Ground Power

Central VA Chapter, Armor Modeling & Preservation Society | John Robinson, Editor | Volume 22 No.12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

AMPS-CV Events & Headlines������������� 1-2
Upcoming Shows������������������������������� 3
Last month’s demo���������������������������� 4
Models on display last month������������� 5-9
2018 event calendar������������������������ 10
AMPS membership��������������������������� 11

AMPS-CV 2018 Modeler’s Retreat

All systems are go for the Fort A.P. Hill Lodge retreat on January 17-21, 2018. If you
have any questions, please contact Mike Petty (tanker@va.metrocast.net).

UPCOMING MEETINGS
VFW Glen Allen 2018 Build Day at the VFW Post
VFW Post 10657
11568 Cedar Lane We are tentatively scheduling Saturday, March 10, 2018 as a model building day build
Ashland, VA 23005 day from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Details to be announced as they become available.
Thursday, December 28
Demo: Ice & Snow Techniques
by Erik Roberson

Thursday, January 25
Demo: Telford, UK Model Slideshow
by Mike Petty

MEETING AGENDA
6:30 BUSINESS
7:00 DEMONSTRATION
8:00 PASS IN REVIEW
9:00 ADJOURNMENT
(segments can vary in length)

Merry Christmas!
PRE-MEETING DINNER
A 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/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org

 Workbench improvements
by Frank Blanton

Over the last year, I have found that

lengthy painting or building sessions
required a padded arm rest for my
bench. I have a piece of office desk
glass on top of my desk. Even with the
edges with both the glass and desk
slightly rounded circulation in my arms
and wrist would suffer a bit. Using some
foam plumbing pipe insulation I may
have solved a problem. There is a softer
rubberized one as well but it is much more expensive. Open one side by following the precut line with your hobby knife. Place it on
the edge of your work surface and secure with vinyl duct tape. Viola!

Trucks and Tanks at VFW Post 10657

photos by Ashley Abernathy

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 2

 The 2018 AMPS
International Convention
Dayton, Ohio, May 3-5
That’s right. THE armor modeling event in the U.S. is heading to Dayton,
Ohio, the home of the U.S. Air Force Museum! Our theme this year is
‘Mishaps and Oh Crap!’ Tanks get in all sorts of predicaments, so we hope
to see lots of creative entries.
Enter your models in the competition and get the feedback and
reinforcement from your peers. You may even be rewarded with a Gold
medal or be among the recipients of 14+ special awards.
Our seminars connect you with experts in the field that will inspire you to
finish that stalled project. Enjoy presentations on military vehicle history
and research. Hope Hotel &
Modeling vendors come from all over the U.S. and abroad so you will no Richard C. Holbrooke
doubt find that book, accessory or model you’ve been looking for. Conference Center
10823 Chidlaw Rd.
Area A, Gate 12A
Mike Reaves, Vendor Coordinator Wright Patterson AFB
semperfi03732@msn.com Dayton, OH 45433
706.594.7109
Glen Martin, Sponsor Coordinator Please visit
WalkerBullDogBoy@verizon.net amps-armor.org for
Dave Koukol, Event Chairman the latest event and
Dave.Koukol@ipmsdayton.com registration details.
937.602.6033

The Armor Modeling & Preservation Society

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 3

 November Meeting demo: Vehicle Mud Effects
by Alex Valz

Mud and armored vehicles go hand in hand. But it’s easy to overdo
in small scales. Alex prefers a light touch that uses both the
airbrush and hand-applied products. Here are the notes from the
demo:
Know the where and when of your subject. Where is the location
in which the vehicle operates? Deserts are dry and for the most
part without mud. Italy is mostly dry with light-colored earth.
The rest of Europe has darker soil with seasonal rainfall and moist
conditions. Asia is very wet with brown to red colored soil. Is
the time of the year during a wet or dry season? Answering these
questions will help you choose the correct mud. Wet mud is dark
but when dry it is lighter. Choose your color accordingly.
1st step: prep with an airbrush
• Start by laying out the dried mud layer. Alex likes to use Tamiya
paints because they dry quick and are dead flat. Start with XF-51
Khaki Drab and apply it on the belly and lower hull. Next, use XF-
72 JGSDF Brown on the hull sides and sponsons. The final layer
is XF-57 Buff or XF-55 Deck Tan, sprayed lightly in spurts on the
fender edges and upper portions of the lower hull.
Mud Method #1: Squadron White Putty
• This lacquer-based putty can be dabbed directly on surfaces that
are either painted or unpainted. Alex uses it straight, without
additives but you could add paint and/or grit if desired. Once
dry, (one hour) you can either paint the mud with the airbrush or
paint brush. You can also add a touch of clear gloss if you want a
wet look.
Mud Method #2: Liquitex Ceramic Stucco gel
• This acrylic product has a grit built in so when dry it has a
noticeable texture. Alex mixes cheap craft paint with it before
application. Stipple it on as needed, as randomly as possible and
avoid making brush marks. You can increase the effect by adding
grit, ballast or grass to the product. The Blended Fibers product
within this range already has a thicker texture.
Method #3: Vallejo Thick and Splash Mud
• Use it straight out of the bottle and apply as the previous two.
The Splash is thinner and can be flicked onto the model.

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 4

 Member display models from the November meeting

Takom French AMX-13/90 (Israel) The tracks are individual link and overall
the quality of the kit is very good with no fit
by Brian Alfano
problems or part warping. Clear and photo-
in 1:35 scale etched parts are included along with water-
slide decals for three different vehicles.

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 5

 Member display models from the November meeting

Tamiya Israeli M51 The build time on this was short due to
great fit and part design although some of
by Brian Alfano
the details are a bit soft. Brian added cast
In 1:35 scale armor texture on the hull/turret and a
barbed-wire bracket on the glacis.

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 6

 Member display models from the November meeting

Trumpeter US M198 155mm howitzer Dan enjoyed building the kit and it was
painted a desert tan with acrylic paint.
by Dan Haywood
in 1:35 scale

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 7

 Member display models from the November meeting

Trumpeter US Mk.23 MTVR The fit and detailing was very good, station cupola and stowage in the bed. It
although there are many parts and was painted with Model Master enamels.
by Dan Haywood
subassemblies that make painting difficult.
In 1:35 scale No engine is provided, even though the
hood tilts up. Dan plans to add a weapon

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 8

 Member display models from the November meeting

Tasca US M32B1 The M32B1 has open viewing down inside transmission cover by using Archer Fine
but the kit doesn’t provide an adequate Transfers with wet medium paper.Clear flat
by Frank Blanton
interior. Frank is using the driver’s was brushed on as a sealant.
in 1:35 scale compartment from an Academy M12 155mm
GMC. Casting numbers were added to the

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 9

 2018 AMPS-CV CALENDAR 2018
AMPS-CV Meetings in GREEN
MONTH s M T W R F s
JANUARY 01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Modeler's Retreat, Fort A.P. Hill, VA
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
FEBRUARY 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 24 Old Dominion Open, Richmond, VA
MARCH 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 31
APRIL 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 MosquitoCon, Wayne, NJ
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Model Classic, Fairfax, VA
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
MAY 29 30 01 02 03 04 05 AMPS Int'l Convention, Dayton, OH
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
JUNE 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
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY 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
AUGUST 29 30 31 01 02 03 04 IPMS National Convention, Omaha, NE
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
SEPTEMBER 26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15 PennCon, Carlisle, PA
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
OCTOBER 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
NOVEMBER 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 Trucks and Tanks at VFW Post 10657
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Thanksgiving 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 01
DECEMBER 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Christmas 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30

AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 10

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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.

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AMPS/IPMS Central Virginia | ampscv.org 11