The Chesapeake Division will host a Modeler’s Day-In (MDI) Saturday March 29 from 9am to 2pm. Members of other Divisions are welcome to join us, as well. You will have the opportunity to talk with and get to know other modelers, and make progress on your project. Doors will open ~8:30 AM, with an approximate start time of 9:00 AM. We will straighten up in time to be out by about 2:00 PM. Donuts and coffee will be available. If you want something more substantial, you may wish to bring a light lunch.

We will conduct this MDI in a different format than in the last few years: a hands-on clinic, described below, and, in parallel, should you prefer to work on something else, you may bring your own project (something easily transportable), and whatever tools you may need (no spray painting, please) to work on your project.

Hands-On Clinic: Jeff Burch will be conducting a hands-on weathering clinic in which he will demonstrate techniques he uses. We will have multiple stations at which participants may work. This activity is intended to be “hands-on,” not an “arm-chair” activity. Bring models to work on! And if you don’t have any of your own rolling stock that you want to work with, we will have some cars from the Division layout available for you to try your hand at weathering.

The following weathering techniques/styles will be accommodated:

• Tube Oil paints — good for rust streaks, painting streaks, faded/running lettering, and “dot filters” to provide color modulation.
• Tamiya panel line fluids. Jeff will have brown, black, and grey. These are a great way to provide some contrast and make details “pop”.
• Bragdon weathering powders. Jeff likes to use these often because they have a polymer binder mixed in with them. You don’t need to overspray with a clear coat to get it to stay on the model.
• Vallejo and AK interactive weathering enamels and powders. Similar to the Bragdon powders, but more broadly available at local hobby shops and often used in larger scale military model displays.
• PanPastel powders. These do require a clear coat to act as a “fixative”, but they can also be used on structures without a clear coat, since buildings don’t do a great deal of “moving around” on our layouts.

What should you bring?

• Models to work on, they should be sprayed 24 hours beforehand with a matte clear coat (i.e. dullcoat, or Vallejo matte medium)
• Modeling materials that you already own are great to bring. Even if Jeff brings the same products, you can share with others, or perhaps you already know a different technique to share. Additionally, if you have never used the products, you can gain the bravery to do so by working together with the rest of us in a group.
• Brushes (cheap synthetic brushes are fine). Please don’t use expensive Winsor & Newton Kolinsky sable brushes for weathering.
• Cotton swabs
• Makeup sponges (wedge shaped). Makeup sponges are VERY useful for streaking effects.
• Makeup applicator swabs. These are similar to cotton swabs, but benefit from not leaving little cotton fibers on your model.
• Paper towels

Drop cloths and a large roll of “craft paper” will be available to minimize mess and allow for easy clean-up.

And, as noted above, if weathering isn’t what you want to do, you are invited to bring a current project (something easily transportable), and whatever tools you may need (no spray painting, please) to work on your project.