Subject: SMML5/6/98VOL201 shipmodels@wr.com.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Squadron Signal books...Fast BB's 2: Mk.41 VLS 3: Re: Squadron/Signal books 4: Squadron Signal Books 5: Re: French books in the U.S. 6: Re: Squadron Books 7: Tips on ship weathering? 8: Re: Weathering/Building a Better Yamato 9: S.M.S. Vribus Unitis 10: Squadron/Signal Books 11: Big E 12: Re: Scale Colour (Color) 13: Re: Squadron/Signal Books 14: Re: Armored box launchers 15: Re: Squadron/Signal Books 16: Re: Model of modern H.M.S. Ark Royal 17: Re: Squadron/Signal Books 18: Re: Revell FDR Kit 19: SV: Squadron/Signal Books 20: Building a Better Yamato 21: Humble Opinion on Heller 1/400 Scale Kits 22: F9F Cougars 23: Smuggling Even More Kits Into Your Already Vast Inventory of Unbuilt Kits Without The Little Woman Suspecting Any Sinful Wrongdoing!!! 24: Re: Invincible and Type 22s 25: Spanish modelers 26: Re: Tomahawk box launchers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS INDEX 1: Re: French books, Yamato Plans 2: 1/700 skywave parts 3: MODEL SHOPS ON THE WEB ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Steven Rogers Subject: Squadron Signal books...Fast BB's James, Volume 2 contains info on the fast Battleships, and volume 2 of the carrier books is about Essex class ships. The first carrier book deals with Lexington and Yorktown class ships. Squadron also has a new publication on escort carriers. You will want to check the Detail and Scale series books for modern CV's and CVN's ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: SMML - BICENTENNIAL EDITIION 4/6/98 VOL200 >> Why don't you make a kit (a cutout) of a Mk.41 VLS? :-) << I'm still pretty new at this building masters for kits stuff. My first subjects will be fairly easy. You have to walk before you can run you know. Rusty White ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: LubenLarry@aol.com Subject: Re: Squadron/Signal books The fast battleships are covered in volume 2. I have both volumes. I also have volume 1 of U.S. Carriers and The Essex class carriers. Niether covers the CVNs. Larry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Torgeson Roger A Subject: Squadron Signal Books James, The US Battleships Part 2 has the fast Battleships in it. Both the US Carrier books address only the World War II carriers, no modern CVN's. Just a heads up for all of you who are into submarines, the latest Squadron Signal catalog ( Fall 98 0 shows the US Subs In Action will be reissued in July and a new book called U-Boat War due out in October . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Marc Raiff Subject: Re: French books in the U.S. Nowfel wrote: >> Now this is a strange request from someone who lives in France : Does anyone know if the following French books published by Marines Editions are available in the US and if so where? << I believe that Articles of War in Illinois at: http://www.sonic.net/~bstone/articles/ carries these books in the US. They are quite pricey. Not having seen one, are they worth the money? HTH Marc Raiff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: TORELLI Subject: Re: Squadron Books Hi James, The US Carriers (part 1) talks about from CV-1 to CV-8 and I think the part 2 does about the rest of WWII carriers, but I'm not sure. There is another book called Essex Class Carriers from Squadron. Is it the same book that the part 2 ? If not, what does part 2 book talk about ? I hope this helps you. Cataldo Torelli ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Les Dorr Jr." Subject: Tips on ship weathering? I'm close to finishing my 1:547 Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). Gull gray paint job looks good...but monochromatic. Can anyone offer some tips on weathering? I've used gray eye shadow to good effect on the dark gray flight deck. Anything to help bring out details on the hull and sponsons? Les ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject: Weathering/Building a Better Yamato Hi all, Les: I use a couple of standard procedures in my building. Flight decks, I use a combination of drybrushing with flat black and weathering pastels (like crayons) to simulate tyre skid on the runway area, and over the white/yellow lines, and drybrushing in general I find is a great way to bring out details, like vents and bollard wear etc.. just a light rub over with a dry brush gives a great worn look. And for the hull, get a rust coloured pastel, and apply whisps under drain holes and bilge outlets, mooring points etcŠand I have also used flat black drybrushing on the underside of sponsons to create shadows to my satisfaction. Mark: How do I get my hands on these back issues? Or copies of the article, is the author on the net? Is the article on the web anywhere? Greg (Listmaster - SMML) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Tomas E. Tirado K" Subject: S.M.S. Vribus Unitis A friend of mine, fellow modeler from IPMS-Uruguay, is working hard in the very nice WSW' Viribus Unitis. This resin kit, is one of the best I ever see, but the instructions are so,so.. We have two questions, if anybody can give us an idea a.- Somebody know if there are photos or info about of this ship in the web? b.- We need ideas about the general paint scheme for the ship; you know, the information we have read: "Light gray", OK, but what shade of light gray is, may be a light greenish one? The ships of this era had a lot of wood and bronze too, we think this was left usually unpainted? Any help will be very welcomed Thanks a lot Tomas ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Steve Belanger" Subject: Squadron/Signal Books 4003 US Battleships Part 1 - covers the old BBs 4004 US Battleships Part 2 - covers only the fast BBs and also the Iowas as modernized (as of print date) 4005 US Carriers Part 1 - covers the early carriers up to but not including the Essex class 4010 US Carriers Part 2 - actually this is "Essex Class Carriers in Action" and covers them as they were in WWII No Sq/Sig book covers modern US CVNs that I am aware of at least. Hope that helps! Steve ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: BEN8800@aol.com Subject: Big E Knowing the Detail and Scale book on the Big E is out of print, there is a new book from Zenith books on Combat Carriers by Tony Holmes. Anyone seen this book, and does it contain any good photos of the Big E. Ben Lankford ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: Scale Colour (Color) I've been using the "scale color" technique for years in custom painting model railroad equipment; model railroaders as a whole have used the technique for a long time. However, I always make a point of starting with as accurate a color as is possible. John Snyder ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: Squadron/Signal Books The fast BBs are in Part 2. I don't recall part 2 to the CVs--just their book on the ESSEXes and the CVEs. John Snyder ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "David P. Judy III" Subject: Re: Armored box launchers Rusty..." Iowa Class Battleships" by Robert Sumrall has some closeup photos and a drawing with the box opened, on page 86. Dave Judy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Sue & Ben Subject: Re: Squadron/Signal Books James Morley wanted to know: >> Can you tell me which Battleships Book contains the "Fast" Battleships? << Squadron Signal #4004 'U.S.Battleships in Action Part2' covers all of the fast boys. >> Do the US Carriers books deal with Modern US CVN`s? << Sorry, dunno 'bout the carriers, I'm not terribly keen on flat tops. Oh, and Happy 200th! Keep up the good work Greg. Ben Montreal, Canada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Dave Carter Subject: Re: Model of modern H.M.S. Ark Royal Hi Roger, >> ask if you knew of any model kits of the H.M.S. Ark Royal in its 1970's configuration when it operated F-4 Phantoms? Considering it was the last conventional carrier operated by the Royal Navy, I'm surprised that there> aren't a lot of model kits for it. << Well, the answer unfortunately, is "no"! Conversion of the 1950s configured Fujimi 1/700 kit is a major scratchbuild job, as you are probably aware... cheap at 10.62 pound in the U.K. though! The problem is that interest in British kits is low, when compared with Japanese and U.S. subjects. These are the big sellers and a manufacturer can get his tooling investment back in a relatively short period of time, so although we once "ruled the waves" in Empirical terms, that is no longer the case... and, sadly, modelling British ships is a minority interest... within that minority interest of ship modelling! Modern British ships, as opposed to WW2 subjects, are of even more minor interest, be assured! The Falklands War was actually the only post-war breath of air for us R.N. fans.. So... where does this leave us? With small cottage industries, basically, and cast resin kits.. and the much higher prices that the end product commands. Falling into this category, we have the master patterns right here for a 1970s ARK... that is the only one that you are ever likely to see... some time later this year if all goes to plan. Cheers, Caroline Carter White Ensign Models, http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/avenue/xdt22/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Dave Carter Subject: Re: Squadron/Signal Books Hi James, These books are in stock so a brief peruse reveals the following: 4003 US Battleships Part 1 This covers Arkansas, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Idaho, California, West Virginia, Wyoming, New York, Arizona... the older ships basically. 4004 US Battleships Part 2 This is the book that covers South Dakota, North Carolina, Washington, and the Iowas. 4005 US Carriers Part 1 Part 1 deals with Langley through Lexington Class through to Wasp. 4010 US Carriers Part 2 This actually deals with the Essex Class carriers, and is titled "Essex Class Carriers In Action". I hope that this is of some help. Caroline Carter White Ensign Models, http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/avenue/xdt22/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Re: Revell FDR Kit Brad Chaucer asked about the quality of this kit. The Revell FDR kit dates from the mid-1950's and it shows. Pretty crude by today's standards. The numerous 5-inch guns were horrible and the planes not very good either. A typical Revell product of the era, complete with flat keel. Also bear in mind that the FDR was overhauled in the early 50's and got an angled deck, so the straight wooden deck in the kit is only correct for around the 1945-50 timeframe. Keep the info flowing! Mike ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Björn Bäcklund" Subject: SV: Squadron/Signal Books >> I'm sure someone on this list has got (or has seen) these books: Squadron/Signal 4003 US Battleships Part 1 " " 4004 US Battleships Part 2 " " 4005 US Carriers Part 1 " " 4010 US Carriers Part 2 Can you tell me which Battleships Book contains the "Fast" Battleships? Do the US Carriers books deal with Modern US CVN`s ? << Hello. I agree to the statement that this is the best mailinglist. Thank´s Greg. I got all three Squadron carrier books, none deals with modern CVN´s. 4005 contains CV1 to CV8 4010 is dealing with the Essex class 4009 finally containing Escort carriers Björn ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Mark Knowlton Subject: Building a Better Yamato >> I do have that book, it has come in very handy in the past. Even though the sleeve art differs from the colour info given on pg 22. I have also heard many conflicting opinions of the floatplane deck colours. I assume the kit also doesn't have blast bags, as the 1/250 ARII didn't. Any idea's on how to make those? I have been chating with Loren Perry about the updated P/E sheet aswell, Everybody seem to say the same about this kit, with a LOT of hard work, it can be a real masterpiece. Has anybody ever written a "building a better 1/200 Yamato"? << Greg, Congratulations on number 200! I hope we can go for another 200. In answer to your question, yes, a three part article by Dennis Moore was featured in Ships in Scale Magazine. Issues 33, 34, and 35. They are Jan/Feb, Mar/April, and May/June 1989. As usual, it is an excellent and comprehensive article by Dennis with quite a few pictures. Mark ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Michelle Roth" Subject: Humble Opinion on Heller 1/400 Scale Kits >> Can anyone comment on Heller's !/400 scale kits? Are they of good quality? Is any one better than the others? Model Expo has a closeout on their supply at $22.88, is this a good deal? I'm partial to the Bismarck is this a decent rendition of her? Any special work to be done to her to fix it up? I know this is a lot of questions and I wish to thank all who answer in advance for any help you can provide. << Jon, I have the following Heller kits in my "stock": Richelieu Dunkerque Gneisenau HMS Illustrious French DE Surcouf and 3 or 4 of their little 1/1200 scale table top kits. Although I am fairly new at model ship building, (except many, many years ago as a boy in the late '50s and early '60s), my impression of these models is very, very good. I have built the Dunkerque as is from the box, with no photo etched parts and as yet I haven't even rigged it, but she sure looks mighty fine to me. I used the plastic deck railings supplied in the kit and they certainly can't hold a candle to the remarkable photo etchings of GMM, WEM, or FLAGSHIP MODELS, but they do enhance the overall affect. I also started the Gneisenau with the plastic railings and will finish her with them, although I will invest in a 1/400 set of PE for the rest of the detailing. With PE parts, I feel these kits can be made into real fine models. When I started these kits, I was totally unaware of the availability of the photo etch add-ons! From here on in they will all get the full treatment, as budget permits!! The Navis page has a number of kit reviews in their archive issues and I recall Paolo reviewing the Heller Gneisenau, (If I remember correctly, it was a reasonably positive opinion,) You might want to check it out. I have also completed the SURCOUF (DE) and found it to be a delightful little effort as well. I would spend $22.88 on those kits, no problem. Eric Roth ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: b29@ix.netcom.com Subject: F9F Cougars Dear SMML: With regard to the Revell FDR, several readers have asked about the F9F Cougars. They seem to be unable to determine if the ship ever carried them. Please refer to S. Terzbaschitsch's AIRCRAFT CARRIERS OF THE U.S. NAVY. At page 118 there is a photo of MIDWAY circa 1952 which clearly shows Cougars, and another at 119. I have not been able to find any adequate photos of CORAL SEA or FDR which reveal Cougars. Paul Jacobs editor Warship http://warship.simplenet.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "Michelle Roth" Subject: Smuggling Even More Kits Into Your Already Vast Inventory of Unbuilt Kits Without The Little Woman Suspecting Any Sinful Wrongdoing!!! >> Congratulations and many thanks to Greg for such a fine list. It almost makes me want to come into the office so I can access the list. Really, I first check SMML, and then my other messages, none of which are anywhere near as interesting and informative. One burning question remains to be answered: how does one convince a wife of the dire necessity of acquiring and building more ship models than the model shack can hold? And of diverting funds from the garden and house to the pursuit of one of my favorite forms of unwinding and relaxing and reliving history? These can be obstacles to say the least. Any plots and schemes out there? << Gene, First, a disclaimer!! As hard as it will be for most of you gentlemen to believe, I have NEVER, EVER had to use the following tactics to support my innocent hobby endeavours....EVER!!! I am a model railroading enthusiast who has recently been having a blast with the building of plastic ships. These tactics can be applied to any hobby that lends itself to "collecting". * * * * * * * * * * * 1. I currently have so many unbuilt models in my stash, (which, although it is in the basement, it is not hidden away in some dark corner, but suspended on racks hanging from the ceiling/floor joists for all to see and occasionally, inspect.....) that if I put in to the growing pile another 3...4...6...or 18 kits, there is already so many.......who's to know??? Let alone count....!! 2. I see that you read your SMML at work, Gene, so that also means you have a work address....? For those special mail order, high budget items..... Gene Katz c/o Workplace Plaza Detroit, Mich.( or what ever Just be sure your Company or supervisor is okay with this and that you don't take advantage of it and overdo it. I work for the government and have an address at my place of employment and I can do this as often as I want. BUT I NEVER, EVER DO!!!!! (you understand!!) 3. You could also consider sending mail order items to your friends address across the street, then bringing the item home when your wife is at the video store or wherever... 4. What has worked in the past for a number of my friends in the hobby is trying to explain that the reason you had to buy that special kit today, was because it will soon be sold out and it will be out of production by 8;30 the next morning and you had to act NOW, because it will no longer be available in a few days and it will never be released again in you natural lifetime, therefore there is really no argument! Any sane, reasoning person can EASILY understand THAT!!!! Right??? 5. Try and find a counter-point to lend credability to your own vices...example; does your wife do needlepoint or Knitting or,......(here's a good one...CERAMICS????) etc. and if so, how many unfinished projects or un-opened needlepoint kits are there in the house???? Hey....what's fair for da' goose...is fair for da' gander. 6. A desperate, somewhat pathetic last ditch approach could be to whine and snivel and MAYBE even a tiny bit of grovelling, and say that your hobby is better than you being out with the boys at the local strip bar, drinking to excess and being tempted with all those carnal delights that those dens of iniquity have to offer any red blooded man...... Now doesn't playing with plastic ships seem like a much better pursuit???? Eh.. Dear? 7. In a little more serious note... as long as you meet all of your financial, household obligations, (mortgage, food, milk for the baby etc.) one way that I personally find works for helping to fund our hobbies is to take all of your change in your pockets every time you come home after work and empty it into a pot or jar and you will be amazed at how fast you can accumulate quite a few bucks in a short period of time. Up here in Canada, we have $1 and $2 coins and let me tell you guys, these things add up in one helluva hurry..just keep the wifes hands out of it, because the same thing about the large kit supply being able to absorb 5...6...kits without her noticing....... you also won't notice every time $5 or $6 goes missing from your little cash stash either! :-))))))) I hope you found some humour in this little editorial, folks, and I hope to GOD it didn't OFFEND anyone!!! I must say, and I AM serious about this, my wife is totally supportive of all my hobby pursuits and when I do go to the hobbyshops and hesitate about purchasing a specific model, she always insists I buy it becauase I almost always end up going back at a later date and buying it. Sometimes I have missed out on a kit that I really wanted BADLY and have always regretted not getting it the first visit...... I just have a hard time convincing my girlfriend!!!! :-)))))) My wife also has a great sense of humour......Thank God!! Also, to Alberto Rada....I hope you have a few comments for Gene on this because your sense of humour is one I have enjoyed on these pages in the past...... A belated congratulation on the SMML Greg....it is a damned fine effort and obviously, TRULY enjoyed by all of us. We really appreciate it. Heres to many, many more! Eric Roth Minden, Ontario, CANADA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: Dave Carter Subject: Re: Invincible and Type 22s Hi Stuart, Re your queries, first off, quite a bit of what applied to Roger's enquiry also applies to your question. >> Is it just me or are there not enough RN models on the market? << In addition, you might be heartened by the fact that Revell DO intend to release a 1/700 Scale HMS Invincible kit... this is listed at a U.K. price of 12.75 (plus VAT). This means that the U.S. retail will probably be around the $28.00 mark, if it gets that far. >> My interest is mainly in the RN, and there are not many models of my favourite ships HMS Invincible << The only evidence of the Revell kit so far, however, is the catalogue entry... unfortunately, few people have noticed that the picture actually shows Ark Royal! Therefore, no-one really knows anything about this production. The U.K. IPMS have been promised a copy for review as soon as the first mouldings are available (maybe the end of the year), so we hope to have early access to the product (like checking if our photoetched brass detail set fits it!). We feel that there is a possibility that this tooling (or maybe part of it) is ex-Skywave/Pit-Road.. if that is the case, then the quality could be very high. If, however, we are looking at the standard of the recent Graf Zeppelin release... I'll let you draw your own conclusions! Time will tell.. when the kit is released, fully detailing it with WEM etched brass and a full complement of nice aircraft will set you back an extra 30.38 pounds (around $50.00). However, we ARE still running with our special deal on the WEM 1/700 Invincible kit... I appreciate, Stuart, that it is still out of the average student's price range, but it is down from the regular price of 80.42 to 56.29 pounds at this time, post free anywhere. >> and the Type 22 frigates, on the market. << The only Type 22s on the market ARE the WEM kits.. however, if these were available from Skywave, they would probably be around the price of the Arleigh Burke, so to detail a kit like that with WEM brass would cost almost as much as the WEM kit in the first place.. Anyway, if you end up in a well-paid employ after your degree, don't forget W.E.M (!).. and keep up the interest in the Royal Navy, Stuart.. maybe if more people made their voices heard, like yourself, the big manufacturers might sit up and take notice! Cheers, Caroline Carter, W.E.M. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: TORELLI Subject: Spanish modelers Hello everybody, Is there Spanish modelers in this list ? I would like to contact them because we are very few modeling ships in Spain. Best regards and SALUDOS, Cataldo Torelli ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: James Corley Subject: Re: Tomahawk box launchers >> Does anyone out there know where I can get good photos of the Tomahawk box launchers as found on the New Jersy. Specifically, I need lots of good clear photos with the box raised so I can see the inside guts of the box. I am seriously considering making a kit of this subject, but photos are very hard to come by. Any help would be greatly appreciated. << IOWA Class Battleships, by Sumrall, has a drawing of an open ABL on pg 86. >> I'm sure someone on this list has got (or has seen) these books: Squadron/Signal 4003 US Battleships Part 1 << Pre-North Carolina classes >> 4004 US Battleships Part 2 << North Carolina thru Iowa classes >> 4005 US Carriers Part 1 << Pre Essex classes >> 4010 US Carriers Part 2 << Essex Class ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Pacific Front: pacfront@accessone.com Subject: Re: French books, Yamato Plans In response to some inquiries to SMML, we have 2 books by Marine Editions of France in stock...Richelieu and Surcouf, and are awaiting re-stocks of several other titles, including the 8000-ton cruisers and 2400-ton destroyers. We have received sample sets of Miyukikai's newest IJN 1/200 scale plan sets, for Yamato 1944 and carrier Amagi 1945. Thanks, Bill Gruner Pacific Front Hobbies http://www.pacificfront.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Percy, John" Subject: 1/700 skywave parts To whoever sent me the 1/700 modern skywave parts, can you re-email me? I lost your email, and I got the parts and wanted to thank you properly for them! John Percy mailto:jpercy@clariion.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: PulligS@aol.com Subject: MODEL SHOPS ON THE WEB WAS SURFFING AND FOUND "HOBBYWEB" LOOKS LIKE A GOOD OTHER SHOP FOR LOCATING MODELS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume