Subject SMML05/10/98VOL323 Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 16:58:31 +1000 (EST) shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Something To Think About 2: Re ; Copyright and copied plastic parts 3: 1/96 scale BISMARCK r/c model -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Model Kits Wanted 2: NEW 1/350 Seawolf kits -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: RCClem@aol.com Subject: Something To Think About I sent the following to another list, but it fully and equally applies to many of you on the SMML List. At our church's Annual Charity Resale, my mother-in-law, who works the sale, saw one of her older friends donate a model, along with a bunch of other toys for a kid about 10 years old. My M.I.L., who repeatedly hears about my modeling obsession from my wife, promptly reserved it and called me up to come buy it. (Our secret) It was a Renwal kit from the 1960's, the Polaris-Launching Nuclear Sub SSBN 618 Thomas Jefferson See-Thru Model @ 1/200 (Kit # 653-349). I wonder if it was the same woman that last year donated the Renwal North Carolina that I was lucky to get. She must be slowly cleaning out the attic! Anyway, when I had it home and opened it to look at, I noticed that it had been started, with a couple of pieces glued together and some other interior pieces painted in glossy, primary colors. The rest of the parts had been separated from the trees and thrown into a bag! I trust they are all there! I was ready to be angry, but when I saw the tiny fingerprints still in the now long-dried paint and glue, a wave of sadness swept around me. Obviously, this mother's son had bought or had been given this model 30 years ago and had given it his best try, for a while. My MIL says she thinks she knows who that son may have been, and he would now be about 40 years old and is still in the neighborhood. I wonder why he gave up on it? He had done a decent job, so far. Come to think about it, the North Carolina kit had been crudely started also. No fingerprints to compare. I wonder if he had been offered any help or guidance or encouragement, either in modeling or some other hobby? Hopefully he is still in modeling, but just didn't like ships or subs. Did my generation lose a possible modeling colleague of the '90s way back then because there wasn't a helping hand near by? Something to think about. I know my skills have improved greatly due in great measure to help offered unselfishly by many of you on this List. Never think that your time has been unappreciated. Tomorrow, my 10 year son and I are going to learn how to use our new Aztek Model 430 Dual Action Air Brush. Roger Clemens Hinsdale, Illinois -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Tim Perry Subject: Re ; Copyright and copied plastic parts Message text written by Caroline Carter >> From a resin manufacturers point of view, we are one of the few folks around in the resin bizz who make a point of creating our own range of resin master patterns... BTW, Skywave has the most commonly ripped-off parts in this hobby.. it amazes me how this state of affairs seems to be widely accepted as O.K. by many folks... << I wholeheartedly agree with Caroline, but another point I'd like to make is that if you are happy with the plastic parts, it is cheaper to buy the Skywave sets or Tamiya plastic kits, and bin the stuff you don't need, than try to remould them! What on earth is the point of fiddling about with RTV, PU resins, smells, mess and all when the plastic bits are there ready-to-use. Of course, if you are going to make something that is BETTER than the plastic bits, without all the limitations of steel tooling and (sometimes) naff research, the RTV/PU moulding technique is an ideal way of replicating parts. In my view, cottage industry products that are knock-off of other commercial parts are plain unfair. No amount of justification (What is this 20% guff? A knock-off is a knock-off!) can hide the fact that some-one is selling some-one elses design. That is theft. If I bought a product that contained such components, it would be my last purchase from that manufacturer! And I'd tell my friends! Equally if I find honesty and integrity in a supplier, I will shout it from the roof-tops, so here goes!! WEM stuff is original and wonderful!! Buy it NOW!! No commercial links here, just a happy customer, Tim Perry, crawler extraordinaire! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Klproduct@aol.com Subject: 1/96 scale BISMARCK r/c model I am currently building a Scale Shipyard BISMARCK. I would like to talk to other who have built large scale warships about detail parts and construction tips. I need help with the motors, speed controls, gearing, animated turrets, and the like. Dave McWilliams-owner and Kenny Lane-first mate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: AllenFW2@aol.com Subject: Model Kits Wanted Does anyone out there have the following kits (either unbuilt or partially built) that they'd like to sell/trade: Italieri 1/720 HMS Hood or either of the two Airfix Hoods? Understand that I'm especially interested in the Italieri variant. If so, please contact me directly at AllenFW2@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: NEW 1/350 Seawolf kits The Naval Base is proud to let you be the first to have the NEW Viking kits of the 1/350 Seawolf USN Submarine. Waterline with ocean diorama Scene ----- 18.95 Full Hull model ----- 48.95 These are resin kits with photoetch and decals. The waterline is a great beginners resin kit. add 5.00 shipping order at www.navalbasehobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume