AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org

National Museum of Americans In Wartime Open HouseThis year’s event weekend is Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8 at the ‘Tank Farm’ in Nokesville, VA. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. AMPS-CV has been invited to bring military models and man a display that promotes the hobby to the general public. In addition to live an static vehicle displays, there will be reenactors, demonstrations and food trucks. The family-friendly event is located at 13906 Aden Road in Nokesville, VA. www.nmaw.org

AMPS-CV Second Saturday Build Days in 2019Our next build day is scheduled for Saturday, September 14. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at VFW Post 10657. Bring electric cords if you require task lighting. Drinks are food allowed, but alcohol is not. Be aware that sometimes there are conflicts with other events at the VFW Post, and we will update you if there are any changes. The last event in 2019 is December 14.

2019 IPMS National Convention Image GalleryIf you missed this event earlier this month, don’t fret. AMPS-CV member Scott Bregi has a large image gallery here.

AMPS South Region Quarterly ReportAMPS 2nd VP Ed Ingersol’s report of the state of the AMPS South Region is available for downloading here. If you like the British Centurion tank, this issue has some good research about it.

Central VA Chapter, Armor Modeling & Preservation Society | John Robinson, Editor | Volume 24 No.8

MEETING AGENDA6:30 BUSINESS

7:00 DEMONSTRATION

8:00 PASS IN REVIEW

9:00 ADJOURNMENT

(segments can vary in length)

UPCOMING MEETINGSVFW Post 10657 11568 Cedar LaneAshland, VA 23005

Thursday, August 22Demo: Airbrushing Crafting Paints by Chris Bryan

Thursday, September 26Demo: Bases & Scenery Pt.3 by Ashley Abernathy

INSIDE THIS ISSUEAMPS-CV headlines ............................ 1

Demo from last month ..................... 2-3

Plaster Comparison Chart .................... 4

AMPS membership ............................. 5

AMPS-CV Quartermaster ...................... 6

Upcoming shows/events ..................7-11

2019 calendar ................................ 12

Member projects ......................... 13-21

PRE-MEETING DINNERA number of members meet for dinner at 5:15 at the Pizzarro restaurant located at 9966 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059. www.pizzaropizza.com

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 2

In Part 2, Ashley demonstrated how to make the initial groundwork for a scenic base using Plaster of Paris and air-drying clay. Here are the notes from the demo:

• Define the perimeter of the base by using styrene square tube or beams. Use CA glue to quickly glue it in place. Follow up with styrene strip on the outermost side, gluing to the existing frame and then cutting irregular contours on the top edge. This will be a guide to your groundwork so plan accordingly.

• Bulk-fill the area inside the frame with scrap foam or styrene to conserve groundwork material.

• Plaster of Paris is easily found at craft stores. It comes as dry powder that is mixed with water. The volume of water determines the viscosity so gradually mix in the water until it’s the consistency of sour cream or a milk shake. It starts to set up in minutes, so work quickly. Try to mix enough to cover your base in one mixing session.

• Pour or scoop out the Plaster of Paris and begin pushing the material around to form gentle contours. It’s about basic shapes so don’t worry about it too much. Tap the base to allow any air bubbles to float to the surface, where you can pop them. When dry the material is easy to sand or carve.

• In a few minutes, when it has firmed up, you can smooth it out using a wet finger.

Continued next page...

Demo: Model Bases Part 2 - Groundwork and stone effects

by Ashley Abernathy

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 3

• Another groundwork material is air-drying clay such as DAS® Modeling Clay or Creative Paperclay®. It is ready to use out of the package and is soft and malleable. Cut off small pieces and press into the areas that need groundwork. Don’t try to put a big hunk down all at once. It works better in small amounts and it stays workable for hours, so you need not get in a hurry. If desired, press sand, grit or rocks into the clay while soft. It should dry completely in 24-48 hours.

• Like the Plaster of Paris, the clay is also easily smoothed by using a wet finger. While still soft, you can press gravel, sand or rocks into the clay if desired.

Sneak-peak of the next demo: the Plaster of Paris is easily scribed to make bricks or stone shapes using a pointed tool. It also textures well by using a wire brush.

Continued from previous page...

Demo: Model Bases Part 2 - Groundwork and stone effects

by Ashley Abernathy

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 4

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AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 5

1 year 2 years 3 years

USA $30 $55 $80

Canada/Mexico $35 $65 $95

All Other $40 $75 $110

Membership includes the society’s Boresight magazine that is published six times per year. In it are exclusive articles about armor research and modeling.

To pay by check or money order, enter your delivery information at right and mail it with your payment to:

AMPS Membership PO Box 227 Fairhaven, MA 02719-0227 USA

Renew or start your AMPS membership online at: www.amps-armor.orgPayPal, Visa and MasterCard accepted

Name:

Address:

City:

Zip Code:

State:

Country:

Email:

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 6

Product Manufacturers

Abteilung 502

AK-Interactive

Alliance ModelWorks

AMMO of Mig Jimenez

Archer Fine Transfers

Armand Bayardi

Bison Decals

DN Models

Echalon Fine Details

Eureka XXL

Live Resin

Mission Models Paints

Modern Masters Metal Effects

Panzer Art

Paracel Miniatures

Precision Ice and Snow

Track48

Miscellaneous

paintRack (mobile app for Android)

Scale Mates

Hobby Vendors

Barrel Store

BNA Model World

Cental Tools

Dick Blick Art Materials

Gundam Planet

Hobby Easy

Hobby Search

HobbyLink Japan

HobbyWorld-USA

Last Cavalry

Lots of Models

Lucky Model

MicroWorld Games, LLC

MMC Design-Shapeways

Shapeways 3D Parts

Sprue Brothers Models

AMPS-CV Quartermaster

This page is dedicated to member-recommended products and places to purchase hobby products.

If you have a company you want to add to this list, contact your editor via the chapter website.

* Items added to the list since last month.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 7

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 8

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 9

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 10

ARMORCON Friday and Saturday September 27th and 28th, 2019

Crowne Plaza Danbury, 18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT 06810 $99 discount room rates available. Call 866– 907– 2314 Use code ARM. PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BY August 26th, 2019. Ask for the Armorcon discount.

80 VENDOR TABLES! AMPS OPEN JUDGING SYSTEM!

HUGE RAFFLE WITH GREAT PRIZES! RESEARCH, MODELING, AND WORKSHOP SEMINARS!

18 ENTRY CATEGORIES! 20 SPECIAL AWARDS!

For More Information On the Contest or Exhibition go to:

www.facebook.com/armorcon

For Vendor Table Reservations Contact:

Matt Toms 68 Morris Street Naugatuck, CT 06770 203 729-3218 vendors@mail.nemilmod.org

Friday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

SHOW THEME - "Logistics Vehicles — Hauling Assets”

Check our site: www.nemilmod.org

Brought to you by the Northeast Military Modelers Association

Check our website for registration forms, schedule times, seminar times, and other infor-mation. www.nemilmod.org

An AMPS Regional Show

OUR 20th YEAR!

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 11

October 18-20WorldGate Resort Hotel and Conference Center

3011 Maingate Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34747

This is the same great show you have all come to appreciate all scale models of all types are welcome.

Sponsored by Colonial Photo & Hobby

Visit Modelpalooza.org for show information

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 12

MONTH s M T W R F s

2019 AMPS-CV CALENDAR 2019

AMPS-CV Meetings in GREEN

JANUARY 30 31 01 02 03 04 05

06 07 08 09 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Modeler's Retreat, Fort A.P. Hill, VA

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

FEBRUARY 27 28 29 30 31 01 02

03 04 05 06 07 08 09

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Armor, Figure and Modeling Contest/Exhibition, Atlanta, GA

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Old Dominion Open, Richmond, VA

MARCH 24 25 26 27 28 01 02

03 04 05 06 07 08 09

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

APRIL 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 MosquitoCon, Wayne, NJ

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Model Classic, Fairfax, VA

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

MAY 28 29 30 01 02 03 04

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 AMPS Int'l Convention, Buffalo, NY

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

JUNE 26 27 28 29 30 31 01

02 03 04 05 06 07 08 AMPS-CV Build Day

09 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 AMPS Central South Carolina, Colombia, SC

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

JULY 30 01 02 03 04 05 06

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

AUGUST 28 29 30 31 01 02 03

04 05 06 07 08 09 10 IPMS National Convention, Chattanooga, TN

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 Americans in Wartime Museum Open House, Nokesville, VA

08 09 10 11 12 13 14 AMPS-CV Build Day

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 PennCon, Gettysburg, PA

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ArmorCon, Danbury, CT

OCTOBER 29 30 01 02 03 04 05

06 07 08 09 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Modelpalooza, Orlando, FL

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

NOVEMBER 27 28 29 30 31 01 02

03 04 05 06 07 08 09

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Thanksgiving 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

08 09 10 11 12 13 14 AMPS-CV Build Day

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Christmas 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 01 02 03 04

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 13

Member display models from the July meeting

Dragon US 280mm M65 “Atomic Annie”

in 1:72 scale

by Alex Valz

The kit can portray the gun in firing or travel mode as shown here. Alex said that in reality the gun should be drawn in toward the breech during travel but the kit parts don’t allow that without modification. No problems were encountered and the fit was

good. The instructions did not document the markings very well. The side mirrors were broken so much that Alex replaced them with wire and punched disks. The model was preshaded black and then airbrushed Olive Drab.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 14

Member display models from the July meeting

Dragon German Panzer III Ausf.N (Italy)

in 1:35 scale

by Brian Alfano

The turret Schürzen came from Tamiya’s original Panzer III kit from the 1970s. The doors were left off to match the references of the Italian unit that used them.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 15

Member display models from the July meeting

Dock Scene, Corsica

in 1:35 scale

by Brian Alfano

In a lesson on what NOT to do, Brian described how using polyester resin in one large pour generated enough heat to melt the model. Fortunately, when dry it broke

free of the base so Brian plans to try it again by pouring multiple, thin layers. This time it will be an Italian submarine in the water.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 16

Member display models from the July meeting

Flora and Fauna

in 1:35 scale

by Brian Alfano

The tree is transformer wire twisted into branch shapes and covered with Milli-put A+B putty. The cow and goat came from a kit and the goat poop is a combination

of chia and poppy seeds. However, more research is needed on the subject.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 17

Member display models from the July meeting

Italeri Italian M14/41

in 1:35 scale

by Brian Alfano

This kit was bought from an estate and the packaging was from the 1970s. The box incorrectly labeled it a M13/40. Brian noted that a recently purchased kit is the exact same kit except for new decals and

the correct M14/41 designation. Despite it’s age, the 1970s kit holds up well even today. The tracks definitely need to be replaced with aftermarket ones.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 18

Member display models from the July meeting

Dragon German Tiger I (late)

in 1:48 scale

by Bob Henry

This project started with a gift of the metal barrel and the engine so Bob acquired the Tiger kit to complete the project. Bob plans to add radiator and fuel details beneath the deck grating so that it’s something to

see through the openings. The engine will be properly plumbed. So far some parts have been painted with Vallejo German red primer. The handles on the engine hatch are wire.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 19

Member display models from the July meeting

Takom British M3 Medium “Grant”

in 1:35 scale

by Frank Blanton

Frank thought the kit was well-engineered and the fit was good. The upper hull parts are many separate panels so working from the roof downward and around was the

best way to keep everything aligned before mating to the lower hull. The tracks are link and length and lift rings were added to the front and rear bogies, something commonly found on M3s during this period. The sand shields are the early type. The kit includes photo-etched brass and a former for the light guards and Frank used a MV Products

lens. The petrol can rack and canvas cover for the sponson 75mm are from his spares. The sand shields are adorned with tissue paper and gauze netting stowage. The model was painted with Mission Models paints using yellow Frog Tape to mask of the blue-black.

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 20

Member display models from the July meeting

Takom German Panther Ausf.A

in 1:35 scale

by Frank Blanton

It has been a great build so far with well-fitting parts that almost snap into place. A shot penetration was added to the lower hull and many of the interior parts were damaged and misplaced. Bits of metal foil were strewn about to add to the effect.

Roadwheel rubber was grinded off and the torsion bars were damaged to depict the effects of a fire. Various shades of grey, black and rust were applied and Unbleached Titanium oil paint was drybrushed to highlight details

AMPS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 21

Member display models from the July meeting

Freedom Models US MIM-14 Nike Hercules

in 1:35 scale

by Scott Bregi

If you like repairing seam lines and ejector-pin marks then this is the kit for you. Despite the cleanup involved, the surface detail is good. The kit includes a launch platform and you can combine it

with additional kits to form a complete battery. There are nine different choices for markings.