Michael B, Brian, Dick, Tony, Steve H, Chris L, Mike O, Brad, Reedis, John W were present; Steve Foster was our guest again this month.
Dick gave a quick review of upcoming events through early November:
IPMS Duneland Model Contest & Swap 2024 October 12, 2024, Hobart, IN – Chris L is planning to attend
Toy & Model Show & Swap Meet, October 12, 2024, Johnstown Center, WI
49th Chicago Show, Military Miniature Society of Illinois, October 18, 19, Schaumburg, IL
2024 IPMS Region 5 Show and Competition, November 2, 2024, Naperville, IL
Winnebago Area Model Classic, November 2, Oshkosh, WI
Cleveland Model Show 27, November 3, 2024, Kirtland, OH
Detroit Area Auto Modelers, November 10, Warren – Chris L is planning to attend
Chris L says there is no change in the Treasurer report, our balance remains at about $300
Nine members were at the build night at Hoplite Games on Sept. 26. Dick reported Hoplite will be stocking Vallejo paints within the next couple weeks. All agreed that the crowding made it less than ideal, but that they want to continue connecting with Hoplite. Michael B said he will talk with the owner about setting aside a long table for us the next time we’re there.
Dick reported contact with Lansing Makers Network has been re-established and read their email about being eager to host a build night. They also suggested that scheduling it to coincide with the Wednesday evening Mini Painting group might be ideal. All agreed and decided to schedule the next build night at the Makers Network on Wednesday, October, 23. Dick said he would coordinate it with Makers’ staff.
Dick reviewed the Open house at AFK Games on Sunday, October 20, 1-4 p.m. It appears we will have ample “entry level” kits as well as tool sets for door prizes. Chris K will man a “make & take” table with the mini-Gundam. Chris L, Reedis are scheduled to assist with other stations; Michael B and Brian said they may also be able to help. Chris L will provide the table cover, banner and prize tickets. Members are needed to demonstrate decaling and detailing/weathering. Display models are needed. Participants need to arrive by noon for set-up. Dick distributed publicity flyers and urged everyone to pass them out at every opportunity.
Dick reported that Atlantis Models had reached out to IPMS chapters offering kits of P-39s for $2 ea. The kits are bagged, no decals and instructions can be downloaded. We obtained a minimum order of 24. There was discussion about using them as a “group build” project as well as a future “make & take” event. Chris K can discuss his idea of a “group build” at a future meeting. Michael B noted that the Lansing Makers Network holds an “open house” usually in June, to join with them at that event to have a “make & take” activity may give us a sizeable audience. Dick said he would explore this with the Makers Network. The consensus was to order an additional 24 kits for our supply.
Brad and Tony reported that planning for the Ft. Wayne Nationals in 2026 is currently in the “brainstorming” phase and covering topics such as design of convention logo, planning of convention decals and how to organize the raffles. Brad said the contracts for the venue had just been completed. The planners are presently looking for any and all input on suggestions or particular preferences; these can be forwarded through Dick, Brad, Tony, Chis K or Chris L.
The rest of the evening was devoted to “show & tell”. Dick showed his completed “NASCAR Space Race”: a Bandai Mandalorian and a paper model of an iguana “WIP” (Photo 1). He explained about the display of paper models in the Tiger Meet room of Nationals and how they were giving away sets of “kits”; he’s trying one to see what it’s like. Brad explained some of the history of the development of the North American P-51 (Photo 2) and described the Eduard kit he purchased at Nationals (Photo 3). Brian showed a completed Tiger I and described his plan for a diorama. He also showed a figure of Admiral Nimitz. He explained his son serves as a Green Beret and showed a Green Beret figure of John Wayne (Photo 4). Mike O had some miniature figures he’s painting (Photo 5). Michael B had a set of refillable paint pens and explained their use and flexibility (Photo 6 & 7). He will provide link information for ordering sets. Steve H presented a Sturmpanzerwagen he’s completing (Photo 8) and a diorama with a Tiger I done in the past (Photo 9). Tony described what he’s doing on the tracks for a half-track he’s building. Chris L showed his finished semi with tank trainer and described the 3-D printed parts to customize the build. The model won 3rd Place in popular vote at a recent St. Ignace truck show (Photo 10).
Next month’s meeting is Thursday, November 7. Brad will provide a slide show of his recent “Band of Brothers” tour of Normandy and the Netherlands.
Capital Area Modelers Society 