BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting Report: January 30, 2024

Twelve people attended the meeting. Julio has arranged another modeler's meet-up at Pier 57 in Manhattan on 2/24/24. Details are on the BPMS Facebook page. Highly recommended. Noreastcon is 3/23/24 at the Freeport Rec Center on Long Island. 

 

Lou reports a lot of Italeri re-releases are available now but their new 1/48 F-35 C isn't. Jimmy shared images of Tamiya's new Leopard 2 A7V, German machine gun team and KS-600 motorcycle and sidecar kits. 

 

Mark told us IPMS is looking for new initiatives to encourage modelers, attract new people to the hobby and increase IPMS membership. Contact him directly with your suggestions. 

 

In progress and completed work included: SdKfz 251-9, Me-262 A1A, SdKfz 232, Wildcat, P-47, WAGB Burton Island, Vickers twin turret T-26, RF 8G Crusader and Grimoire. Acquisitions included: 2 1/2-ton airfield truck, Vietnam USAF airfield kit (from ICM), F-104,  A-10A, Chia Typ seaplane, Tyrannosaurus Rex (vintage kit) and Sea King. 

 

The topic was mistakes, how we made them and how we fixed them. Lost or damaged part? Ask the manufacturer for a replacement, or check the spares box, or fabricate it (you can do a lot with stretched sprue). Removing stray glue marks without causing collateral damage can be challenging and let's just say it's important to double check the masking when painting around canopies. Don built a motorized Mustang only to find the propeller rotated in the wrong direction. He fixed it by switching the wires. Frank C saved his tail heavy Mig-17 by finding a ground crew figure he could glue to the tailpipe to keep the nose down without any external supports. 

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 2/6/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ

 

 

 

BPMS Zoom mini Meeting: January 23, 2024

Fourteen people attended the meeting. Julio must be feeling better. He arranged another Modelers Meet-up on 2/24/24 at Pier 57 in Manhattan. See the club's Facebook page for details. Noreastcon will be 3/23/24 at the Freeport Rec Center.

 

Lou reports the following kits are available: from Trumpeter 1/16 --Tiger 1E (steel wheels), 1/35 --Flak 41, Russian  Pantsir AA vehicle, 1/72 -- A6A Intruder, 1/48 -- Fairy Fulmar, 1/700 -- HMS York, USS Iowa and from Academy 1/144 – E3 Sentry, 1/72-- LeClerc.

 

We heard a quick review of Magic Factory's F-4U 1A/2 Corsair dual combo kit. Mark talked about using Starbond Black to fill seams. It's a rubber infused superglue that takes a long time to fully set but can be sanded easily. Don told how brushes intended for painting nails are good for painting stripes. He compared them to brushes used for pinstriping. 

 

In-progress and completed work included: Hawker Hurricane, B-26, Pz-4, Me-262 A1A, Catwoman, P-47, Mig-29, Crusader, Skyhawk, Ford service truck and '53 Ford pick-up. 

 

Acquisitions included: Sd. Kfz. 251-9 Kanonwagen, crew for same, KJ-500 (and two variants) and MQ8B Fire Scout. 

 

The week's tool is Distressed Ink. Intended for scrapbooking, these ink pads come in many subtle shades which can be used for weathering. Gil has rubbed the pads directly on the model and he's used micro brushes to apply the ink. Maybe they'll work with stencils?

 

What details do we omit? For Vaughn, it's ordnance. For Bryan, it's squishy tires for landing gear. For Frank C and others, it's stencil decals. Many leave off delicate bits that they know are going to break off shortly after they're attached. Sometimes, detail is omitted to meet a contest deadline. Many people said if it can't be seen, why bother? Of course, almost as many said if it comes with the kit, I'll use it. 

 

The next meeting it Tuesday, 1/30/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope you can make it.

 

~Russ

 

 

 

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: January 09, 2024

Thirteen people attended the meeting. No Tuesday Zoom next week, the January in-person meeting is Friday, the 19th, at the Community Center. Doors open around 6, and the meeting starts around 7:30. Come and say hello to another President Tom, declare your pledge model, sell or buy a kit and, most importantly, pay your 2024 club dues. 

No industry news this week. 

 

So far, two people have made plans to attend the 2024 IPMS Nationals in Madison WI. Rooms at the venue went very quickly, we heard. Are you thinking of going?

 

In-progress and completed work included: B-26 Marauder, Hawker Hurricane, DH-4, Albatros,  Me-262 A1a, Catwoman, VW tractor trailer Baja Beast conversion and Mig-29. 

 

Acquisitions included: Pt-17 (stick & tissue kit), Aston Martin DB-5, Ferrari 246 and F-84 F.

 

Mark gave a brief report on an IPMS meeting he attended in Boise and shared photos of the meeting in addition to photos from the Warhawk Air Museum in Idaho. 

 

The featured tool was the 15a cutting tweezer. A cross between a nail clipper and a tweezer, it's good for removing those hard-to-reach parts from sprues.

 

Lack of a featured topic didn't stifle discussion. We spoke about ways to display an aircraft in flight, ways to modify aircrew figures, who makes the best gloss paint, detailing with a calligraphy pen, good sources for books and (old news if you saw Vaughan's email earlier today) we tried to identify an aircraft component laying around the Warhawk Air Museum. No, it wasn't a door plug. 

 

Next meeting is Friday 1/19/24 at the Community Center. Details are in the newsletter. No invites needed. Hope to see you there. 

 

~Russ

JUNE: Invasion of Normandy 80th Anniversary Theme Contest

Invasion of Normandy 80th Anniversary Theme Contest

It’s been 80 years since the Allies invaded Normandy and started liberating Europe from Nazi Occupation. What better way to remember that occasion than with a theme contest? Simply build anything used on D-Day, Allies or Axis. We’re looking forward to seeing Invasions Stripes, and all manner of things land, sea, and air. The sponsors are allowing liberal interpretations of the theme, so feel free to use your imagination. Plenty for everyone to build.

Feel free to contact the sponsors or officers with any questions.

Sponsors:

• Charlie N
• Steven N

 

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: January 2, 2024!

Featured Discussion: What's your resolution for 2024, buy fewer kits, buy more kits, build something out of the box or what? Tell us what you plan to do. And don't worry, no one will be checking up on you.  

First, my apologies to anyone who wasn't able to join the meeting. Something to do with the waiting room? Troubleshooting suggestions are welcome.

 

Even so, eleven people managed to sign in, including newcomer Joe U, recently returning to the hobby. 

 

Incoming President Tom G wished everyone a happy new year and expressed his belief that the club will do well in 2024. 

 

No industry news this week, but Frank G shared information on a vendor with a large selection of Aurora kits. The good news is that he has a lot of kits. The bad news is that he wants a lot of money for them.

 

In progress and completed work included: S Tank (Vaughn was surprised that the vinyl tracks on the otherwise excellent 1/72 Trumpeter kit were 1/8" short), 53 Ford pickup, F-8 Crusader, DC-3 (with aftermarket Frontier Airlines livery), Fw-190, Wyatt Erp figure, Nike Hercules, YH-41A and CH-1C Skyhook helicopters. Acquisitions included: Kraken 2 (from film Inner Space), '68 Olds Californian, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, Autocar Dump Truck, and F-15 (JASDF Aggressor markings). 

 

The featured tool was an adjustable parallel scriber, U Star UA-900-43, from AliExpress. Sturdy, inexpensive and handy to have around. 

 

Our new year's resolutions fell into two categories, I will (build better/smarter, be more patient, learn dry brushing, build more, take inventory of my stash, build figures, read more) and I will not (visit eBay for six months, buy more stuff to justify the postage). Did we miss your resolution? If so, share it with the group.

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 1/9/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow.  Hope to see you there. 

 

~Russ

 

 

LEGENDS Theme Contest: December 15, 2023

 

BPMS Theme Contest December 15, 2023

 

LEGENDS!

Legend, noun:

1. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
2. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.

Most of us started building models because someone / something inspired our creativity. Usually it's someone or something that's LEGENDARY! It might be a driver, or a car, a pilot or a plane, a tank, a vessel whether it be whatever version of the U.S.S. Enterprise , and the list can go on forever! For this theme we are asking the members to build something that's a LEGEND with the caveat that you must justify this legendary status. A couple words or a paragraph should suffice. Contest forms will be provided in advance (we should talk of.we want to have them available at the meeting, email them out include them in upcoming newsletters or all 3!!) This theme easily crosses over all aspects of the hobby and should be a lot of fun for everyone to build for! There is no limit to the fields you want to build.

Feel free to speak with the sponsors or officers if you have any questions.

Sponsors: Steven N, RussH, Bobby P

Legends Theme Contest Results

There were 21 models on the tables for this theme contest. One was set of models was brought in by a sponsor and was for display only.

Honorable Mention: Dick Tracy Frank Grail
Bronze: Big Daddy Mark Mullen
Silver (tie) P-51D Charlie Nelson F4 Frank Collucci
Godfather Cars Tony Mancuso
Gold - The Wolfman Kevin Kilkenny

Specials
Non Fiction Big Daddy Mark Mullen
Fiction The Wolfman Kevin Kilkenny
Past Legend Glamorous Glennis Charlie Nelson
Living Legend Ukrainian Soldier Kostas Lukyanov
Best In Show: P 51D Charlie Nelson

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: December 26, 2023

Featured Discussion: Get anything fun during the Holidays?

 

Zoom Meeting Report – December 26, 2023

With many members still traveling or digesting after Christmas, the last BPMS Zoom meeting of 2023 drew just seven people but still provided worthwhile discussion of kits, tools, and techniques. Incoming Vice President Kevin K reported Julio’s Manhattan group build had drawn good notices on IPMS web forums and may inspire imitators elsewhere.   

After some slow weeks, Lou shared news of some welcome kit arrivals. Hobby Boss has released a new U-2R spy plane and a MiG-29K carrier fighter, both jets in 1/48 scale. Hobby Boss as also released a 1/700 scale Titanic with photoetch parts.  Still to arrive is another version of the 1/35 German Land-Wasser-Schlepper.

Kevin announced his first commission work-in-progress, the Hunter-Killer drone from Terminator 2 to be finished in chrome. He is also sculpting the Missing Link from the animated Monsters Vs. Aliens movie and has begun painting the Ghost of Christmas to Come from John Bennett Castings. Frank C revealed an Academy MiG-29 partially camouflaged for the Myanmar Air Force. Gil continues his commission project, a 3D-printed Michelle Pfeifer Catwoman from Batman Returns.  

Few of the Zoom members got kits or hobby tools for Christmas gifts. Kevin observed, “Luckily, I’m in a spot in life where if a model shows up, I just order it.”   Jimmy ordered 1/35 German halftrack and Panther crew sets made by Stalingrad in Russia but admitted, “I could never buy anything again and still have stuff left at the end.” Gil acknowledged his substantial stash and noted, “I could be here for five years and I’d never have to go to a hobby store.” He has begun collecting digital models for 3-D printing and wants to sell off some plastic kits. Gil asked rhetorically, “How many models is too many models?” Rather than reply, Frank C simply showed off his new Sword RF-8G recon Crusader and a couple of RF-84F Thunderflashes that arrived for the holidays.

Gil’s tool tip for the week was a rechargeable Ryobi 1 power tool with a low-speed setting that won’t melt plastic. Bob P. showed mini- and regular-size sprue nippers, one tool with right-angle blades. Part of the evening discussion was when to cut support stubs from 3D printed kits. Removing the artifacts before final cure is a lot easier than when the parts are fully hardened.  

Frank G. found a Facebook store with original Aurora figure and armor kits and declared, “We’ve found the Mother Lode.” He also cautioned, “I don’t know what the prices are.”

After New Year’s Day 2024, the next BPMS Zoom meeting on January 2 promises to be a sobering experience.  Invites to follow.

Frank

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: December 19, 2023

Featured Discussion: Inspiration

Where do you get your model-building inspiration?
Where do you find out about new kits?
What magazine, website, catalog gets you going?

Zoom Meeting Report – Dec. 19, 2023

Fifteen people attended the Zoom Meeting, including newcomer Ed from Pennsylvania who builds armored vehicles and naval aircraft.  Ed’s current project, a Bandai YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie robot, started a discussion of favorite primers.  Bob K still prefers his lethal automotive concoction while others opt for Vallejo acrylic black and other hobby undercoats.

Lou reported absolutely no new kit arrivals, but Jimmy and Frank C await new Sword RF-8 Crusader recon jets in 1/72 scale, one representing the Cuban Missile Crisis RF-8A and the other a Vietnam-era RF-8G. Work in progress included Gil’s Tomb Raider and Catwoman figures, Joe B’s polar-bear-fightin’ mechawarriors modified from Nitto SF3D fighting suits, Bob K’s Hobby Boss F-22, and Vaughan’s 1/32 Revell Hurricane in tortured desert camouflage. Vaughan also revealed his descent into armor with a Trumpeter 1/72 Swedish S-Tank and concluded, “This is one amazing kit.”

New purchases included Bob P’s 3D-printed Buddy Cthulhgu, Frank C’s 1/48 Mi-24 Hind from Trumpeter/MiniHobby, Bob K’s 65 Pontiac Bonneville and VW Van and a 1955 Chevy wagon with parts for the pickup. Mr. K also showed his completed PT-19 trainer from MPM and a ’63 Ford Hardtop from AMT nicely finished in his trademark nail polish colors.

Gil’s tool tip of the week was a pack of rotary bristle-discs with abrasive grits from 80 to 12000. Chucked in variable-speed motor tools, the 1 in. diameter discs smooth putty without damaging plastic. Gil noted, “Sometimes I buy a tool because I’m curious how it will be working on a particular model.”

Our sources-of-inspiration discussion included modeling websites such as Armorama and Missing Links, enthusiast magazines like Air Forces Monthly, and varied social media. Bob P is painting a Fang of the Sun Dougram figure and noted “The whole thing was started by seeing guys build it on Twitter.” Frank G observed, “What excites me about a model is the challenge of something new.” Frank C meanwhile showed his umpteenth F-4 Phantom, inspired by the biography of fighter ace Robin Olds.

The next Zoom meeting will be on the Tuesday after Christmas, Dec. 26.  Invites to follow.

Frank

BPMS Annual Contest Results!

 

Air

HM         Russ Holcomb

                Mark Mullen

                Ray Whitton

3^rd           Steven Nelson

2^nd          Charlie Nelson

1^st           Frank Colucci

 

Armor

HM         Kevin App

                Russ Holcomb

3^rd           Guy Ferrara

                Steven Nelson

2^nd          Charlie Nelson

1^st           Howell Serkin

 

Figure

HM         Russ Holcomb

3^rd           Joe Bergman

2^nd          Kevin App

1^st           Kevin Kilkenny

 

Sea

HM         Steven Nelson

3^rd           Kevin Kilkenny

2^nd          Frank Giallombardo

1^st           Kevin App

 

Sci-Fi

HM         Mark Mullen

                Bobby Pokorny

3^rd           Joe Bergman

2^nd          Guy Ferrara

1^st           Julio Guadalupe

 

Misc

HM         Kevin App

                Joe Bergman

                Kosta Lukyanov

3^rd           Mark Mullen

2^nd          Joke Moon

1^st           Tony Mancuso

 

Most Popular

1Q          Joe Bergman      X-Wing

                Charlie Nelson   F-8E Crusader

2Q          Kevin App           Schnellboot

3Q          Kevin Kilkenny  The Thing: Norris

4Q          Bob Pokorny      Dagon

 

TOP GUN

KEVIN APP

BPMS Bulletin: December 2023 by Kevin K.

 Minutes from the November Meeting

Attendance: Members – 22, Guests – 2, Models – 28
Business discussed: Upcoming Christmas Dinner, Dec. 2, at Nora’s Restaurant.
•Reported that the Huson Valley Show was a success, lot of models and Vendor room well stocked. The BPMS sponsored 2 categories.
•Freeport LI show is upcoming. A few members indicate they would attend.
•4Q contest night – tables were full, except the Ship category was rather light.
•Super Raffle – anyone who built and brought in a model had a chance to win, the more models, the more chances. If you Pledged a model and followed through, that gave you 5 extra chances.

Pledge Night for 2024 is in Jan.! Look through your stash for a model to build or pick up that model you’ve wanted to build at the Hobby shop!!

Missed it By That Much!

Prez Tom Knoll mentioned at the meeting, we gave out 314 super raffle tickets. The record was 315 set a couple years back. We came that close to breaking a record!
-BP

 Notes from the Activities Director
~Bobby P

There is much to do in December, as we close out 2023.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The annual event will be held on Dec 2 at NOON. Tentative price: $45 per person.
NORA’S PARK BENCH CAFÉ
3019 QUENTIN RD
BROOKLYN, NY 11234
718-376-0033

DECEMBER MEETING

LEGENDS THEME CONTEST: The final Theme contest of the year, LEGENDS. Most of us got into building models to make a display of someone or something that was special. Something Legendary! Was it a race car? A flying Ace? The sponsors invite you to build a LEGEND for this contest. Thanks in advance!

AWARDS CEREMONY: The final quarterly contest was in November, so I will crunch the numbers to have the awards ready to announce who we chose in each category.

HOLIDAY DESSERTS: What’s a Holiday Party without the treats? Members are encouraged to bring any snacks, treats, and desserts to celebrate the ending of another successful year of the BPMS.

December 5th, 2023: BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Eighteen people met for lunch at Nora's last Saturday and fifteen people attended the Tuesday meeting. There's no zoom next Tuesday, as the in-person meeting is Friday, 12/15/23 at the Community Center in Brooklyn. Expect to be busy. We'll have the Legends theme contest, the 2023 award ceremony and (if you bring 'em) holiday desserts. Details are in the newsletter, which is in the mail. 

 

Lou reports Hobby Boss' 1/48 Pz-4 F2 and Tamiya's 1/48 British 2T 4x2 ambulance are available and many new kits are on the way. Don liked the new video from Fine Scale Modeler featuring an inexpensive air brush (he's a big fan of cheap airbrushes).

 

In progress and completed work included: Hawker Hurricane ( Vaughn's hairspray horror story), Charlie Brown in Halloween costume (Kevin's latest clay sculpture), PT-19A, two FW-190s, two A-37B Dragonflies, Pz-38t, tank crew figures (reworked), F-4C, Napolean Bonaparte and '53 Ford Coca-Cola pickup. Acquisitions included: Terminator 2 Hunter Killer Tank, Iwata airbrush and JJ-7 trainer.

 

Gil showed us how to mount a utility blade on hobby knife handle, creating a tool for bending photoetch and for scraping. He's looking for other uses and feedback. Two tips from Don, (1) nail polish racks are a practical and inexpensive way to store paint bottles (2) flatten the point on the lead of a mechanical pencil and use it to represent rivets/fasteners. 

 

Before discussing the featured topic, we talked about weathering by the hairspray method and by the salt method, mottling paint with sponges and what others think when we tell them we build models. Then we got around to the featured topic, watercolor pencils. Few people knew about them, fewer have used them. Gil has and he felt he had more control with chalk or pan pastels. Kevin and Mark have used watercolor pencils at least once.

 

Next meeting is Friday 12/15/23 at the Community Center. No invites needed. Doors open around 6pm, meeting starts around 7:30pm. Hope to see you there. 

 

~Russ

 

Happy Holidays from all of us at Brooklyn Plastic Modelers Society.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Brooklyn Plastic Modelers Society.

BPMS ZOOM Mini Meeting: 11/28/2023

Thirteen people attended. The holiday lunch is this Saturday, 12/2/23 at Nora's, 3019 Quentin Rd, Brooklyn, at noon. 

 
Lou reports Tamiya's 1/48 F-35 B is available, as are the 1/48 F-4U1, F-4U2A and 1/16 Tiger 1 (initial production) from Hobby Boss. 

 
We didn't see many photos of in progress or completed work this week, but we did see Vaughn's Hawker Hurricane, Kevin's Charlie Brown in his Halloween costume, Bobby's monster sea turtle and Gil's Laura Croft. Jimmy is waiting for a package of Takom kits, 3 1/35 Tiger 1s and a 1/16 figure. 

 
The featured tools were a pair of micro pipettes, 20 drop and 100 drop capacity. Adjustable and more precise than an eyedropper and with a larger capacity, a micro pipette is ideal for mixing colors. But they only work with thinned, airbrush ready paint or with ink. 

 
So, what makes a question a stupid question? It's often a question you're afraid to ask, an admission you don't know something that you should. Several people said they'd learned a lot by asking stupid questions and here are some tips that came out of the stupid question discussion: prepare Tamiya paint for airbrushing by filling a new bottle with Tamiya thinner, soaking the business end of your clogged airbrush in heavily diluted Simple Green will remove the clog, Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver will clean and condition your paint brushes, JB Weld works on resin parts , joints on 3D printed resin parts should be pinned (ask Bobby), Bondo is a useful filler, for tight spots put super glue on one part, accelerator on the other, and join them. 

 
The next zoom meeting is Tuesday, 12/5/23 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. The holiday lunch is Saturday, 12/2/23 at noon at Nora's. No Invites needed. See you there. 

 
Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: 11/21/2023

Ten people attended the meeting. Lou told us Tamiya's 1/148 F-35B will be available shortly.
The holiday lunch is Saturday, 12/2/23 at noon at Nora's, 3019 Quentin Rd, Brooklyn. Good food, good company, good enough parking. 

Kevin reported Hobby Lobby is will open a store on Staten Island by the end of the year. Details to follow. Vaughan is looking for post WW 2 Luftwaffe decals for his Eurocopter Tiger. Contact him directly for details. We briefly discussed commission builds and ways to attract new people to the hobby, like model displays rather than model competitions. 

In progress and completed work included: Revell/Smithsonian Hurricane Mk 2, Ghost of Christmas Past, Wolf Man, Napoleon Bonaparte, 1940 Ford, Dagon and Mig-29. Acquisitions included: Igor/Marty Feldman bust, Dr Frankenstein/Gene Wilder bust, Seafire 17, Hase mini sub, Tu-134, Su- 355 Flanker E and Canadian Ram Mk 2. 

A tip from Mr. K, put a pencil eraser cap on your hobby knife handle to keep it from rolling around. A tip from Kevin, Reikland Fleshshade from Citadel, is good for, you guessed it, shading flesh. 

The topic was black Friday deals. Apparently, we're not particularly excited about black Friday. Offers from outfits, like Andy's Hobby HQ and Sprue Brothers were mentioned, but no one found the "offer he couldn't refuse" (but Frank couldn't refuse a1/48 Cesna 195, if one was available). You may find good deals on Amazon and AliExpress if you look around on a regular basis. Case in point, a 16-bottle set of Vallejo paints from Amazon for $26. 

Next meeting is Tuesday, 11/28/23 at 730 pm. Invites to follow. Tell us what you bought on cyber-Monday.

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: November 7, 2023

Fifteen people attended the meeting. No Zoom next Tuesday (11/14/2023), the in-person meeting is Friday, 11/17/23 at the Community Center. Doors open around 6, and the meeting starts around 7:30. It's (1) Super Raffle night, (2) the last quarterly contest of the year and (3) an opportunity to sign up for 12/2/23 holiday lunch at Nora's, 3019, Quentin Road, Brooklyn. See the BPMS Bulletin (mine arrived today) for more details. 

 
Lou reported AMT's 1/200 Aretmis-1 is available and Frank G reported a new Hobby Lobby opened on Staten Island, on Forrest Ave near Decker Ave. 

 
The Freeport Rec Center will host the L.I.A.R.S. (cars) show on 11/11/23. Mark shared photos of the Hudson Valley Show and a large show in Belgum. 

 
In progress and completed work included: Samuri Figure, Ghost of Christmas Past bust (Kevin's conundrum -paint it as a ghost or as an actor playing a ghost), M-3 Stuart, Merkava 4, C-130, Mr. Kim's Noodle Boat (Don's resin kit is rapidly becoming a scratch-built kit), P-47, 3D printed monster sea turtle, 1940 Ford pick-up and, from Vaughn's stash, Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIC (Revell-Smithsonian). Acquisitions included: Werewolf head, 3D printed Dagon, F3F Wildcat, M-12, Seversky J-9 and aftermarket USCG decals and railings (Mr. K is impressed by Trumpeter's 1/350 set) for the Burton Island kit. 

 
We talked about the times we've done the wrong thing. Stuff like modifying kit parts before our research is completed, overcoating a base coat with incompatible paint, attaching small parts too early in the build, not noticing "handed" parts until they're glued in place and incorrectly thinning acrylics for airbrushing. We review instructions thoroughly, but we often alter sequence of work as we see fit. Sometimes we come to regret it. We've gone wrong when the instructions are too complex, oversimplified or just plain illegible. Then there are the garage kits that come without instructions or pictures of the final build. So, even when you're not being told what to do, you can go wrong. 

 
Remember, our next meeting is Friday. Do the right thing and show up. 

 
~Russ

Halloween BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 10/31/2023

Eleven people attended the meeting. Frank and Lou told us about three new (?) model companies, Hobby 2000, Magic Factory and Dream Model. Lou reported Minicraft's 1/144 C-130 J30, Kinetic Gold's new F-16 D, Block 30,40,50 and F-16 C, both 1/48, Tamiya's 1/35 Pz 4F2 (DAK) and Border Model's 1/35 M-29 C Weasel (incorrectly identified as a Monogram re-release last week - my bad).

No tricks, just treats this Halloween. Mark shared photos of last week's Hudson Valley show, where there were 274 entries and BPMS sponsored two categories. Then, Michael shared many photos of Japan. Well, to be honest, interiors of model shops in different cities and a museum in Japan. Some shops were multi-level buildings in the model district, some were small, independent businesses at various locations. Regardless, they were all well stocked with kits, paint and accessories. Prices were reasonable, helped by the favorable exchange rate. The Kure Maritime Museum has a 1/10 model of the Yamato in addition to many smaller WW2 related items. Not technically a museum, Tamiya's headquarters featured examples of their products from their early wooden kits (who knew?) to the present day (lots of Phantoms, and Frank knew them all). 

 
In progress and completed work included: Napoleon Bonaparte figure, F-90 Gundam and Mig-21. Acquisitions included: Ghost of Christmas Past bust and F-15 J. 

 
Being Halloween, we discussed masks. We heard about Aztek Dummy stencils, combining Tamiya thin tape with less expensive tapes or paper to make large masks with sharp edges and securing paper masks to flattened Blu Tack "worms" to mask large areas. 

 
The next meeting is Tuesday, 11/7/23 at 7:30 pm. (Don't forget to change your clocks.) Invites to follow. Hope to see you there 

 
~Russ

BPMS Bulletin: November 2023 by Kevin K

 Minutes from the October Meeting

Attendance: Members – 23, Guests – 3, Models – 27
Meeting was gaveled to order at 7:40PM.
•The meeting centered around Pledge night displays, and it was also Spooky Models Night. Anything that was either spooky, or had a name that was spooky was eligible.
•A report from Julio’s Manhattan Model Build session was another success despite some bad weather. Modelers of all ages and interests participated. Other shows included Armor Con and the HVHMG show. Look for the flyer and categories elsewhere in this issue.
•It was also reported that Julio was injured and not able to attend the event. The Club wishes him all the best for a speedy recovery.
•A report from ArmorCon indicates a nice show, even though the room was small. At least 150 models were on display. The Vendor room was good!
•The monthly raffle was held with 14 winners!
•October is Nominations month, and Tom Govia was Nominated for President. Kevin Kilkenny was nominated for VP.
•Discussion also included the Christmas Dinner to be held Dec. 2. See below.
•Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM

 

BPMS Christmas Luncheon
December 2 – Mark your calendar! This year’s Christmas Luncheon will once again be at Nora’s starting at noon. The price for the event is $45 per person. If you didn’t sign up at the meeting, please contact a Club Officer. Make sure to indicate if you have a +1.
Nora’s is located at 3019 Quentin Rd., in Brooklyn.

 

November BPMS Activities!

• Contest Night: 4Q23 – The last contest of the year. What have you built recently? Bring it in and put it on the table! Good Luck to everyone.
• SUPER Raffle: November is the month for the super raffle. For every model you brought in you got a ticket, and then for declaring a pledge, and then bringing it in for show you get 5 tickets. There’s always a load of goodies to be won. So, make sure you arrive on time!
• Looking to thin the stash? We’re always looking for kit donations for the raffles. Take a look way at the bottom in the back of the pile. I’m sure you can find one or two to bring in. Thanks in advance!

Meeting date: 

November 17, 2023

Location: BBSC

Time: We usually have members setting up by 6 PM. Feel free to come by early!

DL the full PDF

10/24/23 BPMS Zoom mini-meeting report

Sixteen people attended the meeting, although technical problems prevented several from fully participating. That didn't faze Lou, who, in a post meeting email, reported the re-release of Monogram's old M-29C Weasel in 1/32. Bobby gave highlights of last Friday's in-person meeting and an update on next month's Super Raffle - 300 tickets so far! We were glad to learn that Julio is on the road to recovery. Attention, headhunters. Don is looking for a 1/16 head to replace the one provided in the Mr. Kim's Noodle Boat kit. Contact Don directly. Vaughan told us about problems spraying Humbrol acrylics which, apparently, are not as airbrush ready as claimed. Thinning with alcohol, windshield washer fluid and adding flow improver were recommended solutions.

The Hudson Valley show is this Saturday, 10/28/23, at the Elk's Club, 29 Overrocker Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY and the Long Island Figure Show is 11/18/23 at the Freeport Rec Center. The BPMS holiday lunch is 12/2/23 at Nora's, details to follow.

In-progress and completed work included: Eurocopter, F-117 A, AR-2, Annular Monoplane, F-90 Gundam, Tornado, A-4 Skyhawk, MiG-21(recon), a pair of Necronomicons and a trio of Cuthulhus. Acquisitions included: Fokker D-7, F3F-3, B-24, Wildcat (all from Westchester Trains and Hobby in Yorktown Heights), '41 Plymouth and 1911 Deperdussin Monoplane.
The featured tool was a texture pallet Gil made to refine his dry brushing technique. It's a random grouping of spare parts, assorted scales and shapes, primed and glued to a flat surface so you can practice/adjust your dry brushing before attempting it on your model. Good one, Gil.
Only a few of us have used phosphorescent/fluorescent /UV reactive paints. Those who have used them mentioned fluorescent powder that can be mixed with acrylic medium or clear coat for brush painting. Also, Gaianotes produces a line of fluorescent paints for modelers.
Next Tuesday is Halloween. It's also our next zoom meeting. Don't be afraid to join us at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow.

Russ

More paint information, courtesy Gil. https://glomania.com/

BPMS Bulletin: October 2023 - By Kevin K

 Minutes from the September Meeting
Attendance: Members – 20, Guests – 2, Models – 23
Meeting was gaveled to order at 8:00PM.

• Discussion of the upcoming contests, including Penn Con which was occurring the following day.
• Other shows included Armor Con and the HVHMG show. Look for the flyer and categories elsewhere in this issue.
• IPMS Region 1 held a Zoom meeting to discuss current events. Topics including welcoming “new” models – i.e., Gundams etc. And the GSB vs. 123 judging styles.
• The monthly raffle was held with 10 winners!
• October is the time to show your Pledge models, Nominations will also be held, and the theme for the Oct. meeting will be Spooky.
• Discussion also included the Christmas Dinner to be held in early Dec.
• Kevin K gave a short talk on painting 1/35 scale figures for your dioramas. .
• Meeting was adjourned at 9:35PM

 

October Activities!

MODEL PLEDGES: Earlier in the year you should've "pledged" a model to build by the October meeting. Building this model pledge entitles you to a BONUS FIVE SUPER RAFFLE TICKETS! If you finished your pledge earlier in the year and already brought it in, we invite you to bring it back for this meeting. Be sure to mark on your kit slip that this is your Pledge so Bob knows. Thanks!
NOMINATIONS: Usually a regime gets to sit up front for two years, but with COVID we relied on these guys to maintain stability for an extended period of time. Who will be ascending to the desk up front?
SPOOKY MODELS: October is officially the spookiest month, so why not display a spooky model. Will it be a figure of Michael Myers or a Banshee jet, that's up to you to figure out a way to interpret this theme night! ~Bob

 

Meeting date: 

October 20, 2023

Location: BBSC

Time: We usually have members setting up by 6 PM. Feel free to come by early!

 

Download the full BULLETIN PDF HERE

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 10/10/2023

Fourteen people attended the meeting. No Tuesday Zoom next week, the October in-person meeting is Friday, 10/20/23 at the Community Center. It's time to bring in your pledge model. It's also time to bring in models with a spooky theme, like a Phantom (from the Opera or from McDonnell Douglas), Grim Reaper, Death Rider, F2H Banshee, "Bones" McCoy. You get the idea. Doors open around 6pm, and the meeting starts around 7:30 pm. Details are in the flyer, which is in the mail. 

 

Lou reports Takom's 1/35 Weasel is available. Chuck's recommendation to visit King's Hobby when you're in Austin TX led to a discussion of what kits are sold at Hobby Lobby. 

The second Modelers Meet-up was held at Pier 57 on 10/7/23. Unfortunately, Julio had an accident on the way to the meeting and injured his ankle. We wish him a speedy recovery. Photos of the event are on the BPMS Facebook page. Armorcon is this weekend at the Windham Southbury in Southbury CT. 

 

In progress and completed work included: Panzer 4 J, Hawker Typhoon, Ilyushin Il-2, Spitfire Mk5 (Russian markings), Fw-190 D, '84 GMC Deserter pickup, P-39Q, A-4 and VW Type 87. Acquisitions included: Space Station (from 2001 A Space Odyssey), F-5 decals and, from Mr. K's substantial stash, Bf-110 D, Me-410, P-51, Ki-43 Oscar and USS Burton Island. 

 

Gil's latest tool is the flash drive he uses to keep scans of kit decals in the event the originals dry out. 

 

These are some of the tools we take for granted, drill bit sets, sanding sticks, X-ACTO knives, Dremel motor tool, 3M sanding sponges, photo etch bending pliers, 7-sided nail buffer, metal paint pallet, Panavice and Xuron sprue cutters.  

 

The next meeting is Friday, 10/20/23. No invite needed. Hope to see you there.

 

 ~Russ