Subject: SMML20/5/98VOL185 shipmodels@wr.com.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: BWN Gambier Bay 2: Tom's Arizona and MB's Gambier Bay 3: Re: VTOL Carrier 4: 1/700 Display 5: Ship Model Unavailability in Rome 6: Re: Revell Victory 7: 1/240 Revell Olympia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: WFulp Subject: Re: BWN Gambier Bay Steve, I bought the Gambier Bay kit at IPMS Nats a couple of years ago and it is a great kit. It is a very typical BWN kit with a lot of attention to detail and better than average instructions. There are about 8-10 aircraft included with the kit and each one of them is a detailed model in its own right with decals. The photoetch sheet is easily some of the best available in any kit or any aftermarket product. I can easily recommend this kit. E-mail me if you would like any more info. Thanks! Wayne Fulp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Summa, Kenneth J" Subject: Tom's Arizona and MB's Gambier Bay Hi All, I am new to this group but not new to some (Hi Caroline and Dave). I have built both of the above mentioned kits and I'll try to give you an idea of the quality and construction of the kits. First, Tom's Arizona. I built this kit a couple of years ago. As far as I remember, the kit went together pretty well except for the tripod masts. Those definitely require about eight hands to put together. These require decks, ladders, and the masts to be assembled all in one step. I replaced the plastic rods included in the kit with aluminum rod (brass will work, too) for strength. The rest of the kit goes together pretty fast once it has been cleaned up (mine had a few air bubbles and 1/4" of resin on the bottom to sand off). I would replace the 5"/25s with those from the IS California kit or from the Classic Warship's cruiser kits (if they were not already replaced by Tom). There are pictures of my Arizona and California running around the net on the Warship page, Tom's Modelworks page, and Navis. Unfortunately, the quality is somewhat lacking (I can build models but don't ask me to take a descent picture of one). Regarding the Gambier Bay kit, it went together realy fast. On opening the box, the casting was really clean and almost free of air bubbles. Unfortunately, most all of the pieces were on casting sprues that need to be removed. The more difficult ones were the catwalks along the flight deck. However, clean-up was relatively quick (one day). With MBs excellent casting, this was the easy part. The hardest part about the kit was mating the 2-piece flight-deck without messing up the scribing. There are a variety of ways to get around this and the best way is somewhere in-between. Also, the 20 mm guns are all photoetch parts with the tripod mounts in PE. It would be a lot of work to get all 22 (?) done (I was building mine as an earlier version with the cast pedastals). The instructions were not up to MB's current standards but a few of the cheaper references would work (Squadron's Escort Carriers book). There are 16 aircraft in the kit (8 Avengers, 8 Wildcats). If you want more info, please let me know and I will be happy to help. Ken Summa ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Mapweasel Subject: Re: VTOL Carrier John, Which proposal are you building? The Phase 1, 2, Pulver, or Anderson? I'm just curious, as I'm in the process of converting a New Jersey to a proposed Commando varient that was designed in the early sixties, and your the fist person I know of to mention such a craft. Thanks. Brian Mowery ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Paolo Pizzi Subject: 1/700 Display IKEA sells a glass cabinet for CD's which is just the right size for 1/700 ships (or 1/1200 or 1/2400.) It's called "Kryss" and it comes with 5 glass shelves. Cost is $99. I have six of them. Also great for 1/72 fighters, 1/24 cars and 1/35 tanks or a soldier collection maybe (just don't show it to your daughter or she'll want it for her beanie babies ;-) ) It can be hanged on the wall or you can stack one on top of another. Approx. dimensions: 27"x24"x9" IKEA is a Swedish furniture manufacturer, they have stores all over the world and even sell through the mail. They sell furniture "kits" that need to be assembled: piece of cake for a modeler, it takes less than 30 minutes to put one together. Paolo Pizzi http://navismagazine.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Gene Katz Subject: Ship Model Unavailability in Rome Having just returned from the terrible mudslides and floods in "sunny" Avellino, IT, this message is number 11 on a list of 10 priorities; however, in two model shops in Rome nary a ship model to be had! Cars aplenty. No Delphis, Regia Marina. One shop had a Tauro 1/400 Italian CA for 65000 Lira @ 1700Lira to the $1. I was disappointed, but the owner said ships were out and cars were in. Also, handgun models which prompted my wife to ask if they were real or models, they were so lifelike. I did buy a auto modelling magazine, consolation prize, which is beautiful. Six color process, slick stock, oversize pages, beautifully photographed of various scale car models and new releases, if you like cars. But I REALLY like ships! If any one is interested in the mag, let me know by e-mail to gkatz@motown.lmco.com. But I really wanted to get an Italian BB for a souvenir. Darn. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: LubenLarry Subject: Re: Revell Victory Saw one at my local hobby shop recently. Maybe a reissue? Haven't looked in the last week or so, so don't know if it's still there. Want me to check? Larry b ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: JVT7532 Subject: 1/240 Revell Olympia I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find the Revell 1/240 Olympia? I live in Philadelphia and have just taken some shots of her Starboard side and some fore and aft shots. Soon I hope to get some good on board shots. If anyone needs anything on the Olympia Photos please feel free to ask. All the best, Jon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume