Bulletin: August 2005

The Minutes!!!
by Bobby P.

The July meeting was a quiet but fun meeting. We had 24 members and two guests bringing in only 14 models.

JULY MEETING!!!

PHOTO ETCHED PARTS CLINIC : Hosted by Jimmy and Kevin. The two really went into detail on every aspect of these tricky parts. Thanks a lot guys for all the great tips and tricks you provided the group!

NEW MEMBER: Gordon Cheung was voted into the club . He found the club through an online message board. He brought in a GunPla WIP and some tasty cannolis! Welcome to the fold!

On the agenda: AUGUST

CONTEST NIGHT 3RD QTR 2005 : This is the third installment of the annual contest. You may bring in any model that hasn’t already been in a quarterly contest; that means you can bring in your entry from the last theme contest as long as it hasn’t been to a quarterly contest yet. Be sure to fill out your paperwork so people know to vote for you.

IPMS NATIONALS REVIEW : Hosted by Adrian and Russ. They were both at teh Nat's and took many pics, so they will let us know what the rest of us missed!

Our Current Location: Bergen Beach Sports Complex

• From Belt Pkwy: Take exit 11N - Flatbush Avenue North.
• Go North on Flatbush Avenue and make a right onto Avenue U (Kings Plaza).
• Continue on Avenue U to Bergen Avenue; Make a right onto Bergen Avenue.
• Go straight on Bergen Avenue 3 blocks. Sports Complex on left.

http://www.bbyosports.com/

THEME FOR DECEMBER, 2005

For December we have a CATS theme. Adrian, Russ, and Jeff have agreed to sponsor that one. Anything having to do with Cats will do. That includes any kind of cat in the name, etc. Panzers, Hellcats, Tomcats, and special paint schemes that depict leopard spots or tiger stripes are good too. If you have questions, ask the sponsors at the meetings. More details to come.

Bulletin: July 2005

June meeting, aka Pizza Night tends to bring members out of the woodwork. We had 23 members and one guest bringing in 26 models for a great theme contest night.

JUNE MEETING!!!

PIZZA NIGHT: More than 10 pies met their end at the meeting. Your humble narrator is responsible for consuming 9 slices alone. A new personal best, or is that really a new low? Either way, members always have fun on pizza night!

IN THE MOVIES: After months of anticipation, we finally had our theme contest. Ted and Phil sponsored “In The Movies” theme for the June meeting. About every interpretation of the theme was on display on the tables. The winners were:

HONORABLE MENTION
FRANK T: PANTHER
KEVIN B: FRANKENSTEIN
ISRAEL A: ROTJ DIORAMA
RUSS H: DR. ZIRA
RAY K: “SHERMAN TANK”
BOBBY P: EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS
JOHN M: JAMES BOND DIORAMA

THIRD PLACE
KEVIN B: GAMORREAN GUARD

SECOND PLACE

VINNY R: PT-109

FIRST PLACE
FRANK C: BLUE THUNDER

Congrats to the winners! Thanks to everyone who participated. An extra special thanks to the sponsors, without whom there would be no theme contest. Thanks to Ed D. for creating the beautiful awards. THANK YOU ALL!

On the agenda: JULY

PHOTO ETCHED PARTS CLINIC: Hosted by Jimmy, Adrian and Kevin. We can expect some educational in’s and out’s on working with photoetched parts. If anyone else would like to assist, just come to the meeting prepared to jump in!

From RC-1: G-III model

Hi all,

I received this today from Bobby Magina of Bay Colony. If you know anyone that may want to check into this, please pass it their way.

Thanks

Semper Fi
Doug

My name is Eileen Davie, and as I told you on the message I left on your work phone, I am contacting you via email to discern whether you might point me in the right direction for a specialized model maker.

I work for Phoenix Air (www.phoenixair.com) and one of the factions of the company's business is air ambulance. We are looking at getting a cutaway model of the Gulfstream III the company recently purchased to enable us to display it at trade shows, etc. The reason it needs to be cutaway is because we want to be able to show it in different air ambulance configurations (complete with model Spectrum stretchers), etc.

What we desire is a model approximately 2-1/2 feet long. The propellers do not need to turn and we won't need landing gear or anything like that.

Would you have some ideas on who or what company to contact? I'm sure your depth of contacts is much deeper than mine. The closest I've come to modeling is when I watched my brother when I was very young.

I appreciate anything you might be able to add to my scant knowledge.

Best regards,

Eileen Davie
Phoenix Air Group, Inc.
Cartersville, Georgia
770-387-2000

A special offer from Flex-I-File

Dear IPMS Members,

As a member of the West Michigan IPMS in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I would like to introduce myself and my Company. My name is Fred L. Shassberger and I have had a great time running Creations Unlimited Hobby Products located in Grand Rapids for over forty years.

We are the manufacturer of "Flex-I-File", "Flex-Pad", "Touch-N-Flow" and other products. If you want to erase parting lines and seams use our tools. If you want to change your models into museum quality pieces, then use our products.

Creations Unlimited Hobby Products would like to extend a 10% discount to all IPMS Members. All you need to do is go to our website at:

www.flex-i-file.com

Upon checkout, you will need to type in this Code number: 11268528 to receive your 10% discount automatically.

I am looking forward to hearing from all of the IPMS members.

Happy Modeling and Good Luck.

Yours Truly,

Fred L. Shassberger

P.S. If you have a modeling related web site, please feel free to add a link to www.flex-i-file.com.

RC-1: Update 7/1/05

Hi everyone,

This just in from President Dave, the latest news from the home office!!!

I'd just like to add the nationals start in about two weeks!! There'll be more news after the show.

Please share this with the officers and members of your chapter. Thanks!!!!!

Semper Fi
Doug

Hi Everyone:

• Less than a month until the greatest show in modeling, the IPMS/USA Atlanta Nationals and to say the least, it is going to be a really big show. The seminar schedule is up, the vendors are plentiful and DragonCon is right next door. There are new product announcements coming as well as kits available there first. Even if you can't make the entire show, it is worth a day just to buy browse and shop. Paul Cotcher and his crew have worked their tails off so stop by an tell them it is appreciated (it definitely is by the E-board)

• On another note, we have a constitutional amendment out for vote. Easiest 2 minutes you can spend is to vote on the IPMS web page. We need about 650 votes to make it a legal election and we are well on our way. I can tell you that next year, you can expect many amendments which are in the development stage at this time and getting the necessary signatures.

• Following this and at the same time the Nationals are occurring, there will be a vote for 2006-2007 officers. We have a single slate running but it is still your right to get out there and write in someone if you like.

• That's it for me. If you want the nuts and bolts of the IPMS system, we will have it at the business meeting which is Sat at 9 AM in Atlanta. We'll post minutes after that.

John Noack- 1st Vice President

• Continuing to monitor the status of the Congressional amendment to limit licensing fees on military models. Check the website for updates and contact information.

• Reviews continue at a healthy pace, including our first multi-supplier review incorporating the Trumpeter USS Lexington with a host of aftermarket suppliers' products being used to upgrade and enhance the kit - watch for it at this year's National Contest. Similar mega-reviews are underway by other reviewers.

• I will be meeting with new and existing industry contacts at the convention (and at DragonCon) to enlist their support for product reviews and Make and Take.

Ron Bell- 2nd Vice President

• Atlanta keeps chugging on saying that they're going to be the biggest ever. They've had to expand their hotel block and things are pointing in the right direction.

• I'm still waiting for the OC bid.

• We did get the check from Phoenix. The show made approximately $4800. Financial report will be published soon. It is available for the OC bid.

Jack Kennedy- Director of Local Chapters

• We have chartered 202 chapters. That is up from 200 last year. We lost a five and got seven new chapters.

• We have instituted using National Contest Rules for regionals.

• In the next few months we will be reviewing the possibility of forming a region 12 that will break R-5 into two regions to make it easier for the RC to have access to the chapters

MJ Kinney- Office Manger

• V17J4 of the journal was sent out to 4,368 members - this number is down from the last journal by 69 members. There were 279 members that had not renewed their memberships as they expired with this issue. To date (6/24/05) we have 327 new members this year.

• We are 6 weeks into voting on the amendment ballot and have 340 votes as of 6/24/05. We need to have 640 votes, either yes or no, to make this official. We urge everyone to either vote on line, mail their ballot found in the journal or drop a ballot in the box at the National Convention. We will have ballots at the National table at the convention.

• The E-Board will be staffing the National table at the Convention along with your Office Manager. You are welcome to renew your membership at that time, encourage a modeler to join, or just stop by to say hello. We will have golf shirts, t-shirts, hats, decals, lapel pins and a new item "IPMS patches" for sale.

• Any chapters needing insurance for their fall show should be thinking about getting the necessary information in so that the insurance coverage can be secured from the insurance company in a timely fashion

Glen Broman- Director of Foreign Liaison

• Here's the June update: We have a new SIG: WarWheels, the new SIG for Armored car/Wheeled fighting vehicles. They have a great web page and a very motivated and enthusiastic SIG leader, Patrick Keenan. The contact information is at http://www.warwheels.net.

David Von Almen- Journal Editor

• The Journal editor is now using the assistance of Paul Bradley and Chris Bucholtz to proof read. These two volunteers are already fast at work.

That's it for now, if you have any questions, please direct them to the RC's or me at dmorrissette@comcast.net

See you in Atlanta!!

Dave Morrissette
President, IPMS/US

Sympathies

On behalf of the BPMS, we offer condolences to
Frank T. and his family for the loss of his Mother and to
Scott M. and his family for the loss of his Father.

RC-1: Correction! 06/21/05

Good Morning,

Just a quick correction. In the Update, I mentioned that the rechartering fee would rise to $25.00 upon passage of the amendment before the body. This was in error.

The correct information should read the amendment will give the Executive Board the authority to review the rechartering fee, and set it at a level consistent to the operating needs of the Society.

(Thanks Fred!!!!)

Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.

Semper Fi

Doug

RC1 Update: June 18, 2005

Greetings,

Time for another quicky Region 1 Update.

The big news is the upcoming IPMS Nationals in Atlanta. We're about a month out, so I hope everyone that is going is busy firming up their plans, or working feverishly trying to get that model complete, From what I've been able to gather, this is going to be one of the best events yet. The available vendor tables are sold out, and a waiting list exists for tables, should they become available. The main and secondary hotels are also sold out. I know there are plenty of other hotels in the area, so no one should have to sleep in your car, unless you want to!! I'm looking forward to it, and hope to see a good number of Region 1 folks there. Make sure you look me up to say hey!!

Two Region 1 events have been posted on the IPMS web site in the events section. A good number of pictures from Noreastcon have been posted, compliments of our hosts this year, IPMS Rochester. They really capture the event, and the good time we all had. The second set is from a recent Make and Take hosted by IPMS North Shore. From the looks on the happy faces of the kids, this was a very successful event. These guys ran a great program, and it shows.

Also on the IPMS web site are two things everyone should know about, and participate in. One is the balloting for the constitutional amendment now before the body. It relates to increasing the rechartering fee to $25.00 per year. It's felt that the current fee of $10.00 is too low to cover the costs of the insurance, and the operating costs related to rechartering all the chapters every year. This is the first proposed increase in a hundred years, so everyone should consider a yes vote. Rechartering at $25.00 is still a great deal. The second item is the bio's for the candidates in the upcoming national election. While there is only one candidate for each office, I recommend reading the bios to check out the candidates. I think each one is very qualified for the office they seek, and as an RC, will be happy to work with all them. My predecessor, Jack Kennedy is running for President this time around. I think Jack will make an excellent President of IPMS/USA. As I mentioned, the rest of the slate is also very good, and I know many of them. I'll add here that the election doesn't start until July, but encourage everyone to vote early and often!! Voting for both can be done through the web site.

Now that the summer is nearly here, and modeling will be taking a back seat in many of our lives until fall, I hope everyone has a fun filled, and safe summer. The next update will come to you after the National event, or if breaking news comes my way.

Please share this with the officers and members of your chapter.


Semper Fi
Doug

A Mini Kit Review by Frank

MINI REVIEW BY FRANK T.

M4 SHERMAN (EARLY PRODUCTION)
TAMIYA 48TH SCALE

Every once in a while, for a change of pace, I build something in the armor category. Most often it is a wheeled vehicle of some kind because I don’t like dealing with tracks. If they are the old vinyl one piece “rubber band” tracks, I have trouble getting them on without bending or breaking some part of the model’s suspension. I haven’t used any of the great looking modern “build them up yourself” tracks because they seem too difficult for me as well as costing more than I want to spend.

Tamiya caught my attention when they released a group of 48th scale tanks, among which is the Sherman. I thought a 48th scale vehicle would look good on my shelf along with my 48th scale WWII aircraft. The fit of the parts is very good. There are somewhat fewer parts than in a 35th scale kit, so the main build goes very quickly. The tools are molded on the hull, but they have good definition and I found painting them to be no problem.

The suspension parts go together easily and Tamiya has engineered the kit so that it is easy to get the suspension system arranged symmetrically with all the road wheels sitting on the ground. This helps a great deal with the track installation.

The tracks, which I thought would be a problem, turned out to be easy to build. They are made of plastic, not vinyl. For each side of the vehicle there is a long run of track, top and bottom, along with two short runs which reach from the bottom run to the drive and return wheels. Then you get individual pieces to fit between the short runs and the top run to complete the track. Each of the short pieces fits nicely (almost a snap fit) into its neighboring piece. To summarize, building the tracks was no more of a problem than any other aspect of building the kit. Put the track part into place, a drop of crazy glue and add the next piece.

I will have to leave it to the experts as to whether or not this is an authentic representation of an early Sherman, although I will say that it looks good to me and reflects the pictures I saw in the “Sherman in Action” book by Squadron. It was a satisfying build and I look forward to modeling the Tiger I (early production) which is available in this series.

Frank's Sherman from the May Meeting.

Find more pics >HERE<

Pics from the May 2005 Meeting

I've had these sitting on my Hobbyfanatics Gallery for nearly a month and only now got the chance to post them for your viewing pleasure! Click on the thumbs to see a larger version.

Adrian tells us about his Indy.

New member, Hugh, tells us about his aircraft.

Jimmy Tells us about his Marder.

Jeff's Grav Tank.


A member digs through some parts for Parts Box Night.


Andrew's model aircraft.



Click here to see many more May pics on the BAXOJAYZ Gallery on Hobbyfanatics.

Bulletin: June 2005

May meeting had turnout in all our categories. We had 29 members bringing in 21 models for a great contest night.

MAY MEETING!!!

NEW MEMBER: Hugh decided to take the plunge and join up. You know he’s dedicated since he comes all the way from Pennsylvania for the meetings. Welcome to the fold!

CONTEST NIGHT – 2ND QTR 2005: Members brought in an array of wonderful work for the contest.

BASIC MODELING SKILLS CLINIC was scrapped. We had some extraordinary models on the tables so we got to hear about some of them. Thanks guys!

PARTS BOX NIGHT: There were some nice parts to be scored, thanks to those who contributed.

PUSH FOR INCREASED BUILDING CONTINUES: Jimmy ran another edition of the Re-Supply Raffle. Dan won a knife, Jeff some sandpaper, and I landed some dullcoat. Coolness!

On the agenda: JUNE

PIZZA NIGHT: Bring your appetite and no guests for this meeting. All members may participate as long as your dues are up to date. See Jeff the treasurer to check on your account.

IT’S FINALLY HERE!

IN THE MOVIES: Ted and Phil are sponsoring “In The Movies” in for June 2005. Basically build something, ANYTHING from a movie. This in from the sponsors: The parameters of this contest have been nailed. There will be no category judging just first, second and third places with honorable mentions. This contest is wide open, so build a scene, a prop, or anything else that is recognizable from a movie. It can be Godzilla leveling Tokyo, a space battle from Star Wars, a scene from Apocalypse Now, a monster from a classic horror movie, a plane from Top Gun, a naval battle from Ben Hur, etc, etc. This should be fun, its up to your imagination. Get ready because June will be here soon!

Region 1 Update, Post Noreastcon Edition

Greetings everyone,

Sorry for the delay in getting this out. I've been having problems with my computer. They're still not repaired properly, and I'm send this out from my brothers house. I don't have any numbers to pass on, as they're all in my unit at home. But I'll give it the best shot I can!!
Let me start by thanking Armand and the rest of the Rochester gang for hosting for us this year. They really stepped up to the plate for us, when it seemed our event may not happen. I really appreciate their effort on our behalf.

It seemed the overall numbers were down somewhat this year. I'm sure it was due to Mothers Day weekend. Most of the usual suspects were in attendance, but the overall numbers were still down.

That didn't diminish the quality of the models on the tables however. There were about 350 models on display, and the overall quality was very high. It would seem everyone had been busy over the past winter!! My congratulations to all the winners The vendor rooms held some good deals, and while a little heavy in the armor area, I managed to find some cool stuff.

The business meeting was well attended, with representatives from about 11 or 12 chapters present. We talked a little about the Region 1 Judges List I'm setting up. I added all the judges from this years event to the list, and am still looking for more names. I'll ask all chapters to send me the names, and contact information for all regional and National judges in your chapters. also include what areas they judge, for inclusion. As this will be an ongoing project, I don't need the names tomorrow, but soon would be good.

I announced next years event will be held in Marlboro Mass, and our hosts will be IPMS Bay Colony, Wings and Wheels, Granite State, and Patriot chapters. The 2004 Region 1 Chapter of the Year went to IPMS Niagara Frontier. these guys consistently demonstrate what a quality chapter is all about, and I'm honored to have presented them with the award again. Region 1 Person of the Year was awarded to Dick Schulenburg, long time treasurer of Niagara Frontier. Dick has been one of the spark plugs of this chapter for a long time, and is very deserving of being named Person of the Year. Unfortunately, Dick couldn't attend the event due to family considerations, that notwithstanding, I was also honored in making this presentation as well.

I also mentioned that before any information regarding your local event is passed on to Jack at the home office, all events must be approval by the RC, yours truly. There was an incident recently where a chapter didn't receive approval before submitting their information, and it really slowed the process down. I'll just reiterate here that ALL events must have approval before submitting to the home office. It ain't hard, it just needs to be done is all.

The awards ceremony saw the return of the Arris and Bill show. These guys were in rare form, and it was nice to see they haven't lost any of their schtic. What was really funny was the way Arris kept mispronouncing Al LeFleche's last name. Al was such a good sport over it all, and reacted like a champion when Bill said it correctly. I took a little ribbing as well, something about the RC winning. The food wasn't all that bad, and I think everyone in attendance had a good time.

The hotel wasn't the best one we've ever held the event at. It seems the facility was/is in the process of changing hands. I had some issues with the quality of the maid service, or lack thereof. And a weird visit by the hotel engineer. But the staff did what they could to make our stay enjoyable. We shared the hotel with a number of other groups for the weekend. Girls softball teams, and two race teams from distant collages were also using the hotel as a base. They were competing in an inter-collage race with vehicles they fabricated themselves. I had a chance to look them over, and found them very cool.

Friday night activities say a cool event where all that attended were given a bag with an unidentified model part within. everyone then had to circulate around, and find the other parts that made up a model. When all parts were gathered, each team had to complete the model. It was a great event, and a good chance to meet other modelers. The completed models, such as they were, were them displayed in the contest room on Saturday. I tell you, i really like the Friday night events. They make for a good time on Friday night, encourage more camaraderie, and are just plain fun!! It's always nice to see the host's spin on the activities as well.
One of the nice things that happened to me was being able to meet my counterpart from Region 4, Kirk Ballash. Kirk came over from the great state of Ohio to attend. Also present was my friend and counterpart from Region 2, Tim Hortman. It sure was nice to see these guys, and have them at our event.

All in all, it was another nice event. Again, I'll offer my thanks to Armand and IPMS Rochester for being good hosts. I appreciate their efforts. I'm looking forward to next year already, and know the chapters on deck for next year will do another great job.

And in the words of that Yankee, General Sherman, now, on to Atlanta!!!

As always, please share this with the Officers and members of your chapter.

Semper Fi
Doug

Special Offer for IPMS USA Members

This was just in the Club's email box:

Dear IPMS Co-ordinator,

I am writing to you from Sam Publications with a special offer for your members.

Sam Publications is the publisher of Scale Aviation Modeller, one of the leading scale model magazines recognised Internationally along with its sister magazines Model Aircraft Monthly and Scale Models International. Our magazines are currently distributed through Kalmbach and Squadron MMD in the USA.

You may also be familiar with our Modellers Datafile range of books, known as The Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller, which can be seen on our secure website www.sampublications.com. Our books and magazines are also purchased directly from us by hobby stores across the USA who all deal with us on a regular day-to-day basis and would gladly give references and recommendations for our customer service in shipping and dealing with overseas orders.

As an exclusive offer to all US IPMS Chapters we would like to offer all IPMS USA members the chance to purchase any of our Modellers Datafile book series currently in publication at a much reduced price of $20 USD per book (normally $36 to $38 USD). We would also like to offer each IPMS USA Chapter the opportunity of purchasing these books on a post free deal.

In order to take advantage of the reduced price and post free deal, each chapter would need to nominate a member to collate the orders and we would then post the order to the nominated members address in one shipment by special recorded airmail delivery. Payment for any book orders would be preferably by a single Visa or MasterCard credit card for ease and convenience.

The titles currently available are:

The Supermarine Spitfire Merlin Powered by Robert Humphreys

The Avro Lancaster, Manchester and Lincoln by Richard A Franks

The Supermarine Spitfire Griffon Powered by Robert Humphreys

The Bristol Beaufighter by Richard A Franks

The English Electric Lightning by Richard J Caruana

The Gloster Meteor by Richard J Caruana and Richard A Franks


Unfortunately, The De Havilland Mosquito and The Hawker Hurricane are no longer available due to their popularity and demand.”

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future and thank you in advance for your time.

Sincere regards

Amanda Elliott, Sam Publications, UK.

Sam Publications
Media House
21 Kingsway
Bedford
MK42 9BJ
United Kingdom

Tel: + 44 (0) 8707 333733 - Fax + 44 (0) 8707 333744

Email: amanda@sampublications.com

Website: www.sampublications.com

Standard Schedule of Events and Activities

January

Model of the Year Contest / Kit Sale Night

February

Show Us Your Tool / Contest Night 1Q

March

Decal Swap Night

April

Work In Progress Night

May

Parts Box Night / Contest Night 2Q

June

Theme Contest / Pizza Night

July

TBA

August

Contest Night 3Q

September

Swap Night

October

Work In Progress Night / Nominations

November

Contest Night 4Q04 / Super Raffle

December

Holiday Dinner /Theme Contest

General meeting details

How To Find Us

Our meetings are on the third Friday of each month at about 7:30 PM. We meet at the Bergen Beach Park Sports Complex. See directions below.

Getting there:

Bergen Beach Park Sports Complex:

• Take BELT PARKWAY to EXIT 11N (FLATBUSH AVENUE NORTH).
• Take FLATBUSH AVENUE to AVENUE U (Kings Plaza) make RIGHT onto AVENUE U.
• Take AVENUE U to BERGEN AVENUE, make RIGHT onto BERGEN AVENUE.
• Straight on BERGEN AVENUE 3 BLOCKS to SPORTS COMPLEX (ON LEFT).

See maps below:

map by yahoo maps


map by google maps


map by google maps

RC1 Update: 05/11/2005

Here's the latest news in the licensing issues. Please share it with the officers and members of your chapter.

Semper Fi
Doug


RC's:

Please pass this along- it's the latest from the congressman involved in trying to legislate against the licensing of military models. He needs calls not e-mails and tell them to give IPMS a plug!

Dave

Mr. Noack-

My name is Paul Bauer, and I serve on Congressman Andrews' staff. As you may be aware, Congressman Andrews has been working in support of the modeling industry in an effort to prevent contractors from requiring licensing and fees for the use of military designs and likenesses. He is planning to offer the attached amendment to the Defense Authorization bill during a markup next week, Wednesday, May 18th, to address this issue.

Again, this amendment would require the Department of Defense to include a provision in their contracts with all defense contractors prohibiting them from requiring licenses and fees from model manufacturers, distributors, or sellers. Since these vehicles are manufactured at taxpayer expense, and the designations are assigned by the US military, we do not feel that the contractors should be able to require payment for their use, especially in instances such as these where it has an adverse effect on domestic small businesses.

Mr. Andrews would very much appreciate your assistance in gaining support for this amendment. It would be most helpful if The International Plastic Modelers Society could reach out to Armed Services Cmte Members this week and next week to urge their support, and possibly send out a fax to all cmte Members detailingthe importance of this initiative. You can find a list of the cmte Members at

http://armedservices.house.gov/about/members.html

Thank you so much for your interest and support. I would appreciate it if you could follow up with me and let me know what, if anything, you can do to help.

Paul Bauer
____________________________________

Paul J. Bauer

Legislative Assistant

Congressman Robert E. Andrews (NJ-01)

2439 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone (202) 225 6501
Fax (202) 225 6583

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BASELINE MODELS 516-877-2426
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BROWNIES HOBBIES 718-727-2194
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HERITAGE HOBBIES 203-834-0441
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JAN’S HOBBY SHOP 212-987-4765
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MEGAHOBBY.COM 888-642-0093
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MIKE’S MODELS 631-581-4995
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RIDGEFIELD HOBBY 201-943-2636
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SEAPORT HOBBY 609-296-4413
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TRAINLAND 516-599-7080
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WILLIS HOBBIES 516-746-3944
285 Willis Ave, Mineola, NY 11501

May 2005 Bulletin

April meeting had a great turnout in all categories. We had 27 members and 4 guests bringing in a bunch of models and WIPs to talk about.

APRIL MEETING!!!

WORK IN PROGRESS! This has to be one of the more fun activities. You don’t actually have to finish anything to join in. Heck, you’re expected to have stuff not finished. It’s the nature of our hobby. So the group certainly didn’t disappoint. We got to see all aspects of the hobby represented and many different methods to get things done. Very educational!

PUSH FOR INCREASED BUILDING CONTINUES: Jimmy ran another edition of the Re-Supply Raffle.

On the agenda: JUNE

CONTEST NIGHT – 2ND QTR 2005: Bring in your masterpieces that haven’t been in the competition yet for the second installment of the BPMS Annual Contest.

PARTS BOX NIGHT: Bring in those old leftover parts that you have no use for. Your trash can be another man’s gold.

BASIC MODELING SKILLS CLINIC: Hosted by Vinny and Bobby, we will try to cover some basic areas and maybe even have a trick or two that may save the seasoned veterans a little time and effort. Anyone who wants to join in and assist is welcome to do so.

THEME CONTEST REMINDER:

IN THE MOVIES THEME

IS COMING UP FOR THE JUNE MEETING!!!

IN THE MOVIES: Ted and Phil are sponsoring “In The Movies” in for June 2005. Basically build something, ANYTHING from a movie. This from the sponsors:

The parameters of this contest have been nailed. There will be no category judging just first, second and third places with honorable mentions. This contest is wide open, so build a scene, a prop, or anything else that is recognizable from a movie. It can be Godzilla leveling Tokyo, a space battle from Star Wars, a scene from Apocalypse Now, a monster from a classic horror movie, a plane from Top Gun, a naval battle from Ben Hur, etc, etc. This should be fun, its up to your imagination. Get ready because June will be here soon!

For December we have a CATS theme. Adrian, Russ, and Jeff have agreed to sponsor that one. Anything having to do with Cats will do. More details to come.

OTHER THEMES

Do you want to sponsor a theme in 2006? Some concepts we’ve kicked around are: Experimental, Take One for the Team, and Things That Suck. Contact the officers if you want to sponsor any of those or anything else for December. Also the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars is coming up... right when all the kits are re-issued!

Message from the RC1: 05/03/05

This just in from President Dave. Please note the time line mentioned.

Semper Fi
Doug

Hi RC's:

Here's the latest info for our members from Mike Bass and Trumpeter. Please pass
it along

Dave

John,

This is a good letter, but perhaps your organization didn't see clearly that these need to be phone calls, not letters. The Armed Services Committee meets in 2 weeks or so, and I can guarantee a letter will not be read in time for support. That's why my letter to the industry requested calls and contact names of the aides to whom one has spoken, not letters.

Anyway, have you made any calls? In your position, this would help. I need copies back to me of anyone having made a call as well as the phone number called and the contact name to whom one spoke, even if itis an aide.

Many thanks,

Mike

IPMS/USA Update for April (or Early May!)

Hi Everyone:

Way less than 100 days to the Nationals in Atlanta- starting to get excited. I delayed the e-mail update a few weeks so that I could bring you a couple pieces of news. First, in the next Journal will be a ballot for a change in the constitutional amendment. This one recommends a change to the CBL to change the chapter chartering fee to allow it to be raised by the E-board. This fee has not changed since the early 1980's so this would go a long way towards having he chapters help pay the insurance costs for the meetings and contests. Second update deals with the E-board. This is an election year and the following people are running for office and since there is no one running against anyone, this will be the board that takes place office in February 2006:

President- Jack Kennedy
1st VP- John Noack
2nd VP- Ron Bell
DLC- Dick Montgomery
HPD- Jim Woody
Secretary- Jim Corley

Non-elected positions that are remaining-
Office Manager-MJ Kinney
Treasurer- Ed Kinney
DFL- Glen Broman
IPMS General Counsel- Mark Gustavson
Junior Coordinator- Steve Dottavio
Internet Coordinator- Bob Hester
Journal Editor- David Von Almen

Also, Mike Bass from Stevens International (the people who bring us the lovely Trumpeter kits) is working against the licensing issues and needs modelers help to get our voices heard through the government. I have attached his letter below in John Noack's section from the 1st VP.

I also have a MAP update. I know that we got a lukewarm reception to the last go around but we still want to offer it as an option for our members and a committee has been working on it and I have an update from Jerry David, it's chairperson.

My only other subject is one that is near and dear to my heart. Currently (See MJ's update later), our membership stands at 4400. That is the lowest total in over 15 years. We are on the eve of what is expected to be the largest Nationals ever, we have improved the web site, the Journal, beaten all others to reviews of the last two major releases and improved the functionality of IPMS and yet our membership numbers struggle. To say the least, the Board is very frustrated. We have drafted a letter explaining some of this and are open to ideas. IPMS isn't going away but changes may be needed to keep our service level to the industry, it's members and everyone who isn't a member but enjoys all the work done by our members. On to the update which is pretty quiet this month**.

1st VP- John Noack
· Added several new sources of review products during this period.

· Starting new "super review" process that combines a new or recent kit release with updates and accessories. First one will be the Trumpeter USS Lexington incorporating several aftermarket upgrade and conversion kits. Stay tuned!

· Exclusive sneak preview of test shot build of Academy's new 1/32 F-16 is underway.
· Preparations underway for meetings with industry folks at Atlanta Nationals

· Dragon Models' Atlanta Convention has added a bunch of industry representatives and I will meet with them during both conventions.

· Reviewers' Corps going strong with over 55 members.

Letter from Mike Bass and Stevens International:

Greetings,

For the past year Stevens International has undertaken the issue of licensing and royalty-collecting by the defense contractors for the making of model kit and toy replicas of military planes, tanks and ships. The issue here is that these companies (for example, Boeing, Lockheed, Grumman, Sikorsky, etc) are demanding contracts and payments from the model manufacturers in the hobby industry for the right to reproduce military replicas in miniature. The items in question were not only paid for by the USA taxpayer, but the designationsthey are registering may not even belong to them: these are designations whichwere chosen by the US Department of Defense (P-51, F-14, etc). In addition,IMMA's contention is that these vehicles would not even have been made had itnot been for the US Government and the US taxpayer: you and I among them. How, then, is it proper to claim these as their own and to have the gall to charge our industry makers for the right to manufacture miniature replicas? This not only adds cost to the products (royalty percentages, bookkeeping, etc), but the ethics of this is certainly questionable. For the past 6 months, Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) has been diligently working with us to enact legislation to prohibit these actions by thedefense contractors. He is a very dedicated business-minded man who tries to right any wrong affecting small businesses, particularly those in his district. Next month, he will present this as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill and it will be brought to a vote. The amendment basically states "The

Secretary of Defense is to prohibit those entering into defense contracts with the US Government from requiring fees or licenses from toy and hobbymanufacturers, distributors or merchants for the use of military likenesses or designations". If passed this will open the door for the manufacturers to make kits as they wish, to release them quicker, and without the worry of "BigBrother" trying to regulate it. In order to get this passed, Andrews' office is asking anyone in the hobby industry(hobbyist or shopkeeper) who lives in or has a shop in the district of any of the members of the Armed Services Committee to call that office to speak to either the legislator or an aide to offer support for this amendment (letters may not work, as by the time they are read it is likely the bill will have already been up for a vote). You may invoke the name of Congressman Andrews and advise that you know this amendment will be brought to the Committee when it meets in late May. You may even state the quoted text above. A link to the list of Armed Services Committee members is below:

If you see any in your district, Republican or Democrat, click on their name and all the contact information will appear. Mr. Andrews is also seeking a Republican co-sponsor of this amendment in order to improve its chances of passage.

This is a real one-time chance to make something big happen for the benefit of the hobby industry, and you can help us do it. The executive board of IMMA is deeply involved in this, and have already contacted their reps. I ask you to do the same. I ask only one favor: If contact is made with either your committee member or an aide, please advise me at once at email address mbass@stevenshobby.com . Andrews' office wishes to follow up with any congressional office where contact has been made in order to acquire additional support.

Thanks, and with your help we can hopefully rid the hobby industry of this persistent nuisance.

Mike Bass
Stevens International
PO Box 126
706 N White Horse Pike
Magnolia, NJ 08049 USA
PH: 856-435-1555
FX: 856-627-6274
email: mbass@stevenshobby.com
www.stevenshobby.com

2nd VP- Ron Bell

· Everything is well on-track for the Atlanta Convention
· IPMS Orange County is the only current bidder for the 2007 convention

Director of Local Chapters- Jack Kennedy

· I am up to 202 charter renewals. Two more than last year.

Office Manager- MJ Kinney

· V17J3 of the journal was sent to 4401 members - down 80 from the previous issue. To date we have 232 new members in 2005.

· For the convention in Atlanta - The convention cancellation insurance has been secured, shirts and hats have been ordered to be sold at the National Table and 3 part new member/renewal forms have been ordered for the convention.

· Recent back issues of the journal are now being sent from this office as the orders are received.

· We need to remind our members to notify us of all address changes. It seems that we have had more of these lately than usual and each time the post office has to advise of an address change, it costs the society 70 cents, plus the cost of the journal and the initial postage to send it. (The journals are not returned.)

· New members names and addresses for the past several months were recently sent to the Regional Coordinators for them to contact the new member and welcome them to the society.

· See you in Atlanta - Mary Jane


Guest Contributor- Jerry Davis, MAP Chairman

Over the past several months, a group of IPMS/USA members from around the country volunteered to serve on a steering committee. Its mission was to refine the concept of a Modeler's Achievement Program (MAP) that would recognize individual modeler achievement while supporting the goals of IPMS/USA.

This MAP steering committee worked long and hard in devising a program that supports the goals of IPMS/USA while recognizing individual modeler achievement through a national IPMS/USA recognition program.

The MAP program allows a modeler to receive recognition at various skill levels without being involved in a contest. This provides an outlet for those who do not want to compete and will thus build toward the value of IPMS/USA.

The Mission Statement of MAP is:

1. Promote the fun of the scale-modeling hobby.

2. Improve IPMS/USA membership and public perception by recognizing individual member participation in the scale-modeling hobby.

Participation in MAP is on an individual basis and is voluntary. MAP is designed to motivate the membership and new incoming members to IPMS/USA to build better models and participate in the society. The MAP is in effect, a guide to assist the membership in learning to construct better models incorporating skill sets from basic through mastery levels of modeling.

IPMS/USA encourages participation in MAP which we feel will increase IPMS/USA membership and motivate current IPMS/USA members. It is a program that raises the awareness of the hobby by creating levels of achievement and sufficiently recognizes members that achieve higher levels of success of having fun in modeling.

Dave Morrissette
President, IPMS/USA