MarauderCon 2016

Quite a few folks made it to Havre de Grace this year for MauraderCon, we even recruited a new member!

We had 6 entries for our Big Bomber Build display - a big thank you to John, Joe, Whitey, Mike, Collin, Tim and of course Bene who organized us and kept the heat on to finish.

Looking at the above display, what ONE THING sticks out????  Who are these people? They make some great models and folks came by to ask lots of questions about techniques and details, but the small white page with a fine tip penned name on it was hard for many modelers to see.  More on that later...

In fact, this seems so successful that some of there discussed repeating a display like this for the three major shows in our region:

• IPMS Richmond - February
• IPMS NoVa - April
• MarauderCon - November

More specifically, we could display one of our themes plus some other kits to show off our skills.  One strong recommendation is to move our May Yellow Wings group build of the Monogram F11C-2 squadron to April and display it at the NoVa show.

John also brought some of his figures to round out the display.

Tim's He-111 late Battle of Britain / Night Blitz

Whitey's PB4Y-1 in late war markings; lots of folks really liked it, but then again it did earn some metal at the Nats this year...

Collin's B-25 -- folks asked lots of questions regarding the Prop Blur props.

Joe's JRM-1.  Lots of comments on the uniqueness of this aircraft.  Many didn't realize the B-26 served with the USN/USMC in Naval colors.

Mike's C-47.

John's B-17.  This got lots of comments but then again it was a winner in the past.

Now back to that display...I will donate a table cloth or something similar that can be draped on a table and has our logo and name on it.  Plus our web address and Facebook page.  So for future events it'll allow us to show of who we are.

159: October Show and Tell

159: October Meeting Minutes

As usual we had a good turnout.  16 members with 19 models on display.

For business, we discussed MauraderCon 2016 and the Big Bomber Build some members are contributing to.  Bring those finished bombers to the November meeting and of course the 19th November MauraderCon display!

We also discussed a heads up for the annual Christmas party.  As usual it will be a pot luck and gift exchange.  I'll bring the dish sign up at the November meeting, or send me an email.  If you want to participate in the gift exchange bring a wrapped gift.  If it's a model from your stash, please ensure it's  complete and not started.

Pax River Museum Renovation of Buildings B and C

Hi Everyone,

Below is a paste of the letter I received today; essentially it means beginning in January (or about) we won't be able to meet at the Conference Room where we typically meet (in Building B).

I will contact both George and Amy to arrange for them to come to a meeting and give us options, since they are offering!

Regards,
Tim

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September 30, 2016

I am writing to notify you of new things happening at the museum in the coming months.

On Thursday, August 18th, the bid opening for the renovation of Buildings B and C was conducted.  There are still a few steps to be completed but we anticipate that the contract will be awarded by the end of September.  This contract will allow 60 days for the design phase, then conduct review of the design, and finally authorize the selected contractor to proceed with the renovation.  Our best estimate is that the renovation work will begin in early January, 2017, and the contractor will be allowed 150 days to complete the project.  

During the renovation work, we will lose the certificate of occupancy for Building B and C.  This means that we will be unable to hold retirement ceremonies, meetings, or conferences in our normal conference room.  I do not want you to think that this represents an eviction notice and you will be left to find another place to meet.  We will gladly work with you to find a workable solution for both your organization and the museum.  I would like to attend one of your meetings in the near future to discuss and better understand your space requirements so that we can do appropriate planning.

Additionally, we are working to implement workshop offerings beginning in 2017.  We would anticipate that several of the clubs that meet in the museum would like to offer workshops as a method to increase membership or just to demonstrate to the community the value of participation in your organization.  Amy Houle Caruso is coordinating these workshops.  She would also like an invitation to one of your club meetings to discuss this program and how your club might benefit from participation.

We will work to make the impact of this renovation on your organization as painless as possible and I thank you in advance for your patience regarding any disruption.  Should you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me via email or by phone, or just stop by the museum.

George Hill

President, Board of Directors

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

----- cut here -----

158: September Show and Tell

158: September Minutes

Ah Summer!  It's winding down and with the kids back in school finding time for modeling can be a challenge as we try to squeeze as much fun out of the remaining sunlight as we can.  So too can be finding time to meet and talk about models...

Only 15 members attended, 1 of which was NEW MEMBER Stu Didsbury.  We did have 21 models to talk about, so that was great!

Only business to discuss was the upcoming 2016 Biplanes & Triplanes air show at Virginia Beach on Sat/Sun 1-2 October.  Also the Tidewatercon 16 will be held Fri/Sat.  Note that if you go on Saturday, you'll pay the $25 air show fee to see the model show...

Just a reminder of the Club's group build efforts ongoing:

• Big Bomber Build -- Monogram or Revell 1/48 bomber group build.  Members are looking to display their finished kits at MauraderCon 2016 on 19th November.
• Yellow Wings Squadron -- For May 2017 Yellow Wings group build -- Members are building the Monogram 1/72 F11C-2 using some custom decals by Starfighter-Decals to create a full squadron of 18 aircraft in all 6 section colors.  Hopefully donate these to the Museum when completed.
• VF-11 Tophatters Display -- for the Museum, one model of each aircraft from beginning to today.  Most should be done, awaiting confirmation from the Museum for the display space.
• Battle of the Atlantic Display -- for the Museum, a display similar to their Battle of Midway display that highlights Naval Aviation's role; awaiting confirmation from the Museum for the display space.  And my PB4Y-1 still isn't finished...

157: August Show and Tell