Subject: SMML11/5/98VOL176 shipmodels@wr.com.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Weird Airfix Plasic!!! 2: E boats 3: Tiny Brass Handwheels 4: Re: pantographs 5: USS Des Moines Class model 6: Olympic WW1 camo 7: gmt/te 8: Tiny brass handwheels 9: legendary "pantograph?" 10: Re: Escort Carrier Deck Markings 11: Re: Brass handwheels 12: Re: Brass handwheels 13: Tiny brass handwheels 14: Assembling Photoetch 15: Re: DE's 16: Re: Tiny brass handwheels 17: Signal Flags 18: Re: What's been done in Resin 19: Re: Tiny brass handwheels ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS INDEX 1: Re: 1/350 Japanese Zero 2: Decals 3: Re: White Ensign Models with a special message ... 4: White Ensign Models NEW RELEASES... not enough room for everything! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Colm O'Leary" Subject: Weird Airfix Plasic!!! I've got an old 1/600 Airfix QE2 but I can't seem to find a glue that will stick the pieces together. Everything seems not to work as well as on more modern kits. Even Contacta liquid and Loctite super-glue have no effect. Is this normal for these old kits? And, if it is, can anyone suggest something that I can use? I've found that a thick tube glue called Weldtite seems to have some effect on it but it's so thick that it useless for fine details. Can anyone help???? CJ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: ALROSS2 Subject: E boats Most of the references on S-boats are out of print, which may become a bit of a problem. There was a Profile on them published around 1972. Harold Fock's Fast Fighting Boats 1845-1970 (U.S. Naval Institute Press, 1978) is an excellent reference, but is long OOP. There are a few photos in Paul Beaver's E-Boats and Coastal Craft, Bryan Cooper's The E-Boat Threat, and Jim Tent's E-Boat Alert. The latter is still in print, as is Mike Whitley's German Coastal Forces of WWII. Al Ross ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Ives100 Subject: Re: Tiny Brass Handwheels I've used photoetch brass wheels that I obtained from the local hobby shop which are N-scale train accessories. You might have to try to find a hobby shop that has a large train model clientele. Alternatively, an outfit by the name of Walthers carries all these sorts of parts, does mailorder, and has a web site. Sorry, I don't have the URL at home, but use a search engine and the word "Walthers". They also carrie Preiser figures, which are available in Z-scale (about 1:220), which are close enough for models in the 1:200 range. Tom ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: SantMin Subject: Re: pantographs >> Or are there actually machines that will cut reduced patterns from a larger master? Famous example being the Revellogram F-101B in 2 scales which is supposedly the "same" kit scaled down. (Sorry, don't know any maritime examples.) << Yes, believe it or not, there are such machines, and they are not all that expensive. The problem in ship modeling is that they will not produce the detail that I am sure the listmember has in mind. A good wordworking catalog should show pantographs that duplicate or change size from a master, some do three copies at a time. These would be good enough to rough out a hull to be further refined but I'm afraid that the result would not be a finished ship model. Pantographs are also used when making the steel molds for our plastic kits. The master model is often made much larger than the kit will be and then pantographed down in size as the mold is cut. These are much more accurate and much more expensive !!! Bob Santos ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: CA139JOHNF Subject: USS Des Moines Class model The Des Moines Class were the last heavy all gun gun cruisers delivered to the USN. They represented the high water mark of wartime cruiser design. Armement included a main battery of 8" 55cal MK 16 automatic rapid firing guns. At 11 rounds/min/barrel these weapons could deliver a devestating blow to any target within range. Newport News was used as a gunfire support ship in the Vietnam conflict and was just as successful, if not more so as any other ship used for this purpose. The proven 5"38 secondary battery was equal to any contemporary ship if not better given the state of the art high speed radar directed gunfire control system. The class also recieved the reliable but short lived automatic twin 3"50cal radar directed AA fit. The US Naval & Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy Ma. is the final home of the USS Salem(CA139) in the Fore River Shipyard where she was built. Salem is the last member of the class delivered and thus became the last cruiser of the 1940's to be turned over to the USN. She is open to the public daily with a surprising amount of the ship open for inspection. For more please check out our web site at http://www.uss-salem.org. In association with Steve Wiper at Classic Warships, the USS Salem Model Dept. is offering a 1/350 resin kit of the Des Moines Class scheduled to be delivered late this summer. Price is $225.00 and includes shipping. Pre-production reservations are being accepted. Contact the Model Dept. at mailto:ca139johnf@aol.com for more details. Many thanks to all who have already ordered. You interest will help our efforts to restore and preserve this magnificent vessel. John Frohock Curator/Model Collection USNSM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Mrs J Snelling" Subject: Olympic WW1 camo Guess my answer is the same as Carolines but here it is anyway. The photo I have is on page 219 of Titanic an illustrated history, shows from the stern a dazzle of yellow blue black red, on deck as well.Book no isbn 0-340-56271-4 Jo & John Snelling Visit our website: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~snelling/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Mrs J Snelling" Subject: gmt/te what I have here might help. GMT or Everts class were diesel powered short hulled, TE were Turboelectric powered, also difference in boiler room uptakes. Grab a copy of Friedmans Destroyers isbn 0-85368-521-5. Or ask for more info if you think I can help. Jo & John Snelling Visit our website: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~snelling/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: James Corley Subject: Tiny brass handwheels >> I'm converting the old Revell USS MISSION CAPISTRANO into a Navy fleet oiler and I'm in need of many tiny brass (or whatever) handwheels for the various gate valves. I've got some 2mm ones, but they're out of scale (or do you think it would be all that noticable)- plus I forgot where I got them. Does anybody know of an outlet for this type of thing? << Doug, I would suggest the GMM N-scale stuff if thye kit were bigger, but you might want to go to a train ship and see what they have in the RR photoetch arena. Get GMM 160-55 which is brakewheels, set has 90 wheels, 6 each of 15 styles. Little big, but the smallest Ive ever seen. (BTW, I have these available for $7, but since they are big for that kit look at the RR shops first!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: SHIP MDLR Subject: legendary "pantograph?" >> But seriously. Is the gentleman possibly referring to the legendary "pantograph?" This is just a design tool - a drawing tool as I understand it. After the new, smaller, drawings were produced, you'd still be faced with making a new master, mold, etc. Or are there actually machines that will cut reduced patterns from a larger master? Famous example being the Revellogram F-101B in 2 scales which is supposedly the "same" kit scaled down. (Sorry, don't know any maritime examples.) I wonder if any of our manufacturing friends know how this is done in the "industry"? Sounds expensive. << The technology is there. It's available now. The pentagraph has been replaced by a laser. Right now as far as I know, it's being used on figrue models. The master is placed on a turntable controlled by computer. As the turntable rotates, the laser picks up any minute changes on the surface of the master. A duplicate lazer then cuts the new figure any scale the manufacturer wants on a second turntable. The result is a second master at a different scale. Depending on the power of the laser, a model can be made from resin or metal. The only problem being it's horrendously expensive. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Ron or Julie Hillsden Subject: Re: Escort Carrier Deck Markings I hadn't noticed deck markings on WW2 escort carriers (except USN) before your post, so this made me curious. I don't have access to many photos of these carriers with deck markings, the vast majority are without markings. FWIW, I have a photo of Empire Macalpine in Halifax with ONS9 in 1943 (no month or date given) and her deck marking was not a letter, it was like a RN 'broad arrow' with 7 tails. I have couple of pictures of Nabob and hers was N. I can't identify the date on one, but there was a Barracuda departing. The other date is clear - she was struggling home after a torpedo made a 50 ' hole below her water line. I don't know when the practice started, but Canada continued assigning a deck letter to her carriers until the mid 1950's when the more sensible USN practice of a using a hugh hull number was adopted. The Canadian letters were the first letter of the name, i.e. W for Warrior. These letters were painted on the stbd side right at the bow, spaced midway between the centre and side lines. I wouldn't consider any marks you see on the centreline, I saw a couple of photos with carriers with an X on the centre line. This is international language for 'airport closed - do not land'. I also didn't see any marks on the elevators. Another source of info you might try is WW2 RN pilot's handbooks. I have a 1989 address you might try: Escort Carriers Assoc. c/o Curator Percy Warrilow RR#6, Owen Sound On Canada N4K 5N8 Let us know how you make out, this is interesting! Ron in Victoria B C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: Brass handwheels >> I'm converting the old Revell USS MISSION CAPISTRANO into a Navy fleet oiler and I'm in need of many tiny brass (or whatever) handwheels for the various gate valves. I've got some 2mm ones, but they're out of scale (or do you think it would be all that noticable)- plus I forgot where I got them. Does anybody know of an outlet for this type of thing? << How about a store or mail order catalog dealing in parts for model railroaders? Someone like GrandtLines a company who makes about a million small parts for railroad customizer/scratchbuilders most probably has some different sized wheels in HO scale Regards, Bradford Chaucer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Lee Francis Wilhelmsen Subject: Re: RMS Olympic WWI Camouflage >> Does anyone have any drawings or color information on RMS Olympic's WWI dazzle camouflage? Also, necessary changes to Revell's Titanic to represent Olympin in her WWI configuration? << There are a few us on the net (that I know of) who have an ambition to build the Olympic from her WWI era. I'm sure they'll also answer your request so I'll be brief. I have an article (scanned) from Shipmodeling magazine(?) on converting the Academy Titanic 1/350 to Olympic. I also have a few pics, but not many. It's hard to find accurate information on the camo pattern, especially the starboard side. I can tell you that the Olympic had at least two camo patterns from the WWI era. Also check out Simon Mills book: Olympic The old reliable (Waterfront publications ?) for a full history on the Olympic. Hope this helps. Get in touch with me privatly if you wish to discuss anything further. I'm also really interested in getting in touch with anyone who had made the Olympic in her WWI camo pattern. Lee Francis Wilhelmsen ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Henry Subject: Tiny brass handwheels Doug, No I am not into these tiny wheels, but some things you might try is to locate or get a copy of the Walthers Catalog. They deal in accessories, etc. for trains and usually have something like you are referring too. Just don't know whether they get down to the sizes you will need. IIRC from whatever I have seen of these ships the size of the wheels vary so different sizes would be appropriate. They have trains that get down to some pretty small stuff. May be something there that can be used. Walthers address can probably be found in any of the train magazines on the newstand. Or find a Hobby Shop that deals in trains and they may have a catalog available. Another possibility is jewelers catalogs. Watches, at least the analog type use a variety of gears, etc. You might try that source. A watch repair store would be a place to start as far as getting some sources of catalogs, addresses, etc. If you have a problem let me know. Have a brother-in-law that daubles as a hobby into watch or clock repair and should be able to dig up some catalog sources if need be. Another place to try along this line is your local swap meets that usually happen on the weekend. Find some guy that is selling old watches, again the analog type, and buy a couple and tear them down and see if there is something useable. Just don't get a true antique and tear it apart!! Small pocket watches or wrist watches may have something that can be used. Pawn shops are another place to check. A handful of these things shouldn't be more than a couple of bucks. The WWI freaks thrive on these sources to detail their cockpits!!! You have my email address!! HTH v/r HBlecha ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Assembling Photoetch I have some questions about assembling PE parts. Most instructions call for use of superglue to assemble parts after they have been folded; i.e. the catapult or crane boom assemblies. However, this makes for a rather fragile assembly which is easily broken. I was wondering about soldering them instead. A solder joint would be much stronger. Note, I am talking about Brass not other alloys like steel or nickel PE. I was wondering whether anyone has any thoughts on this: *Use of "electronics" type solders, i.e. 60/40 rosin core *Use of specialty solders, low melting point, etc *Use of other techniques, i.e. resistance soldering as opposed to soldering iron/gun I would appreciste hearing about your thoughts or experience in use of soldering with PE parts. Regards, Bradford Chaucer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "David P. Judy III" Subject: Re: DE's Graham, I don't know of any web pages with the info. you need ..but, there are two softbnd books out that have brief descriptions of the General Mtrs turbine, Turbine Electric types as well as TEV,WGT,FMR,DET classes. Destroyer Escorts Of WWII from Floating Drydock Destroyer Escorts in action from Squadron Signal these are around $10 bucks apiece! Dave ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Ronnie Hiatt Subject: Re: Tiny brass handwheels >> I'm converting the old Revell USS MISSION CAPISTRANO into a Navy fleet oiler and I'm in need of many tiny brass (or whatever) handwheels for the various gate valves. I've got some 2mm ones, but they're out of scale (or do you think it would be all that noticable)- plus I forgot where I got them. Does anybody know of an outlet for this type of thing? << Doug, Would you please clarify for me what you mean by "converting the old Revell USS MISSION CAPISTRANO into a U.S. Navy fleet oiler" I have one of these kits, and, it says it is a U.S. Navy fleet oiler? Anyone else out there in builder's land, that has ideas/knowledge on how to tweak/add something on to one of these kits to enhance it, it would be appreciated. "The only stupid question, is the one you don't ask!" Thanks ALL Ronnie mailto:oldsteel@bellsouth.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Alberto Rada Subject: Signal Flags Hi Are there any signal flags available in the market in 1/350 or 1/700 ?, I think they enhance a model, but have not seen any around, any alternative ? Revel's Endem brought one set, but some of them differ from a set shown in Encarta's Encyclopedia, any explanation? Thanks SALUDOS Alberto ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: BECJPARKER Subject: Re: What's been done in Resin I hate to jump into the discussion between Jon and Caroline but I would like to point out one thing. The things that Caroline said WEM were going to do as new with their Sheffield have already been being done by Blue Water Navy for the last two years. Also Blue Water has released 3 Carriers to date in 350th and will have another out before the Nationals. No one else has released their first carrier. I am happy to hear that WEMs is continuing to improve their kits, like we strive to continue to improve ours at BWN. This competition will improve the products for all our customers and make the market grow. Keep up the good work Caroline and tell your Dad I'm bring a bottle of good single malt. See you at the Nationals. Charlie ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: Tiny brass handwheels Doug: Were it me (and it will be, since I've got the same project facing me some time in the future), I'd hie myself hence to the nearest hobby shop with a good stock of model railroad details and take a look at N-scale or Z-scale freight car brake wheels. If you have any luck, post it to the list. John Snyder ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: SantMin Subject: Re: 1/350 Japanese Zero Alberto, The way I figure it the wingspan of a 1/350 Zero would be a bit under 1 3/16 inches. I can give you one with a wingspan of 1 2/16 (1 1/8) if that's close enough. Bob Santos ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: SantMin Subject: Re: decals >> has any body out there got any spare letter "K"s from the Sky Wave kit DE51 Buckley Class, also any Royal Navy Ensigns, I can let people have USN Ensigns, Japanese Ensigns, modern German, WWII German decals,Russian and French Naval Decals all in 1/700 scale. << Graham, Email me off list with your requirements. Bob Santos ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: montreal@usit.net Subject: Re: White Ensign Models with a special message ... Hi Everyone, Sorry for the adendum, but I have one final piece of info to add to this. I just talked with Ted, and the 10% shipping cost overseas has also been waived, so the price for direct orders will be $185 period for all orders. If you're interested, you can contact me directly here at this email address, at Ted's address on the Warships page, or at 888-IRONSHIP in the US and Canada. Thanks again for the time. Jon Warneke Iron Shipwrights ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Dave Carter Subject: White Ensign Models NEW RELEASES... not enough room for everything! NEW ITEMS just Released or FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK (note that WEM will only photoetch parts that even MDC can't cast accurately to scale, although kits often have BOTH resin and etched brass alternatives to cover all modelling skills from Intermediate to Advanced) WEM K 702 1/700 HMS Dido 1942 NEW masters,MDC casting quality at 38.25 WEM K 719 1/700 HMS Penelope 1940 NEW masters, MDC casting quality at 38.25 WEM K 715 1/700 HMS Kashmir 1939 NEW masters, MDC casting quality at 23.79 WEM PE 728 J, K and N Class Royal Navy destroyer etched brass (parts for early and late war) at 5.08 WEM PE 723 Rodney/Nelson etched brass for Tamiya kit. at 9.15 WEM PE 727 Twin Manually operated WW2 Oerlikons/tripods(photoetch) x 25 at 2.51 AIRSTRIKE 1/700 packs at £2.95 for Fixed Wing and 4.22 for Rotary Wing P39 Aracobra (5) Dornier 217 (3) Fairey Battle (3) Wellington (2) Buffalo (5) Wyvern (5) Tigercat (3) Buckeye (5) Beaufort (3) Demon, Firefly (5) Vultee Vengeance (3) Seafox (3) F4B Phantom (3) FOR RELEASE BEFORE OR AT the US IPMS Nationals: 1/700 HMS Sussex 1942 1/700 HMS Warspite 1943 1/700 HMS Argonaut 1942 1/700 HMS Galatea 1936 1/700 HMS Queen Elizabeth 1918 1/350 HMS Repulse 1941 1/350 HMS Sheffield 1941 1/350 HMS Fleet Carrier (First Castings anyhow!) 1/350 HMS Mary Rose M Class destroyer 1916 1/350 HMS Lance 1/350 HMS Milne and At least an extra 35 AIRSTRIKE subjects. Regards, Caroline WEM http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/avenue/xdt22/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume