Subject: SMML22/09/98VOL310 Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 21:33:36 +1000 (EST) shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Fletcher turrets 2: Re: Hobby shops...anywhere 3: Re: Navismagazine Password problem 4: Re: RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH 5: Re: Anti-Fouling on US Carriers 6: ANTI FOULING ON US CARRIERS 7: USS Arizona details 8: Bismarck blotches 9: Re: Static charges 10: Painting 11: Starboard views of HMS Sussex in 1942 12: Fletcher Class DD 5"-38's 13: USS Arizona 14: Static and stuff 15: 1/500 16: Re: Fletcher 5"38's 17: FLOWERS FOREVER 18: FLETCHER class 5" gun mounts 19: Information Sought 20: Re: Forrestal arrives in Rhode Island 21: HMS Javelin 22: Best Atlanta Class Model 23: Re: HMS Javelin 24: Re: Renwal USS North Carolina @ 1:500 Scale 25: BISMARCK gun barrel paint 26: Turret top colors 27: HMS ARK ROYAL 28: London model shops 29: Re: Fletcher 5"/38's 30: Re: Anti-fouling paint -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Les Pickstock (Les Pickstock) Subject: Re: Fletcher turrets The references to "knuckles" in the turrets of the FLETCHER class 5"-38s pertain to small differences in the two turrets that were on the main deck. These were right below the muzzles of the guns above and the roofs of the lower turret were re-enforced to prevent blast damage. The main re-enforcemnt was internal but an extra "facet" was included in the roof structure. This is difficult to describe but is obvious in photos. I tried to reproduce this using the "spare" turret given in the Tamiya kit but found it impossible to get it right. The nearest I could come was to carefully sand or file a "flat" on the angled joint between to roof plate and the angled front of the roof. This "flat" follows the rounded edge of the roof, tapering slightly until it reaches the top of the side plate. I wasn't happy enough with result to put it on the model but perhaps someone with more paitience can get it right. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "FERNANDO, YOHAN" Subject: Re: Hobby shops...anywhere If you are looking for great selection, prices and quick delivery, try Pacific Front Hobbies: http://www.pacificfront.com/ I have had only the best of experiences with them. Their catalog is the most extensive one I have seen for ship modelling and is continually updated. They carry injction and resin kits in all scales, 1/1250 models, books, photo-etch, supplies- you name it. While I have only ordered 1/700 kits, they have always been in stock and have been mailed out promptly (I pay using credit card). I would assume 1/350 kits would be the same. In addition, Bill Gruner (the owner) is very knowledgeable and would probably be able to answer any questions you had on kits in question. Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Navismagazine Password problem Greg, I don't know if this constitutes a ship modeling question, but I think I'm not the only one who has this problem. I have not been able to access my Navismagazine.com with my password. I talked to Paolo and says it's an AOL problem and he can do nothing about it. He says AOL states it's not thier problem either. I don't care or know where the problem exists. Has anyone else ran into this problem, and can anyone help me fix it? Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "A. Ellefsen" Subject: Re: RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH I collect liners, from big (a 9 feet long architect's model of the Sovereign of the Seas) to small (1:700 Nitta Maru.) My plastic collection is now almost complete, I am, however, "desperatly" seeking the Airfix 1:600 Queen Elizabeth (the first one, of course). Does anybody out there know of a second hand - or have any info if Airfix plans to reissue it. I intend to write to them myself, eventually. Best regards Atle Ellefsen Oslo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: Anti-Fouling on US Carriers I can't answer for sure about the birdfarms (carriers) on Yankee and Dixie Stations during 'Nam, but BAINBRIDGE wore red below her black boot topping. If AMERICA has been deployed for some time, especially in the warm waters of the Med area, that grass green may be just that--an accumulation of bottom growth. John Snyder USS BAINBRIDGE (DLGN25) Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, 1966-7, 1969 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Michael Connelley Subject: ANTI FOULING ON US CARRIERS Hello: This in in response to Mr. Bob MItchell's comments regarding CVs. While I can't attest to the colors of America, I read from a web page that there is good evidence that the Yamato and other IJN ships has green bellies. The web page belonged to this Yamato club (or someone associated with it) who are building a 1/10 scale Yamato (a BIG model). Apparently the green paint was supposed to be toxic to barnacles to keep then from slowing down the ships. However it is reported that the paint has an adverse effect of the marine life in the harbors. Some one posted that they had email contact with Gold Medal Models. Can someone inform me what the email address is? I've been looking for a web page for a little while but no luck. Cheers Mike Connelley a new guy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Denis G. Campbell" Subject: USS Arizona details Can someone tell me if the Arizona had wooden decks or Steel? I am about to start Revell's 720 scale model ( for which, to my delight, Tom's Model Works has just issued a PE set) and the deck is not scribed for planks but in his book "Building and detailing Scale model ships" there are pictures of Mike Ashey's 420 scale Revell Arizona and it has tan, scribed wooden decks. If the wooden deck is correct, any suggestions on how to achieve this on the 720 scale model? Denis Campbell Avon MA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: DKrakow105@aol.com Subject: Bismarck blotches About those stains on the Bismarck's hull: a) Correction, they are below turret Ceasar, not Dora as I had originally stated. b) I doubt it is simply rust, and if it is, it looks like something heavy must have struck that area and stripped it of its paint. But what? And why wasn't it painted out when the zig zags were painted out? To eliminate some of the confusion caused by the great yellow turret debate: We have thus far reached a consensus that the turrets at the time of the Hood battle were definately a light grey color. This is based on photographic and documentary evidence as well as the testimony of 15 German eyewitnesses. The tops may have been painted yellow after the Eugen parted company with the Bismarck. We are awaiting further information. As for red tops, there is currently no consensus. A color photo showing the Bismarck in her black-white zig-zag sheme shows the oblique turret sides of turrets Anton and Bruno a dark grey color. Prinz Eugen definately had red turret tops and oblique sides very early in her career. This is proven by color photos taken in 1940 by Kiel photographer Ferdinand Urbahns. Precise dates unknown at this point. To add more fuel to the fire, I call your attention to a watercolor painted by Joe Brooks a midshipman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire and an eyewitness who was "close enough to see the men jumping overboard and swimming". It is reprinted in color on page 134 of Ballard's book. I presume it was painted at some point while the battle was still fresh in Brook's mind. It clearly shows the tops of Anton and Bruno a solid grey color. David Krakow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: DKrakow105@aol.com Subject: Re: Static charges Chris You can probably eliminate the static charge on your plexiglass by treating it with a household product used to prevent "static cling" on fresh laundry. These come as either sprays or disposable treated paper sheets which are to be dropped in the dryer. I believe "Cling Free" is one of the name brands. Check your local supermarket in the detergent section. David Krakow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Tomcat" Subject: Painting Hi! I've currently working my way through the DML Sovremmeny. When trying to paint the model it became obvious that to reach the desired result it is probably neccessary to use a airbrush. The problem is that I'm living in a flat and therefore don't have the possibility to go down to the garage to do some airbrushing. What I would like to know is how you other out here on SMML have solved the problem with airbrushing at home? Maybe most people doesn't use an airbrush? When I match my painting against photos of other models I get the feeling that to reach a greater accuracy a airbrush is needed? OK most of the pictures shows models build by more or less pro's but still the difference in paintsurfaces still has to come to a certain extent from the effect of airbrush, or am I wrong? Also what technics do you use, building first and then paint or in the reverse order. My models built in 1:350 was painted first and then assembled, with some touching up here and there afterwards. Looked quite nice. I decided to try the reverse order and although the 1:700 adds some more problems it seems a lot harder to build and then paint, at least without a airbrush. Any suggestions on this would be appreciated. Best regards Fredrik Tholander Gothenburg, Sweden -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Dimitrios Apostolopoulos Subject: Starboard views of HMS Sussex in 1942 Dear SMML Readers: In preparation of modeling WEM's Sussex kit, I would like to find some photographic evidence of Sussex's starboard camouflage in late 1942. I possess some excellent views of her portside (also included in Alan Raven's County Class Cruisers), but cannot find anything showing her starboard side. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Dimi -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Bruce Ross-QBR000 Subject: Fletcher Class DD 5"-38's I would appear for a myriad of photos that SOME but not ALL of the Fletcher Class DD's had a ladder on the starboard side of the mounts facing foward and the port side of those facing aft. Just to add confusion some had a ladders on both sides. A lot had to do with the preferences of the captain and what the last refit called out. Best thing to do is to find as many pictures of the particular ship you're modeling at a specific point in time. Additionally, SOME but not ALL of mount 51's had a gun captain hood on top of the mount. Is there a rhyme or reason that not all had these? The blast hoods on the mount captain's position was added during the early war as ships came in for refits, initially mounts 51 and 55 were added to protect the mount captain from overblast from the superfiring turrets. Towards the latter part of the war I have seen pictures of ships that have all five turrets equipped with the hoods probably to protect the exposed mount captain from shrapnel. Finally, 2 articles I have read on the Tamiya Fletcher kit talk about needing an extra 'knuckle' on 2 of the mounts. What is being referred to by 'knuckle' and which mounts get it? Mounts 51 and 55 were fitted with 3 panels on the tops as opposed to 2 panels as fitted to mounts 52,53, and 54. The primary reason was to strengthen the tops of these turrets again from overblast from the superfiring mounts 52, and 54. rgds, Bruce Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Tomcat" Subject: USS Arizona Hi again! A Revell USS Arizona 1/720 just arrived in the mail today from WEM (Thank you Carol!:-)). I would like to know a little bit about the ship and the model as well. Where did she serve? Any special events during her career?(Except for the tragic end of it). Also what about the model. Is it accurate or any special known errors? Thank you once again Fredrik Tholander Gothenburg, Sweden -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Growlrr@aol.com Subject: Static and stuff Regarding getting rid of static building display cases, there are a couple of products available for others products that'll help you out.... "Cling free" is an anti-static clothing spray that'll do the trick, but I have found that it sometimes leaves a slightly greasy residue. Your best bet is to run down to your local Radio Shack...they sell anti static sprays for working on electronics....Just a spritz or two and static disappears.....not forever, but certainly long enough to get them glued up.... For our freinds at WEM, cast my vote for some 1/700 scale diorama accessories too!....How about some cargo trucks (generic would be fine), German staff cars, Steyr cargo trucks, Kubelwagons, trailers etc....They would be a godsend for anyone wanting to do a dockside diorama....A generic line (or Japanese equivalents) would also be welcome since the current choice today is about zero (pun intended)... Many thanks to Bob Mitchell and Les Pickstock for their input on the Ark Royal...looks like a may give it a trial after all.... Glenn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: James Corley Subject: Re: 1/500 >> Thanks for the feedback... you will be glad to know that we have given the go-ahead for the following 1/500 Scale master patterns from Brian Fawcett (so you KNOW they'll be nicely detailed and accurate)... aircraft will be 2 to a bag. There will be no photoetch provided.. however, we will probably retool our 1/700 Fixed Wing Aircraft Parts to 1/500 Scale to provide generic props etc.. Dauntless Avenger Wildcat Hellcat Devastator Also, re. a personal request, we WILL be doing the following in 1/400 Scale GRUMMAN S2F Tracker ASW Hunter-Killer aircraft GRUMMAN E1-B Tracer << I'd be interesting in seeing these, too! In 1/400, i'd like to get A-4 Skyhawks and Super Etendards for my 25deMayo/Arromanches. Trying to get the Arii set from Japan, but no luck so far! JZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Jowfx@webtv.net (John Fox) Subject: Re: Fletcher 5"38's Using the USS Kidd (DD661) as an example, when she was first commisisioned in '43 she had no ladders at all on any gun mount. She also had no mount captain shields. Photos of her in June of '44 show her with ladders on the left side of each mount (port side for the 3 forward facing mounts, starboard for the 2 aft facing mounts) At this time she also had the shields installed on mounts 51 and 55. (first and last) I would assume these were for protection from the muzzle blast from mounts 52 and 54 directly behind. These were modifications which happened when the ships went into the yards. It depends when a particular photo was taken whether or not these additions are shown. Also, mounts 51 and 55 are the ones which should have the extra knuckle. The knuckles are the joints of the plates which make up the top and front of the mount. Each plate is joined at an angle to the previous plate, kind of like a bent finger. Mounts 52, 53 and 54 have 4 plates giving them 3 knuckles, Mounts 51 and 55 have 5 plates giving them 4 knuckles. You should be able to see this in any decent line drawing. I have no idea why there were different types used. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Phil Gollin" Subject: FLOWERS FOREVER With regards to the !/72nd scale Flower Class Corvette kit; 1: The kit was originally manufactured by Matchbox, not Airfix. 2: When Matchbox went bust Revell acquired the moulds but are not producing the kit at present. 3: The British (actually Welsh) After-market specialist photo-etch supplier (mostly aircraft) FLIGHTPATH did produce an upgrade kit, new bridge, railings, weapons, etc. mostly etched-brass, but with a bit of white metal 4: Sirmar also produced five minor details/armaments kits 5: Both the above are presently out of production. 6: Flightpath did announce update on their kit, in as much as they wanted to produce three kits; a: Deck and Fittings b: Weapons c: Minesweeper conversion When I last spoke to them they still wanted to do the kits but the timescale keeps going back, the fact that the corvette isn't presently in production probably doesnt help. I would guess that they will attend next months British Nationals IPMS show (which unfortunately I won't) and maybe any SMML-ies who also attend can go and politely agitate for the new upgrades to be released. 7: Flightpath did also announce upgrade kits for the Airfix Vosper M.T.B. and RAF Rescue Launch, but again these have not yet materialised. 8: For those who have the space however a short-term solution maybe to get the Sirmar/Fleetscale 1/48th scale Flower class corvette kit (HMS Aggassis), which is priced (I think) at about £95 for the Glass-fibre hull and plan and £517 for the fittings. (They also do a 1/48th scale Hunt class escort destroyer and 1/48th scale kit of the best of the small ships the Black Swan Class Sloop. The only criticism I've heard of the latter was that the hull was too perfect as all the rivets were present and shown in their correct position !). The British Surface Warships Association has a discount deal going with Sirmar (?15% ???) (and some other manufacturers) I'm sure if a few Canadians get together you could try that. 9: Does anyone know a British source for a PAL format video of the film "Corvette K-225", in all my many years I dont think I've ever seen this on British TV, which I find amazing. 10: On the cover of the book "Corvettes of the Royal Canadian Navy, 1935-1945" there is a glorious colour photo of a corvette at sea in 1943 (K145 - HMCS Arrowhead) which is attributed to the Canadian Forces Photo Unit. Does anyone know whether there are any more photos in this series and how it/they may be obtained ? Best wishes Phil Gollin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: BSteinIPMS@aol.com Subject: FLETCHER class 5" gun mounts >> Additionally, SOME but not ALL of mount 51's had a gun captain hood on top of the mount. Is there a rhyme or reason that not all had these? << Usually the gun mount captain's hatch and hand-operated sight had a blast hood mounted only on mounts 51 and 55 ("turrets" #1 and #5). This was simply because the super-firing gun mounts 52 and 54 were throwing out rounds (and consequent blast) right over the gun captain's head in the lower mounts ahead and below. Bob Steinbrunn Minneapolis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Information Sought A couple of people I met at a show this past weekend were searching for some assistance pertaining to ship models they recently bought. This first concerns Soviet 'river gunboats' or monitor-type craft from WW2. Low freeboard vessels with 2 or 3 tank-like turrets. I believe Squadron Shop sells this 1/35th scale model, but apparently the kit has little or no documentation as to color schemes, different types of weapons carried, etc. A pointer to any reference material on these craft would be appreciated. I took his name, address, and telephone number; no e-mail, though... Second query is about the 1/400 Mirage Hobby model of the Polish destroyer "GROM", circa 1938. I've seen the kit and it looks like a nicely done little ship, but does anyone know if it has any glaring flaws or major inaccuracies that will need to be corrected? This fellow was also searching for paint scheme information and I shared with him some articles I have from Plastic Ship Modeler that deal with RN camouflage. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: louellet@uism.bu.edu Subject: Re: Forrestal arrives in Rhode Island >> A follow up to my post about a month ago saying that the USS Saratoga had been moved from the Philadelphia navy yard to Rhode Island - yesterday the USS Forrestal arrived and will be joined next week by USS Iowa. They are all to be moored at Coddington Cove in Middletown RI (just north of Newport) at the Naval Education and Training Center No word yet when (or if) any of them will be open to the public. << None of the ships being moved to Rhode Island will be open to the public. They are being moved from Philadelphia because a shipbuilding company needs the piers. The ships are in mothball or disposal status and are in no condition to have anyone on board. I thought I read that they may not even be stored pierside; that some piles were going to be driven into the water to contain the ships together in a cluster. Maybe one will be tied to the pier and the rest tied off that ship? Sorry, but the ships are there for storage only. There are probably museum preservation attempts underway for all of them, but it takes big $$$ to get ships of that size to be released. Now if every person living in 'Little Rhodey' chipped in $1000 .... Larry Ouellette Volunteer, USS Salem (CA 139) U.S. Naval & Shipbuilding Museum, Quincy, Massachusetts http://www.uss-salem.org/ (USS Salem model kit information available) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Robert J. Mitchell" Subject: HMS Javelin Hi again everyone, In reply to Chris Drage's request about HMS Javelin I have a book about Lord Mountbatten, which states after Kelly was torpedoed in the engine room, Mounbatten used Javelin on at least one occasion in the channel and had the bow and the stern blown off. I'm pretty certain it was Javelin At the time she was painted Mountbatten pink. I think it would be late 1940, early 41, but don't quote me, it's been awhile since I read them. I also have the biography of her Captain later in the war. I will dig the books out of my library and have a read and see if there is any info that might be useful to you Reguards Bob Mitchell -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: RCM612@prodigy.net Subject: Best Atlanta Class Model I'm seriously considering purchasing an Atlanta class cruiser model (probably the most beautiful cruiser design of the war) and I was wondering if anyone has any opinions about which model is of better quality, the Gulfstream Atlanta or the Blue Water Navy Atlanta? Sincerely, Robert Morgan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "Robert J. Mitchell" Subject: Re: HMS Javelin Chris, At present I've drawn a blank, it might take awhile to find. Somewhere in my library i have detailed account of Javelin's during the period your looking at. After going through several books I have most of her exploits from 1940 onwards. I know I have it in one of my booke somewhere, it's just a matter of finding the research time. I have a photo of her in what looksw like the Alternative Admiralty light scheme, but could just as easily be the Alternative Dark Scheme, it's very dark and grainy, and unfortunately it's not dated I'll keep looking let you know right away if I what you are looking for. reguards BOB -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: RCClem@aol.com Subject: Re: Renwal USS North Carolina @ 1:500 Scale I have this kit in the closet. I bought it because my Boy Scout sons may be going down to the "Showboat" for a scouting camp this year and I thought it may be interesting for them to see what she looks like in "3D" before they go. I don't think I'll be able to build it before they go. I had no idea at the time that it might be a collector's item. Is it? The kit seems to be short on antiaircraft guns for an accurate WWII display. In fact, it comes with a helicopter instead of a fixed wing aircraft. The length (17.7") scales to 1:494 and the beam (2.75") scales to 1:474. Close enough? But the hull seems too flat on the keel (so that it fits in the box?). Counting all the little guns, there are about 200 parts. As a bunch of parts in a box, its hard to compare it to something like the Revell Arizona @ 1:426 or the Revell Missouri @ 1:535. I'm sure that it could be customized with a good PE kit and a creative paint job. A lot of equipment is molded into the decks and superstructure. With work it could be removed and replaced. Although not as graceful looking as the longer Iowa class BBs, which I feel were some of the most beautiful naval vessels ever built (I'm from Iowa), the Showboat really is a great looking ship. I'd like to have the rest of Renwal's S Series in 1:500: S-600 USS Shangri-La Carrier 38 S-602 USS Springfield Cruiser S-603 USS King Destroyer However, I know that these are individually rare and even more so as a set. I wonder how they chose these ships to represent each ship type. So guys, what do I have here? Do I hang on to it as a boxed kit, build it as-boxed or build it with a PE set, etc? Or $ell it to an appreciative modeler? Roger Clemens -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: BISMARCK gun barrel paint Among all the photos of BISMARCK that I know, there is not one showing only the top half of her main gun barrels dark gray. But I found one photo indicating that the upper half of the barrels of her fore 15 cm turret could have been dark gray or black while the lower half was very light gray or white. Yet I think that was part of the Baltic stripes paint scheme. I also don't think that gun barrels which could be seen dark gray from above would give any camouflage against aerial bombardment or could help to confuse any observer. According to a private manuscript by Paul Schmalenbach - former artillery officer of PRINZ EUGEN - BISMARCK's main gun barrels were painted with red lead after her paint had peeled off from the heat developped during gunnery trials. This may have been the reason for the dark gun barrels in March 1941. But BISMARCK also had dark main gun barrels when she entered Bergen. Also her secondary gun barrels were dark for some time. Finally one must know that the barrels of the 3,7 cm Flak were usually dark gray (almost black). So I think this very dark gray color was more resistend against heat and therefore also used on the main gun barrels of BISMARCK - and TIRPITZ for some time. Falk Pletscher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: Turret top colors The story about SCHARNHORST's blue turret tops during Operation Cerberus arises time and again. Some of the photos taken during this operation also indicate that her turret tops had a color which was different from the usual upside gray of the KM. Nevertheless I doubt that SCHARNHORST really had blue turret tops during the Channel dash: - If so, she would have been the only ship of the whole task force. - Blue don't give a good identification color for aerial observers as it doesn't differ much from gray when seen from some distance - There was no need to identify the German task force to the LW, as there was no other group of ships expected to be in that area. - The start of the operation was kept secret. Painting the turret tops in such an unusual color as blue would have been a clear signal to the crew and any French spy that something was going to happen. Nevertheless I would like to learn more about those misterious blue turret tops Falk Pletscher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: HMS ARK ROYAL In Warship 1990, there appeared an artikel by Roger Nailer on Aircraft to Malta. It contained some fine photos of ARK ROYAL which seem to show her in a two or three tone painting scheme with a dark pennal carried on the lower part of the hull, alight hull and dark island and funnel. Photos taken of ARK ROYAL shortly before she sank also show a dark pennal painted over the lower third of her hull while the upper part is splintered with light and dark gray (- or is painted light gray which is already washed off again, showing the dark gray it was painted over?). Can anyone provide more information about that paint scheme? Falk Pletscher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "RLOCKIE" Subject: London model shops The best ship stockist I have found in London is in Nelson Road, Greenwich (turn left as you come out of the National Maritime Museum and it is a couple of hundred yards on the north side of the road. I forget the name but it has a decent collection of all scales. Almost opposite, also on Nelson Road, is a good second hand bookshop stocking naval subjects. You might also investigate Hannants (although it is more of a mecca for the wingy types), which has a website at www.hannants.co.uk which I think contains lists. Their London store is in Colindale, near Hendon and a map and directions are on the website. Turn right out of the Colindale underground station and it is about 50 yards away as I recall. Robert Lockie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: "Michael Czibovic" Subject: Re: Fletcher 5"/38's The reason for the gun captain's hood and the extra knuckle on the turret tops is because of gun blast. Generally, the forward and aft guns on the main deck had these two features to protect them from the muzzle blast of guns above them. I don't know about the ladders. From what I recall, though, the knuckle wasn't on some of the early construction ships but was instead a production modification. The Fletcher Plan book from the Floating Drydock includes some good drawings and photos of these features. I guess, like many projects, a good photo of the particular ship you are modeling is needed to be sure...sort of like the reinforcements on Sumner's/Gearing's turret #1. mike Czibovic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: "Michael Czibovic" Subject: Re: Anti-fouling paint What you saw as grass green may have been just that...sea grass and barnicles. America may have needed her bottom scrapped at the time. As far as I know, red lead is still the standard hull paint. BTW, most large ships have two or three layouts for the keel blocks when they are drydocked. This is so the yard crews can rotate where the missed spots get scrapped. Obviously, they aren't going to refloat the ship and drain the dock again to scrape the parts of the hull that were resting on the keel blocks during that yard period. I saw that in a local PBS show on a CG refit. It is interesting to see photos of capital ships that have capsized and see the keel block pattern on the hull. I think they are visible in photos of the Yorktown (CV-5) when she sank, and others I've seen that I can't specifically remember right now. How's that for a superdetailer's nightmare? Mike Czibovic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume