Subject: SMML04/02/98VOL080

shipmodels@tac.com.au
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INDEX

1: Re: 1:600 Baltimore class CA & other stuff
2: Back issues of SSM
3: Decals and Rigging
4: HO Trawlers
5: "Titanic" wreck colors
6: 1:700 post-WWII USN aircraft?
7: Titanic Rusticals
8: Re: QE2

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1)
From: louellet@uism.bu.edu
Subject: Re: 1:600 Baltimore class CA & other stuff

 Joe Reyna wrote:

>> Overall, I think it's a fair kit, and is a collectible, as it has not been reissued since the demise of Aurora.  I believe Revell owns most of
Aurora's old molds, which may include that of the ST. PAUL, but I would
imagine they would choose not to reissue this kit because they have their own rendition of the BALTIMORE-class cruiser in approximately 1/500 scale. <<

 Revell-Monogram is reissuing the USS Helena version of their Baltimore class heavy cruiser this spring as part of their SSP program. I used the 'Feedback' section of their web page to ask if they would consider releasing the ex-Aurora USS Gaudacanal (LPH 7), or the USS Boston or USS Canberra (CAG 1 & 2) Guided Missile conversions of the Baltimore class cruisers. I received a letter a week later saying they had no plans to do so. Bummer.

 Incidentally, if anyone out there has either one of these and wants to sell
to a builder, not a collector, let me know.  I'm also looking for a Revell
Olympia to build.

 Joseph Poutre wrote:

>> Why do many models come out with only one set of decals, when there are several ships of the class that are virtually identical? This was triggered by the recent models of the Spruance and Ticonderoga classes by ARII and DML - each class consists of ships of two or three different configurations, with minor differences, so why doesn't the company save on the costs of making multiple boxes and just print up a larger set of decals for all the ships of the same basic configuration? Aircraft models come with multiple choices for decals - why not ships? <<

 Money, money, money. If they can sell the same kit many times over as a
different ship, they will sell more kits than if they marketed it as the 'x
class' ship. Revellogram, ARII, and other companies have been doing this for years. The Revell-Germany PT 117 is just the PT 109 kit with a new decal and a new cover. Even the name plate still has PT 109 on it! All 4 of ARII's Iowa class Battleships are identical except for the nameplate and decal sheet. There have been many inquiries over the last few years on rec.models.scale asking for kits for a specific ship. Most times the reply is "buy the kit of the xxx ship, they are of the same class". Many people just aren't aware that a given Fletcher class Destroyer kit can be used for dozens of ships.

 Ron Acosta wrote:

>> Do you know where I could find a model kit for the Queen Elizabeth (QE2)? <<

 There is an Airfix 1/660 scale kit, and a 1/300 or 1/350 kit that was marketed by Revell many years ago (1970's?). That is the copy I found in an old neighborhood hoppy shop. Airfix is rereleasing some of their 1/600 kits. but I don't know if the ocean liners are in their plans. Sorry, my copies aren't for sale.  8-<

 Caroline quoted someone else:

>> An award winning (Popoular Best of Show) diorama of the sunken Titanic was done at last year's IPMS Nationals.  Absolutely superb.  The builder, Roy Mengot, used two kits, and most of the wreck was scratch built. <<

 and Robert wrote:

>> I'm currently working on a very special model.  <snip>  It is a 1/48 scale model of the bow section of TITANIC on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The model is 10 feet long, 2 feet wide and about 28 inches high (at this time).

 <snip>

 How would you go about the task of the "Rusticals"...also how do you see the ship on the bottom.  Is the hull colour still visable???  Can you suggest  a direction???  more to the blue's as in Ken Marschall's paintings of the wreck site...or as she is from a scientific standpoint!!!!!  all
information is really sought after and needed...... <<

 Roy Mengot, the builder of the award winning Titanic wreck model, has his own web site which  explains how he did it.  There is a separate article for
updating and enhancing the 1/350 scale kit in general.  Roy's web site is:

 http://www.flash.net/~rfm/index/contents.html

 I would strongly recommend that anyone interested in modeling the Titanic
(whole or wrecked) visit this site.  Lots of good information there!

 Larry Ouellette
 Quincy, Massachusetts
 Volunteer, USS Salem (CA 139)
 U. S. Naval & Shipbuilding Museum
 http://www.uss-salem.org/
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2)
From: Gene Larson <genenrg@Naut-Res-Guild.org>
Subject: Back issues of SSM

>> i am after the following "scale ship modeller" back issues: <<

 From the NRG web site "Sources for Model Builders" try the following. Either call, write, or e-mail. They should be able to furnish you with MANY back issues of SSM.

 Scale Ship Modeler
 7950 Deering Avenue
 Canoga Park, CA 91304
 (818) 887-0550
 Wood & plastic & fiber glass
 R/C, static, powered, sail. No racing.
 Web Site link: http://www.challengeweb.com
 mail@challengeweb.com

 Gene Larson
 Nautical Research Guild, Inc
 Alexandria, Virginia
 mailto:genenrg@Naut-Res-Guild.org
 http://www.Naut-Res-Guild.org
 A non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization with international
membership, dedicated to maritime research and accurate ship model building.
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3)
From: Les Pickstock <J.L.Pickstock@lboro.ac.uk> (Les Pickstock)
Subject: Decals and Rigging

 In my previous incarnation as an Armour modeller I remember that some German tank Kits came with sheets of turret numbers allowing the modeller to theoretical build any tank in a regiment. It is a shame that ship kits don't do this. The Tamiya 'Fletcher' comes with only 5 number options when for a minimal expenditure they could have included a sheet with 0-9 on and allowed the modeller to make up his own numbers to suit themselves. This a niche for the aftermarket decal folks.

 I like fishing line for rigging, usual 1kg breaking strain. I find that it has just enough give to stay tensioned without pulling the masts over.

 A slightly heavier gauge can be used for smoke stack guy wires. For 1/72 scale I have used sailing ship model rigging thread which has a scale apperance once its been run over a block of wax to reduce its "hairiness".

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4)
From: Mark Levine <marklev@clarityconnect.com>
Subject: HO Trawlers

 I'm looking for information about HO scale resin/plastic waterline trawler models. I'm familiar with the HO boats and ships available from Bluejacket but seem to recall that there were trawlers available from another, perhaps model railroad oriented source. Any help would be appreciated. TIA

 Mark Levine
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5)
From: "Reidar Berg" <reidarb@cipax.no>
Subject: "Titanic" wreck colors

 Try this address:

 http://www.flash.net/~rfm/

 I hope this help you with your ambitious project.

 Best regards
 Reidar Berg,
 Narvik, Norway
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6)
From: "Les Dorr Jr." <ldorr@CapAccess.org>
Subject: 1:700 post-WWII USN aircraft?

 I think I know the answer to this, but perhaps something new is out.

 Does anyone make an aftermarket set of 1:700 post-WWII aircraft such as F8Fs, F9Fs, ADs, HUPs, etc.? These would be a great addition to kits such as the Essex-class CVs and Independence-class CVLs. In fact, the latter comes with one (count 'em, 1!)F9F Panther, at least in its USS Princeton box.

 Les
 "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
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7)
From: "Joseph W. Divar" <110055.3477@compuserve.com>
Subject: Titanic Rusticals

>> How would you go about the task of the "Rusticals"...also how do you see
the ship on the bottom. <<

 I would try to get my wife's hot glue gun and finished railings to attach
to. Then armed with glue gun approach the  underside of the railing, squeeze out some glue and pull down like you would those cake icing thingies.  Forming the shape of the rusticals as you manipulate the still pliable glue.

 Or, silicon/latex caulking applied with a caulking gun. Though I think your results and diameters may not be as fine. With the glue gun you have the option of arming yourself with a hair dryer set on cool as well to "set" the shape when you're satisfied.


 My two cents.

 Regards,

 Joe & Mary Divar
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8)
From: TANewell@aol.com
Subject: Re: QE2

 Ron:

 Airfix makes a  kit of the QE2 in 1/600 scale. I have the kit, haven't built it...it looks like it  might be a difficult build with long curvy, skinny bulkheads to provide alignment problems.  Detail is not too bad...even at this small scale, the hull is 19" long! I don't know if it is still in production...I bought mine a while back at a shop for about $12. Gunze Sangyo makes a QE2 in 1/450 scale ( I think)...have never seen the kit, I know that they have it at http://www.hobbyweb.com, think that the price was about $120 (!)

 Tim Newell
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End of Volume