Capital Area Modelers Society

Dick D, George E, Steve H, Bill H, Chris K, Keith L, Chris L, Jason M, Mike O, and John W were present.  We welcomed back Mike Hood, whose been absent for a long time; great to see you, Mike!  Kevin Epling of Smallscalepics (smallscalepics.smugmug.com) was our special guest of the evening.

Dick opened the meeting with a brief overview of February, noting C.A.M.S. members had a tremendous showing at 4-M Mayhem and SEMMEX, topped by Brad’s “Best of Show” at both events.  He noted that Chris K keeps upcoming events updated on both Facebook and our web page, but highlighted the Midwest Freeze Frame, March 8, in Ft. Wayne, Detroit Area Auto Modelers Show, March 23, in Warren, MI, and HeritageCon 17, March 23, in Mt. Hope/Hamilton, ON.

He reported that getting current information about Shoufu-Con, March 21-23, at the Okemos Event Center (I-96, exit 110, University Park Drive), has been difficult.  The latest information is that the event will be open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The recommendation was made to focus on Saturday when attendance will be greatest.  This should be possible, as our display will be at a table outside the venue.  There was good support for the suggestion, with the possibility of including Sunday.  Dick passed around a sign-up sheet to man the table.  We will need copies of newsletter, business cards, magnets, displays.  Chris L said he could devise a “guest register”.

Tony was not present to give a Vice-president report.

Treasurer Chris L reported the C.A.M.S. current balance.

The next build night is at AFK Games on March 13.  No one advocated for a build night at Lansing Makers Network.  Chris K said Tanuki’s Trading Post has a nice facility and owners are interested in hosting C.A.M.S., but that parking is very limited and would be problematic.  The new store, Flashback Comics & Toys, will be visited and introduced to C.A.M.S.  At this point Chris K announced the new issue of the Gazette and asked for volunteers to distribute; several members will take copies to Lansing locations as well as hobby shops east and west.  Chris also asked about selling advertising within the Gazette to our local supporters; he was encouraged to explore the idea.

Chris K reminded everyone of the P-39 group build; completion date is the May meeting.  Bill showed his completed project and discussed the difficulties compared to an earlier Monogram build.

Other display/recruitment opportunities were reviewed.  Dick will explore a one afternoon event scheduled at Impressions 5 museum on May 17 from 11 to 5.  We have no update on a free comic book day by Summit Games, nor the Capital City Comic Con in July, nor the Lansing Train Show & Sale in November.

Bill presented his idea of a “Silent Auction”.  Members can bring 1 or 2 kits they want to dispose, set a “reserve price”, and members can write down a bid on their choice during a meeting.  Highest bid gets the kit, money goes to the treasury.  If “reserve price” is not met, owner keeps the kit.  Members are interested in giving it a try.  Dick noted that Chris L and Chris K have been producing small gold, silver and bronze stands designed to display show awards.  He suggested that these be sold to members at fifty cents each, with proceeds also going to the treasury.  Members approved the recommendation.

Dick mentioned the Tim Ridout Challenge is coming on June 14, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at West Michigan IPMS.  Chris L noted this is a small social get together among four clubs and reports C.A.M.S. is being asked to bring snacks.  He encouraged everyone to attend, as awards are by popular vote; stronger the representation, greater our odds.

Next month Brad will discuss and demonstrate weathering techniques used on his award winning F-4.

The rest of the evening was given over to Kevin Epling.  He started by informing that an excellent exhibit of the work of legendary stop-motion film maker Ray Harryhausen is on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum through April and well worth the drive.

Then he spent several minutes discussing and demonstrating how different light qualities and temperatures effect the way we see the color of paint finishes.  Using an armored vehicle painted olive drab, changing the color temperature on a small spotlight, he was able to change the appearance from a dull brown to vivid green.  He explained that being aware of the quality and color temperature of lighting will significantly impact results when photographing models.

Using various backdrops and a few props, Kevin photographed a number of members’ projects.  In the process, he discussed different tools and techniques that can be used to produce dramatic photos of models.  When they are ready, Kevin will make the photos available to members.

Again, a special thanks to Kevin for joining us for the evening and sharing his time and talents with us so generously.