Capital Area Modelers Society

Information about the members and meetings of the club.

Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, Tony F, Steve F, Steve H, Bill H, Henry H, Chris K, Chris L, Jason M, Mike O, Brad S, Reedis T, John W attended the meeting.

Dick reminded everyone of the opportunity for the “Silent Auction”. He reviewed upcoming events in May: Cincinnati Challenge, May 3; Modelrama, May 16, Franklin, IN; Model Con, May 24, Perrysburg, OH.

Tony had no new report as Vice-pres./Chapter contact. He reminded everyone of the Tim Ridout Challenge, June 14, and that C.A.M.S. will conduct the raffle. He suggested any kits to offer for the raffle be brought to the June meeting.

Chris L reported no change in the Treasurer report from last month. He is still learning R4 Coordinator responsibilities and not getting much response from chapters in the region.

There was a brief update of events last month. Chris K and Chris L attended the Roscoe Turner Indianapolis Invitational; Chris L received a 2^nd for a Gundam. Five members were at the build night at Tanuki’s and considered a great evening. Chris K said he will be setting up our display shelf at Tanuki’s later this month and asked for any contributions for the display. The next build night is at Lansing Builders Network is Wednesday, May 14, and is on their calendar. It was decided to schedule a build night at AFK Games for Wednesday June 18; Dick said he would coordinate with AFK.

Dick reported he met with Capt. Steven Ronen at the National Guard field in Grand Ledge and photographed many of the vehicles and helicopters stationed there. He said there are two large, nearly-empty display cases available for a display. He passed around a list of aircraft and asked volunteers interested in the project to add their names. He will make the photos available for reference. Tony suggested that models for display be 1/48th or larger. It was decided initial target date would be the September meeting, then the December meeting.

Dick reviewed plans and volunteers for the Ignition Makers Fest on May 17, at Impressions 5. Chris K asked for any additions for the display table.

Dick reminded about the Capital City Comic Con, July 11-13, and said volunteers are still needed. He passed around the sign-up sheet. He also reported we have reserved a table at the Lansing Model Train Show on November 9; there will be more information about that as the date approaches. Tony also noted the Great Lakes Challege will be coming up in October. Chris K added it is important C.A.M.S. members volunteer to help West Michigan with this show, as they will then assist us when we plan our first show.

Brad gave an update on planning for the 2026 Ft. Wayne Nationals. A big emphasis right now is marketing efforts that will reach modelers outside IPMS/USA. The committee is also trying to identify a personality who will excite interest in attending the convention. Several suggestions were offered, including modelers with large YouTube followings and the person recently featured in an IPMS Journal article who created movie models such as Star Trek and Titanic.

Attention then turned to the P-39 group build with about ten entries. Each person described the build, its high points and its low. The highlight came with Steve F told about the project with is 5-year-old grandson, Lucas. Lucas did the assembly on his own, then he and Steve worked together, explaining aerodynamics and air flow as they completed an elaborate paint scheme. Steve pointed out the results of a new painting technique, known as the “Lucas chicken nugget chipping method.”

The rest of the evening was devoted to Brad, who gave an excellent and detailed explanation of the numerous weathering techniques and resources he used in completing his F-4 Phantom project. Next month’s meeting will be Thursday, June 5. Bring your favorite sprue cutters for “show & tell.”