IPMS News Page

Twice Is Nice!
IPMS Livonia Named Region 4 Chapter of the Year, Again

Just a short time ago, we were notified that for the second year in a row, IPMS Livonia has been selected as Region 4 Chapter of the Year. Chapter President Ian Dow commented, "I am very pleased with this and think that it is from all the hard work that each of our club members puts forth. Thank you, (club members) all again for the hard work and dedication that you have for our club". Last year was the first time in the club's over 25-year history for winning the award, so this year's award is another milestone. The only debate might be what to do with the award, because the last one was a victim of the Nankin Hobby fire! We will discuss it at the next meeting.

Stewart Bailey Makes News Again

Our own former club member, Stu Bailey has made another media appearance recently. Stewart was interviewed for a story in the March 2010 issue of Air & Space magazine. The story, "Shuttles For Sale - Previously Owned" by Guy Gugliotta tells the story about how NASA plans to dissolve their ageing shuttle fleet after the program ends later this year. Stu, as you remember is the Curator of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

The museum, which houses the Spruce Goose, would love to acquire a shuttle, and is likely in a pretty good position to obtain one of the three remaining space craft. This is not an easy task. NASA made it clear that just wanting one is not enough. Only US museums and educational institutions are eligible, and you must be able to display it indoors. Oh, and then there is 42 million dollar price tag.

The first six million pays for the 747 piggyback trip to the closest 8000-foot runway of your choice. From that point its up to you to move it, a fact that has caused some to drop out of contention. The rest of the money will pay for de-activating the orbiter, making it safe and removing hazardous substances. In talking about how they would pay for it, the article stated, "We would welcome public funding," says Stewart Bailey, curator of Oregon's Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. But if that doesn't come through, he says, "we won't be holding a bake sale."

The Evergreen museum is a non-profit owned by Evergreen International Aviation, Inc., a conglomerate that specializes in air transport, air cargo, and ground infrastructure... Evergreen opened the museum in 1991 and now has more than 100 aircraft on display. "We understand the challenges; they are very clear," says Bailey. "The orbiter is big, it's hard to move, and it's expensive, but we wanted to be ready, and we are." Evergreen barged the Goose to McMinnville, waiting for low tide to sneak the cargo under bridges. The same technique should work for the shuttle, but if not, the company will figure something out. Moving big stuff, Bailey notes, is what they do.

The article mentions several other museums that are vying for the opportunity to own a shuttle, including Seattle's Museum of Flight, and suggests that it might have an advantage with its larger market, but that Bailey remains undaunted. Evergreen built the new facility partly as a Field of Dreams impulse: If you build it, the shuttle will come. When it comes to exhibits, he says, "we don't do penny-ante stuff." Probably the right attitude, states the author.

NANKIN HOBBY DESTROYED BY FIRE

On Friday March 5th, a loud sigh of sadness, disbelief and maybe even disgust could be heard emanating from the west side metro Detroit hobby community. This was in response to the fire that devastated one of the last hobby stores left in business in the area. Unfortunately, the economy has been the demise of most of the area hobby stores, and now we have lost one of the remaining few to fire. The fire was reported just before midnight on Friday, and units from the City of Farmington, Farmington Hills, and the Oakland County Sheriff's Department responded to the Nine Mile Road location to find the rear portion of the building ablaze. Over 25 firefighters fought the fire before it was brought under control, and witnesses say they saw flames reaching more than 30-feet high. The entire building suffered smoke damage, but the rear of the building and the roof bore the brunt of the fire damage. The business was of course closed at the time, and nobody was injured in the fire, which rendered the building structurally unsafe.

Investigations are still in progress, but Nankin's owners tell us that they were fully insured and have every intention of rebuilding and reopening at the same location. Likely, the biggest question is whether or not they will have to demolish the entire building or be able to rebuild what is left. This will probably determine if the shop will be able to reopen in the fall, which is the desire of the owners.

[The library produced this flyer to promote the event.]

IPMS Livonia held their annual kid's Make & Take on Saturday, December 5th 2009 at the Westland Public Library. The club has hosted the event for a few years now, and as typical, the turnout and response was very good. Spaces for 25 children were available for reservation through the library, and this year they were virtually all filled. The event will run again in November or early December 2010. If you would like to participate, watch for flyers posted in the library in the early Fall to reserve a spot for your child. In conjunction with the Make & Take, IPMS Livonia also presented a small model display in the library's display case. IPMS Livonia was saddened to hear of the loss of our former library coordinator, but wishes to thank our new library coordinator, Bernadette Dewyer, who did a great job running our event. Thanks also to all of the cub members, (pictured below left), who took time out of their Saturday to make it happen!

[Ian and Ed survey the action at the make & take.]

Saturday November 7, 2009 marked the day of the first annual Nankin Hobby Plastic Model Contest at their new Farmington, MI location. Nankin Hobby approached IPMS Livonia several months ago to host and run the event, and by all accounts it was a success. The contest drew 51 models from 16 contestants, with both Junior and Senior levels split into Aircraft, Armor, Automotive, and Misc. categories. Entry numbers between Juniors and Seniors were pretty even, however Automotive was dominant in the Senior categories, therefore we are displaying all of the Senior Automotive winners. Awards were offered in all categories for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, and Honorable Mention, if needed, and included gift certificates from Nankin Hobby. Plaques were also presented for Best Junior, Best Senior, People's Choice, and Nankin's Choice. Besides the contestants, we were happy to have noted model car kit designer, John Bogosian from Walled Lake, come and display some of his prototype designs. Thanks to Bob, Travis, Steve, Tim, Chris, Larry, Mike, Paul & Rick from IPMS Livonia, and especially to Nankin Hobby for hosting the event. It was a great way to spend the day, with everyone having a good time, and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Contest organizers
Steve and Bob
From IPMS Livonia

The contest drew 51
models from 16 contestants.

Juniors

1st Place Aircraft
Junkers Ju-52
James Kua

1st Place Armor
M-48 Patton
James Kua

1st Place Auto
Jeep Commando
Lewis White

1st Place Misc.
Wolf Pack Attack
Bridget Bollini

Seniors

1st Place Aircraft
F-117 Stealth
Martin White

1st Place Armor
Paladin
Martin White

1st Place Misc.
Godzilla
Scott Shipman

Senior Automotive

1st Place
'60 Ford Starliner
Todd Sargis

2nd Place
Ford GT 40
Bob Osen

3rd Place
Yellow Fever
Scott Shipman

More

Senior Automotive
Honorable Mention
'32 Ford
Scott Shipman

Noted Model Car Kit
Designer, John Bogosian
From Walled Lake,
Displays Proto-types

Best Of

Best Junior
Junkers Ju-52
James Kua

Best Senior &
People's Choice
Paladin
Martin White

Nankin's Choice
Paladin
Martin White

Not long after Jerry's PT 109 was posted on the club website, we were contacted by Mr. Frank Andruss, Director of The Mosquito Fleet Exhibit, which is a traveling display based near Springfield, Massachusetts. Frank had run across the PT 109 article, and inquired if Jerry would be willing to build another 109 for his exhibit. Jerry tells us, "I was flattered and responded that I could do better than that, I'd be willing to donate it outright to the exhibit". Following a short e-mail exchange, the 109 shipped out to the east coast at the end of May, where it arrived safely in one piece, and is now on permanent display with The Mosquito Fleet Exhibit.

The display, founded by Frank J. Andruss Sr, of Feeding Hills, MA, is a compilation of PT Boat service artifacts and is probably one of the largest collections in private hands in the country. Its chief objective is educating the public about the roles these small wooden boats played during World War II. The exhibit is run totally by out of pocket expense, but Frank is proud to take part in preserving this part of Naval History.

Frank has many rare artifacts in the exhibit, including training manuals, design plans, ammunition, helmets, flags, pins and patches, posters, boat models, photos, maps, and souvenirs brought back by PT Boat crew members. He even has a 1500 horse Packard Marine engine, but seems most proud of the uniforms he has on display. These include the uniform of Gerard Zinser, who served on PT 109 with Lt. John F. Kennedy, and was the last living member of the original crew who survived the collision that sank the boat. This uniform is actually the only known uniform in existence that belonged to a PT 109 crewmen. He also has artifacts from PT 41 Skipper Lt. John D. Bulkeley, who rescued General MacArthur from the Japanese in the Philippines, and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Andruss, now 52, became interested in PT Boats back in 1967, when as a ten year old, his Dad suggested he watch the movie PT 109. He tells us, "I never even knew what a PT Boat was back then, but decided to see what our 35th President did during the War. After that movie I was hooked." Frank has also authored a book on the subject, "Building the PT Boats: An Illustrated History of U.S. Navy Torpedo Boat Construction in World War II", published by Nimble Books, LLC, and available on Amazon.com. The book has received very favorable comments by on-line reviewers.

[the uniform of Gerard Zinser, who served on PT 109 with John F. Kennedy, and was the last living member of the original crew who survived the collision that sank the boat.]

[Frank has many rare artifacts in the exhibit]

The Mosquito Fleet Exhibit has recently finished a yearlong stint at the Springfield Museums, and is currently making several smaller appearances during the summer months. If you are interested in the exhibit, or would like more information, please contact Frank directly at mosquitofleet@comcast.net.

Exhibit photos courtesy Frank Andruss

Due to the fire that devastated the Nankin Hobby building, the Kid's Club will start its summer break a little earlier than usual. Check back here in the fall, for information regarding the restart of Kids Club activities.

ALL KIDS AGES 8 - 16
If You Like to Build Plastic Models OR
Would Like To Learn How...

Join the New
NANKIN MODEL CLUB
For Kids!!! (It's FREE)

Come in - Sit for a couple of hours and learn how to build models. Experienced modelers will teach basic and advanced techniques for young modelers of every skill level. We will help you sellect your models and tools, and guide you as you build!

MOMS AND DADS ARE WELCOME TO WORK ALONG SIDE WITH THEIR KIDS AND SHARE THE FUN!!

WHEN - Every Saturday, September thru March, 10AM - Noon.
WHERE - Nankin Hobby Shop at 9 Mile and Farmington Rd.
WHO - Kids, Ages 8 - 16

QUESTIONS?
For more info,
contact:
Bob Blevins
(734) 728-1134

New Club Officers!

A new slate of club officers now start their term of service, with all positions having changed hands. In his inaugural message, new president Ian Dow thanked former executives Steve Freeman and Mike Anderson for the hard work and dedication put forth over the last 4 years. He continued, "They have both shown a willingness to promote the club and keep our chapter involved with the community through the make and take program, and with the Warren club for the SEMMEX shows". Going forward, we seek input from any and all club members who may have ideas or thoughts on how the club can progress in the future. Ian thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to serving the club for the next two years.

The New Club Officers are:
President     -    Ian Dow
Vice President -    Rick Forys
      Treasurer     -     Steve Freeman
Secretary/Newsletter Editor - Ed Findysz

Meeting Location Reminder!

Until Further Notice,
our temporary summer meeting location,
the Old Livonia Pierson Elementary School, Room #5, on
32625 Seven Mile Road, East of Farmington Road
will become our permanent location.
All future meetings will be held here
unless posted differently.
Meeting days and times will remain on the
second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM.

Came across the IPMS website while looking for something else. Saw the P51B decorated in Bob Barkey's colors. I am Bob's oldest son. (His P47 was named "Thunderbolt Lad" after me. Bob is still alive almost 88) and living in California. His health is not good, but he still has the "Look of the Eagle" in his eye. He continued to fly into his 70's until his health grounded him. I sure if he could still climb into a P51, he could still fly it. I think that in all of the times I flew with him, when he landed, I never felt the wheels touch the ground. For such a big guy, he had a gentle touch with an airplane.
One note about the P51. When the 325th FG transitioned from P-47's to P-51's, Bob was nearly transferred to bombers since he was almost 6' 4". He fought to stay in fighters since he had 4 kills and wanted to make Ace. His crew chief tore the seat adjuster out of his plane and welded the seat to the floor as far back as it would go. I guess it worked!
Nice looking model. I'm glad someone chose those colors.
Bob E.

2009
Model of the Month Final Standings

#1	Ian D.	52
#2	Tim H.	31
#3	Travis B.	23
#4	Paul R.	16
#5	Steve F.	13
#6	Bob B.	11
#6	John K.	11
#7	Rick F.	10
#8	Larry S.	6
#9	Ed F.	5
#9	Jim A.	5
#10	Chris N.	1

2008
Model of the Month Final Standings

#1	Ian D.	46
#2	Tim H.	30
#3	John K.	20
#4	Ed F.	17
#5	Paul R.	16
#6	Steve F.	14
#7	Mark H.	10
#8	Rick F.	9
#8	Bob B.	9
#9	Jerry F.	3
#9	Larry S.	3
#9	Jim A.	3
#10	Chris N.	2

Juniors

Travis B.

The curse is broken!! Congratulations to Ian "It Figures" aka "El Presidente" Dow, for his repeat bi-monthly contest championship, and also to Travis "Blaster - I run with the Big Dogs" Blevins for his repeat Junior bi-monthly contest championship.