Subject: SMML13/02/98VOL089 shipmodels@tac.com.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEX 1: Airbrush the decks 2: Greg writes referring to the SH-60 as a "Huey" 3: Re: Greg writes referring to the SH-60 as a "Huey" 4: Re: Lighting 5: Re: Lighting 6: Looking for model 7: 1:700 Ship Models. 8: HMNZS Achilles X Turret - 1945 Configuration 9: Re: LA Class sub ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Noel Ray" Subject: Airbrush the decks >> Yet another titanic question... Whats the best way to airbrush the decks? Unfortunately most of the walls are molded on that are to be painted white. Should i airbrush the decks white and then paint on the decks? I airbrushed the decks tan, and then brushed the walls, but i didn't like the results. so I masked off the deck and airbrushed it, but the masking didn't work too well. Is there a better way to mask than just using tape? << Bill, I would *always* airbrush the lighter colour first. Use fine line masking tape (like Letraline) by Letraset to establish the dividing line between the wall and and deck. Then fully mask the walls with common masking tape and airbrush the decks. Noel ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: BSteinIPMS@aol.com Subject: Greg writes referring to the SH-60 as a "Huey" Greg: In the interests of accuracy and increase of knowledge and not of nit-picking, the Sikorsky "Hawk" series is not related to the Huey. These are fundamentally very different aircraft from two separate manufacturers. The Bell UH-1 series is a skid-equipped, two-bladed, semi-rigid rotor, single-engine (in most variants) utility helicopter. As a note of trivia, the early Hueys were designated HU-1, which appears to the average eye as "Huey", hence the name. (According to native folklore and legend) The Sikorsky Hawks are equipped with wheels, have a four-bladed articulated rotor, and all are twin-engine machines. Basically, the U.S. Army calls their UH-60 the "Blackhawk", the Navy calls their SH-60 the "Seahawk", the Coast Guard calls their HH-60 the "Jayhawk", and the Air Force calls their special ops MH-60 the "Nighthawk". About thirty years and several eons of technology separate the two helicopters. Bob Steinbrunn (Ex-UH-1C & H driver) Minneapolis Nautical Research Guild ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject: Re: Greg writes referring to the SH-60 as a "Huey" Well, You got me! (Silly Me :-) ) I did call a Seahawk a Huey - I'm just a ship guy trying to broaden my horizons and try something new, and my inexperience in this area is obviously showing, so thanks for correcting me. But it does sound like you know a thing or six about these badboys, I would like to draw on your knowledge for an answer to my origional question which was, What are the noteable differances between the JMSDF SH-60J and the U.S. Navy's SH-60B? Thanks Greg (Listmaster - SMML) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "John S. Altemueller" Subject: Re: Lighting Greg, Thank you for the info! One more question-how do you power the whole setup and what is the best way run the wiring? I don't want to tear up the model to replace batteries. I know zilch about electricity or making a circuit. thanks! John ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject: Re: Lighting Well, Since I wrote the article I have altered my set up considerably. On my model I now use a simple 6/9/12 volt switchable DC power transformer from Radio Shack, running the wires to a 12 volt Car Tail light globe, with the switch on the power pack set at 9 volts "partially powering" the globe. I made a small cube from perspex and put the globe inside it, and drilled small holes in the cube to glue the "feed" threads of fibre optic cable in place. (I believe there is an actual unit you can buy now to serve this purpose, which is probly much more effective than my crappy invention, heat is a real problem for me) The "feed" strands of fibre optic cable then run up through the models display stand into a small hole in the hull where they feed the various lighting systems I have placed around the ship. This works very well cause all of the components that may fail are out of the hull, easily hidden, and serviceable should the need arise. Hope this helps! Greg ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: PERATHJEN@aol.com Subject: Looking for model Hi, I am seeking a model of the WWII Landing Ship Medium, or LSM. I served aboard the LSM 228 during that little conflict, and would very much like a model to show my grandsons. I know Lindberg made one, but it is OOP. Does anyone have an old kit they would sell? Thanks much for any help, Paul Rathjen Beaverton, OR. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Mr J Owen" Subject: 1:700 Ship Models. I am investigating the availability of models and wonder if you could help with the following query: Do you have any knowledge of 'Jim Shirley Models' and whether or not they are available from a supplier in the U.k.? Thanks for your time and assistance. J.Owen ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Lester Abbey" Subject - HMNZS Achilles X Turret - 1945 Configuration There has been considerable discussion about the configuration of the Achilles after the X turret was removed. I have nothing to add to this but I do have information on the configuration of the X turret after the Achilles was removed. It was blown to pieces in the Solomons by a 500 lb bomb on Jan 5 1943. The Y turret presently sits adjacent to the entrance gate at the Devonport Naval Dockyard in Auckland NZ. It is mounted on a barbette pedestal and kept in pristine condition by the RNZN. Regards Lester Abbey Wellington ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: LA Class sub The new DML reissue of the LA Class sub is a 688I (improved) class. It's based on the old 1:350 Dallas mold, which was none-too-accurate. You need to cut off the old tail section and put on the new section provided sans the vertical stabilizers. No LA class boat had the vertical stern plates on the stern diving plane; this was found on the preceding Sturgeon class. There are two propellors; the old, smaller prop which is cast in the wrong (counterclockwise) direction, and a new, larger prop that has the correct pitch for clockwise turns. The late LA class also reportedly have a ring encircling the tips of the blade (presumably to cut down on tip vortex noise) and anhedral stabilizers with countermeasure dispensers at the tail, similar to the new Seawolf SSN 21. It has been reported that at least one late 688 (USS Hartford) may have a Seawolf prototype pumpjet installed in place of the propellor. Unfortunately, this kit has the hatches for the VLS Tomahawk system laid out totally wrong. There are 12 VLS hatches, but not anything like the configuration seen on this kit. This needs to be corrected with some filling and scribing. You can pick up the DML kit for $12-14. The BWN resin boat continues to be the most accurate kit in the 1:350 scale, and represents an earlier LA (flight 1 confgiuration) Being of resin and photoetch, the kit is much more expensive than the DML styrene. Tom Dougherty ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume