Subject: SMML11/11/98VOL360 Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 21:04:27 +1100 (EST) shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Little, Little Aircraft 2: Re: titanic 3: Re: Conway Maritime Books 4: Revell/Revell-Germany Custeau's Calypso 5: Re: New IPMS Category? 6: Re: CIWS 7: New/reissued items 8: How I handle large SMML mailings 9: Re: small aircraft models 10: Re: volume numbering 11: German Pocket Battleship Graf Spee 12: PE Rails for "USCG Eagle" 13: Re: PP 14: Re: Ship measurements 15: USS Massachusetts 16: Least favourite books. 17: Re: Ton-Class Minesweepers 18: Conway Maritime now part of Batsford 19: WARSHIP INTERNATIONAL 20: Re: What does PP mean? 21: Revell/Revell-Germany Custeau's Calypso 22: Re: pp 23: Re: volume numbering system 24: David vs. Goliath 25: Custom Decals 26: Knuckles 27: Re: Cousteau's Calypso & Monogram I-19 28: Re: TITANIC 29: Re: Krivak II -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: British Ton Class Minesweeper 2: Re IOWA class book. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Ralph E. Batykefer, Jr." Subject: Little, Little Aircraft I doubt that many people have gone to the elaborate detail to build 1/350th or 1/700th scale as some of us have mentioned, but I love it too. In fact, about seven years ago in the Fort Worth IPMS competition there was a 1/350th diorama of a shot down A-6E Intruder. They placed the sunken aircraft in a clear resin block complete with a swimming shark and ocean floor. On top of the resin was a raft with the pilot & B/N. Above that was a SH-3H Seaking hovering. The helo was attached to the resin by the rescue hoist "cable" (actually a fine wire). Both aircraft had full cockpits, handmade decals, and fine details. It was beautiful... I too have quite a collection of WEM and Skywave A/C kits and am making dioramas in addition to my carrier/LHA collections. Ralph Batykefer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Phil Kirchmeier Subject: Re: titanic Yes there is. Acadamy has a new 1/400 scale titanic. It's influenced by the older Minicraft kit, but does go a long way to correct some of the errors/inaccuracies of the older kit. The kit and instructions are clear and easy to follow.....I should know, I just finished reviewing it for FSM. I should say a howdy to all. I've been lurking here for a long time, and enjoying all the info I've seen. Thanks. I primarily model 1/700 or 1/350th between the wars, up to the end of WWII. For a diversion I'll switch over to the old WWI tail draggers once in awile. I've worked for Kalmbach Publishing Co. (oh-you're nodding, you must have heard of it) for 11 years first in the Art Department as an illustrator, and for about the last year in the Online department as Kalmbach's Web Designer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Vincent McCullough Subject: Re: Conway Maritime Books Conway's has been sold, and is not part of the Batsford family. The NRG "sources" web page has the following web address for them: http://www.batsford.com/Brassey/Maritime/index.html The old web site has been apparently been deactivated. Vince McCullough Chantilly, VA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Noel Ray Subject: Revell/Revell-Germany Custeau's Calypso Try Kingkit: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kingkit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: New IPMS Category? >> I do not think that this will start a new IPMS category but they are FUN to play around with. << Bob's comments relate to possibly creating a new category for the IPMS Nationals for 1/350 and smaller aircraft. I said this before, if there are sufficient numbers of models entered in the 1/144 and smaller category, then a possible "split" will be considered. The split for example, could be called "1/350 and smaller aircraft." After these aircraft appear in sufficient numbers for a few years, a permanent category could be created. They ask all the head category judges every year for suggestions to improve the Nats. such as new categories to keep up with current modeling trends. A prime example of this was the creation of a "Dinosaurs" category at the Nats. last year. One last thing to remember. When looking over the 1/144 category, attention is immediately focused on the smallest models. They are very popular. I recall at the Nats. a couple of years back someone entered a 1/1250 Enterprise (about 6" long). Beautiful! It had a full air wing on the deck and had a crowd of people around it passing around a magnifier almost constantly. Just remember, "If you build it they will come." Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: CIWS >> The system also has an Identification Friend or foe system to prevent blue on blue engagements. << After I sent the email I was wondering if the CIWS was sophisticated enough to carry IFF recognition hardware due its small size. I decided to wait for the hail storm in case I was wrong. With lumps and bruises, Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Torgeson Roger A Subject: New/reissued items I had the chance to take a look at the Spring '99 Squadron/Signal catalog. A new series called 'On Deck' is listed. First ship is USS Alabama, 80 pages, 40 in color. It's due out in March, price is $14.95. The second item I saw was a list of new / reissued kits from Italeri. The 1/720 Hood was on that list, No release date was given. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Michael Connelley Subject: How I handle large SMML mailings Hello: This ought to apply to anyone out there in MacLand, and also will likely apply to those out there in PCLand too. For my email purposes I downloaded EudoraLight from Tucows (A great website if I may say so, loaded with lots of useful software). Eudora connects with your local pop3 server and has many nice features uncluding automatic email checking how ever frequently you want. With EudoraLight I have never had a problem sending or receiving larges files. However, I have on occasion failed to realize that others have problems with large email files, and I have accidentally sent their email down in flames with 15MB files (note: MP3s don't make good email attachments)! To avoid getting too far off base, try out EudoraLight...it's very easy to use and has quite a few nice features to it. Cheers Mike Connelley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: small aircraft models Some time back, my IPMS chapter decided to have a contest at our monthly meetings, with everyone entering a model of the same thing. The first choice was the P-47 Thunderbolt. Of course, since I don't model anything but ships, I was given a hard time by my fellow modelers and urged to join in--so I did. I showed up with a 1/700 P-47, handled in the manner espoused by Bob Santos--displayed on a small circular mirror set on a slightly larger square of green felt cloth. I had put the P-47 in accurate 56th Fighter Group camouflage and markings, added PE landing gear, painted in the wheel wells (which could be seen from the mirror), and added the distinctive gun tubes in the leading edges of the wings using stretched sprue (I'll never do THAT again!). While it didn't win the contest, it did reinforce my position in the chapter as a real sickie, and they don't badger me about building airplanes any more.... John Snyder -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: ECammeron@aol.com Subject: Re: volume numbering Greg: Regarding the volume numbering, how about this: Vol + Year (4 digits) + Julian Day of Year? Example: Vol1998312 for 11/9/1998. I want to say I find SMML informative and very interesting. Regardless of the individual topics, ALL SMMLers can learn new things and share their knowledge with others. Eugene Cammeron -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: DRPREUL@aol.com Subject: German Pocket Battleship Graf Spee My name is Don Preul. I own J&D Productions L.L.C. We produce scrathbuilt model ships to museums and private collectors. Afriend of mine was told of a letter that was found of a survivor of the Graf Spee who has on board photographs. He was interned at Montivedeo. The reason I am inquiring about this is for two reasons. 1. I plan on building a model of the Graf Spee and 2. My Great uncle was serving on the Graf Spee at that time and was interned with this gentleman. If you have any information about this letter that was seen on your website or can point me the right direction it would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your help. I can be reached at drpreul@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: NEFFD@dteenergy.com Subject: PE Rails for "USCG Eagle" I am working on Revell's "USCG Eagle" which I _think_ is 1/400 scale. Can anyone recommend an Inexpensive PE set which I can use to replace the molded railings? All I need is the railings (about 10" total) so it doesn't matter what else is in the PE set or what ship it was originally intended for, as long as it is cheap. I looked through Fine Scale Modeler and was surprised that I could not find an ad for specific PE sets. Please let me know a source address/phone and approximate price. Thanks, Don Neff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: KoopmaFS@utrc.utc.com Subject: Re: PP I don't know if this will clarify or confuse things even further, but for those that study ships lines it might be useful. For commercial and naval vessels there are two ways the perpendiculars can be defined. The first is that the Forward Perpendicular (FP)is where the stem intersects the DWL (design water line), and that the Aft Perpendicular (AP) is set at the center of the rudder stock. This rule is used more often as this PP definition was, or is, used in the calculation of a ships gross tonnage. A second definition, sometimes used depending on the naval architect/marine engineers' experience and background, has that the FP is where the stem intersects DWL, and AP is where the stern at centerline intersects DWL. Upon inspecting drawings naval ships you will find (more often than not) that PP doesn't match either of these definitions. The reasons for this is that during the design process, things have a nasty habit of changing on an almost daily basis. Towing tank analysis shows that the rudder needs to be moved fore or aft. Or in the second case, the completed displacement winds up being heavier (either by design or fault) causing the LWL (length of waterline, sometimes referred to as load waterline) height to change from the original DWL. Whatever the reason for the change is, the perpendiculars weren't always changed with them, since (especially in the days of manual drafting) this would require a tedious, and time consuming, re-draft of the hull lines. Depending on the size of the ship, say a battleship or carrier, there would be anywhere between a dozens to hundreds of other drawings that would also be affected by such a change. Regards Fritz -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Foeth" Subject: Re: Ship measurements The lenght between perpendiculars is from the intersection of the bow (Without the shell!) with the design waterline, to the heart of the rudder. It is this lenght that makes up the linesdrawing, normally 1/20th of the lenght between PP between each hull line. There is also a lenght on the waterline (about 2 or 3 % larger than Lpp), effective lenght, desplacement lenght, design lenght (not Lpp), and even more I forgot (About 6 in total) Lenght between perpendiculars is a lenght used in the early design stage, as the full waterline lenght is yet unknown. This length is also important to classification societies adn authorities, using it as a benchmark. For all other uses, lenght on the waterline is normally used (Resistance determination, etc) Evert-jan Foeth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: McKellar Subject: USS Massachusetts Hi all, Today I had the great pleasure of visiting the USS Massachusetts. As has been mentioned on SMML before, she is in drydock and undergoing some long-overdue repair work. I am writing up an article for Sea Classics about the repair work and was able to get into the drydock and walk around and under the ship. She is a massive thing - best appreciated from under the props. I have a load of pics if anyone would like, I can scan a few in for the group. I wonder - is the 1/350 resin kit out yet? I can't wait to start! Mark -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "Foeth" Subject: Least favourite books. Fortunately, at least someone disagreed with my opinion on Cutlers book. It is my opinion that taste is an important point for discussion; as I might dislike a book, someone else might not. I think a discussion on these matters might be usefull to other SMML'ers, who are planning to read a certain book, which might or might not live up to their expectations. In this case, Cutlers book, I found the book to be badly written. This is of course purely my personal opinion. But when an author starts his book by telling his reader, and I quote: "I sincerely believe that a true patriot must be willing to critisize constructively his beloved country, just as a loving parent will chastise the misbehaving child. Nothing is perfect, and nothing will get nearer to perfection without honest appraisal" my first reaction is "there goes the objective view". Furthermore "The reader will probably detect that I have a love of the sea, and some readers may find my personification of ships somewhat overdone" It might be just me, but when I read an apology in the preface, it does not wet my appetite. I did find his personification disturbing, by the way. And: "So it is with the ultimate humility that I hope that my critisisms and judgements will serve as food for thought (...) but never as a substitute for what brave men did under the pressure of command and combat" If the author hardly dares to critisize the (american) commanders, can I expect him to tell the story with objectivety? He concludes that war brings up the best in people (And I can hardly disagree more), and sums up a row of US-only sailors. No Japanese. And even if he did give an objective view, the preface poisoned the book for me, and I did not enjoy it. Certainly not after Dan van der Vat's "The pacific campaign". Also, when an author names Yamato and Musachi, strategy, policy and Halseys fatefull decission, I do not concider that pro's. If the author would have neglected to tell them, they would be gross oversights. This he did not do, as his story is correct, and he must certainly have a great deal of knowledge of this battle (Being a USNA history professor), but I object to the way he tells it. Evert-Jan Foeth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: YHSAIO@aol.com Subject: Re: Ton-Class Minesweepers Rod: White Ensign Models has a model of the HMS Nurton in 1/350th scale. Check out their website at http://dspace.dia.pipex.com/white.ensign.models for a photo of the built-up model. Yunchi Hsaio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "F J Hueso" Subject: Conway Maritime now part of Batsford Douglas: I'm suscriber of Model Shipwright and also I order periodically books from Conway. My renewal suscription this year has been a little trickier than ussualy because Brasseys (Conway parent bussiness) has been purchased by Batsford. Now, you can reach it at http://www.batsford.com or you can try to contact with kpatel@batsford.com (direct mail dept). Snail mail direction is: 583 Fulham Road, London SW65BY (At least, I've got now my MS!) BTW, I've not received yet the new catalog, only a brochure from Batsford last summer including the Conway titles ( Yes, then I noticed something had changed) It not included the Tirpitz or Scharnhorst. And about Fuso, is announced as published in MS 104 (June) If I know something new I'll keep you informed Good Luck Javier -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Baker Subject: WARSHIP INTERNATIONAL An expertly produced and always interesting periodical that should be of interest to many SMML readers interested in learning more about the development of warship design and operation since the age of sail is WARSHIP INTERNATIONAL, a quarterly published since 1964 by the International Naval Research Organization, Toledo, Ohio. The 100 page latest issue, for example, has a generously illustrated article about the Royal Navy WW II battleship VANGUARD, an another about Russian battleship development from 1905 to 1907, plus regular features such as book reviews, "Naval News in Pictures," a "Naval Intelligence" column about developments in the world's navies, a mystery photo, and "INFOSER" a question and answer service that could be of considerable value to SMML readers. WARSHIP INTERNATIONAL has a website at: http//www.primenet.com/~inro. Subscriptions are $24.00 annual for the U.S., $27.00 abroad and are available from INRO Business Office, 5905 Reinwood Dr., Toledo, OH 43613, U.S.A. A sample issue costs only $6.00. Give them a try! A.D. Baker, III -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Re: What does PP mean? Alan Lindstrom asked: >> Also, with respect to figures on the length of a ship, what does "pp" mean. << Just a guess here: Length between Perpendiculars (meaning from Frame One to the last frame; excludes the parts of the bow and stern that stick out beyond the framing). M W L -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: RCM612@prodigy.net Subject: Revell/Revell-Germany Custeau's Calypso Try John F. Green modles at http://greenmodels.com/. They currently list the Cousteau PBY Catalina flying boat (I built it as a kid and I want it bad!) and I know they've carried the Calypso in the past, though I didn't see it in their current listings. It was listed in the mailer I received from them a couple of months ago, though. You might try emailing them, and perhaps they (or another) rare/old kit dealer can find one for your friend. Roebrt Morgan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "Lester Abbey" Subject: Re: pp I was glad when Alan Lindstrom asked what pp meant. I understood that it meant between perpendiculars - but I don't know what a perpendicular is with regard to ship length! Regards Lester Abbey Wellington New Zealand -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: volume numbering system Greg, I don't recall the genesis of tthis volume numbering system, but why bother?? Isn't the date enough? Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: dhjonespsm@juno.com (Daniel H. Jones) Subject: Re: David vs. Goliath >> Okay, this may not quite classify as a David vs. Goliath, but I read somewhere a while ago that a RIN (Royal Indian Navy) ship escorting a merchantman was attacked by 2 Japanese raiders in the Bay of Bengal. The RIN ship was not only outnumbered two to one, but faced heavier armament as well. Despite this, the RIN ship apparently went on the offensive and disabled one of the Japanese ships. Maybe someone has more details on this. << The incident that you refer to is even more remarkable than your description would suggest. The RIN ship was a newly constructed minesweeper, the BENGAL, of 650 tons (built in Australia). While plans called for her to have been equipped with a 4" gun, a single 40 mm Bofors, and two 20 mm Oerlikons, the armaments package was mislaid somehow, and the ship when she sailed was only armed with a single 12 pounder. The merchant ship was a Dutch tanker, pressed into service as a grain carrier, carrying her cargo to Iran. The Dutch tanker, the ONDINA, was armed with a 4" gun of modern type. It was actually the ONDINA that won the battle. Halfway between the port of Fremantle and their first destination, Diego Garcia, the two ships encountered two IJN armed merchant cruisers, the HOKOKU MARU and the AIKOKU MARU. In an effort to give ONDINA a chance to escape the BENGAL, against hopeless odds as she was practically unarmed, set a course directly towards the raiders and opened fire with her 12 pounder. Both IJN ships returned fire, 6" shells landing all around the BENGAL. She disappeared from view in the columns of spray from near misses, but remarkably she was not hit. Seeing the BENGAL's apparent plight, the ONDINA opened fire with her 4" gun. She had a skilled and well trained gun crew. Her first two shells landed over and short - straddling her target - remarkable shooting. The third shell hit, as did the following ones. The fifth caused a huge explosion. The IJN raider carried two scout planes and gasoline. ONDINA's fifth shot hit in this area, setting off the gasoline and destroying both aircraft in a ball of fire. The crew of the BENGAL raised a cheer, thinking that their ship was responsible for the damage, not realizing that the ONDINA had joined the fight. Running out of ammunition, BENGAL was now retreating under smoke, thinking that ONDINA had probably escaped. The AIKOKU MARU, thinking the BENGAL to be doomed, reversed course and returned to aid her stricken sister and attacked the ONDINA. Hit by numerous 6" shells, the ONDINA's crew abandoned ship. In spite of bed sheets displayed to indicate her surrender, the AIKOKU MARU continued firing, and launched two torpedoes that hit ONDINA amidships. HOKOKU MARU was still burning uncontrollably, the fires spreading to her main magazines and she exploded and sank. After picking up the survivors from HOKOKU MARU, AIKOKU MARU returned and fired another torpedo at the still floating ONDINA (which missed) and left. The tanker continued to float and, as their life boats were badly damaged, the ONDINA's crew re-boarded their ship after the AIKOKU MARU had departed the area and managed to re-start her engines, shore up her damage, and bring her back to Fremantle. The little BENGAL also survived. For a more detailed account of this extraordinary action see: "Blood and Bushido" by Bernard Evans (1991 - reprinted 1997)(ISBN 1-883283-18-3). This book (still in print) is mainly concerned with atrocities committed by IJN submariners against allied merchant seaman, but it also contains the best and most complete account of this duel between merchant ships that I have found. It does indeed qualify as a David & Goliath incident considering that the ONDINA was both out gunned and outnumbered - with victory honors going to David. Daniel Jones Plastic Ship Modeler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Duane Fowler Subject: Custom Decals I have been shipping a custom decal set for the 1/350 Titanic which has been received quite favorably. I have been printing them on my Alps MD1000 600dpi printer and the results have been fairly good. As soon as it is available, I plan on getting the MD5000 printer which has 2400dpi. I would be willing to do custom decals for people who need them if they would provide me with either a drawing or clear photograph along with the dimensions and the scale size of what they need. I'm not trying to make a business of this, but I enjoy modeling and meeting other modelers (also, it's pretty cool to go to shows and see some of the stuff I worked on being displayed!) Best regards, Duane Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: "Frank and Carol Berger" Subject: Knuckles I recently purchased the Tamiya 1/350 Prince of Wales and while digging up reference material, came across an article in an old issue of Tamiya Model Magazine. In the article, the author notes that he added a "slight knuckle" to the forward sheer line. I may be missing the obvious, but I can't figure out what he is describing. I think I saw this posted previously, but now can't find the reference. Any help would be appreciated. Thanx Frank -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Re: Cousteau's Calypso & Monogram I-19 Hi, A local San Antonio hobby shop ("Jon's Hobby Masters") has the Revell Calypso in 1/125 scale for $32.00. The phone number is (210) 822-5854; they have no fax or e-mail (imagine that). The same shop also has an old Monogram I-19, if anyone is interested in that sort of thing. Cheers, Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "David & Alicja Lombard" Subject: Re: TITANIC >> Iam interested in building the TITANIC, the only kit I see available in the local hobby shops is the one by Minicraft. After perusing the instructions, I find they are not very clear. Are there any other kits Of the titanic available, or can anyone give me some more info. Appreciate any suggestions I can get. << I only know of the Minicraft kit and a much smaller Revell kit. As for more building info, there are two main web sites that I am aware of: http://titanic-model.com/ http://www.flash.net/~rfm/MODELING/guide.html These two sites, plus printed reference material, should give you most of the info you need. Another site is http://website.lineone.net/~a.baines/ Reference materials include: "TITANIC, An Illustrated History", Don Lynch (text), Ken Marschall (paintings) You *need* this book. "The Last Days of the TITANC", E.E. O'Donnell "TITANIC, Legacy of the World's Greatest Ocean Liner", Susan Wels "The Discovery of the TITANIC", Robert Ballard. David Lombard Rossmoor, Orange County, CA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Shane & Lorna Jenkins Subject: Re: Krivak II Hi Guys, Thanks for all the info on the Krivak II's. I've got one more question, does anyone know about the actual Skywave 1/700 kit ie: what period is it supposed to represent etc. All the best, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Michael Kear Subject: British Ton Class Minesweeper >> Does anyone know of any models available, plans etc? Would appreciate feed back. Regards Rod Hinchco remi@voyager.co.nz << Yes, Rod, in fact we do, at AFP Models, just over the ditch in Sydney. We have a ton class HMAS Gull - the Australian variant. It's 1/48 scale which gives you a model 97cm long (38") with a beam of 16.5cm (6.5"). the kit includes the following: GRP (fibreglass) hull, 2 x Single 40mm Bofors guns 4 x life raft cannisters 2 x Large mushroom vents 11 x mushroom vents 7 x gooseneck vents 2 x Fire hydrants 10 x bollards 12 x bulkhead lights. It's not a complete kit, but all the hard stuff is done for you, leaving you to make the superstructure parts and the internal stuff. All yours for A$140 plus the cost of getting it to you. Cheers, Mike Kear, AFP Models http://www.afp.zip.com.au/models.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: dhjonespsm@juno.com (Daniel H. Jones) Subject: Re IOWA class book. For the gentleman who was looking for the book, IOWA Class Battleships by Robert Sumarall (the posting was a few volumes back and I could not easily locate it) - I just spotted one in a local used book store for the price of 35.00. It is in excellent condition. The total will come to about $42.00 with tax and postage. If you are still looking for this title - e-mail me off the list and I can pick it up for you. Dan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume