Present were William B, Brian D, Dick D, Tony F, Steve H, Bill H, Henry H, Chris K, Chris L, Jason M, Mike O, Brad S, Reedis T, and Norm W.
Tony gave a Vice-president report, noting our chapter charter has been renewed. He had a list of members identified as IPMS members; Dick read the names present and confirmed the data. Dick explained the importance of IPMS membership to maintain our charter and to enter the competition at national convention. Tony reported the application for Capital City Comic Con has been submitted and received; he awaits confirmation we’ve been accepted.
Chris L gave a Treasurer report and that our current balance is $500+. Dick reminded members that 2026 membership is due by the end of the month.
The first order of business was election of officers for 2026-2028. There were no new nominations from the floor. Dick reported Tony has agreed to continue serving as Vice-president, Mike Orris has agreed to serve as Treasurer, and Dick is willing to continue serving as President. He asked for a vote to accept the slate as presented; the slate of officers was approved.
Dick reviewed upcoming events. This month’s build night is at the Lansing Makers Network, Wednesday, January 21. Usual start time is around 6:30, though it was noted the figure painting group is often there by 6. It was noted that Hoplite Games will be closing in February. The next build night is planned for Evolution Games on February 18; Dick said he will confirm with them.
Mid Michigan Model Makers 4-M Mayhem is in Saginaw, February 7. Chris K noted the correct site for contest information and forms is https://midmichiganmodelmakers.org/contest-info/ Dick said CAMS had sponsored an award in years past; all agreed to do so again this year. Brad said, having won Best of Show last year, he will sponsor that award this year. There was some discussion about carpooling; this will be finalized at the next meeting.
Chris K said he had collected our items on display at Tanuki’s Trading Post and they were here to be picked up. We’re all hoping Takunki’s is able to reopen.
We discussed the Army Guard display project. Dick, Mike O and Brian have completed builds. Brian said he has another build that is near completion. Norm said his would also be complete within the next couple weeks. Dick reported John W communicated he was nearing completion. Dick said his ideal would be that the five of us would be able to go to the Armory for an official presentation. It was agreed that this would likely work best in February. Dick said he would contact the unit commander and discuss options.
Brad reported he will be contacting John Figueroa about finalizing the volunteer schedule for IPMS 2026 Nationals and will notify us as soon as it is available.
There was a lot of conversation and discussion about glues/adhesives. Several people showed the various materials they use and talked about their application and particular strengths.
We talked about Brad’s suggestion of a weathering/rusting workshop. He said he wants to work on this subject more and would come back to the idea in a few months.
Dick said the February “show & tell” topic will be sanding/cleaning seams/joints, so everyone bring favorite tools and be ready to talk about preferred techniques.
Dick and Brian showed their completed Black Hawks. Norm showed his completed F-100 and Lakota WIP. Jason showed his latest completed Gundam. Steve H had a newly finished diorama of German armor, troops and vehicles.
The next meeting is February 5, 2026.
Capital Area Modelers Society 