Greetings Ship Club!
For November we are doing something a little different from a suggestion I received from Martin Sagara at the last meeting.  See Martin's message below regarding the airbrush demonstration using both Grex and Harder-Steenbeck airbrushes.  There will be some hands on opportunities as well.

Also Colpar is hosting their semi-regular swap meet.  Just in case you wanted to add on to your collection!  I hope to see you all there.  We'll resume or regular meeting a Rockler in December.

Airbrushing Techniques by John Miller

Event description

Date: November 2, 2019
Time: 10am to 6pm
On Saturday, November 2nd John Miller (https://modelpaintsol.com/) will be providing demonstrations of Fine-Line Airbrushing with Grex and Harder-Steenbeck brushes from 10am to 6pm. He will also be offering for sale his paint mixing, measuring, and storage tools available for purchase.

Date: November 3, 2019
Time: 12pm & 3pm
On Sunday, November 3rd John Miller will be providing two tutorials at HobbyTown USA on Fine Lining Acrylics followed up by a demo of same. If possible, attendees will be invited to try fine line airbrushing hands-on. There will also be handouts provided that summarize the information presented complete with paint mixing tables.
On Model Paint Solutions web site features an ever-growing selection of "How-To" articles (and soon video's) that demonstrate both basic and advanced airbrushing and finishing techniques. These articles focus on methods to reliably and reproducibly prepare mixtures of paint for airbrushing: something quite lacking in most technical articles on modeling. The links below are to various airbrushing-related articles that show the content and approach we try to take on MPS. Feel free to use any of these links or the info therein. 

Another enjoyable meeting guys!

For our October meeting we discussed 3D printers and how they are effecting our hobby.  We discussed designers and how they are moving away from Shapeways and buying their own printers.  In the last few years 3D printers , particularly Digital Light Process (DLP) and stereolithography apparatus (SLA) are becoming very affordable.  These printers are perfect for small model parts and have become incredibly affordable.  There are differences in printers though, so it pays to work closely with a printer to find out what equipment they are using.  The following are traditional Shapeways designers who are now printing on their own.

• Model Monkey
• Panzer vs Tanks
• Daedalus Designs
• Micro Master
• Starling Models
• 3D Model Parts
• Black Cat Models

I have a few parts coming from Panzer vs Tanks who uses the Anycubic Photon S and it will be interesting to compare them to a higher end printer costing 10 times the price.  The Anycubic Photon S can be purchased directly from the manufacturer for $419 delivered.  500 ml of UV resin costs between $25 and $50.  

This was a perfect lead in to some projects and finished models that were brought in.  Leading off was Victor's wonderful 1/350 Very Fire Montana.  This is a ship that was never built due to the end of  WWII.  Victor built his from the kit plus the Very Fire detail set which includes wood deck.  Victor also utilized 3D printed parts from Black Cat Models.  Victor has found that it's much easier to use these 3D parted parts than photo etched alternatives.  And the detail is amazing!

I love these big ship models.  They are so enjoyable to look at.  You can just fall into the subject.  And Victor just knocks it out of the park.  I'm so impressed that these models are all hand painted.  

Bill Smallshaw showed off his project which will be a 77' Elco PT Boat which he's converting from a Coastal Craft 1/72 British MGB.  Bill worked with designer, 3D Boats, on Shapeways to produce the unique torpedo tubes used on this first Elco PT Boats.  Bill also gave us a nice talk on the history of these boats.

John also treated us to some newly finished models and kits.

John shared with us the difficulties he had with this ship's decals and how to fix it.  

This was a wonderful kit who's master was created from 3D printed parts.  Some excellent molding in this kit!  It looks like it would make a great subject for a diorama with those floatplanes.

John also shared with us the Flyhawk kit of the German Battleship Scharnhorst.  What a little beauty this is.  The ultrasonic knife is going to come in handy for this one!

Roger shared with us some finds from the IPMS Nationals.  He showed off some 1/700 destroyers from Flyhawk.  He suggested this is a great way to get into 1/700 ships.  Few pieces, low cost, and excellent results can be achieved because of the high quality of the injected moldings.

Next meeting Martin suggested that we attend Colpar's event where there will be some high level instruction on airbrushing.  As I learn more, I'll be sure to let you know.  

Ship Club Time
Meeting Location:
rocker Woodworking (in the basement)
2553 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 108
Denver, Colorado  80222
Date:  October 5, 2019
Time:  10:00 AM

Summer is leaving us and we're heading into the prime model building months.  At least that's how it is for me.  This meeting I would like to get some feedback on

• What we can do as a group over the coming months.  
• Are you interested in a group build?  
• Any techniques you would like to explore?  
• Painting small scale figures?  
• Ship dioramas?  
• Paint brands or techniques you would like to learn about?

Give it some thought and let's come up with some ideas.

I have a follow up on 3D printing.  Beyond Shapeways.  I'm going to bring some samples from different designers who have left Shapeways and are printing on their own.  We'll talk about 3D printers and what's involved in their use from a modelers point of view.  Where are we now?  What does the future hold?  Things you need to know before you order parts or a kit.  Should be a good conversation.

Below 1/144 Jeeps from HOLDEN8702.

As always...
Bring your questions
Bring your new stuff
Bring your works in progress
Bring your finished models!

See you Saturday!
Dave