Capital Area Modelers Society

Michael B, Brian D, Dick D, Tony F, Steve H, Bill H, Henry H, Chris K, Chris L, Jason M, Reedis T were present.  We welcomed as a guest William Beam, who came to the recent build night.  We also welcomed Leif Swanson and Adam Taft from the Lansing Makers Network as guests to give the presentation on miniature painting.  A special surprise was the arrival of Robert Phelps, who presented the club with a large collection of car kits as a gift.  Several members took some of these for their stash.

Dick gave a quick run-through of upcoming events: Hoosier Model Car Association Model Car Contest and Swap Meet, September 6, Lebanon, IN;  Midwest Scale Madness, September 13, Fort Atkinson, WI; Gem City NNL, September 13,  Franklin, OH; Great Lakes Challenge Model Contest, October 4, Grand Rapids; IPMS Duneland Contest and Swap Meet, October 11, Hobart, IN; Cincinnati Scale Modelers ‘ModelNati’, October 18, Batavia, OH; Motor City NNL 20/Detroit Area Auto Modelers, October 19, Waterford Township; Lorain County IPMS Swap and Bull, October 26, Rocky River, OH (Display only show).  Chris L reported an upcoming event at St. Ignace by the Michigan Truck Modelers and asked if C.A.M.S. would sponsor an award, cost $45; there was a unanimous vote to approve.

Dick passed out paperwork re: the Great Lakes Challenge, October 4.

There was no vice-president’s report.

Chris L gave a Treasurer report, that finances were stable.  The Exec. Board had approved reimbursing Chris K for web hosting expenses.  Chris K added that he is soliciting advertising for the Gazette and our web page, which he believes will offset printing for the Gazette and contribute toward web expenses.  Dick showed the plaque that arrived this week designating C.A.M.S. as “Chapter of the Year” for Region Four; Chris L stated he had recused himself from this selection as R4 Coordinator.

Dick noted there was a recent post from former member HJ Yun on Facebook and encouraged everyone to check out HJ’s recent write-up of the 2024 Nationals on his web site, https://hjmodeling.com/.

There were about six at the August build night at Lansing Makers Network, August 27, where we met William.  The September build night is at Hoplite on the 18^th, with a reserved table for C.A.M.S.  It was decided to schedule a build night at Evolution Games off W. Saginaw on October 15; Dick said he would coordinate with them.

Chris K reports the CAMS Gazette status is better, as he is learning a new publishing software.  Michael B offered to help with graphics, as well as offers last month from Mike O to help with publishing and Norm to help with printing.

C.A.M.S. has been invited to participate in How-to-Halloween at Impressions 5 on October 4.  It was decided that we would not be able participate this year.  However, Michael B and Reedis both said they have booths for the event and will gladly include promotional materials at their tables.  Dick will inform the How-to-Halloween promoter.

Dick passed around a sign-up sheet to man the table at Lansing Model Railroad Club Train show, Sunday, November 9, 10 – 4, at the MSU Pavilion, and asked for dioramas for the table display as well as promotional items.  He noted the train club has an open house Saturday, October 4, 11 – 4, which is worth attending to see the club’s layout.

The rest of the evening was devoted to the presentation and hands-on exercise of miniature painting given by Leif and Adam.  They had lots of useful information about working with acrylics, using a wet palette, care of paint brushes.  They provided miniatures and the needed supplies for the exercise.  Thank you Leif and Adam for sharing your time and knowledge.

Our next meeting is Thursday, October 2, during which Tony will give a demonstration on creating trees.  “I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.”