Michael B., Dick D., George E., Tony F., Steve H., Chris K., Chris L., Jason M., Mike O., Reedis T., H.J. Y., John W., Vern G. elder and younger attended the meeting.
Dick noted the upcoming events, the West Michigan club meeting and “swap meet”, and the Detroit Area Auto Modelers show, both this weekend. Both Chrises are planning to attend both events and welcome anyone who wishes to join them for the ride. IPMS shows/competitions will begin in February with both the 4M Mayhem in Saginaw/Bay City and Semmex in Warren. Chris L. reminded folks to have their NASCAR space entry ready for Semmex.
Chris L. gave a brief Treasurer report, noting with recent reimbursements and new membership our balance remains just over $300.
The Chrises attended IPMS Duneland Model Contest, which they described as a good show. They also attended the Region V show, Naperville, IL. They liked the way judging was conducted, but were disappointed in attendance/entries for what was posted as an entire region show. They set up a C.A.M.S. table there for publicity. Chris L. earned bronze for several automotive and Gundam entries and Chris K. earned a bronze for a Gundam entry. HJ said he attended the Cleveland Show which was large and very well attended.
Reviewing the Open House at AFK Games, the consensus was that was not productive. The recommendation was that, rather than planning on our own unique event which draws limited traffic, we should seek to coordinate with other events that already draw large numbers. We’ll watch for those opportunities.
The reaction to the build night at Lansing Builders Network was very positive. Comparing the three different settings, the preference is either the Builders Network or AFK Games. The decision was to plan the next build night at the Builders Network on Nov. 20. Dick said he would clear that with Network folks and send out an email once it is confirmed.
As an update planning for Ft. Wayne Nationals, Chris L. said they are still in the “brainstorming” stage. This month’s zoom meeting has been postponed. Tony reported he and Brad have been conferring with the volunteer coordinator of the Madison 2024 convention.
Dick identified upcoming dates/events. In December, C.A.M.S. will renew our IPMS chapter charter. Dick encouraged anyone considering IPMS membership to do so now to maintain our charter qualification. Chris L. reminded that IPMS is offering a special rate for 3-year membership in celebration of the organization’s 60th (Dick mistakenly said 50th!) anniversary.
The January meeting (1/2/2025) will call for election of officers. Anyone interested in serving or in nominating someone for office, please contact Dick a.s.a.p. Also, club membership renewal will be due in January, to be paid by the February meeting, 2/6/2025.
Dick reported an email call went out requesting nomination for “Chapter of the Year.” He read through some of the criteria, which included promoting modeling in general and IPMS in particular, as well as service to the community. There was much discussion, ending with the conclusion that C.A.MS. should well qualify for consideration. One of the things pointed out was that community service could be by individuals within the club or the club in collaboration with other groups and organizations. Vern noted that the USS Tecumseh will be having a toy distribution in late December and that contributing toys/model kits, etc. to the USS Tecumseh would be an instance of C.A.MS. community support. It was agreed that we will bring contributions for this activity at the December meeting. Dick urged everyone with any input re: promotion or service to pass the information to him to compile; this will require a lot of time and preparation. The deadline for submission is March 15.
Dick said the invitation to participate in next year’s Capital City Comic Con had just gone out and he has submitted the request for C.A.M.S. to be a part. Dates for the event are July 11-13.
Chris K proposed a P-39 group build. He explained Atlantis Models made mis-run kits available and we have a bunch of them. His idea was to plan a group build using these kits; we could evaluate how they would do for a “make & take” while having fun with an internal competition. Several said they would participate. It was decided to distribute kits at the February meeting, with finished projects brought to the April meeting.
Chris L. showed the latest IPMS Journal with the Nationals results, including his 3rd place Gundam.
Dick announced that next month would be HJ’s last meeting prior to returning home to Korea. At the December meeting, HJ will give a slide presentation of some of the places he’s seen in his recent travels around the states.
Brad’s “Band of Brothers” presentation will be rescheduled for the January meeting.
Michael B gave a presentation on how to add texture to a paint job. He explained that, for a gravity-feed airbrush, pulling the trigger back, releasing, then pressing the air “spits” a fine mist which can add variation in color for things like stone/pavement texture, mud splatters, etc. Other techniques for any airbrush, not just gravity-feed, is to load a tongue depressor or thumb with paint, then send a blast of air across the top, or simply flicking a toothbrush loaded with paint.
Jason, Vern and young Vern were all working on 3-D printed sci-fi kits. John W. showed a well-defined Napoleonic infantry officer in Egypt. Dick had his two ventures into paper modeling. Steve H. brought his heavy tank with which he was trying “squiggle line” camouflage.
The next meeting will be December 5, 6:30 p.m. Bring contributions for the toy distribution.
Capital Area Modelers Society 