Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, George E, Tony F, Stephen F, Bill H, Chris K, Mike O, Brad S, Reedis T, John W, and Norm W were present. We welcomed Mark Cowley from Flint as our guest.
Dick reminded everyone of the Silent Auction and free magazines in the back; these included multiple copies of the Convention Special Issue of IPMS Journal. He gave a brief rundown of upcoming events: Hoosier Model Car Association Model Car Contest, September 6, Lebanon, IN; Midwest Scale Madness, September 13, Fort Atkinson, WI; Gem City NNL, September 13, Franklin, OH; SVASMCON 40,September 20, Hermitage, PA. Chris reported he has numerous “poker chips” for anyone attending coming events. He explained people place such markers by entries they like, and these chips promote the 2026 IPMS Nationals
There was no Vice-President report or Treasurer report this month.
Dick gave a quick review of Capital City Comic Con last month; lots of people stopped by the C.A.M.S. table; 27 left their name and email address; Dick was able to send an email to 20 of them, thanking them for stopping and providing additional information re: C.A.M.S. We anticipate participating in next year’s Comic Con. A half-dozen were at the July build night at Tenuki’s on the 17th; it was a pleasant evening in a nice setting. The August build night is at Lansing Makers on August 27. Hoplite Games has not yet been approached re: a September build night there with a reserved table; Chris said he would be there about advertising the Gazette and would inquire.
Speaking of the CAMS Gazette, Dick noted that Chris is becoming over-extended, especially with the 2026 planning, and that it might be necessary for someone else to assume responsibility for the Gazette. Chris clarified that he is learning a new publishing program which may improve his situation. Mike O said he may be able to help in publishing, and Norm said he may be able to help with printing. Chris hopes that selling advertising the Gazette will cover printing costs.
For the Army Guard display, Mike O has his kit but hasn’t started, John has started his Chinook, Brian is working on his kit, Dick is still waiting on his. Dick said there are still opportunities if anyone is interested in this project. He said there is also space on our shelf at Tanuki’s to display projects.
Dick noted the Great Lakes Challenge is coming up on Oct. 4. C.A.M.S. has sponsored an award. Brad will be giving one of the presentations during the day. Chris noted that participating/assisting will be important, as the West Michigan club has offered to assist us if we hold a show in 2028. Dick said we will look at possible carpools at next month’s meeting.
Dick said the Lansing Train Show & Sale is coming November 9. We have a table & will need volunteers for this one-day show; he will have a sign-up next month.
There was lots of discussion reviewing the IPMS/USA National Convention last week. Approximately 2000 were registered, with over 2800 entries in the competition. Six members attended, three submitted entries, Chris L won a First in Category. The high point was C.A.M.S. being awarded Chapter of the Year for 2024; Dick had the plaque on display, with the nominating write-up we submitted.
Brad gave an update re: Ft. Wayne Nationals in 2026. He reported planning is progressing well. There was a table at Hampton Nationals and lots of people got information and there was lots of interest in the logo designs (from Stephen) and sample t-shirts on display. He emphasized that, as one of the participating chapters, we have an obligation to provide volunteer time, in exchange for a portion of the net profits. Dick noted that our friend Kevin Epling will have a booth for photographing entries for participants, and the USS Tecumseh will bring their Star Trek command module as part of the recognition of the 60th anniversary of the television series.
Chris explained that members of the Makers Network figure painting group will provide a hands-on figure painting workshop at our September meeting. They will provide figures, paint and wet palettes, club members are to bring paint brushes.
Brad brought up the idea of some kind of Holiday Event for December. Everyone was in agreement. The decision was to hold a pot-luck, invite spouses/families, have a display table and some form of gift exchange (white elephant/secret santa/etc.) Our regular December date is December 4.
The rest of the evening was devoted to general discussion of individual projects. Norm showed his completed F-106 display with ground equipment and maintenance crew, and discussed his current project for an F-105.
The next meeting is on our regular 1st Thursday date, September 4.
Capital Area Modelers Society 