Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, Tony F, Steve H, Henry H, Chris K, Chris L, Jason M, Mike O, Reedis T, John W, Norm W were present. We officially welcomed William Beam as a new member. Great to have you, William.
Dick reminded everyone that Mrs. Kathleen MacDonald had invited members to explore her late husband’s collection of built and unbuilt models.
He also reminded those involved of the Lansing Model Railroad Club Show and Sale, November 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Butch O’Hare Model Contest and Vendor Show is November 15 in suburban Chicago; Chris K may be going to promote the 2026 Convention. Rose City Modelers in Jackson meet November 15, 10 a.m. at the Jackson Library Meijer Branch, 2699 Airport Rd.; Chris L, Dick and possibly Chris K will go and introduce that group to CAMS.
Tony had nothing to report as Vice-president.
Chris L’s Treasurer report shows we have a balance of approx. $500. He said he will not be running for treasurer next year. Dick reminded everyone renewal of 2026 membership is due by January 31.
Five members were at the build night October 15 at Evolution Games; the consensus was the setting is comfortable and we should go back. The next build night is November 20 at Tanuki’s Trading Post. There will be no build night for December.
Michael B said How-to-Halloween was a great success with lots of people passing his booth; he gave out all the CAMS newsletters and cards he had.
For the Grand Ledge Army Guard display, Mike showed his Lakota which is nearing completion. John and Brian said their projects are progressing. Dick showed his Black Hawk with primer. Brian brought the Eurocopter kit he won at the Great Lakes Challenge; Norm said he is willing to take it and build another Lakota for the display. We project we will have some ready to take to the armory by January.
Chris K and Chris L reported members of the Ft. Wayne Nationals planning committee are traveling throughout the country promoting the convention at various IPMS events. Chris K said there may be a few hotel reservations still available. Chris L said there will be another committee walk-through of the convention center soon.
Tony announced he is planning the December holiday party. He said there will be a gift exchange; gifts are to be tools/supplies (NOT kits!) not to exceed $25. Anyone for whom this is a burden is to contact him or Dick. He passed around a sign up for the potluck, as well as a sheet for the number attending. Everyone is welcome, including family members, as long as we know the number to prepare. Dick said the business meeting that evening will be very brief.
Several people described their methods for cleaning parts for assembly and painting. Chris L uses Dawn dish detergent throughout his work. Several use ultrasonic cleaners or isopropyl alcohol. Lightly passing a tack cloth over a surface will pick up any dust or lint. Tony demonstrated using CA glue debonder to clean up superglue joins around photoetch.
The next meeting will be the first CAMS holiday party, Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
Below: Tony demonstrating super glue debonder.
Some shots from the meeting.
Capital Area Modelers Society 