William B, Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, Tony F, John and Nora F, Steve H, Bill H, Henry H, Chris K, Keith L, Jason M, Mike O, Brad S, John W and Norm W. Henry’s friend Kimberly P. was a guest. William B. introduced his friend Marcel D. as guest; Marcel described his lifelong involvement in modeling across multiple genres.
Dick reminded everyone the “Silent Auction” includes stands for contest medals; the cost is $0.50 each, payable to the treasurer.
The Vice-president had nothing to report.
The Treasurer reported our latest balance was $800.19.
Chris K. had a printout of upcoming events in the vicinity for September and October. He said our web page has a new calendar function with more extensive list of events. He went on to report that Saturday, October 10, is the date for the Duneland Challenge; but also that Saturday Judson Memorial Baptist Church has scheduled a clean-up day. As the church makes their space available to us at no cost, he urged that members who are not planning on attending Duneland participate in the church clean-up. Several expressed a willingness. Chris will remind us at the October meeting.
Updates: The August build night was at Lansing Maker’s Network on August 19; William B and Marcel were there. It was decided to have a build night at Tanuki’s in September, preferably on the 16th, and Evolution Games on October 14th. Dick said he would confirm with both locations and send notification. Michael B said he would be visiting Hoplite Games in its new location and would explore the possibility of a build night there. Several people mentioned that Tanuki’s Trading Post is holding a one-day Gundam build competition on September 12; details are available on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tanukis-Trading-Post/61559713858899/
The team working on the B-17 build project for Greg H. met last night and distributed parts and tasks. The team will meet again on Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 pm. at Brad’s house. Dick has asked Greg for clarification on some information.
There was lots of discussion about the IPMS Convention in Ft. Wayne. John F. reported the attendance and entry numbers were extremely good and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; financial results won’t be known for a few months. Dick reported that 18 members/spouses/significant others from CAMS attended some or all of the event; 5 awards went to Norm, Jason, Chris L., and John W. Brad reported that volunteer participation was outstanding, especially from CAMS members. The group gave a round of applause to medal winners and to Brad, Tony, Chris K., Chris L., and especially John F. for organization and leadership of an event everyone enjoyed.
Brad reported the Dayton trip to the Air Force Museum has to be rescheduled from September 25-26 due another event scheduled there that weekend. The decision was to reschedule to depart Lansing Friday, October 23, overnight in Dayton, spend the day at the museum on Saturday, October 24, and return to Lansing that evening. Brad said he will investigate hotel availability and report next month.
Dick asked if we should approach local VFW groups and ask about interest in a model display. The consensus was that we would be too overextended to take that on.
Norm came back to the topic of starting a modeling group at an area school. He decided it would be unwise for him to take on what would clearly be a long-term commitment. Discussion within the group decided against taking on this project. Chris K. noted that, as an alternative, he had initial conversations with a Scout leader in Charlotte about a “make-and-take” event over a limited number of sessions; the Scout leader expressed interest. Jason, Michael B., Henry and Mike O. said they’d be interested in such an event, depending on timing, etc. Chris will speak with the Scout leader to develop this further.
Norm went on to say he participates in a couple on-line build nights with groups in different parts of the country. He said it’s enjoyable because he’s working in his own space with his own projects while socializing with other modelers. He suggests adding a CAMS on-line build night to our calendar, and would be willing to host it. Several members expressed an interest. Norm said he would send out link information and schedule the group build on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.
Norm also offered space on his Google drive to store reference material, photos, etc. This is strictly limited to CAMS members, but is available as a club community resource. He will send access information.
Henry reported LT’s Hobbies and Games, 4205 Miller Rd., Ste. C14, in Flint will be establishing build and paint nights. The store has paint booths available. The events will be 5 to 9 pm on October 5 and 19 and November 9 and 23. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/29070038509250514/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Tony described a detailed interaction at convention with a representative of AK Interactive about figure painting. The representative expressed a willingness to have a one-day workshop in Michigan on figure painting. Tony and Brad have spoken to Michigan Toy Soldier, which is willing to host such an event. The invitation to the workshop will be limited to members of CAMS and Mid-Michigan Model Makers. They anticipate it will be scheduled in January or February, 2027.
Michael B. demonstrated a variety of new tools, including a no-clean airbrush and paint brush plus holder. He said they are available online and through Michigan Toy Soldier.
