Subject: SMML22/11/97VOL008 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX 1: Re: What are you building? 2: Re: What are you building? 3: HMS Barham 1941 4: MB Models WW1 U Boat U-35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: TANewell@aol.com Subject: Re: what are you building? I'm currently working on a Revell Arizona, using Loren Perry's excellent P/E set. When I started this kit, I got into my old model graveyard in my parent's attic and found an Arizona that I had built back in my teens (circa 1970). The interesting thing that I discovered was that molding of the old kit seemed to be much more crisper and in alignment than the "new" kit that I had just purchased, to the extent that I cannibalized the old kit for some parts. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this, particularly in light of the reissues coming out from Revell like the Pine Island and the Mission Capistrano. Also, I saw that Glencoe has come out with the NS Savannah, was thinking about getting it, but I have found that you can find the old original kit from the 60's - 70's for not much more money, and I wonder if the quality difference between the new and the old issues would be similar... Tim Newell ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Greg Subject: Re: What are you building? Hey Tim, I recently bought the Revell USS Arizona as well, I haven't started her yet, But am looking forward to it - I would like to finish a few before I start any more, and I am waiting for my GMM P/E kit to arrive. The thing that really amazed me about this kit was not actually the kit itself, (quiet good OOTB, And With a bit of hard work and some P/E, it could be a real museum piece) But the other ships in the series. I also bought the USS Missouri kit as well, and I must admit, it is one of the worst offerings I have ever seen, eg, the definition of the planks of the decks are horribly out of scale, When you consider how good the decks are on the USS Arizona, The Mo Kit's deck has raised division running forward to aft (If in 1:1 scale would probly be about 6-8 feet high) dividing the deck into about 20 sections, Representing 20 lines of planks covering the breadth of the ship? There's no break-water in front of the 16Inch Guns. The 20mm guns are just raised "lumps" in the plastic, no definition at all there, just to name a few. The only thing I really liked about this kit was the commemorative reproduction of the plaque fitted to the surrender deck (coin size) which would be really neat to fit to a scratch built 1/92 mo or something. But there are so many in-accuracy's and errors in this kit that it is not even slightly salvageable (Truly a "kids first model" kit"), yet the Arizona Kit is a real classic and continues to be built and bettered - how can 2 models from the same series and same company be at totally opposite ends of the quality scale? Greg P.S. I'd love to hear more about how your kit comes together, and any cool leads you dig up in your research ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Dave Carter Subject: HMS Barham 1941 Hi Guys and Hi Greg, We're always very pleased to offer assistance to any modeler re. Royal Navy info in particular, but will try to help on any item of research, or on availability and supply of products for the static warship modeler (we've been in the bizz for 14 years, so generally know what we're talking about!) If we don't know the answer then we usually know someone who does.. However, on this occasion, we need help from you chaps..we don't hold out TOO much hope we have to confess! We are researching for our 1/700 model of HMS Barham 1941 and are seeking to confirm: 1. Did she have her sternwalk?? We know she had it in '40 but are not convinced one way or the other by photographs. 2. Also, what was the AA mount that replaced the UP projector on B Turret.. some say a quad 0.5" and others say a quad Pom-Pom. 3. Her starboard camouflage..does anyone know of any pics at that time. We found a pic taken of a British destroyer from Barham in 41, which showed that her aft camou could be seen and appeared to be symmetrical, but we need further confirming evidence. We are aware that she was carrying a Modified Peter Scott scheme.. these, of course, are usually of symmetrical design. 4. Finally, we need to ascertain her boat fit. Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I am revamping my website over the weekend..this will include photos from the UK IPMS Nats...ships only of course! It should be updated on Monday (what a sad git hey..I'd rather spend the weekend in Portsmouth really, getting photos of Warrior and Victory for my future NAVIS articles...now Dave says I really AM a sad git!!) Regards Caroline Carter http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/avenue/xdt22/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: dmccalip@starnetusa.com (Dana L. McCalip) Subject: MB Models WW1 U Boat U-35 Has anyone built this recent offering from MB Models Blue Water Navy? If so what type of colour scheme did you use; especially below the wateline. It is a very interesting model but I found that I had to rebuild the deck guns from scratch. The barrels on those furnished with the kit were way too heavy. They look much better with machined barrels and breeches. Comments about the paint scheme would be appreciated. Dana McCalip ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume