Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, George E, Tony F, Steve F, Vern G III, Vern G IV, Steve H, Bill H, Henry H, Chris K, Chris L, Jason M, Mike O, Brad S, Reedis T, John Wo, John Wa were present

Dick gave a quick review of upcoming events:

                         Semmex – Feb 15, C.A.M.S. sponsored Best of Category award.  Several are planning to attend; Dick will circulate email re: ride-sharing, car pooling.

                        Midwest Freeze Frame – March 8 – Ft. Wayne

                        Detroit Area Auto Modelers Show – March 23 – Warren, MI

                        HeritageCon 17 – March 23 – Mt. Hope/Hamilton, ON, CA; Bill is planning to attend and will give a report whether we should plan on attending next time.

Chris K keeps an up-to-date list of coming events on our web page; be sure to keep informed.

Dick reported we’ve been offered to have a display table just outside Shoufu-Con, March 21-23, at the  Okemos Event Center. At our next meeting there will be a sign-up to man the table.  We will need copies of the newletter, a “guest register” for contact information, business cards, magnets, displays (primarily gundam/sci-fi).

Chris L gave a brief Treasurer report.  Any unpaid 2025 memberships are due now.

There was a brief review of 4M Mayhem last weekend. We congratulated Jason and Brian, who both brought home lots of awards (Brian brought pizza to the meeting!), and Brad, who received “Best of Show” for his F-4.

Folks reported the build night at Lansing Builders Network last month was enjoyable; about a half-dozen were there.  The decision was to schedule build nights at AFK Games on Thursday, February 20, and Thursday, March 13.  Dick said he would verify that with AFK and notify everyone.  There was no discussion about a monthly night at Lansing Builders Network.

Brad and Chris L gave a brief update on planning for Ft. Wayne Nationals.

Dick reminded eveyone that Kevin Epling will join us on March 6 for a photo shoot.  He passed around a list for subjects to forward to Kevin in preparation.  Chris L assured that a “thank you” for Kevin will be ready.

Dick reported our nomination for IPMS chapter of the year, 2024, was submitted this morning.  He said John F had generously reviewed our nomination and said it was very solid and had good prospects.

Chris K introduced the P-39 group build.  Kits and instructions were distributed.  He said the deadline for the event is the May 1 meeting.  The event has a two-fold purpose: first, to see what members come up with; second, to assess whether the kit is easy and straightforward enough to use for a “make & take” event – can it be built successfully by a kid, with some assistance, in roughly an hour’s time?  Dick noted the kit is listed as 1/46th scale, though 1/48th decals will work without problems.  George was nominated to serve as judge of the event!

There was discussion about various opportunities for displays and recruitment efforts.  The Shoufu-Con is already on the calendar for March.  We’ve submitted our request for July 11-13 at the Capital City Comic Con; Michael B said approval is almost certain.  The conversation centered around not spreading ourselves too thin.  Michael B and Reedis reported about “free comic book day”, a one-afternoon event in downtown Lansing around Summit Comics & Games; it was decided this was worth investigating, which Michael will do.  Because of the overlap of interests, it was also decided that participating in the Lansing Train Show & Sale at the MSU Pavillion on November 9 was worthwhile; Brad will inquire about this opportunity.  Dick noted that Michael B had sent information about an event in Oakland County which would be a great opportunity, but would be difficult for C.A.M.S.  He will pass the information on to IPMS Warren and IPMS Livonia.

Dick ran through meeting events for the next several months:

            March – Kevin Epling will do a photo shoot

            April – everyone bring their techniques for masking canopies & clear parts

            May – Brad present weathering techniques

            June – everyone bring their favorite sprue cutters

            July –  what do you use for cleaning parts for assembly and/or painting?

            August – bring your preferred glues/adhesives

            September – what do you use for sanding/cleaning seams/joints

Brad said he would like a detailed presentation on painting faces; we’ll get that on the calendar.

The rest of the evening was for presentations of Tips, Tricks & Tools.  Dick showed the airbrush purchased from the Paasche clearance page – https://www.paascheairbrush.com/clearance  and recommends check it out.  He showed a technique for cutting very thin masking strips.  Brad showed the extremely small dental drill bits obtained from his dentist and the professional grade dental scaler he uses for scribing; his favorite is a H6/7, which costs about $20.  He talked about information on thinning acrylics and cleaning airbrushes from https://modelpaintsol.com/.  George showed a collapsible paint booth by Wagner available from Walmart.  Chris K reported that 1/4″ inside diameter fuel line works best for siphon feed airbrush jars because it is resistant to solvents.  Jason demonstrated Mr. Cement Limonene Pen and Citadel Technical paints which are translucent and color-saturated.  Chris L demonstrated a small, pen-sized reciprocating sander perfect for small, tight spaces.  Michael B showed a battery-powered airbrush for paint markers.

Our next meeting is March 6, 6:30 p.m.