March 5, 2024 - BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Fourteen people attended the meeting. No Tuesday Zoom next week, the in-person meeting is Friday, the 15th, at the Community Center in Brooklyn. Doors open around 6 pm, meeting starts around 7:30. The theme is green models. See the newsletter for more details. 

 
Noreastcon is Saturday, 3/23/24 at the Freeport Recreation Center.
 

Congratulations to Frank C for 50 years of IPMS membership.
 

In-progress and completed work included: Cartoon M4-A1, Hotel Transylvania Wolfman (sculpted by Kevin), Wildcat, Challenger, Schwimmwagen, Silk (3D printed figure), Jaguar (Indian Air Force conversion), 45 mm anti-tank gun and Vickers twin turret tank. Acquisitions included: SdKfz 251-1, flying Taxi (from The Fifth Element), S-67 Blackhawk (resin kit) and Cuthulhu.
 

Two tools this week. Gil told us about another dollar store find, the shadow switching sponge. Designed to clean makeup brushes, it's also good for cleaning brushes used to apply PanPastels or dry pastels. Bobby told us about a LED light strip and a LED light bar he got from Temu. Small and inexpensive, maybe they're just what you need for your workbench.
 

The featured topic was what do we look for in a model club. We want friendly, knowledgeable people with similar interests, not overly competitive, not cliquish and no egos. We also want comfortable meeting places with good seating/table arrangements and clubs where people actually build kits and bring them to meetings.
 

Then we got to talking about BPMS. We liked that it's based on friendship, not hierarchy, liked pizza night and BBQ night, liked to see what people will build next and that there's always time for another question. Kevin summed it when he said there are many places to learn on line, but face to face is better.
 

Next meeting is Friday, 3/15/24, at the Community Center. No invites needed. Bring something green. Could be a model or could be cash, if you haven't paid your dues yet. Hope to see you there.
 

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 02/27/2024

Sixteen people attended. We welcomed Emiliano, a modeler from Queens, who found us on Facebook. 

 
Lou reports Border Models' 1/35 IJN Akagi flight deck with Kate, Dragon's 1/72 M-142 Himars and Magic Factory's 1/700 Gerald R , Ford are available. Tamiya paint brushes #87014,015,016,017,018,028 #87045,046,047,048,049,050 

 
and #87227 are also available (get specifications online). Mr. K told us about Fire Scale paints and he mentioned several AK Interactive colors Kevin may find useful. 

 
Saturday's Pier 57 Meet-Up was very well attended. It was a good way to meet modelers who can't make it to our in-person meetings at the Community Center. Photos are on the club's Facebook page. Thanks again, Julio. 

 
Noreastcon will be Saturday, 3/23/24 at the Freeport Recreation Center. 

 
In progress and completed work included: B-26, Hawker Hurricane, Wolfman (Benicio Del Toro version), Universal Carrier, '65 Coronet, F-22 Raptor, Pzkw 2 F/G, Capt. Enoch figure (3D printed), Silk figure (Gil painted the flesh on the figure with flesh colored ink), Jagdpanther, T-80 (Kosta wanted 1/72 reactive armor, Jimmy told him where to find it), F-35 A, Crusader and Schwimmwagen. 

 
Acquisitions included: set of three Tiger 1s, set of three Hetzers, SdKfz 251/1, F-35B (Chuck's Italeri/Tamiya kit came with the wrong instructions), '49 Mercury, Red Knight of Vienna, Type 27 B sub, Chinese submarine and Spanish Tiburon submarine. 

 
The featured tool was a makeup brush holder, with suction cups. It stores brushes properly. It frees up space on the bench. It comes from the dollar store. 

 
The topic was bargains and where we found them. Chuck likes Westchester Trains and Hobbies, in Yorktown Heights and Julio likes Wiseguys Hobbies, in Williston Park. Both have online services, but each is worth visiting in person. Clearance/Estate/Going out of business sales are sources, but you have to look for them and act fast. Andys Hobby HQ recently had deals on Tiger 1s and Hetzers. Don finds bargains on AliExpress, but returns can be a problem. Frank was surprised to find a jet (not an F-4) for $10.00 on Amazon. He bought it and the following day the price had changed to $110.00. And don't forget Lou. If they make it, he can get it. 

 
Next meeting is Tuesday, 3/5/24 at 7:30pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

 
~Russ

 

BPMS Group Build, NYC February 24, 2024

  

 
Thanks to Julio, there's another Modelers Meet-up in the Daffodil classroom at Pier 57 (25 11 Ave, near W15 St) in Manhattan this Saturday, the 24th, from noon to 5pm.

 

BPMS Zoom 2/20/23 Mini Meeting Report

Sixteen people attended the meeting. Thanks to Julio, there's another Modelers Meet-up in the Daffodil classroom at Pier 57 (25 11 Ave, near W15 St) in Manhattan this Saturday, the 24th, from noon to 5pm. It's free. All you have to bring is a model to build. 

We welcomed Jessica, a modeler from CT (and the new Secretary of the IPMS executive board) who told us about the swap/sell/make meetings her club holds to promote the hobby. Mark shared photos of Hudson Valley club members preparing for a make & take by test building kits they plan to distribute.
We saw several simple, inexpensive display bases. 

Don discussed the pros and cons of AliExpress, Mark observed that 0.170 vinyl tubing is the perfect size for decanting Tamiya's spray paint and Jimmy recalled how surgical gauze was turned into camouflage nets, back in the day. 

In-progress and completed work included: Hawker Hurricane, B-26, the Fly (Joe improved the control panel), Moon Suit, SdKfz 232, Challenger 2, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (from the 1951 Scrooge), Frankenstein's monster (as described in Mary Shelly's book), Hotel Transylvania Wolfman (Kevin's latest sculpture), Vickers twin turret tank, Falcon 10 and Chani (from Dune - Gil printed the 3D figure). Acquisitions included: Goliath and Assault Pioneers, Tankcraft books, Jaguar XKE, Ghost of Christmas Present, Gotha bomber and IJN Akagi Island/flight deck. 

The featured tool was a watch case knife. Designed to pry tight fitting pieces apart, it also works well as a seam scraper. 

The topic was what do you save at the end of the build and what do you salvage before trashing an old kit? Most of us save the extra/optional parts included in the kit. We save specific parts like canopies, cockpit components, ordnance, landing gear, wheels for aircraft and vehicles, tank tracks, decals, vehicle stowage and tools. We also save parts because of their shape or size. Tom G saves instructions, Chuck saves long, straight lengths of sprue. Many save figures from military vehicles although older figures don't meet today's standards. We salvage resin and well molded parts from kits headed for the trash. Most would save the boxes if they had room. Having a viking funeral for boxes was mentioned, but that was joke, right? I repeat, right? 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 2/27/24 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. Or at Pier 57. Or both. 

~Russ

BPMS Meeting: February 16, 2024

Minutes from the January Meeting
Attendance: Members – 19, Guests – 1, Models – 10
Meeting was gaveled to order at 8:00PM.

New Business: In the absence of your editor, Bob P., your Activities Director steps up with the New Business.

Despite the foul weather, we kicked off 2024 impressively. Tom Govia took the president's seat and took command of his first meeting up front. Many members brought in models to sell, and plenty of those found new homes.

For FEBRUARY we have two activities. 

1. First, it's time for the first quarterly contest of 2024. If you built something new for the LEGENDS theme contest, or have a model that hasn't competed in a previous quarterly contest, feel free to bring it in. 
2. The second activity is the BPMS classic SHOW US YOUR TOOL. If you have a tool or process or source, etc. that the group might like to learn about, feel free to bring it in and tell us about it. Also, seven members have declared their model pledges for 2024. You can let me know what you select through APRIL.

Business starts at 8PM, but members are at the facility by 6PM. Feel free to join us early!  

Download the FULL BPMS Bulletin in PDF format HERE.

 

 

February 6, 2024, BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Eleven people attended. No Tuesday meeting next week, the in-person meeting is Friday, the 16th, at the Community Center. Doors open around 6 pm, meeting starts around 7:30 pm. Details are in the newsletter, which is in the mail.

Thanks to Julio for arranging the 2/24/24 Modeler's Meet Up at Pier 57 (11Ave & W15 St) in Manhattan. See the BPMS Facebook page for details. Noreastcon is Saturday 3/23/24 at the Freeport Recreation Center.

Bobby was happy to report he acquired a piece from the estate of hobby industry legend and early BPMS member Andy Yanchus. If you didn't know Andy, the Maxsmodels site has videos describing his work for Aurora and Marvel. 

 
Looking to attract new people to IPMS competitions, we talked about better ways to categorize Gundam et al, rather than lumping them into the Sci-fi/Fantasy category. Your suggestions are welcome.

In progress and completed work included: Water Taxi, Aerial Hunter Killer (from Terminator 2), four versions of Wolfman, Frankenstein's monster, Pebbles Flintstone, SdKfz 232, P-47, Me-262, Brewster Buffalo, Chani (from Dune) and FR-8G Crusader. Acquisitions included: Moderoid (from Robocop 2) and OV-10.

This week's tool was DAP plastic wood filler. It adheres well to resin (not so well to plastic) and is good for filling large gaps with minimal shrinkage.

We discussed our oldest models and how some fell victim to firecrackers and decluttering (often involuntary). While glow in the dark Godzilla, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, an Airfix Chieftain and a Porsche 914 may only be memories, these have kits survived: F-14 Tomcat, UH-60, 1976 Ford Econoline van, Matchbox F-5, Italeri Phantom, Esci F -16, Aurora Bismarck and Aurora Panther. They're dusty, but they're still here.

Next meeting is Friday, 2/16/24. No invites needed. Contest entry and tool are recommended. Confused? Read the newsletter.

~Russ

In memory of Andy Yanchus

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak6O06rOWpk

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