2024 Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Calendar
Casey Rupley (webmaster)
About Casey Rupley (webmaster)
Posts by Casey Rupley:
Meng AH-64D Saraf 1/35
This Meng AH-64D features some stunning detail in what is sure to be a popular kit given current events. Here are some kit review highlights as published in The Modelling News.
AH-64D Saraf Attack Helicopter (IAF)
From Meng Models
Kit No #QS-005
1/35th scale
Three paint schemes included
Pre-cut painting masks included
Expected in December / January
New Tamiya FM-1 in 1/48
Check out this review on Tamiya’s new Grumman FM-1 Wildcat Martlet Mk.V in 1/48 scale as posted on hyperscale.com.
Advantages: Good level of detail; excellent surface textures including crisply recessed panel lines, raised and recessed rivets and fabric texture; now includes new seated pilot figure and self-adhesive canopy masks.
Disadvantages: No open cowl flap option; fixed control surfaces, some simplification.
Conclusion: It is remarkable to consider that Tamiya’s original F4F-4 Wildcat was released almost 30 years ago, yet with its world-class surface textures, simple assembly and perfect fit it still stands proudly today as a worthwhile addition to any modeler’s collection.
December 2023 – Meeting Recap
Club Business
Attendance was approximately 28 people.
Joe Lavender provided a presentation on how he scratch builds model ships. Watch the YouTube video if you missed it!
The 2024 Contest Schedule is still being developed, but will be finalized and published soon.
The Model of the Year contest was conducted. See below for results.
Modeler of Year – those with the most points in each of the four skills levels – was announced. Winners are:
- Scott Jaworski – Masters
- James Barrett – Intermediate
- Aleya Montano – Basic
- AJ Tate – Junior
See the full the Point Standings for a complete breakdown of the 2023 point standings.
The 2023 Air Force Ball contained 108 models, a record high. It took 40 tubs and boxes in three cars to transport all the models. Thanks to all those that provided models and assisted with the display.
2023 Models of the Year
Complete Meeting Gallery
More Interesting New Kits
Here are some interesting new kits, as covered by The Modelling News website.
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 “Das U-Boot”
Neverland Hobby
1/144th scale
1/144th scale
Snap kit, pre-colored
$56.20
https://www.neverlandhobby.com/list_9/21.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/preview-update-neverland-hobbys-new.html?m=1
P-47D-30 RE Thunderbolt
MiniArt Models
1/48 scale
https://miniart-models.com/product/48023-p-47d-30re-thunderbolt-basic-kit/
MiniArt Models
1/48 scale
https://miniart-models.com/product/48023-p-47d-30re-thunderbolt-basic-kit/
Dave Epstein
| ASM Member Since: | 1999 |
| Division: | Masters |
| Day Job: | Disabled/Retired |
| Online Profiles: | Agapemodelers.com, IPMS USA, Scalemates and a bunch others |
| Modeler of the Year Winner: | Yes |
| Model of the Year Winner: | Yes |
| E-Board (current/past): | Pro-tem, Contest Director, Vice President, 2017-2021 |
Background
How/when did you get started?
1965, 7 years old my dad got me a 1/48 Lindberg Curtiss Jenny which the yellow outline was still visible on the back patio last time I was there.
What do you like to build?
Mostly 1/48 Aircraft, props and jets, but I do delve into armor, ships, and Sci-Fi occasionally.
How many models have you built?
In my lifetime, won’t even field a guess. Last year, 26, now I usually produce about one every 3 to 6 days. There are over 350,mostly A/C on display throughout my home.
How many models do you build a year on average?
20-30
How often do you work on models?
Daily
Who are your favorite modeling influencers on YouTube?
Just the guys and gals here in ASM and on line @ Agapemodelers.com.
Bench
What are your favorite tools?
Tamiya Extra Thin cement.
What are your favorite paints?
Model Master enamels.
What is your airbrush of choice?
Paasche H.
Where do you build?
In my bedroom, this triples as my modeling room, computer room and sleeping quarters. (I live with a friend in his spare bedroom).
Stash Management
What’s your favorite build?
1/48 Special Hobby X-15.
What’s your dream build?
All the kits in my stash before I kick the bucket!
How large is your pile of shame (unbuilt kits)?
+/- 350
Do you have a build horror story, accident, or mistake that haunts you?
A 1/48 Tamiya Shinden kit that fought me in every way imaginable. I put it up many times until finally I was at my wits end with the kit, smashed it all back into the box, took it out back and watched it burn… Not my most favorite decision or memory…
Accolades
Do you compete outside of ASM contests?
Yes, I have won several awards at Chili-Con IV, the 2018 Nats in Phoenix, The State Fair during 2017 thru 2018.
Have you been published in a trade magazine (picture or article)?
No.
What’s your biggest accomplishment in modeling?
My 2017-2018 string of Awards from our local club up to the 2018 Nationals. And setting a club record for points accrued in the 2018 year.
Misc
Anything else to share?
I have enjoyed being a club member and sharing ideas, jokes and skills, the camaraderie and serving on the e-board, which I plan to delve back into soon if elected.
Model Bench/Room
Favorite Build
Interesting New Kits
Here are some interesting new kits, as covered by The Modelling News website.
McLaren Mp4/4 1988
Meng
1/12th scale
1/12th scale
Meng have made another pressing of their new 1988 F1 Championship vehicle from McLaren, the MP4/4 in 1/12th scale. This one is a little different however, as it comes pre-coloured plastic with no need to paint (unless you want to that is).
http://www.meng-model.com/en/contents/59/581.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/mengs-new-mclaren-mp44-1988-comes-in.html?m=1
http://www.meng-model.com/en/contents/59/581.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/mengs-new-mclaren-mp44-1988-comes-in.html?m=1
A-20J/K Havoc / Boston Mk.IV
HK
1/32nd scale
Hong Kong Models are going for the glass-nosed Boston MK. IV / A-20J/K Havoc in their latest 32nd scale release.
https://www.hk-models.com/
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/hk-models-new-132-boston-mk-iv-20jk.html?m=1
1/32nd scale
Hong Kong Models are going for the glass-nosed Boston MK. IV / A-20J/K Havoc in their latest 32nd scale release.
https://www.hk-models.com/
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/hk-models-new-132-boston-mk-iv-20jk.html?m=1
Tiger I
Takom
1/16th scale
1/16th scale
Takom adds more Tiger with a “Big Box” combo & 16th scale Otto Carius.
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/takom-adds-more-tiger-with-big-box.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/takom-adds-more-tiger-with-big-box.html
Messerschmitt Me410A-1/U2 & U4
November 2023 – Meeting Recap
Club Business
Attendance was approximately 34 people.
Michael Howell spoke about the Cavalcade of Wings display. The Sunport is presumably going to shutdown the display for approximately 9 months. The conceptual design of the new display is done. Construction is supposed to be done before Balloon Fiesta in 2024.
John Tate talked about the possibility of ChileCon. Because of our the hefty financial commitment, it continues to be untenable at this time. It would cost roughly $10k to put on, quite an increase from past regionals held in Albuquerque that only cost a few hundred. The desire still exists to host another ChileCon, but it would likely require sponsorships. Meanwhile, the club continues to comfortably operate in the black.
Mike reminded everyone that the Air Force Ball is Saturday at 4:30. Models can be dropped off at Hobby Proz no later than noon for inclusion. One more person is needed.
The election for 2024 ASM President was conducted. Incumbent, John Tate, won.
Two contests were conducted: the fifth and final points contest of the year, as well as a P-51 sponsored contest. Oddly, there were only Masters entries on the table this month.
Points Contest - Bests of Show
Masters
Scott Jaworski
Hitachi Loader
Intermediate
(no entries)
Basic
(no entries)
Juniors
(no entries)
Points Contest - Full Results
Masters - Aircraft (prop)
1st
Brian Peck
A6M5 Zero
2nd
Victor Maestas
P-51 Racer
3rd
Mike Blohm
P-51D “Stinger VII”
Masters - Aircraft (jet)
1st
Frank Randall
F4D SkyRay
2nd
Frank Randall
Tornado
3rd
Bob Henderson
F-35
Masters - Armor
1st
Scott Jaworski
25lb Gun
2nd
Bob Henderson
M-978 Oshkosh
Masters - Automotive
1st
Scott Jaworski
Hitachi Loader
2nd
Bob Henderson
Chevy Impala
Masters - Figures
1st
Scott Jaworski
German Soldier
Masters - Science/Fantasy
1st
Steve Brodeur
Space Shuttle
Sponsored Contest - "P-51" by James Barrett
Complete Meeting Gallery
Cherry Hills Library Display (updated)
(originally posted content from October 4)
The ASM WWI model display has been installed at the Cherry Hills branch of Albuquerque Public Library.
Special thanks to Don Gatewood, Jim Coatney, Scott Jaworski, and John Tate for making it happen.
Don Gatewood will be giving a special presentation on “The Art and Craft of Scale Modeling” at the library on Saturday, October 28, from 11:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
(new content from November 1)
ASM Members Don Gatewood and Dave Tingley gave a public presentation at the Cherry Hills Branch of the Albuquerque Public Library on October 28th, 2023 on scale modeling and WWI. In attendance were ASM members Jim Coatney, Michael Howell and John Tate, as well as Jim and Don’s wives and other members of the public. The meeting was well-attended and the room well-suited to the presentation.
Dave Tingley gave an entertaining talk on the basics of scale modeling and caught the interest of potential junior modelers in our hobby. Don Gatewood gave a reprise of his April 2023 talk on WWI aviation which was just as interesting as his club presentation. Both presentations were a success and well-represented ASM.
This ASM model display and presentation set a good example of how even small-scale ASM activities can generate public interest in our club and hobby and are worth pursuing. If ASM members become aware of similar presentation opportunities in the future please pass along the information to the E-Board.
