June 2019 Minutes

The June 2019 meeting of the HPS was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on 3 June, 2019.  There were 11 attendees.  The  minutes of the May 2019 meeting were read and approved.

Old Business

Tom Clark gave the members a report on his visit to Wonderfest on 1 June in Louisville, Kentucky.  There were 840 entries which set record for the show.  A very impressive display, much use of 3D printing  and lots of electronics, lights, sound.

The subject of the trophy for the 'special category' at the IPMS nationals was discussed.  Initially the idea to use a trophy design similar to our 'best of show' was presented.  An alternate idea based on the 50 year marking of the Apollo landing on the moon was also presented.  This would utilize a representation of the Apollo command module with a photo of the moon landing and data on the capsule on a metal plate at the bottom.  This was the idea that was favored by the chapter and will proceeded with.

A club banner for our show and contest is moved forward with capability of being able to change the year display.

The numbering of the forms used to enter models in the chapter show and contest was brought to the floor.  There has been previous discussion regarding how to alter the forms such that the model does not have to lifted or moved to read the information on the forms.  After a bit of additional discussion it was decided leave the forms as is but look at the forms used by other chapters.  As to the numbering of the forms, the basic purpose of numbering the forms is give a count as to how many models were entered.  A suggestion was made that an entrant with multiple models could place the total number of models on on of the entry forms and then that number noted on a note pad by the chapter member working at the registration table.  The final decision was that the entry form would remain the same but that numbering each entry form maybe become optional.

The subject of the use of table risers was brought to the floor.  There were points, both pro and con, brought forward.  The final decision was made that observations regarding the use of table risers would made at the IPMS nationals.  A formal request that we not use table risers at our show was made by one of our chapter members.

New Business

  A request by our chapter president for judges for the model car contest that was part of the Mopar Club show at Huntsville Drag Strip was made.

   Mention was made of the meeting of the Marshal Space Flight Center Retiree's Association Meeting at MSFC on 13 Jul, the theme MSFC 1945-1975.

   Dan Thompson has been E-mailing newsletters generated by other IPMS chapters to our chapter members for quite a while.  As with many other entities there is both a beneficial aspect and a negative aspect.  The final outcome of a discussion on this subject was that should one not want to continue to receive these newsletters from Dan let him know and he will drop you from his mailing list.

   Our chapter president mentioned that at times, for whatever reason, conversations among chapter members will commence while an individual is giving a narrative on his work during Show and Tell.  Basically, his request was "please be courteous to the individual that is giving his narrative."

   There is apparently, in Huntsville, a group of individuals who build Gundam model figures.  They meet at the 'Lucky Dice Cafe'.  Meeting time is ever Tuesday night.

The June 'build night' will be 17 June, 6:P.M. to 8 P.M. at The Deep Comic Book and Game store.

Show and Tell 

Eli Geher - Manufacturers Promotional Model.  Restoration project for the Veterans Museum.  Prototype helicopter night vision system from Northrop Aviation.

Dan Thompson - Spaceship Pathfinder  Lengthened the 1/72nd scale Apollo 27 kit.

Andy Brezinski - 1/72nd Apollo 27 as a land speed-record setter.  Scratch-built cockpit painted and pilot prepared.

Bill Nichols - 1/72nd Italeri B-58 Hustler.  Scratchbuilt pilot, navigator, and weapon operator compartments. Scratchbuilt engine intakes and resin afterburner cans.  Natural metal finish by AK Interactive "Xtreme Metal" enamels.

Bruce O'Gorman - 1/6 scale Moebius 'Lost in Space' robot. 'LIS' robot added light and speech kit, glass bubble bolted to base with switches.  1/35 scale Apollo era M-113 escape/rescue vehicle.  Modified Tamiya M-113 kit for Apollo era configuration, fabricated speaker and exhaust.  1/24 scale AMT Dodge Shelby Charger, created decals.  1/32nd Revell Volkswagen with MENG WWToon Panther(Hitler's legacy, war and peace).  Modified Volkswagen, added Panther turret, machine gun, and accessories inside. Used decals from car and tank.

Blake Parker - Northrop Grumman Antares 230 1/100 scale AXM paper kit.  Fairly simple build.  Base is generic wooden shape from Hobby Lobby.  Model depicts NG-11 launch vehicle for S.S. Roger Chaffee launched in 2019 and currently berthed to ISS Node 1 Nadir CBM.  Space X Falcon m9 with Crew Dragon 1/00 scale Started with AXM paper kit, added metallic details with Molotow chrome pen on heatshield and engines. Windows were done with mylar film.  Sloar panels covered with clear packing tape and used vellum paper for grid fins.  Base is a generic Gundam base bought at The Deep Game and Comic Book store. Model depicts Space X DM-1 mission launched in March 2019.

Correction to May 2019 Show and Tell 

   M.E. Mueller - Completed 1/72nd scale Curtiss 81 'Tomahawk'.  This model was brought to April Show and Tell close to being completed.  Completed model was then displayed at May Show and Tell but not mentioned in the May 2019 meeting minutes.

May 2019 Minutes

The May 2019 meeting of HPMS was called to order at 7:10 P.M. on 6 May.  There were 16 attendees.  The minutes of the April 2019 meeting were read and approved.

Old Business

A 'thank you' letter was received from 'Rescue Rangers of Decatur' for the chapter donation to this organization to honor Ed Maslin.

Our contest rules are now finalized and will remain in effect till as such time changes are warranted.

We were informed by Tom Clark that the announcement for our August show and contest have been placed in Fine Scale Model Auto and the IPMS Journal.

New Business

A question was brought to the floor regarding the status of models of Soviet spacecraft that are relevant to the American space program.  An example of this are Russian craft used to transport crew to the International Space Station.  The decision was made to address this at the contest on model by model basis.

There was mention made that the chapter is sponsoring a trophy package for rotary wing aircraft at the nationals. 

Wonderfest will be 1 June in Louisville Kentucky.

The monthly build night will be 20 May from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at The Deep Comic Book and Game store.

Show and Tell

Barbara Denza - 1/25th scale 1964 Chevy Pick-Up Truck.  Painted Tamiya orange and pearl white.  Ran fuel lines, wired engine, wired electric fan and wired alternator.  Bare metal foiled bed strips, added Thrush muffler, flocked interior and added seat belts.

Ken Denza - 1/25th scale Revell 2001 Corvette Z06.  Wired electric fan, alternator, and battery cables.  Added air conditioning lines, seat belts, grab rail on dash.  Flocked the carpet.  Paint is Tamiya Italian red.

Andy Brezinski - 1/72nd Apollo 27.  Changed from rocket to land speed record car.  This is the group build for the 2019 nats.

Tom Clark - 1/72nd Apollo 27 kitbash.  "Crew module" built out of the Apollo 27 kit.  This is the group build for the 2019 nats.

Robert Osborne - TOS Destroyer, USS Xerxes is a 1/1000 scale conversion.  1/72nd Nanchang Q-5C is a model of a Chinese aircraft based on the Mig-19 derived as a ground attack jet.  A group of 25MM Norman war game and D&D figures.

Bruce O'Gorman - 1/35th scale NASA hazmat response vehicle prototype(M-577).  Finished NASA hazmat response vehicle diorama of hypothetical dump site scenario.  1/35th scale Apollo era NASA emergency rescue vehicle(M-113).  This is a WIP.  Primed the 1/35th scale M-113.  Scratch built exhaust modification and loud speaker.  Basic vehicle kits are Tamiya kits.    

April Meeting Minutes

The April 2019 meeting was called called to order at 7:05 P.M. on 1 April.  There were 17 attendees.  The minutes of the March 2019 meeting were read and approved with corrections.

Old Business

The matter of a new club banner design and revised contest forms for our yearly show and contest was brought to the floor.  A decision was made to postpone further discussion on these two topics until a time closer to the show.

A draft copy of the contest rules for our show and contest was given to chapter members at this meeting. There was noted by Tom Clark that definitions on a couple of matters are still needed

Advertisements for our show in various modeling publications will be addressed during the May 2019 time period.

The chapter has donated $100.00 to organization 'Rescue Rangers of Decatur'.  This is an organization located in Decatur, Alabama, involved in animal shelter work.  This was done at the request of Ed Maslin's family as a way to honor Ed.

New Business

Our thoughts are with chapter member Jerry Slaughter whose sister passed away recently.  

A visitor was at our meeting this month, Jim Babett.  We hope to see him again, he builds armor and an occasional plane or two.

Correction to the March Meeting Minutes

Tom Clark did well at the Atlanta AMPS Show.  While there is, I believe, an AMPS chapter in Huntsville, this was not a show conducted by them.

Show and Tell

Tom Clark - 1/72nd scale Apollo 27 group build.  Lot of scratch build using PVC pipe, fishing bobber, and sections cut from a plastic champagne flute. He also brought a paint shaker from Amazon.  This machine is sold to shake nail polish bottles, but works with bottles up to the size of Tamiya paints, and can be powered by battery or AC 110 volt.  The cost is $25.00.  Also presented, a SF modeling guide book 'Gravity'.

M.E. Mueller - 1/72nd scale Curtiss 81 'Tomahawk'.  Replaced all the flying controls and modified fuselage to Curtiss 81 configuration.  Markings are RAF 1941-1942.

Mark Saunders - Tamiya 1/48th scale F4F Wildcat.  Basically 'out of box' build, did use Modelkasten elastic rigging line. (First time - recommended)

Andy Brezinski - 1/25th scale 1972 Chevy pick-up.  Cleveland Browns colors, still working on decals of the Cleveland Brown's logo.  Added spark plug wires and heater hoses.  Also showed Pro Modeler Revell 1/25th scale Dodge Charger Daytona kit recently obtained. 

Ken Denza - 1/25th scale AMT 1932 Ford Vicky.  Paint: Tamiya Racing Blue. Chassis: 32 Ford, from Revell/Mongram kit.  1/25th scale wheels are 32 Ford Revell/Mongram kit.  The engine is wired.  Other details include polished aluminum drive shaft and Bob Dudac rear end cover.  Also added door knobs,window track, CD player, and gauge panel.

Dan Thompson - Resin 1/350 scale Light Attack Craft.  An 'out-of-the-box' build, craft is from the 'Honor Harrington' series of Sci Fi books by David Weber. Dan also brought a repaired table lamp honoring one of Soviet anniversaries, with a nice art deco rocket on the top. 

March Minutes

     The March meeting of the HPMS was called to order at 7:05 P.M. on 4 March.  There were 12 attendees.  The minutes of the February 2019 meeting were read and approved.

Old Business

      The chapter has received notice from IPMS national that our chapter charter has been renewed.

      A new banner design for our yearly contest is still in the works.

      The subject of revised contest forms for our yearly show is still in process.

      Tom Clark briefed the chapter on the Atlanta figure modelers figure show.  Basically a good show, some interesting items on display.

      The update of our show contest rules will be sent to chapter members.  During the course of a review of our existing rules it was discovered that we had no rule regarding models that had won in shows conducted by other chapters.

      The subject of advertisements for our model show and contest was brought to the floor.  Tom Clark said he would look into this and provide updates.

New Business

      The tenor of the meeting changed as we talked about the passing of Ed Maslin, our previous president of the chapter.  Our current president Andy Brezinski had talked with Ed's family and gave us a briefing on his passing.  There was discussion on how to honor Ed.  During the course of the discussion it was mentioned that late last year, after we had held our model show and contest, Tony Campbell had passed away.  After further discussion the motion was put forth to have an award, in Ed's name, for a kitbashed/custom model in any category at this years show and contest and also that this years Best Aircraft award would carry Tony Campbell's name.  This motion was approved by the chapter members present.

      Tom Clark attended the Atlanta AMPS show and came away with two gold and one silver medallion for the models he entered.  Good work!!!!!! He also took a gold medal in the Atlanta Military Figure Show.

      The last item to be discussed at this meeting regarded the chapters trophy package to the IPMS National Convention at Chattanooga.  As it stands right now we sponsoring one package to honor the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.  We will judge the models related to this event and will provide the trophy.  We had originally talked about sponsoring two packages.  

      The Anniston model show and contest is the first week in April,2019.

      Wonderfest is projected for the first week in June, 2019.

      The March 'Build Night' will be 18 March, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at The Deep Game and Comic Book Store.

Show and Tell

Tom Clark - 1/24th scale 2006 Chevy Corvette ZO6.  Experimenting with painting a car using the same painting style as a tank - the "modulation" paint style.  Showed parts from the Apollo 27 project - rocket nozzle from a champagne flute and "radiation shield" from plate & saucer.  Also new "RZ" breathing mask.

Rick Nelson - Scratch built 1/18 scale C-130 cockpit as part of a flying model.

Bruce O'Gorman - 1/35th scale NASA M-113 Fire Rescue Vehicle and NASA Experimental Hazmat Response  Vehicle.  WIP Nasa M-113 - Homemade decals; modified Tamiya M-113 A1/A3 kit.  Scratch built antenna and rear speaker.  WIP NASA X HRV-1.  Homemade decals, modified Tamiya M-577 command track vehicle.  Scratch built hydraulic arm, dozer blade, camera mast, drone, and interior.  Plan to light with LEDs in interior and light bar.

Ken Denza - 1/24th scale modified Cavalier stock car.  Body is resin from Big Donkey resin.  Also wired engine, and added fuel line.  Wheels & tires are Plastic Performance items.  Paint is Tamiya Italian Red and Chrome Yellow.  Scratch built crash bars, billet aluminum fire extinguisher and radiator cap.  Additional wiring included tachometer and battery.

Barbara Denza - 1/25th scale 1964 Chevy Pick-up Truck.  Tamiya Pearl White & Bright Orange.  Ran fuel line, flocked interior, added seatbelts, wired engine and alternator. 

Bill Nichols - a Ford Trimotor as the centerpiece to a diorama based on the H. P. Lovecraft story "The Mountains of Madness." With giant albino penguins!

Martin Burkey brought some 3D printed parts for the AMT/Round 2 "Man in Space" set, that replace the original capsules with more detailed alternatives.