September 9 2025 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Eleven people attended. No Tuesday Zoom next week, the in-person meeting is Friday the 19th. We'll remember Don Illjes by telling stories and bringing in the types of models he liked to build. Hypothetical and real WW2 German aircraft, Sci-fi, fantasy, submarines and armor come to mind, but there may be more.

Lou was pleased to report Meng's 1/48 EA-18G Growler, Ryefield's 1/35 Leopard 2A7, M-109A Paladin, M-4 A3 76mm with full interior, Takom's 1/35 Tiger 1 (early production), Tiger 1 (early command), Israeli M1 Super Sherman and 1/32 Horton 229 Flying Wing are available. 

Talking about the 2026 IPMS Nationals got us talking about Cleveland (it's kinda close to Ft Wayne) and aviation pioneer Roscoe Turner, his accomplishments and his pet lion, Gilmore. 

A mystery was solved when Bobby told us how a pencil extender can be used. 

We saw Vaughn's F-100, Simon's Fw-200, Chuck's Me-262, Gil's 3D printed swamp buggy, Frank C's Blackhawk, Kevin's Fr. Karras bust and Russ' M-109. 

Acquisitions included: UH 60 M Blackhawk, Moon Hopper, and German Rocket Ship Airliner. 

Two tools this week - Gil's Steel Wall Target, from Gator, is designed to hold tools on the wall but lay it on your workbench, get a couple of magnets, and you have an assembly jig. Bobby's mobile phone pry bar, from AliExpress, can safely disassemble mismatched parts or entire models. 

The topic was precut masks. The general consensus was they were a good product requiring a lot of patience to get a good result. Even so, paint can bleed under them. Like photoetch, they may or may not be used if included in the kit, depending on the modeler. Gil showed us the sheet with 165 masks that came with Fujimi's 1/150 Water Taxi, Himiko (the model is about 8.5 " long - good luck). Many of us use liquid masks. Gil told us that silicone tipped shapers, available at Michael's, Hobby Lobby or online, can be used like paint brushes to apply liquid masks precisely. Just make sure the shaper has the right density for the job. And who can talk about masks without talking about stencils? Not us, but that's a topic in itself, one we'll revisit soon. 

The next meeting is Friday, 9/19/25 at the Community Center in Brooklyn. No invites needed. Doors open around 5pm. Meeting starts around 7:30. I seriously doubt you'll bring in as many models as Don did after lockdown, but you can try, we got lotsa tables.
 

~Russ

 

  

BPMS' AWARD ARRIVES!

 Congrats to all the members! Your work and efforts made this possible.

 

September 2, 2025 - BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

It's official! The IPMS/USA Award naming BPMS Region One's Chapter of the Year for 2024 was delivered to Frank C, who provided the photo. If a picture isn't enough, you can see and, maybe, touch it (if your hands are clean) at the 9/19/25 meeting at the Community Center. Now back to our regular program.

Eleven people attended.
Jimmy told us about a recent delivery where figures from Evolution arrived in no name packaging. When asked, the vendor implied it was a shipping work- around. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Three tips - Simon found that acetone works as a solvent for both enamel and acrylic paints. - Kevin told us that UV light will penetrate Blue Stuff thermoplastic molding material, which is very helpful if you're casting UV Resin. - Gordon uses Tamiya Clear as an alternative to Future.
We saw Vaughn's F-100, and it got us asking why Trumpeter included a Navy EW pod in the kit rather than a M-117 bomb and what color would that bomb be, anyway? We also saw Kevin's Fr. Karras bust (from The Exorcist) and Omen vignette (with kid, dog & tombstone), Gil's 3D printed 60's era drag bike, Frank C's Blackhawk 2, and Russ' M-109.
Acquisitions included: book on Zimmerit, figures (in no name package) and Chengdu J-20.
The tool was a wireless soldering iron, $15.00, from Amazon. The tip is sold separately. It has a USB C plug and heats up very quickly. Gil likes it for working on strip lighting. We also discussed ultrasonic cleaners, silicone spatulas / bottle scrapers, and silicone eye makeup tools (that's what AliExpress calls 'em).
The topic was the model we were afraid to start and why. Maybe it's too big to display, or maybe we want to get all our references and aftermarket parts before starting or maybe it has way too many parts to begin with. A more personal reason is thinking we must improve our skills before we can begin building. But Kevin, who felt that way until he asked himself "how hard is it to remove paint and re-start" overcame that. And Simon reminded us that "getting started is the hardest part". So, get started on something for next Tuesday's meeting. 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.
~Russ

  

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report- Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Twelve people attended. Talk about wide-ranging interests! We started the meeting with a technical discussion of the S-67 helicopter and the AGM-62 Walleye missile and ended the meeting talking about Zaku mobile suits, the story behind them and the many kits available. And every topic was illustrated by photos pulled up and shared by the quick fingered guys who know how to do such things. Very impressive and much appreciated.

We saw Vaughn's F-107 (good Trumpeter kit but poor decals), Simon's Fw-200 (his first foray into acrylic paints), Kevin's Barnabas Collins bust (the silver cane handle is rattle can Rust-Oleium Bright Coat) and Frank C's Blackhawk (using the build first, paint later method).
Acquisitions included: A-10 C, AH 1-W Super Cobra, Eddie the Head (an Iron Maiden thing), F-35 A Lightning II, M1-A1 and YF-23.

A jewelry picker from Hobby Lobby was the featured tool. The silicone tips (big at one end, small at the other) can pick up/place small parts without leaving any residue. The HL jewelry section has many tools with modeling potential.

There was a good discussion about the collections we've built or plan to build. Vaughn has groups of 1/72 Mig fighters, WW2 night fighters and Sikorsky aircraft, among others. Kevin has experimental aircraft, real spacecraft, Werewolves and Medusas. Back in the day, Chuck thought about building F-4Us in different scales so he could create a forced perspective display in the hallway of his railroad flat apartment. Frank C thinks building Revell 's F-14 A, B and D with wings in different positions would make an interesting display. Many people's collections are more like accumulations of their favorites, like Tiger 1s, Shermans, Churchills, Gundams, Volkswagens, F-4 Phantoms, etc. If you get bored by building the same kit multiple times, try building different manufacturer's kits of the same prototype.

The next meeting is Tuesday, 9/2/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Enjoy the Labor Day long weekend.

~Russ

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report: 08/19/25

Thirteen people attended. Andrew was back, after a long absence. Those of us who went to the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, VA gave their opinions of the event and the experience in general. Several are considering attending the 2026 Nationals in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Now that would be an interesting road trip. 

 

Lou reports the Atlantis 1/48 Fokker DR 1 and 1/108 C 141 A Starlifter, Miniart's 1/35 1.5-ton 4x4 and Pegasus' 1/144 NATO infantry are available.

 

We saw Vaughn's F-104 and F-107 (and a photo of an F-107 in a scrapyard), Kevin's Nosferatu and Barnabas Collins busts, Gordon's Gundam Stormbringer, and Frank C's F-104. 

 

Items acquired at the Nationals were too numerous to list here but one, Tamiya's new Pak 38 anti-tank gun, wound up as a prize in the raffle at our 8/15/25 meeting, courtesy of Jimmy.  

 

This week's tool was a Beeswax holder from Hobby Lobby. Use the wax to prevent fraying and improve the appearance of thread used for rigging, car battery cables, etc. Or put a bit of wax on a toothpick and use it to pick up small items. Thanks again, Gil. Speaking of tools, a new Harbor Freight is coming to Brooklyn, at the intersection of Nostrand Ave and Ave U. No dates yet. 

 

The topic was vintage kits. More than one person said Monogram's old 1/48 planes may have been simple, but shapes were correct, and they built up into nice models. Likewise, for Revell's 1/48 F-105, F-102 and Canberra kits. Talk about staying power, the originals are still in demand. Gil's idea of vintage is Monogram's  Futurista, a 3 wheeled bubbletop on a VW chassis. Gordon's is the Destroid Defender he got, courtesy of Joe H, at the same 8/15 /25 raffle. By coincidence, Revell's 1/32 Bell Huey Cobra was the vintage kit Frank C and Russ both plan to build (Frank's will be better). Mark feels vintage kits aren't worth the effort. Still, if he found a Monogram Kingfisher, it would end up on his workbench. And vintage isn't limited to plastic. Ask Lou or Gil about their Strombecker wood models. 

 

If we missed your favorite vintage kit, tell us about it at the next meeting, Tuesday, 8/26/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

 

~Russ 

BPMS Member awarded 1st Place!

 There were plenty of outstanding models at the 2025 IPMS/USA Nationals held this year in Hampton Roads, Va. The results have been PUBLISHED and for those that haven't seen Nestor's   1st Place Stratocruiser, you can find it on page 139.

 

BPMS in Virginia

 BPMS is being well represented at the Nats in Va. A handful of members went down to represent the group, and to enter models into their favorite categories. More news when they get back!  :)

 

We also sponsored two categories - 

 

BPMS Meeting: Friday, August 15, 2025

ACTIVITIES DIRECTING

By Bobby Pokorny

  

Welcome to AUGUST! We have some fun things coming up this month. 

Hello everyone! August is upon us again. The year sure has been moving along way too quickly! This month’s activities are:

 Pizza Night: Possibly the biggest member favorite activity. Just be sure that your dues are paid up. Bring your appetite, but not your friends.

 Contest Night 3Q: This is the third installment of the annual contest. That means you can bring in any work that hasn’t already appeared in a quarterly contest. You can, however, bring in anything you built for the LONG LIVE THE KING theme contest since it is new work. 

I am sure we will also discuss the IPMS Nationals as we have several members attending. 

Meeting Date: 

AUGUST 15, 2025

Members start showing up by 5PM to set up.

Feel free to come early and hang-out!

 

 

August Bulletin by Kevin K in PDF Format

 

  

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: Tuesday 08/05/2025

Nine people joined the August 5 on-line meeting, most with memories of unwise modeling purchases and industry decisions.

Lou confirmed arrival of Tamiya’s 1/72 scale F-35C carrier fighter and 1/35 scale M36 Jackson tank destroyer.  He noted that Roden has released a 1/144 scale XC-99 – a one-off prototype cargo plane on no-one’s most-wanted list.

Vaughan continued his ‘frigging nightmare’ pursuit of a 1/72 scale A-5A with the revelation that his ancient, nicely-molded, and recently-purchased Revell Vigilante kit is 1/82 scale.  Research continues on how to turn Trumpeter’s hump-backed RA-5C into a bomb-carrying A-5A.  In contrast, Vaughan work on the Trumpeter 1/72 scale F-107 Ultra Sabre revealed, “a nice model. Fits are gorgeous.”

Vaughan has always wanted to build a B-26 in flight pose and had high hopes for the 1/48 scale ICM kit. He concluded, “Now I’m dreading it.” The state-of-the-art Marauder has too many parts, and thick fuselage walls leave insufficient room for a bombardier in the nose.

Chuck suspended his usual airplane modeling last week to clean up windstorm damage but noted, “I found myself this year making far more tanks than I ever thought I would.” A BPMS raffle saddled him with a 1/35 German monstrosity with over 900 parts, and he asked, “What am I going to do with this?”

Kevin rediscovered the Dark Shadows vampire soap opera and  bought a figure of Barnabas Collins. He reflected on his attic stash of crude short-run garage kits, bought when he thought,  ‘If I don’t get it, I’m gonna lose out forever!”

Gil remembers buying an old Lindberg dune buggy that required the modeler to wind his own electric motor armature. “What a piece of crap it was.” His latest 3D-printed project is a practice block to paint the eyes for 1/6 or ¼ scale figures. Gil’s Tool Tip of the Week was a sticky bead mat made of washable silicone. The double-sided mat keeps small parts from rolling away on the workbench.

Simon continues to restore an old Monogram HU-16 Albatross with fragile Print Scale decals.  He noted that even in comfortable retirement and this time of new-kit plenty, “I still can’t go out and spend $180 on a model.”

Frank G. has begun building an old B-29 kit to commemorate the atomic bomb mission on Japan 80 years ago. An internet search revealed, “Hiroshima doesn’t seem to be trending right now.”

Never a trend follower, Frank C continues work on the old Revell F-104 in 1/32 scale. He confessed his purchase of the huge Monogram B-36 and his rapid regret and resale of the 1/72 scale monster. Likewise less-than-exciting kits of British Seahawk and Attacker jets in 1/48 scale were bought and purged from his stash. 

Russell Zoomed-in enroute to the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia. He observed, “I don’t really regret them, but I do have several kits I knew when I bought them would be difficult to build and display – the Dragon railroad gun, Dragon M48 with bridge.  I don’t regret any of them, but I know they’re impractical.”

There will be no Zoom meeting next week. The next In-Person BPMS meeting comes on Friday, August 15 and marks this year’s gluttonous Pizza Night!

~Frank C 

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report - 07/29/2025

Topic: Favorite Tamiya Kits  

 

Eleven people attended.  We remembered our friend and skilled modeler, Don Illjes, who passed away on July 19, 2025. A colorful and generous guy, he'll be missed. RIP, Don.

 

Several club members will be at the IPMS Nationals in Hampton VA next week. Have a safe trip, guys. 

 

Lou reports Trumpeter's 1/48 Fairey Barracuda and Roden's 1/144 XC-99 are available.

 

There were technical discussions on the F-107, the history and use of the A5 Vigilante and the different approaches different nations took to add radar to their aircraft during WW 2.

 

We saw Vaughn's Ju-88 C GB and his other night fighters (P-61, Me Bf 110 G4, He-219 A-7,  NF Mosquito and Bristol Beaufighter), Erasmo's Spirit of Saint Louis, Kevin's 'It's a Wonderful Life' diorama and scratch-built tree for his evil Cheshire Cat, Gil's 3D printed female motorcyclist (we'll see his 3D printed Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle later), Frank's Mig 15, RF 5A and F 104 and Russ' M-109 and Kettenkraftrad.  

 

Acquisitions included Trumpeter's F-107 and Pegasus' Mothman. 

 

Gil found another useful dollar store item, a silicone finger protector (aka thimble). If your knife slips a lot, you need this.

 

The featured topic was your favorite Tamiya model. Like parents being asked, "who's your favorite child",  several people said, "all of them" and went on to name specific kits. The 1/100 F 105D, 1/48 He-219 A7,  1/48 Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS 1, 1/35 Ford GPA amphibian, 1/35 M-113 variants, 1/35 Tiger 1 variants, 1/35 Panzer 3 and1/35 Char B bis all got shout outs. Lou recalled meeting Mr. Tamiya at an industry show (he also met Mr.  Hasegawa and Fujimi's founders during his career). Two guys admitted to never buying a Tamiya kit and one guy just realized he had more Tamiya aircraft than he remembered in his stash.

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 8/5/25 at 7:30 pm. Frank C will send the invites. Hope to see you there.

 

~Russ

  

 

  

Long-time member Don Illjes dead at 74.

It's with great sadness that I am reporting about the death of longtime member Don Illjes on July 19, 2025. He was 74. While his cause of death is unknown to us, his health had been of concern for years. Rest in peace, Mr Wood Doctor. 

 

BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting: 7/22/25 meeting featured topic - old dog new trick

Featured Discussion: What new (to you) modeling technique have you tried lately and how did it work out?

Eleven people attended. 

We noted the passing of former Tamiya President Shunsaku Tamiya, and we reminisced about former IPMS President Jack Kennedy. And yes, we talked about Ozzy Osbourne, too.
Two group builds coming up, the first at Japan Village in Brooklyn on 7/26/25 and the second at Pier 57 in Manhattan on 8/2/25. Several BPMS members are going to the IPMS Nationals on 8/6-10/25 in Hampton, VA. Kevin made an offer to put their impressions in the Bulletin and who's gonna refuse an offer from Kevin? 

Mark told us about Hoopla, an online streaming service for public libraries. It's a convenient way to access refence material. Unfortunately, not all libraries have it. 

Russ shared a friend's photo of the Cavalcade of Wings display at the Albuquerque Airport. Nine hundred models, not a bad place for a layover, eh? Check the Airport website for details. 

We saw Vaughn's Ju-88 and Vigilante RA 5C to A5 conversation (he expects it to be challenging), Mark's Porsche 926, Kevin's George Bailey and Mary Hatch figures (from It's a Wonderful Life), Chuck's P-51 (with Rub 'n Buff natural metal finish), Gil's 3D printed Anna Valerious figure (from Van Helsing), Simon's Grumman Albatross (an old build he rescued from E-Bay), Frank's F-104 (rescued from his shelf of doom) and Bobby's TL 800 Gundam. 

Acquisitions included: Master Tool Rivet Maker, Harder & Steenbeck airbrush, a pencil extender, metallic paint markers and dotting tools. 

This week's tool was a dollar store handle for foam sanding pads, which led to an interesting observation. Not every dollar store carries the same items, so it pays to visit each one you come across. 

We didn't hear many new tricks. Using paint markers instead of brushes or airbrushes was one (greater control). Using ceramic burrs on your rotary tool was another (won't heat up and melt plastic like metal burrs do). Last one, cosmetic sponges can be used for highlighting (an alternative to dry brushing). 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 6/29/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. Stay hydrated. 

~Russ  

 

 

  

July 8, 2025 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting

Twelve people attended, including Paul F, who we haven't seen in a while. Kevin was our moderator. Sad news, former IPMS President and ex Long Islander Jack Kennedy passed away. Years ago, I met him at a Convention and told him I was with BPMS. He remembered the club and asked about several members by name. He was glad to hear we were still active. RIP, Jack. 

 

No Tuesday Zoom next week. The in-person meeting is Friday, 7/18/25 at the Community Center. The theme is NACA/NASA. Don't be confused, it's all explained in the Bulletin, which went out this morning. 

 

Lou reports Academy's 1/35 Israeli M-113 Fitter ARV is available. Kevin mentioned an injection molded Mothman kit is in the works.

 

We saw Vaughn's F-104 (he managed to fit in a pilot and instrument panel) and Ju-88, Paul's large scale '67 Mustang (Elanore, from Gone in 60 Seconds) and Space Ark (from When Worlds Collide), Gil's customized Trailer and 3D printed Nicholas Cage figure (to accompany Eleanor), Chuck's P-47, Erik's Panther G (he said the  blitz kit looked good, was cheap and fun to build) and Skyraider, Erasmo's F-101 Voodoo, Yak 38 and Hurricane, Gordon's Prototype Gundam (he showed us how to improve reflective surfaces with vinyl cutouts and UV Resin), Kevin's Bedford Falls sidewalk and a scratch-built spooky tree you'd never see in Bedford Falls, Frank C's A-4F Skyhawk (with "Lady Jessie" markings). 

 

Just one acquisition, Ukrainian M1 -A1.

 

Gil's tool of the week was armature wire. Slip an alligator clip on the end and you have a flexible paint stand. Kevin uses a wooden clamp when sculpting, but he thinks a short length of 2x4, a wood block and a carriage bolt would work just as well. 

 

The topic was building to a deadline. Depending on who you speak to, deadlines can focus our attention, make us rush/make mistakes, or take the fun out of building. Some build to deadlines but don't enjoy it. Others set deadlines and never meet them. Most memorable deadline stories? Repairing a damaged aircraft in a hotel bathroom the night before the entry was due and working on a kit in the back of a van while being driven to the venue. 

 

We had time for several spontaneous discussions, the December British science fiction theme contest,  the status of the only S-60 helicopter ever built, the story of Jessie Beck and her connection with VA 164 and filling small cracks with UV resin.

 

The next meeting is Friday, the 18th at the Community Center in Brooklyn. Doors open around 5:30 pm. No invites needed. Bring your NACA/NASA builds. Bring your dues if you haven't done so already. Stay cool, see you next week. 

 

~Russ 

 

  

BPMS MEETING: JULY 18, 2025

 ACTIVITIES DIRECTING

By Bobby Pokorny

Welcome to JULY! I hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July! 

NACA/NASA THEME NIGHT:  While we realize that not everyone is a Real Space Modeler, the rules are that any plane/support vehicle does not have to have the NACA/NASA logo on it – only that you provide the reason it belongs in this exhibit.

For example, if you show an F-15 that doesn’t have NASA logo on it, it will still count of you can say that F15s were typically used by NASA as chase planes, and fill the role of escort aircraft during research missions. Or that the F-15s are used by Armstrong research pilots for routine flight training required by all NASA pilots.

For the car guys, did you know that most of the Apollo astronauts drove gold Corvettes? Light bulb!

Got it? Let’s see what the club tables will look like! ~KK

Meeting Date: 

JULY 18, 2025

Members start showing up by 5PM to set up.

Feel free to come early and hang-out!

 

 

July Bulletin by Kevin K in PDF Format

July 1, 2025 - BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Eleven people attended. 

The next Pier 57 group build is Saturday, 8/2/25, in Manhattan. The IPMS Nationals are 8/6-9/25, in Hampton VA. Mark and Don talked about the plans for this year's convention and others shared their good (and less good) experiences at recent Nationals. 

We saw Mr. K's Fireball Dragster, Lockheed 12, Model 18 Twin Beech and P-40E, Kevin's George and Mary Bailey figures, scratch-built, guitar playing, Cheech (maybe it was Chong) from Up in Smoke and evil Cheshire Cat with scratch-built tree, Bobby's Sabre Cat and space forklift (?) and Gil's Phantom Ford Econoline van (it's a long story). Acquisitions included: Jagdpanther, Flash Gordon figure and Porsche tractor. Speaking of acquisitions, Joe H said A&N Model Trucks is a good place to find truck parts and accessories online. 

Leaving the Dollar Store, Gil found this week's tool at Home Depot. It's a 10' long by 6" wide roll of aluminum flashing, estimated to be around 0.02" thick. It can be easily cut and shaped and has many possible uses (think schurzen for a Jagdpanther or bulkhead/firewall for an aircraft or vehicle). 

The topic was rebuilding kits to bring them up to your current skill level. Some people feel a model has a life cycle. It's built, stored, entered in a contest, displayed at home, or stored. Some leave their old work as is, to remind them what went wrong. Frank C doesn't rebuild. Instead, he takes old, partially built kits off the shelf and completes them. He's usually happy with the results. Kevin will repaint figures if he wants to try a new technique. But most of us don't look back, especially if we have an embarrassingly large stash. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 7/8/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

~Russ

 

  

June 24, 2025 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

What better way to deal with the heat than by sharing your knowledge of modeling snow and ice and applying winter camouflage?  Want more? OK, Gil will explain how to make your own paint!   

 

Thirteen people attended. Turnout was good for last week's Long Live the King theme contest. Could it be because it was also Picnic Night? Check the photos on the BPMS Facebook page and judge for yourself. 

 

Online registration for the IPMS Nationals closes on June 30.

 

The next Pier 57 group build is Saturday, 8/2/25. Details to follow. 

 

We saw Mr. K's Chinese Cruser, Dodge Ram V 12 and Fairey Battle Mk 1, Angelo's WW Toons Panther G, Frank C's A-4 Skyhawk, Frank G's Mummy's Chariot and Russ' M-109. 

 

Acquisitions included: F-4E (Turkish markings), F-4 B, Pz-4 H, Tornado, Kubelwagon,  Jeep, several ResKit aftermarket sets, '56 Chevy Del Ray, Mr. Gasser and Porsche 962 C.

 

We talked about the pros and cons of using a marker to highlight mold seams prior to sanding.

 

Mark found several useful tools in the jewelry section at Hobby Lobby, a sticky pad to keep small pieces from getting lost and a sticky pencil to pick up and place those small pieces. He also reviewed the Keshi rotary tool and Dspiae reciprocating sander.

 

Gil explained how to make paint. For acrylics, add a small amount of pigment powder (earthpigments.com is a good source) to Golden Varnish or Minwax Polycrylic. Mix well. For lacquers, add pigment to Testors Dullcote.

 

We discussed modeling snow and ice and applying winter camouflage. Lou remembered a time when modelers used powered chalk for snow. Model railroad accessory companies, like Woodland Scenics, have a variety of winter effects. Simon used Spackle (not speckle) as a snow layer on dioramas. Mark sprinkled Micro ballons for his snow cover. Frank G put white paint on a toothbrush and flicked it with his thumb to speckle (not Spackle) his model. We saw how Bobby (brush painted) and Jimmy (airbrushed) applied multiple layers of heavily thinned white paint over the base paint to create realistic finishes on their 1/72 and 1/35 scale armor kits.  Erasmo asked for paint recommendations for a winter camouflaged Sepecat Jaguar he plans to build.  Suggestions included an Ammo by Mig winter color and weathering set and Mr. Surfacer white primer. Can you offer any other suggestions? 

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 7/1/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there.

 

~Russ 

 

  

Bpms Zoom Mini Meeting: June 10, 2025

Six people attended. One left early, one came late so we had five people in each session. Vaughn was the moderator; Frank C took care of posting on line searches to the chat. Thanks a lot, guys.

 

No Tuesday Zoom next week, the in-person meeting is Friday, the 20^th at the Community Center. It's Picnic night and the Long Live the King theme contest. Picnic night may have replaced BBQ night, but it still costs money, $15.00. Jeff will be collecting. The contest sponsors are encouraging those who won't be in Brooklyn on the 20th to send a photo of their King related build by the 15th for display at the contest.

 

Lou is anticipating the availability of Tamiya's 1/72 F-35C, 1/35 M-36 and Valentine.

Vaughn shared photos from last week's Warbird Weekend at the Connecticut Air and Space Center. 

 

We saw Kevin's scratch-built Miner (not minor) from Galaxy Quest, Russ's King Tiger, Frank's A-4 Skyhawk and Vaughn's Ju-88 and F-104 pilot modification. 

 

Acquisitions included: Space 1999 Hawk, Thunderbird 2 and Witch Lair.

 

Although the featured topic was modeling disasters, attendance as so low that we had time to discuss multiple topics. 

 

Disasters: Some are the manufacture's fault - when the assembly sequence is critical but the instructions don't show you the sequence and some are self-inflicted -we didn't pay enough attention to the instructions to recognize differences in similar parts, airbrushing when it's humid, cutting out vacuform canopies, paint smears, glue marks, mishandled broken parts. Lessons learned, a fogged clear flat coat can be corrected by over spraying with a clear gloss coat and, when dry, re apply the clear flat.

 

December theme contest: What not so obvious sources qualify, HG Wells stories like The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, First Men in the Moon or something from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or from the 1939 or 1976 movie The Shape of Things to Come? And don't forget the 1985 movie, Lifeforce.

 

Trends in the hobby: larger scale kits, fewer military models, more Gundam, fewer re issues 

Aircraft histories: F-107, A-4

Saving old decals: Testor's decal Bonder Spray, Micro Scale Liquid Decal Film

On line resources:  Scotts Model Workshop

 

The next meeting is Friday, 6/20/25 at the Community Center. Doors open at 5 PM. Picnic night, Long Live the King contest and visitors from out of state, what more could anyone want? Hope to see you there.

 

~Russ 

BPMS MEETING: JUNE 20, 2025

 ACTIVITIES DIRECTING

By Bobby Pokorny

Welcome to JUNE! AS we approach the start of summer, our JUNE meeting has some fun things going on!

LONG LIVE THE KING THEME CONTEST:  It’s finally here! The LONG LOVE THE KING Theme Contest is finally upon us. The sponsors have challenged the group to build something that can be connected to the theme in some way. We are eager to see how the theme is interpreted by the members!

SUMMER PICNIC NIGHT: We’re trying something a little different this year. The BBQ is fun, except for the crew doing the cooking and set up. It’s been pretty hot and the mosquitoes are unrelenting, so this year we are trying heroes instead. $15 per person. Feel free to bring sides, snacks, desserts, etc.

Meeting Date: 

JUNE 20, 2025

Members start showing up by 5PM to set up.

Feel free to come early and hang-out!

 

 

June Bulletin by Kevin K in PDF Format

June 3, 2025 BPMS Zoom Mini Meeting Report

Twelve people attended. 

Mark shared photos of last month's Lego Show in Warwick, RI and WonderFest in Louisville, KY. 

We saw Vaughn's Ju-88 and F-104 pilot, Simon's P-40 C and BV-138, Erasmo's Mirage F-1, Kevin's Aztec Princess and Razor Crest (the Bandai kit impressed Kevin), Mr. K's Gollum figure, mounted Ringwraith, female hunter with saber tooth tiger and Vampirella, Gil's 3 D printed Landmaster (from Damnation Alley), Frank C's A4-E (his long-awaited pledge model) and Bobby's Witch King. BTW, have you decided which king you'll enter in the June theme contest? 

Acquisitions included : Blackburn Skua, PWS-26, PBY-5A Catalina (buying the Atlantis kit lets Mr. K keep the Monogram kit in his stash) and Hiller X 18 Convertiplane (Aurora kit). 

The tool was a 3 D printed V block, good for holding / assembling / painting cylindrical and other shaped items. No 3D printer? No problem, you can find them in stores and online. 

The topic was things we avoid and why. Photoetch can be more trouble than it's worth. Aircraft kits with raised panel lines were mentioned. Kits by A Model, Kitty Hawk, Unicraft and Monogram were said to have poor instructions, be too crude, too complex, required major clean up or modification, or just not interesting. But, as Kevin pointed out, if it's the only game in town, you complain as you build. For paints, the high cost of AKI paint, a bad experience with Mig's British Armor paint set, a general dislike of acrylic paint and problems brushing Tamiya (which, we learned, can be eliminated by using their retarder), were noted. Quick tip, Micro Sol can attack Vallejo paints. Use a good clear coat. Some of us avoid resin because of concerns about dust. Then Gil showed us (for the second time, actually) the dust collector box he built for his shop vac. 

The next meeting is Tuesday, 6/10/25 at 7:30 pm. Invites to follow. Hope to see you there. 

~Russ