin plates and give newlife to old yard decorations. Next meeting is 12/23/21 at 8 pm. Invites were sent a few days ago. Hope to see you there.
~Russ

December 9, 2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Ten BPMS members and valued friends attended the December 9 Zoom meeting. Live meetings are still expected to resume in January, pending Omicron, the Decepticons, and other imported surprises. Mike D. signed on to the December virtual meeting with a truly historic background – his 1/48 scale Tamiya Zero in the markings of the real fighter flown by Shigeru Itaya commanding the First Wave air attack on Pearl Harbor. Research led Mike to correct the tail number in the kit decals and remind the group, “Just because the instructions say something doesn’t mean that’s what it is.” Kevin K. showed his nicely detailed and weathered Hound’s Tooth spaceship from the Star Wars cartoon series. Igor signed in from Russia with his 1/30th scale KV85 tank, 1/72 scale Su-22 jet and AN-2 biplane and a fun-size Sherman caricature Toon Tank. Bobby P. outshone the scale modelers with video of his restored 1:1 scale 1937 Chrysler backing out of his garage.

Work-in-progress included Kevin’s 1/72 scale Muroc Models X-36 remotely piloted vehicle and Frank C’s embattled Zvezda MiG-31 interceptor. Joe B. showed the group newly-acquired Dolman figures including the 1/24 scale/90 mm Rocket Girl and Navy Girl and 1/10 scale Wild Bill fighter Ace from 1941. He also flashed a rare Pocher 1/8 scale Bugatti Dinner Jacket coupe. Gill H. spoke highly of Gpaint pre-thinned lacquer paint formulated for use on Gundam robots but mixable for other models. The evening’s discussion settled on pigments (powdered colors used in paint) and pastels (powdered colors in a binder). With proper binders or overcoats, both can be brushed on to produce subtle weathering and shading effects. Pastels can, for example, soften flesh tones under the hairlines of figures and pigment slurry can simulate mortar between diorama bricks. Gil showed how he uses a tea diffuser to grind stick pastels for weathering and a paper blunt to soften the effects of weathering powders.

The next BPMS Zoom meeting is this Thursday, December 16 at 8 PM. Virtual meetings will continue weekly, said Bobby P. “This is it until we have butts in seats in Bergen Beach!”

12/2/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Eighteen people attended the meeting. For IPMS members who are also BPMS members, Frank C needs to know the expiration date of your IPMS membership for our charter renewal. You can find it on the address label of your IPMS/USA Journal. Please email it to Frank asap. Thanks in advance. Mark recapped the Hudson Valley Club's 2021 Turkey Challenge, where you start and finish a kit in four days. It can be done and he had the pictures to prove it. Chuck, in addition to preparing for the Dyker Heights Christmas Light extravaganza, it trying out different airbrush pressures to see which gives the best clear flat finish (35psi too high, 24 psi is promising). Having finished his P.180 Avanti, Vaughn told us about the design and performance of the actual aircraft. Bob gave us a bit of scale model trivia. Around 1968, Dumas produced 2,000 vacuform kits of the Creole Queen, to be sold exclusively on the paddle-wheeler, which is still in service. Who knows, maybe some are still on board, below decks in an old locker. Ask around next time you're in New Orleans. New releases to watch for: Zvezda's C130 J-30 (1/72) and T-62 (1/35) and Revell's SR-71A (1/48). In progress and completed work included: Dr.1 (with an incompletely molded wing. Damn!), P.180 Avanti, A 6-M2 Zero, WW2 US Marines w/ dogs, Houndstooth spacecraft (masks by Aztek Dummy), X-36 (a model of the model radio-controlled drone used to test tailless aircraft), Su17, An 225, Ant 25, Tu 22, Yak 130, Tu 195 (Igor has been busy), River Tam figure, MiG 31 and Haunebau 2 (masked with an AK flexible stencil). The tool of the week was a set of nail art brushes. They're inexpensive and good for fine work. Because the meeting was so well attended, there was no time to discuss pigments, so we'll do it next time, 12/9/21 at 8 pm. Frank C will host. He's already sent the invitations.

~Russ

Friday 11/26/21 BPMS Zoom Mini meeting

Twelve people attended the meeting. Not bad for the Friday night after Thanksgiving. In industry news, Revell released a 1/72 US Navy Swift Boat Mk1, Rye Field is coming out with another 1/35 Tiger 1 and Hobby Boss will have another pricey 1/48 Hornet out soon. We saw lots of photos: Mark's on the career of Gen Theodore Roosevelt Jr, Frank's from the 11/20/21 Freeport show and, from several time zones away, Igor's aircraft models. See if you can pick them out below.  In progress and completed work included: WW2 US Marines w dogs, AML 60 armored car, MN Surcouf cruiser submarine , Rosie the Riveter figure, 1/35 US Tank commander (the BDU camouflage is a decal from CrossDelta), VEF I-16, MiG-31, Fishing Trawler, F4F-4 Wildcat, River Tam figure, An-26 RT, Su-25,  An-14, Li-2, and Tu-154 M. This week's tool is a disposable oral swab (aka "Den Tips"). The wood handle makes for a clean way to apply paint by sponge.  Once again, we ran short on time but we managed to hear a little bit about different ways to mix color. Bob uses the Bob Ross, mix on your palette method and Gil combines primary colors on a wet palette. Mark recommended two inexpensive reference books, "Color Mixing Recipes for Oil & Acrylic" by William F. Powell and "Color Theory" by Patti Mollica. He also demonstrated how to use a color wheel. I'm pretty sure we will return to this topic a few more times. Maybe as soon as the next meeting. The one on 12/9/21 at 8 pm. Watch for the invites.  

~Russ

11/18/21 BPMS Zoom mini meeting report

Thirteen people attended the meeting. There is no meeting this Thursday because of Thanksgiving. The meeting will be the next day, the 26th. We may be able to resume in person meetings in January. We'll keep you advised. One new release, ICM's 1/35 WW2 Chevy 1 1/4-ton truck. MiniArt will release their version in the near future. Also watch for Mobius' 1/48 Aries 1-B Lunar Lander from 2001 Space Odessey. In progress and completed work included: A-6 M2 Zero, USS Oliver Hazard Perry frigate, Hound's Tooth starship, AMG Mercedes, Ar-234, Fi-103 A1 piloted V-1, Fw 190 variant with vertically mounted, downward firing rockets, Piasecki air jeep, Sevesky P-35 (Swedish markings), Fokker F-27 (Air West livery), Tiger 2, MiG 31 and Sea King Mk 42B. Bob K is looking for instructions for Dumas' vac form (not wood) kit of the Creole Queen. Someone, please tell him where to go (to find the instructions, I mean). We talked about airbrush tolerances, needle interchangeability, vortex type paint mixers, thinning ratios and spray pressure for Vallejo paint (Kevin recommends 2 drops Vallejo thinner to 6 drops Model Color Paint, sprayed at around 16 psi), pros and cons of Gunze, Tamiya Spray Flat, thinned matt medium, Dullcote and other flat finishes. Mark suggested polishing the surface with coffee filter material instead of using clear gloss, before applying decals. It was pointed out that for some products, it's critical to thin the paint with the manufacturer's thinner. The conversation was moving so well we decided to go with the flow and postpone color mixing for another day. That day would be Friday 11/26/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Happy Thanksgiving.

~Russ

11/11/21 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Fourteen people attended the meeting. Mark shared photos from the Air Force Museum in Dayton and, for no particular reason, we spent several minutes on the difference between Staten Island natives and Staten Island residents. The LI Miniature Collector Society will hold its 2021 show at the Freeport Rec Center on 11/19/21 (6-9pm) an 11/20/21 (9-4pm). Three new releases from Lion Roar: 1/144 B-52G and Su-27B, 1/72 F-14 B Bombcat. Watch for Academy's 1/32 F-4 E Phantom. In progress and completed work included: 1/5 Witch figure, "Tiger Meet" A 7-H Corsair 2, Zero 2 seat target tug conversion, FW Triebflügel, I-16 (Finnish markings, skis), P1 Y Frances, AML-60 armored car, Galaxy Quest diorama, Marlene Dietrich figure, and River Tam figure. This week's first tool was a jar and bottle opener suitable for hobby paint (and larger) jars. It's from Micro Mark but similar openers are available elsewhere. If you need something bigger, look for a Gilhoolie Jar Opener. The second tool was a blunt tip syringe. We'll save the details for another time. 

 

Airbrushes were the featured topic. We saw the Sparmax Flyer, a single action brush where the nozzle is on the bottle (it doesn't use cups). When you want to change colors, change the bottle. Each bottle can be adjusted for proper flow and there's no chance of color contamination. We'll have a performance review shortly. The G233 Set from Master Airbrush was also recommended. It comes with 3 tips, 0.1 mm, 0.2 and 0.5mm. and is reasonably priced. The inexpensive airbrushes designed for use on fingernails are handy (couldn't help it) to have around. Of course, the Paasche H still has a lot of fans. 

 

Next meeting is 11/18/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Since there's no meeting on Thanksgiving Day, we'll have one on the following day. Details to follow. 

~Russ

11/04/2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

On the agenda:

BPMS Club News.
IPMS News.
Other clubs news.
Hobby News.
What's on your workbench?
Featured Discussion: Cut me Mick!

Mick knew how and where to cut Rocky so he could go the distance. Do you know how and where to cut a fuselage to change its length, to make a figure taller/ shorter/thinner/wider, to make a waterline hull from a full hull? You get the idea. 

On Nov 6, twelve people met at Nora's for lunch. It was good to catch up with people we haven't seen in a while and to meet people we've only known through Zoom. 

Fourteen people attended the Nov 4 meeting. Last year, we skipped the Thanksgiving Day meeting. For this year, someone suggested we move it to another day. Friday, Nov 26th, seems like the logical choice. We can discuss it at the next meeting. Two new 1/35 releases from AFV Club: Australian M-113 (Vietnam) and IDF M-38A-1/CJ-5 w/TOW missile. Kevin reports Naval Institute Press is having a book sale - 50% off and free shipping until the end of the year. Check their website (usni.org) for details. In progress and completed work included: X4-FU Corsair, reworked Galaxy Quest diorama (apparently downsizing isn't just for empty nesters), Marlene Dietrich figure, Zlin Z-42M, Fokker G-1, Bell X B-1, A6M-2 Zero(with several aotake color trials), Pz 38(t), AMX 10-RC, Mercedes AMG GT3, Sea King Mk 42-B and MiG-25 RBT. Acquisitions included: FDNY Fire Truck Tower Ladder 9 (1/24) and F4F-4 Wildcat. The featured tool was a set of profile sander grips, hard rubber shapes useful as backing when sanding inside corners, recesses, convex and concave surfaces. Widely available. The topic was cutting and splicing parts. It's better to cut the pieces (e.g., fuselage halves) before they're assembled. You can scribe with the back of a blade until the plastic is cut through. You can layout the cut line with tape then, use a razor saw or micro razor saw. If you have access to a woodworker's planer, you can turn a full hull into a waterline hull. Just ask Don. Next meeting is 11/11/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. Hope you can make it.
~Russ

10/28/2021 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Fourteen people attended the meeting. New releases from Atlantis: Blue Angels F11F (1/54) and Swivel Stand (ex-Revell - you supply the model). Watch for Tamiya's Stuka w/ bomb trolley, ICM's B-26K and OV-10A and Dream Model's UH-1Y. In progress and completed work included: XF-4U Corsair, A6M2 Zero (the aotake question came up again), Dwayne Johnson figure (white ink Gelly Roll pen used for t-shirt logo), P-38 Lightning, C 130 Hercules (Belgian markings), FW-200 and Ju-52 (Luft Hansa markings), A 7-H Corsair 2 (with impressive Tiger Meet decals), Indian Navy SH-3 Sea King (Frank thanked Bobby for his coffee cup lid suggestion) and WW2 Beetle w/4wd. Acquisitions included: Marleina Dietrich figure, FW-190, 50 BC Roman Warship, Jaguar XKE and Weserflug P-1003. People who attended the Hudson Valley show shared their comments and photos. On a personal note, after more than a year of zoom meetings, it was nice to finally meet the guys from the "North of Brooklyn" sub-chapter of BPMS. Tip of the week #1 , Frank suggested coating Vallejo putty with Mr. Surfacer for better results when sanding. The featured topic was clear parts. Seams can be removed with sanding sticks. 2000 grade Micron Paper (available at auto body shops or on line) also works well. After sanding, polish with Novus #2 (not #1) plastic polish or kid's toothpaste and dip in Future (aka Pledge Floor Gloss). Tip of the week #2, when dipping in Future, lift piece out slowly and dab off excess before setting it down to dry. Future can used as glue, provided you give it several days to set up. But other glues are better for canopies. Gorilla glue, Micro Crystal Clear, MiG ultra-glue, Evergreen Scale Models canopy glue and Pacer Formula 560 canopy glue were recommended. People reported mixed results with Revell Contacta Clear. The next meeting is 11/4/21 at 8 pm. Invites to follow. You don't need invites for lunch at Nora's, but a head count would be nice. We have 7 at last count. See you Thursday.

~Russ