Community

September 21, 2024

2024 New Mexico State Fair – Summary

Casey Rupley (webmaster) Community, NM State Fair

Creative Arts – Division 13
Models – Military and Science Fiction
Sections 471-474 Sponsored by Albuquerque Scale Modelers

Sections

Section 471: Youth (ages 11 and under)
Section 472: Senior Youth (ages 12-17)
Section 473: Adult (ages 18 and over)
Section 474: Professional (More than 5 years experience)

NOTE: ASM members in the Masters and Intermediate Divisions are required to enter models in Section 474: Professional.

Classes

Aircraft, Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Diorama – miniature scene, wholly or partially three-dimensional, depicting model in a naturalistic and realistic setting
Flying Models, including flying rockets
Helicopters – Jet & Non-Jet – All scales
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked –Large scale (1/35 scale & larger)
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked – Small scale (1/48 scale & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment-Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Small scale (1/48 & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Large Scale (1/35 & Larger)
Miniature Figure – single-footed or mounted figure
Miniature Figure Vignette – maximum of 3 related human, animal or equipment figures, no vehicles
Miscellaneous (none of the above)
Powered Ships
Sailing Ships & Oared Ships
Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures – Including Anime, Gundams, Robotech
Science Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy Spacecraft and Terrestrial Crafts; and Real (actual) Spacecraft; etc. – excluding figures
Wood Models: models assembled or built of wood from pre-cut/laser-cut kits
Paper Models: models built of paper or card stock, paperboard, or foam from kits or scratch-built
3D Metal Models: models built or assembled from pre-cut metal kits

NOTE: Only one entry per class.

Contest Summary

This year for the New Mexico State fair we had 55 total entries, which is about average. There were three youth entries. Two senior youth entries. 29 adult entries. And 21 entries in the professional category, which are mostly club members. We also had nine display only models and we also did the what is scale modeling educational display. James Medina had the most entries with seven he also won a clean sweep with seven blue ribbons. The most entries in the adult category was a lady named Haley Gibson with five entries. I want to thank Mike, Matt, Victor, Mark and David for help with the entries and James Medina for help with judging.

Complete Gallery

August 2, 2024

ASM’s Model Displays at the Folds of Honor Patriot Gala

Casey Rupley (webmaster) Community, Folds of Honor

For those that weren’t present for the July meeting, here is a PDF version of the briefing Matt Blohm gave about Folders of Honor.

ASM_Folds-Of-Honor-Briefing_12uly24-Meeting_PDF Download

November 25, 2023

2023 AIR FORCE ANNIVERSARY BALL

Mike Blohm Air Force Ball, Community

ASM’s Model Display at the 76th Anniversary Air Force Ball
By Mike Blohm

Our ASM model display at the Air Force 76th Anniversary Ball was a huge success and enjoyed by all the attendees. The event was held on Saturday, November 4th at Kirtland Air Force Base. It celebrated the 76th birthday of the USAF, which became a separate service on September 18, 1947 with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. The theme of this year’s event was “The Evolution of Flight.” Therefore, we presented two displays with a total of 108 models, which was a record for an AF Ball event. One display covered that main theme, and the second covered our “USAF 1947 to the Present” theme. We also threw in some models on New Mexico and Albuquerque Air Base history. I was initially worried that we would not be able to pull together a good “evolution” display, but it turned out great. We brought 40 total tubs and boxes in three cars to the event. This was our fifth display at an AF Ball. Pictures of the event and the displays are provided below.

Pictures of the 76th AF Ball Event

“USAF 1947 to the Present” Display

This year we had two large sets of tables both in “L-shaped” configurations in separate corners of the room that we were located in. This worked well for our two separate displays. We had models ranging from 1/200 through 1/32 scale. The “USAF 1947 to the Present” display had 75 models. The tables here included – from left to right – the Korean War with12 models; Southeast Asia/Viet Nam (SEA) with 13; Air Defense Command (ADC) with 7; cargo, transport and air refueling aircraft with 7; modern fighter, support, and training aircraft with 25; Strategic Air Command (SAC) with 6; helicopters with 3; and was capped-off with a 1/32 scale F-16C Thunderbird on the end built by Frank Randall. I completed three models just in time for the event to fill some gaps in the SEA, ADC, and SAC areas. These were, respectively, an O-1 Bird Dog finishing up the SEA forward air control (FAC) aircraft and a F-86D Sabre Dog both in 1/72, and a B-47B Stratojet in 1/144. We still need some cargo and bomber aircraft built in 1/144 scale.

Pictures of the “USAF 1947 to Present” Model Display

“Evolution of Flight” Display

The “Evolution of Flight” corner had 33 models that started with the Wright Flyer on one end and worked chronologically through major aeronautical developments up to the Space Shuttle and a few “future Air Force” models as well. These included some U.S. WWI and WWII aircraft of note: Raoul Lufberry’s Nieuport 17c (Lafyette Escadrille) and Frank Luke’s SPAD XIII, and Dick Bong’s P-38J and George Preddy’s P-51D. These were followed by some “firsts” aircraft consisting of the Me-262, P-80A, XFY-1 Pogo VTOL aircraft, XF-85 Goblin, X-1 “Glamorous Glennis,” X-3, XF-92, X 15, a huge 1/48 scale SR 71 Blackbird (loved by all attendees), F-15 and F-16XL test birds, and the YF-22 and YF-23 test aircraft. In the NASA space program section, the models included the Mercury-Redstone “Friendship 7” flown by Alan Sheperd; Mercury-Atlas “Freedom 7” flown by John Glenn; Gemini Titan-3 “Unsinkable Molly Brown” flown by Gus Grissom and John Young; the Apollo-11 Command and Service Module “Columbia” and Lunar Module (LM) “Eagle” enroute to the Moon; and the LM “Eagle” landed on the Moon. Next were models of the Space Shuttles “Challenger” on the crawler launch pad and “Discovery” in the landed configuration. The “future US Air Force” models included an X-Wing Starfighter in Southeast Asia colors and an F-4X “X-Wing Starfighter,” which were also loved by the attendees. The left end of the table had a B 17F and B-24J and info on the Albuquerque Air Base Bombardier School during WWII; and a P 38H Lightning model and info on Capt Danny Roberts – New Mexico’s fighter ace. On display behind the NASA models was the USAF Missile Models collection, located here because we ran out of space on the “1947 to Present” tables. This collection included 14 models of USAF cruise missiles, IRBM and ICBMs, and the Bomarc SAM. I built those models for the 2022 AF Ball. One item that I brought with me but forgot to put next to the Wright Flyer was a white-colored wooden egg, as the initial “evolution of flight.”

Several of the unit commanders and leadership came by to thank us for putting on the display and told us that everybody had enjoyed seeing all the models. They mentioned that the display certainly covered the USAF’s evolution of flight. They do want us back next year. Of note, they added our ASM logo from the ASM Website home page to the back page of the event’s program where they had “Special Thank You to Our Team Kirtland AF Ball Sponsors” and all the sponsors listed. Pictures of the program are included below.

Mike and Matt Blohm and Frank Randall set up the display and manned the tables during the event. Thanks to the following ASM members who loaned models for the display: Frank Randall (27 models), Victor Maestas (4), Don Gatewood (4), Steve Brodeur (4), Bob Henderson (3), Mark Vaughn/Cavalcade of Wings (2), Len Faulconer (2), Josh Pals (2), Patrick Dick (2), Brian Peck (1), Scott Jaworski (1), and Mike and Matt Blohm (56 – a lot of these have been built for ASM’s displays over the years). Pictures by Mike and Matt Blohm and Frank Randall.

Please let me know if you are interested in building any models that could be “borrowed” for use in our reoccurring ASM displays each year. They do not need to be IPMS Nationals entry quality – just a nice build – and the undersides will likely never be seen. You can peruse the pictures to see what gaps we have at this time. We do have some new builds already in progress.

November 1, 2023

Cherry Hills Library Display (updated)

Casey Rupley (webmaster) Articles/Reviews, Community

(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.

September 19, 2023

2023 FOLDS OF HONOR PATRIOTS GALA

Mike Blohm Community, Folds of Honor

ASM’s club model display at the 2023 Folds of Honor New Mexico’s Patriot Dinner went very well. The event was held at the Isleta Resort and Casino’s Convention Center in Albuquerque on September 8, 2023. The Folds of Honor (FoH) provides scholarships for children and spouses of America’s fallen and disabled Service members, and also America’s first responders (police, fire-fighters, EMTs, and paramedics). The Patriot Dinner is one of their primary fund-raising events with silent auctions and old-fashioned live auctions during the dinner. This was our fourth model display in support of a FoH event.

The theme of ASM’s display was “Models of Aircraft, Ships and Military Vehicles Used by the U.S. Services.” We had about 70 models on two long tables. We brought 23 tubs and boxes of models but were not able to display them all due to having just two tables.

The display was set up chronologically beginning with the Korean War and Southeast Asia (Viet Nam) periods at the left end. The center section had models of Air Defense Command fighters and a BOMARC, Military Airlift Command transports, and Strategic Air Command bombers. Next were models from the Gulf War and current time aircraft. We did have representation of US Air Force, US Navy, and US Marine Corps subjects. On the right end we had helicopters, beach assault ships and vehicles on a water base, and armor/military vehicle models, including Ken Piniak’s large 1/16 scale M1A1 tank. A lot of former tank drivers talked to Ken about that item. Many attendees came up and asked if we had a certain type of aircraft. I talked with the grand daughter of a pilot who had flown the F-86 Sabre in the Korean War and had spent some time as a prisoner of war.

The goals of our ASM club model displays are to promote the hobby of scale modeling; make an outreach for new members; and to perform community service by supporting civic events. I think we met all those goals with this display, and we were thanked by many attendees and the FoH New Mexico President for being there to support the event. We did pass out a few ASM fliers as well. A big thank you to all the ASM members who provided models for the display: Victor Maestas, Steve Brodeur, Mark Vaughn (Cavalcade of Wings), Keith Liotta, Ken Piniak, Frank Randall, Bob Henderson, and Mike and Matt Blohm. Thanks also to Ken Pinak, and Matt and Mike Blohm for manning the tables. Pictures of the display and the event are provided below.

Here is a link for Folds of Honor – New Mexico: https://newmexico.foldsofhonor.org/

Next up is the ASM club model display at the 2023 Air Force Ball, which has just been moved to November 4, 2023 at the Mountain View Club on Kirtland AFB. Please consider loaning some USAF-themed models and “Evolution of Flight” models for that event.

Folds of Honor logo. Unpacking and setting-up 23 tubs of models. Display when the set-up was complete.

Long hallway at Isleta Conference Center where displays were set up. The ASM display is at far end near the doors to the large banquet/dinner room. Attendees viewing models.

Models organized chronologically from left to right on the tables.

Memorial display to deceased New Mexico military and first responders.

Auction room and dinner room, and event in progress.

Packing-up.

September 7, 2023

2023 New Mexico State Fair – Model Contest and Results

Casey Rupley (webmaster) Community, NM State Fair

Creative Arts – Division 13
Models – Military and Science Fiction
Sections 471-474 Sponsored by Albuquerque Scale Modelers

Sections

Section 471: Youth (ages 11 and under)
Section 472: Senior Youth (ages 12-17)
Section 473: Adult (ages 18 and over)
Section 474: Professional (More than 5 years experience)

NOTE: ASM members in the Masters and Intermediate Divisions are required to enter models in Section 474: Professional.

Classes

Aircraft, Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Diorama – miniature scene, wholly or partially three-dimensional, depicting model in a naturalistic and realistic setting
Flying Models, including flying rockets
Helicopters – Jet & Non-Jet – All scales
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked –Large scale (1/35 scale & larger)
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked – Small scale (1/48 scale & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment-Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Small scale (1/48 & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Large Scale (1/35 & Larger)
Miniature Figure – single-footed or mounted figure
Miniature Figure Vignette – maximum of 3 related human, animal or equipment figures, no vehicles
Miscellaneous (none of the above)
Powered Ships
Sailing Ships & Oared Ships
Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures – Including Anime, Gundams, Robotech
Science Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy Spacecraft and Terrestrial Crafts; and Real (actual) Spacecraft; etc. – excluding figures
Wood Models: models assembled or built of wood from pre-cut/laser-cut kits
Paper Models: models built of paper or card stock, paperboard, or foam from kits or scratch-built
3D Metal Models: models built or assembled from pre-cut metal kits

NOTE: Only one entry per class.

Contest Summary

The 2023 State Fair Contest had 49 total models entries. Thanks to all who participated in the contest and in the ASM display, helped with the model entries and pick-up, and did the judging.

The Youth section had 1 entry by 1 entrant. The Best of Show – Youth entry was the F-4 Phantom by Augustine Romero. There were no Senior Youth entries.

The Adult section had 25 models across 13 different sections. The Best of Show – Adult entry was the Luftwaffe Machine Shop Car by Paul Beok. The Professional (ASM members and others) section had 23 models in 14 classes. The Best of Show – Professional entry was the scratch-built HMS Bacchante from Byron Gore. A total of 6 ASM members entered models in the 2023 contest.

Complete Gallery

Section 471: Youth

Best of Show
Augustine Romero
F-4 Phantom

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
2 - Aircraft, Jet - Small	F-4 Phantom	Augustine Romero	1	Yes

Section 472: Senior Youth

(no entries)

Section 473: Adult

Best of Show
Paul Beok
Luftwaffe Machine Shop Car

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
2 - Aircraft, Jet – Small scale	F-100 Eject	Mark Chino	1
2 - Aircraft, Jet – Small scale	Communicating F-14/Mig	Selina Chino	2
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale	P-51D	Matthew Burress	1
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale	P-40	Russell Levrett	2
5 - Diorama	Panzer IV	David De Young	1
5 - Diorama	WWII Street Scene	Lawrence Aguilar	2
5 - Diorama	Orbiting Ship	Brad Smith	3
5 - Diorama	Ruins of Roost	Jason Waggoner
5 - Diorama	WWII Battefield	Selina Chino
6 - Flying Models	Rocket	John Walter	1
8 - Military Vehicles – Fully tracked	Sherman Tank	David De Young	1
13 - Miniature Figure Vignette	Three Butterflies	Haley Gibson	1
14 - Miscellaneous	Luftwaffe Machine Shop Car	Paul Beok	1	Yes
14 - Miscellaneous	Dragon RC Boat	Jerry Valenzuela	2
15 - Powered Ships	Titanic	Tony Harris	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Stormcast Knight on Griffin	Jacob Miller	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Tarrasque Dragon	Stephen Reimus	2
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Transformer	Haley Gibson	3
18 - Science Fiction/Spacecraft	ATM6 Walker	Lawrence Aguilar	1
18 - Science Fiction/Spacecraft	USS Excelsior	Mark Chino	2
18 - Science Fiction/Spacecraft	Roswell Alien	Brad Smith	3
18 - Science Fiction/Spacecraft	Mars Rover	Haley Gibson
19 - Wood Models	Wood F-15	Hubbard Elmore	1
20 - Paper Models	Sherman Tank	Brandon Brown	1
21 - 3D Metal Model	Skimwing	Haley Gibson	1

Section 474: Professional

Best of Show
Byron Gore
HMS Bacchante

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
2 - Aircraft, Jet – Small scale	SR-71	Frank Randall	1
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale	Taiwan IDF	Victor Maestas	1
4 - Aircraft, Non-Jet – Small scale	Bf-109E-1	Frank Randall	1
5 - Diorama	M8 Light Armor	Jeffery West	1
5 - Diorama	Mercedes G4	Byron Gore	2
5 - Diorama	Sherman Tank in Winter	Frank Randall	3
5 - Diorama	Apollo 11 Landing	Mark Vaughn
5 - Diorama	On the Trail of Geronimo	Steve Miller
8 - Military Vehicles – Fully tracked	Ketzer	Dave Tingley	1
8 - Military Vehicles – Fully tracked	Panzer IV	Jeffery West	1
8 - Military Vehicles – Fully tracked	T-55	Byron Gore	2
10 - Military Vehicles – Non/Half Tracks, Small	M1126 Striker	Frank Randall	1
11 - Military Vehicles – Non/Half Tracks, Large	Sd Kfz 222	Byron Gore	1
12 - Miniature Figure	German Solider	Byron Gore	1
13 - Miniature Figure Vignette	Roman General and Standard	Gerard Coffey	1
13 - Miniature Figure Vignette	Bunkies to the End	Steve Miller	2
14 - Miscellaneous	Prop Jet Engine	Mark Vaughn	1
15 - Powered Ships	HMS Cacchante	Byron Gore	1	Yes
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Snailien	Victor Maestas	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Wolfenstein	Byron Gore	2
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Machao Gundam Barbatos	Matt Blohm	3
18 - Science Fiction/Spacecraft	Apollo Command Module	Mark Vaughn	1
21 - 3D Metal Model	Hellcat	Byron Gore	1

October 15, 2022

2022 Air Force Anniversary Ball

Mike Blohm Air Force Ball

The ASM model display at the 2022 Air Force Ball was a great success. The event, held on Friday, October 14th at Kirtland Air Force Base, celebrated the 75th birthday of the USAF. The USAF became a separate service on September 18, 1947 with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. The theme of the event was “Roaring Twenties.” The theme of our display was “USAF 1947 to the Present.” We also threw in some New Mexico and Albuquerque Air Base history – more on that below. Pictures of the display are provided below.

This year we had two large sets of tables on each side of the hallway near the entrance into the Mountain View Club that the attendees would pass by as they entered into the event. See the composite picture. ASM arrived with 26 tubs and boxes of models and set up a total of 83 models on the tables. This was a record number of models at an AF Ball event (this was our fourth display). The model scales ranged from 1/144 to 1/32. One set of tables had 41 models covering the Korean War (13 models), Southeast Asia/Viet Nam (13 models); Air Defense Command (F-102, F-106 and two BOMARCs); the USAF Thunderbirds, Air Training Command (T-37 and T-38), cargo transport aircraft (C-54, C-118, and C-119); and the “New Mexico” models. This last group of models included the P-38H Lightning flown by Captain Danny Roberts, New Mexico’s fighter ace; B-17F Flying Fortress and B-24J Liberator models and a short story on the Bombardier School at Albuquerque Army Air Force Base during World War II; and finally, my “You Are Leaving New Mexico” model featuring a cow being beamed-up by a UFO.

The second set of tables had 42 models covering the X-planes and test aircraft from 1947 to the present (8 models); fighter, attack and combat support aircraft post Viet Nam to the present (16 models); aircraft used by the 58th Special Operations Wing (CV-22, MH-60G, and UH-1N) and the New Mexico Air National Guard (two F-16s in 1/48 and 1/72, and an A-7D) at Kirtland AFB; and aircraft of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) (7 models). We had newly-built B-52H and B-1B models in 1/144 scale in that last section, as well as two sets of missile models that I finished the night prior to the event. We had been short on SAC bombers and totally without any missile models at our previous three AF Balls, so my son Matt and I built the two bombers, I put the two “missile collections” together, and Frank Randall built an SR-71.

The missiles were a big hit with some of the attendees including the 377th Air Base Wing Commander, who chatted with us for about 15 minutes about our model display. He thought the display was great and he was very appreciative of ASM putting it on for the event, and he presented all of us with “Commander’s challenge coins.” They do want us back next year. I will be writing an article on the build of the missile model collections for the ASM Newsletter and ASM Website. Finally, at the end of this table, we included my F 4E Phantom II (from circa 1978) and my F-4X-Wing Starfighter models side-by-side depicting the USAF of the future. The attendees really enjoyed seeing the Starfighter and UFO models and we had some good conversations about those. So overall, we had a pretty good model representation of the different periods of USAF history, the different commands, and the aircraft types. We plan to build more transport and cargo aircraft for next year.

Mike and Matt Blohm and Ken Piniak set up the display and manned the tables. Since it was a formal event, Ken decided to wear his US Army dress uniform, which included his Cavalry hat and spurs. Therefore, I decided to wear my USAF dress uniform as well. So ASM looked pretty good at the event (see pictures). Thanks to the following ASM members who loaned models for the display: Frank Randall (19 models), Victor Maestas (5), Don Gatewood (4), Dave Epstein (3), Bob Henderson (2), Mark Vaughn (1), Brian Peck (2), Josh Pals (2), Steve Brodeur (1), and Mike and Matt Blohm (43).

September 12, 2022

2022 FOLDS OF HONOR PATRIOTS GALA

Mike Blohm Community, Folds of Honor

ASM’s model display at the 2022 Folds of Honor Patriots Gala went extremely well and was enjoyed by all the attendees. The event was held at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque on August 20, 2022. The Folds of Honor (FoH) provides scholarships for children and spouses of America’s fallen and disabled Service members. The Gala is one of their primary fund-raising events with silent auction and old-fashioned live auctions during the dinner. ASM has provided built models for their auctions, and we had a 1/48 scale F-35A Lightning II built by Scott Jaworski in this year’s auction. Scott’s model was won with a bid of $60. This was our third model display in support of an FoH event.

The theme of ASM’s display was “Models of Aircraft, Ships and Military Vehicles Used by the U.S. Services.” We had 102 total models on four 6-foot long tables. This was a record number of models for a FoH display, as well as our three Air Force Anniversary Ball displays. It took us about an hour to get set up. We had approximately 25 tubs of models.

The display was set up chronologically beginning with the Korean War and Southeast Asia (Viet Nam) periods at the far-left end. The center section had models from the Gulf War and current time periods. On the right end we had a large section of helicopters and armor/military vehicle models. Ken Piniak’s large 1/16 scale M1A1 Abrams tank had a lot of lookers, especially when he rotated the tank’s turret and fired it’s cannon at the conclusion of the event.

The goals of our ASM model displays are to promote the hobby of scale modeling; make an outreach for new members; and to perform community service by supporting civic events. I think we met all those goals with this event. We did pass out a lot of ASM fliers, so perhaps we will get some new members. A big thank you to all the ASM members who provided models for the display: Victor Maestas, Steve Brodeur, Scott Jaworski, Mark Vaughn, Keith Liotta, Ken Piniak, Frank Randall, Brian Peck, and Mike and Matt Blohm. Thanks also to Frank Randall, Ken Piniak, and Matt and Mike Blohm for manning the tables.

August 31, 2022

2022 New Mexico State Fair – Model Contest and Results

Mike Blohm Community, NM State Fair

Creative Arts – Division 13
Models – Military and Science Fiction
Sections 471-474 Sponsored by Albuquerque Scale Modelers

Sections

Section 471: Youth (ages 11 and under)
Section 472: Senior Youth (ages 12-17)
Section 473: Adult (ages 18 and over)
Section 474: Professional (More than 5 years experience)

NOTE: ASM members in the Masters and Intermediate Divisions are required to enter models in Section 474: Professional.

ASM Display

Battles in the Pacific – 1942 (80th Anniversary)

Classes

Aircraft, Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Large scale (1/48 scale & larger)
Aircraft, Non-Jet – Small scale (1/72 scale & smaller)
Diorama – miniature scene, wholly or partially three-dimensional, depicting model in a naturalistic and realistic setting
Flying Models, including flying rockets
Helicopters – Jet & Non-Jet – All scales
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked –Large scale (1/35 scale & larger)
Military Vehicles – Fully Tracked – Small scale (1/48 scale & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment-Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Small scale (1/48 & smaller)
Military Vehicles & Equipment Non Tracked & Half Tracks-Large Scale (1/35 & Larger)
Miniature Figure – single-footed or mounted figure
Miniature Figure Vignette – maximum of 3 related human, animal or equipment figures, no vehicles
Miscellaneous (none of the above)
Powered Ships
Sailing Ships & Oared Ships
Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures – Including Anime, Gundams, Robotech
Science Fiction, Spacecraft, etc. – excluding figures

NOTE: Only one entry per class.

Contest Summary

The 2022 State Fair Contest had a great showing with 65 total models entered in the contest by 33 entrants. This is our 5th highest number of entries since I began tracking that in 2005. Thanks to all who participated in the contest and in the ASM display, helped with the model entries and pick-up, and did the judging. A big thank you to Frank Randall, Bob Henderson, Jim Medina, and Matt and Mike Blohm for assisting with the model entry registration and the judging.

The Youth section had 1 entry by 1 entrant. The Best of Show – Youth entry was the Spitfire by Katie Darnell. The Senior Youth section had a large number of entries—8 total models by 5 entrants in 5 different classes—which was great to see. The Best of Show – Senior Youth entry was a very nicely-done Owl Bear by Abram Mahlman. There were some very nicely painted Warhammer figures entered in this section.

The Adult section had 34 models by 23 entrants in 15 different sections that were very competitive. The Dioramas section had 5 nicely-done entries. The Best of Show – Adult entry was the superb IJN Akagi aircraft carrier built by Byron Gore. The Professional (ASM members and others) section had 22 models by 7 entrants. The Best of Show – Professional entry was a great Stryker Engineering Support Vehicle (ESV) built by Victor Maestas. A total of 9 ASM members entered models in the 2022 contest. There were some great models in contention in both of these sections.

We plan to add at least three new classes for the 2023 State Fair contest. These include paper models, wood models built from pre-cut model kits, and 3D metal models from pre-cut kits.

ASM conducted the “Battles of the Pacific – 1942” (80th Anniversary) display which included 31 models. Additional info and pictures are provided below.

Registration: August 26-27

Judging: August 29

All Best of Show Winners

: Katie Darnell, Spitfire

: Abram Mahlman, Owl Bear

: Byron Gore, IJN Akagi

: Victor Maestas, Stryker ESV

Display Cases

Section 471: Youth

Best of Show
Katie Darnell
Spitfire

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Large	Spitfire	Katie Darnell	1	Yes

Section 472: Senior Youth

Best of Show
Abram Mahlman
Owl Bear

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
5 - Diorama	Hogwarts	Bridget Clay	1
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Orc Warhammer	Abram Mahlman	1
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Nerf Orc	Osiah Mahlman	2
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Pack Bear	Jaddua Mahlman	3
14 - Miscellaneous	Owl Bear	Abram Mahlman	1	Yes
15 - Powered Ships	USS Missouri	Cole Darnell	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Space Marine	Osian Mahlman	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Adder	Abram Mahlman	2

Senior Youth Gallery (in order of Class)

Section 473: Adult

Best of Show
Byron Gore
IJN Akagi

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
1 - Aircraft, Jet - Large Scale	Me 262	Kris Herrera	1
1 - Aircraft, Jet - Large Scale	F9 Cougar	Mark Vaughn	2
1 - Aircraft, Jet - Large Scale	F-16 AV	Garry Sinning	3
2 - Aircraft, Jet - Small Scale	Su-35	Kris Herrera	1
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Large	New Mexico ANG P-51D	Glenn Clayburn	1
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Large	Visible P-51	Mark Vaughn	2
4 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Small	F4F Wildcat	Kris Herrera	1
4 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Small	Airship	Robin Shepherd	2
5 - Diorama	Sturmmorser	Byron Gore	1
5 - Diorama	Panzer 4	David Deyoung	2
5 - Diorama	UFO Landing	Brad Smith	3
5 - Diorama	Hollywood Tower	Haley Gibson
5 - Diorama	Speedy Andrew's Repair Shop	Kimberly Atkinson
6 - Flying Models	Cosmic Interceptor	John Romero	1
6 - Flying Models	Protostar	Mark Chino	2
6 - Flying Models	Red Max Rocket	John Walter	3
8 - Military Vehicles - Fully Tracked	Tiger I	Byron Gore	1
8 - Military Vehicles - Fully Tracked	M4 105mm Howitzer	David Deyoung	2
8 - Military Vehicles - Fully Tracked	M7 Priest	Mark Vaughn	3
10 - Military Vehicles & Equipment - Non tracked & Halftracks - Small	Staghound Mk I	Byron Gore	1
11 - Military Vehicles & Equipment - Non tracked & Halftracks - Large	M20 Command Car	Jeffrey West	1
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Orc	Mark Learn	1
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Sub Commander	Byron Gore	2
12 - Miniature Figure - Single footed or mounted figure	Napoleonic General Murat	Gerard Coffey	3
14 - Miscellaneous	Gramaphone	Robin Shepherd	1
14 - Miscellaneous	Carosel	Haley Gibson	2
14 - Miscellaneous	Radio/TV Tower	Matthew Bryant	3
15 - Powered Ships	IJN Akagi	Byron Gore	1	Yes
16 - Sailing Ships & Oared	Clipper	Richard Carson	1
16 - Sailing Ships & Oared	Pirate Ship	Ruby Red	2
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Butterfly	Haley Gibson	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Metal Garuurman	Jd Atkinson	2
18 - Science Fiction, Spacecraft	2001 Orion Clipper	Mark Chino	1
18 - Science Fiction, Spacecraft	X and Y-Wing Fighters	Selena Chino	2

ADULT GALLERY (IN ORDER OF CLASS)

Section 474: Professional

Best of Show
Victor Maestas
Stryker ESV

Entries

Class	Description	Name	Place	Best of Show
2 - Aircraft, Jet - Large Small	AV-8B Harrier	Frank Randall	1
2 - Aircraft, Jet - Large Small	B-52G "The Devil's Own"	Matt Blohm	2
3 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Large	Sea Fury Racer	Victor Maestas	1
4 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Small	P-38M	Frank Randall	1
4 - Aircraft, Non-Jet - Small	La-11 North Korean Air Force	Mike Blohm	2
5 - Diorama	Entrenched	Jim Medina	1
5 - Diorama	Chevrolet LRPV	Frank Randall	2
5 - Diorama	Gundam RX-79G	Matt Blohm	3
5 - Diorama	US Light Infantry	Chuck Herrmann
5 - Diorama	Geronimo's Surrender Train	Steve Miller
7 - Helicopters	H-19 Chickasaw	Frank Randall	1
10 - Military Vehicles & Equipment - Non & Half Tracked - Small	BTR-70	Frank Randall	1
11 - Military Vehicles & Equipment - Non & Half Tracked - Large	Stryker ESV	Victor Maestas	1	Yes
11 - Military Vehicles & Equipment - Non & Half Tracked - Large	German Ammo Trailer	Chuck Herrmann	2
13 - Miniature Figure Vignette	Rancor Pit	Jim Medina	1
14 - Miscellaneous	Here Comes Treble	Jim Medina	1
14 - Miscellaneous	Gemini Capsule	Frank Randall	2
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Super Saiyan 4 Son Goku	Matt Blohm	1
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Mando	Jim Medina	2
17 - Science Fiction/Fantasy Figures	Turbojet Batman	Chuck Herrmann	3
18 - Science Fiction, Spacecraft	TIE Bomber	Jim Medina	1
18 - Science Fiction, Spacecraft	Mercury Atlas - John Glenn	Mike Blohm	2

ASM’s “Battles in the Pacific – 1942 (80th Anniversary)” Display

ASM’s “Battles of the Pacific – 1942” (80th Anniversary) display filled one case with 30 total models ranging from ships in 1/700 scale and aircraft, armor, and beach assault craft in 1/72 scale to 1/48 scale. Each model had a card describing what it was plus its involvement in 1942. Information provided included a 1942 Timeline Chart, area/theater maps, and charts showing the sequence of the Battles of the Coral Sea (May 1942) and Midway (June 1942). Several postcards of early war “morale posters” were also included. The top shelf included 12 models in 1/72 scale that included most of the American and Japanese aircraft involved in the battles of 1942. We were able to take advantage of Byron Gore’s large IJN Akagi aircraft carrier entry as a center-piece on the bottom shelf of our display. It would certainly attract any fair-goer’s attention! It participated in the Pearl Harbor attack and was subsequently one of the four Japanese carriers lost during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Midway was a crucial strategic defeat for Japan and contributed significantly to the allies’ ultimate victory in the Pacific.

Another eye-catching component of the display was several models related to the “Doolittle Raiders.” These included a 1/700 scale “USS Hornet” (CV-8) aircraft carrier built by Mike Blohm that was completed just in time for the display, and a 1/48 scale B-25B Mitchell medium bomber built by Frank Randall. Information and pictures were supplied about the Raid, the Hornet, and the B-25. The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and several other sites in Japan took place on April 18, 1942 by 16 B 25s launched from the USS Hornet. The Hornet model depicts Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle’s B 25B becoming airborne and all the other B-25s clustered at the stern end of the carrier deck awaiting their turn for takeoff. The B 25B model depicts the “Ruptured Duck” flown by 1Lt Ted Lawson and Raider Crew #7. Lawson would later write the famous book “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.” Although the raid caused comparatively minor damage, it demonstrated that the Japanese mainland was vulnerable to American air attacks and provided an important boost to American morale. Thanks to the ASM members who provided models for the display: Bob Henderson, Victor Maestas, and Matt and Mike Blohm (and models by two of my brothers).

March 28, 2022

Waco CG-4 Glider Build for the Cavalcade of Wings

Mark Vaughn Articles/Reviews, Cavalcade of Wings, Community

The Cavalcade of Wings display at the Albuquerque airport had a model that was disintegrating. It was a Waco CG-4A that was used for training in New Mexico during World War Two. Fort Sumner was one of six NM glider fields and it was the hub of advanced instruction. The current Fort Sumner airfield is the old glider field. The current airfield at Tucumcari is also an old glider field. There were others. If you look on Google Earth 15 miles ENE from Clovis you’ll find the ghostly remains of field #5 in the middle of a wind farm, with a cattle tank in the middle of it. There were others. Cutter-Carr was the civilian contractor supplying instructors, a familiar name.

Fort Sumner matchbook cover, front and back from the war.

Waco CG-4 Glider Build for the Cavalcade of Wings

As you can see, the fuselage, which is made from some solid black cast material, disintegrated, as if it had taken a direct hit! This was not due to physical mistreatment but internal stresses finally tearing it apart. Usually I can salvage/repair models for the Cavalcade of Wings, but I decided to just start over. I don’t know how old this original was but it has raised lettering on the under surface of a wing, so it was an old kit. Fortunately Italeri made one in 1/72, a 1975 mold, and I snagged one on eBay. It has a rudimentary interior (seats along the wall) and a basic cockpit. Since this is for a museum, and most patrons would likely not understand why the glider’s nose was “broken,” I built it with the swing-up cockpit down so there was little reason to doll-up the interior. You could drive a Jeep into one of these! I would have done more with the cockpit had I realized how visible it is with the greenhouse windshield – painted with Future!

The actual build was simple right out of the box. While the Wacos we see in the D-Day movies have the invasion recognition stripes, the trainers did not have them (preserving my stash of black and white trim film). I resisted filling the wing-fuselage join since these had a big gap. They were kit planes with removable wings.

The Italeri decals disintegrated on contact with water, so I had to use some stars from my stash. Since the stars on the demolished models were the early ones without the “paddles,” I removed the paddles with a little surgery. They are not quite right, since the tips of the stars should go all the way to the edge, but since the viewers will be feet away, and unaware of this detail, good enough. Apparently, some trainers didn’t have numbers or they were painted out, so I didn’t worry over the disintegrated tail numbers. Here’s a photo of a training wreck with numbers painted over. You can barely see the old numbers under the paint.

One final thing about these gliders is that while there are landing gear, there are also skids for when the wheels tear off in the soft soil of the farmer’s fields in Normandy.

So, here’s the final product. You can see the skids under the cockpit. See what I mean about the visibility through the greenhouse windshield? Oh, and there’s a window in the top of the fuselage as well as small portholes in the side.

I invite all of you to build for the Cavalcade of Wings. Museum builds get far more “views” than they do on your own shelf.

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