Subject: SMML6/11/98VOL355 Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 23:39:13 +1100 (EST) shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: USS Salem Model 2: Krivak II colours & refs 3: Re: Heller Kit - BB Jean Bart 4: Mines on E-Boats 5: Re: Jervis Bay/ Corvettes (Fl#$@r Class) 6: HMS Hood 7: Re: Book List 8: Re: HMS Abdiel Liferafts 9: Re: Life Rafts 10: Re: Rawalpindi, and D vs G 11: Re: Iowa 12: Deutschland 13: Small alphabet decals 14: Snorkers, Good Oh! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Re: Liferafts for Abdiel 2: Hints and Tips page 3: Announcement - New Website Up 4: Great Naval Disasters 5: A TRADERS ANNOUNCEMENT- sort of. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John Sheridan Subject: Re: USS Salem Model >>I have heard from nearly everybody in the resin business (privately and in SMML) here in the states, but not from Classic Warships. << That's because Steve Wiper of Classic Warships does not have an Internet account yet. But that's going to change very soon. John Sheridan @ Microscale Decals http://www.microscale.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Shane & Lorna Jenkins Subject: Krivak II colours & refs Hi all, Does anyone have any ideas about colours & refs for the Skywave 1/700 Krivak II. Please email me as well as reply to SMML as it's rather urgent. All the best, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: KoopmaFS@utrc.utc.com Subject: Re: Heller Kit - BB Jean Bart Gene: Email me your snail mail address and I could send you a copy (assuming I can find where I hid it tonight), just hope you can read French for the paint colors. To my recollection, I picked this kit up in France, so it doesn't have the international translations on it. Regards and good luck Fritz -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: Mines on E-Boats German Schnellboote (E-Boats) were in fact used for minelaying operations. Their missions often were made up of two parts, first a run to lay mines, then a hunt for British channel convoys. On minelaying missions, the mines were carried on rails along the deck and launched over the stern. But these rails were also used for torpedo recharching or to carry replacement torpedos. Especially on the early types of E-Boats a replacement torpedo could be carried on each side to reload the tubes after the first spread, so they could make a second run. Falk Pletscher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Katz, Gene S" Subject: Re: Jervis Bay/ Corvettes (Fl#$@r Class) Just a digression, but HMS Jervis Bay does indeed rank right up there with Rawalpindi, Gloworm, etc. Oversight on my part. I bought my copy of Monserratt's Three Corvettes in Holland in 1962, while a Deck Cadet in the US Merchant Marine. Still have it and cherish it; a trifle dogeared, but what a triology! There I am on a 10000 ton Transport reading a sea story about WW2 convoys!! Am I sick or what? I am really looking forward to my self-bought birthday present of Commander Series 1/350 F@#$%r, which my wife promptly locked away until Dec, along with my "Corvettes of the RCN." Can't wait!! You all don't know what the sea war was about unless you watch The Cruel Sea at least 10 times, and wring the saltwater out of your socks afterwards. "What? Stokers and Seamen, messing together?" Anyone have a spare copy of "Canada's Flowers"? They may have been as ugly as homemade sin, but I wish I had the chance to sail on one; and wish there was an injection molded 1/200 available to build. The older one gets, the more appealing are the larger models! Gene -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Michael Connelley Subject: HMS Hood Hello: I'm not a big RN fan so please pardon my not listening more carefully earlier. I remember talk of the Heller HMS Hood kit. Has this kit been re-released or is it planned to be re-released soon? A friend of mine is looking for one. Cheers Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Jeffrey Roberts" Subject: Re: Book List I must admit that I have not read the Monserrat novel, but the movie The Cruel Sea was and is a favorite of mine and was certainly a major influence on my interest in all things naval and maritime. A book (non fiction) that had a major influence on my nautical and modeling interests was John Toland's But Not In Shame, on the first sixth months of World War II in the Pacific. The attack on Pearl Harbor, the fall of Singapore, Java and the Philippines on through Battles of Coral Sea and Midway continue to hold my interest both as history and as a modeller. I'm currently building the Dutch light cruiser De Ruyter and plan on modelling my way through the ABDA and Japanese fleets before I'm through (Perth, Exeter, Houston, Haguro, Java, Jintsu, Tromp, Marblehead, Mogami---to name just the cruisers I'm interested in building) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: YHSAIO@aol.com Subject: Re: HMS Abdiel Liferafts Chris: Concerning liferafts for your B-Resina Abdiel, White Ensign Models is coming out with liferafts and liferafts for RN ships. I can't remember the details, but they are already posted on WEM's web site. You might as well try to go all out and replace the B-Resina weapons with WEM Pro parts. Also, I remember that the Abdiels had some unique camo schemes. The Profile on the Abdiels have a color rendition, but can anybody else mention another source for camo on these ships? An aside totally unrelated to this post. A couple of days ago, I mentioned a 1/700 Hi-Mold Richelieu kit with a missing part. My kit originally hat two funnel/macks (part C 19). Now that I have an extra, I assume somebody out there may be missing this part. If you are missing this part, contact me off post. Yunchi Hsaio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Graham Walker" Subject: Re: Life Rafts Try WEMs professanial range,I know they produce some. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Mark Kwasnycia Subject: Re: Rawalpindi, and D vs G Evart-Jan, Yunchi, and Phil, My this threads getting along...! As far as "Why did Scharnhorst and Gneisenau attack": Several accounts I've read indicated that until the Rawalpindi hoisted Battle Ensigns, they simply thought that they'd encountered a lonely steamer in the North Atlantic. Once Capt. Kennedy engaged, they simply wouldn't have any option but to reply. Having looked at numerous pictures of the Rawalpindi after her modifications, the guns are very hard to distinguish, and not "obviously" in view. As for the German command staff using the conning tower for cover, I have to admit total ignorance. I do know, that in the RN, that use of the conning tower was distinctly unpopular, most Captains insisting on conning from the open bridge. In fact, the towers were often removed as weight saving measures during battleship refits prior to the war, being replaced with thinly plated structures, normally located within the bridge itself. I was told by an old RN captain that use of the towers was generally frowned upon, except for the cox'n etc., as officers were expected to "stand and fight" or that sort of thing. I've just always assumed that Kreigsmarine officers would do likewise, but being under cover certainly sounds like a good idea! Mr. Barnett's book is excellent, even if a number of it's conclusions are arguable. It's had pride of place on my bookshelves since it came out (lucky me!). Another suggestion, along the same lines, is a long out of print book entitled "The Great Ships Pass" by Peter C. Smith, published by the USNIP in 1977. The main focus of this book is British battleship operations during W.W.II, and argues the fact that even though the aircraft carrier had indeed become "Queen of the Seas" by the end of the war, that their actual war record when taken into context, was actually more important than most recent history would have us believe. On the subject of "David vs. Goliath" encounters, in addition to Yunchi's list, I'd add the following: KMS Scharnhorst's final encounter at North Cape - Although Admiral Burnett's plan worked like a clock, wily old Scharnhorst almost succeeded in escaping, all the while being pursued by a battleship, several cruisers, and a bevy of destroyers. The Battle of the Barents Sea - where the close escort of a homeward bound Murmansk convoy was attacked by overwhelming surface forces, and hung on till a reinforcing cruiser division arrived. None of the convoyed ships were sunk. The 1st and 2nd Battle of Sirte - Admiral Vian manages to hold off engagement of his Malta bound convoy from an attack by battleships, cruisers, and destroyers - with nothing larger than Dido class cruisers. Sadly, as in most Malta runs, the run-in to harbour accounted for more merchant casualties than the sea battle. As far as the actions off Samar by "the little beavers" - Arleigh Burke proved once again, that the right people, with the right training, and a sense of determination can often perform miracles... Now if we can simply convince one of our "corporately minded" resin-bashers' to make a 1/350th Rawalpindi, Jervis Bay, etc... personally I think they'd make a rather different sort of kit. Hey Caroline, "whatya think"? In addition to the "absurd number of funnels" line, you could start the "VC AMC" line...? Though I imagine, finding proper plans could prove to be a "pain"... Snorkers! to all, Mark Kwasnycia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "David P. Judy III" Subject: Re: Iowa Brent, could you be thinking of " Iowa Class Battleships" by Robt. Sumrall?? Dave Judy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: jmaine@golden.net Subject: Deutschland This very interesting thread about the Graf Spee's deck colours and camouflage schemes has got me wondering about the Spee's "partner in crime", her sister Deutschland (later Lutzow). While the Graf Spee was prowling the South Atlantic, the Deutschland was lurking about in the North (at one point she was operating about 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland). Ironically, although she was designed for commerce-raiding, it was to be Deutschland's one and only ocean-going war cruise. She never again broke out into the Atlantic, although such a mission was planned for her on three separate occasions later in the war (the ship was a positive magnet for British torpedoes, shells and general bad luck!). I recently built 1/700 scale models of both these 1939-era raiders and they make a very interesting and attractive pair. However, although there is a large amount of reference material (not always accurate!) about the Spee's colour schemes, the same does not seem to be true for her less well-known sister. From what I found, I went with light grey upperworks overall, somewhat darker grey hull and a combination of dark grey metal and reddish brown linoleum covered upper decks. This may not be right but it was my best guess at the time! I'd be interested to know if anybody has any further info on such things as false bow waves or other camouflage schemes for her in the fall of 1939. John Maine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Douglas Bauer Subject: Small alphabet decals Does anyone know where I can find some small white/black water slide decals for ship lettering? I'm looking for something in the neighborhood of 2mm ~ 3/16" in height max. The rub-on lettering from stationery stores is too big. Doug Bauer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Ron or Julie Hillsden Subject: Snorkers, Good Oh! It may sound pretty disgusting today, but when they were unavailable, I understand the alternate entrees on Canadian Corvettes were jam on mouldy bread or raisins in cabbage. Snorkers Good Oh! Ron -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: Re: Liferafts for Abdiel Hi Chris, Re Abdiel, just to let you know that in the PROFESSIONAL range we have either WEM PRO F002 Large or WEM PRO F001 Small Carley floats available of the correct pattern, along with WEM PRO 7004 copper punts (watch how you ask for the latter though). All at 1.57 pounds per bag Other usefuls are decent boats for the WW2 RN in the WEM PRO PROFESSIONAL series of items... please ask if you are not sure of the boat fit. Also WEM PRO 7001 Twin 4inch guns at 1.57 per bag... 4 in a bag. Also, WEM PRO 7003 Quad Pom-Poms (x4) for the same price. There are no paravanes provided in the kit.. bags of these will be available shortly from us. BTW, someone enquired re. small radar lanterns... these smaller lanterns are now provided (WEM PRO 7019 x 5) as well as the larger ones (WEM PRO 7004 x 4).... Obviously, similar coments apply to the Matchbox Ariadne. Check out my overview page at: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models/main.htm for details. Thanks to Colin and to Tim Perry for nice comments re. the 1/350 MTB and Brave Borderer. I will be posting pics of these builds shortly. The MTB is available at 10.00 pounds which includes an extremely finely detailed etched brass fret, comprehensive instructions including a camouflge scheme, and is shipped post free worldwide. The figures ARE pretty outstanding.. Brian Fawcett is working on a series of poses for these little fellas at this time, but the castings of the first few are looking good. However, these are really destined for the competitive modeler who wants the ultimate in realism..... photoetched figures will be a LOT cheaper! BTW, Hi to Steve and Matt. Dave and I would like to be the second (after Greg!) to welcome Classic Horsewhips to the group. Cheers the SMMLlie old WEMblies -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Michael Kear Subject: Hints and Tips page My Friends, Every once in a while (more often than not really) someone posts a useful idea or helpful hint that the members of Task Force 72 might find useful. So I've been snagging them and putting them on my site. I feel I ought to tell you I'm doing it, and give you a chance to see if your words have been chiselled into the modern equivalent of marble for all the world to see. If anyone sees their words there, and wants me to take them off, or in the cold hard light of dawn would rather see them changed or whatever, please email me and I'll follow your wishes to the letter. You can find the page in question at: http://www.healey.com.au/~mkear/tfhintsntips.html While you're there, why not take a look at our updated photo gallery - click the logo at the top of the page to return to the home page and click on the photo gallery button. Fair winds and following seas, Mike Kear, Webmaster, Task Force 72 Australia 1/72 Scale warship modellers, Australia http://www.healey.com.au/~mkear/taskforce72.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: Announcement - New Website Up I would like to invite all SMMLers to check out my new website International Maritime Modeling http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm This site was formerly Ian Wilkin's Maritime Minatures, but he has passed the baton on to me. As the new webmaster, I have expanded to focus from 1/600 scale modeling to all "classic" scale ship models. The site contains a photo gallery, quick kit and PE reviews, a list of PE set and detailing accessories for classic scale ships, The site will focus on warship models that ARE NOT in 1/350 and 1/700 scale. There are plenty of excellent sites that already cover these scales. However, this site will cover merchant ships, ocean liners and sailing ships (military or merchant) in any scale. I felt the need to fill in a niche so this is my attempt to do exactly that. So please check the site out. If you have any comments or would like to contribute : classic kit reviews, PE reviews, build and conversion articles and most of all photos of your classic kits (you have to scan them) please e-mail me at the webmaster address. Just click on the EMail button on the main page. I hope that you all enjoy it and start dusting off your old kits. Felix Bustelo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Great Naval Disasters "Great Naval Disasters" is a new title by MBI Publishing Company. Written by Kit and Carolyn Bonner, it's subtitled 'US Naval Accidents in the 20th Century'. 144 pages covering peacetime fires, flooding, collisions, groundings, and other major mishaps involving ships both in port and at sea. About 200 photographs and drawings. Includes a four-page bibliography that even lists some related web sites. Softcover, ISBN # 0-7603-0594-3, retails for US$ 19.95. Available at a discount from http://www.greatmodels.com. Some fascinating material and highly recommended. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "lamkeel@email.msn.com" Subject: A TRADERS ANNOUNCEMENT- sort of. Re item 18 of yesterday from Tim Perry. Herbaceous Borders - Flower Class whatnots to the clan. Tim raised the point as to why I should wind you up. There was no intention, just that I had assumed that with all the funding I spend on advertising my warship and warship weapons plans lists, it must have got through. Obviously, I'm spending my cash on the wrong magazines. As has been mentioned, and for those of you who don't know, I have been producing authentic warship drawings and their weapon systems for over 26 years. This "hobby" gradually developed to writing magazine articles, on to illustrating books, (Many of John Campells Naval Weapons were my drawings) then on to doing my own, usually with Al Ross of Bangor. Allied Coastal Forces etc. (Most are now out of print). Since late 1997, I have been working on Fl........s. With a copy of "Ensign 3" and some of those excellent Canadian publications as a guide, I decided to break new ground. A contact up north was able to provide me with a list of original shipbuilders drawings, some 300 items from an archive. I purchased a number unseen and started work. Most of the originals are drawn at º"=1Ft (I.e. 7ft long), so rather than produce small sketches, I decided to reduce the work to half that size and include them in my plans lists. When I started work I find that there is no such thing as a standard Flower, they are all different with variations and developments. I visited our N.M.M. at Greenwich and viewed the "Ships Covers", so I have gathered the bumph for the text. (I spent over two hours talking into my tape machine and produced just 10 seconds of recording........ but I went back and did it all again). The drawings take forever, each sheet takes up to three weeks, but I'm getting there. On 19/10/98 I was amazed to find that I had started work on 51 sheets of drawings. Time to call a halt. (My original deadline was to be end of July). As the publication is only 80 pages then why not produce the subject in two parts. Short Fox'l and Modified then I can add a Castle Class to part two. That is the way I am going. As I write this 19 of the 26 sheets for volume I are completed. Thus they are available from my plans lists. All the weapon fits are included too. I have found the original Vickers Armstrong drawings for the 4" Mark IX Gun on the C.P.1 Mounting of 1917 as fitted to our Aberdare class minesweeping sloops of the Great war. The steam powered Holman Projector is another. Some units are covered by a single sheet. Others by two, three or more sheets. It does take forever, but I enjoy the challenge, and I AM getting there. General Arrangements, Hull lines, plating, engineering, and internal layouts are all drawn. (But not all will be included in the publication, due to space restrictions). Do you wish for the Flashing Up routines? "First remove funnel cover and slacken funnel guys". Didn't think so, but I do have the details of First of Class sea trials. My two Plans catalogues are available. £4:00 each or £5:00 abroad. The sheets are £5:65 and £4:10 each depending upon their size. I reduce the cost according to the size of the order. Dave and Caroline Carter had a sneak preview the other Sunday at a Model Meet. I must back to the drawing board and continue labelling up H.M.S. Zinnia. (Sheet "B"). Yours "aye". John Lambert. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume