Subject SMML21/12/98VOL401 Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998 23:49:49 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Russian Ship Construction 2: Re: FRAMs 3: Re: Das Boot 4: Re: French Photo Archive 5: Re: Invincible 6: Re: L'Arsenal 7: Profile Morskie Fuso 8: Re: Enterprise photo 9: Re: L'Arsenal address 10: Vosper MTB = PT 73 11: Resin models 12: Re: L'Arsenal and French Subjects 13: Re: FRAM 14: USS Enterprise / HMS Invincible 15: Warning: Be Cautious of Accuracy of Ebay Auction Offerings 16: Delta III class SSBN Dragon 1/700 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: 1/700 Askold released today! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Russian Ship Construction >> Oh, other recent reports indicate that ALL submarine construction work has now ceased in Russia. << Latest reports are that the Typhoon (Tyfun) class SSBNs will be deactivated and scrapped over the next few years. These are contemporaries of the US Ohio SSBN class. The small, fast Alfa's are also all gone, their titanium hulls cut up. There was some information that the Russians were working on a new SSBN class (Borie ?) of subs, but that work may also be stalled with the monetary situation. Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "mike.leonard" Subject: Re: FRAMs I have a photocopy of the FRAM article from Warship, written by Stefan Terzibaschitsch. If anybody would like a copy, contact me (I'll need your mailing address and 64 cents worth of stamps on an SASE if you're in the US; if outside, cost will have to be calculated). Another good reference on the Gearing/Sumner FRAM program is Friedman's "US Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History". Mike Leonard Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: DKrakow105@aol.com Subject: Re: Das Boot To respond to a recent question about the U Boat models used in the move Das Boot, I know that the 1 to 1 scale interior model used for live action shots inside the submarine is an exhibit at the movie studio lot in Munich. At the moment I dont have any other information, but a friend of mine went to see it and reported that visitors can walk through it. David Krakow Frankfurt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: DKrakow105@aol.com Subject: Re: French Photo Archive Does anyone have any information on "ECPA" a military photo archive located in Paris, France. Through an interpreter, I called their main number and asked for information. I was told that they could not connect me to the photo archive unless I could give them the name of a person I wanted to speak to.... Attempts to convince the receptionist of the unreasonableness of this situation were unsucessful. I hope someone can help me around this Catch 22. I have seen WWII naval-subject photos credited to ECPA and they are very nice indeed. Cheers David Krakow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Chris Davenport" Subject: Re: Invincible Hi Caroline and list Members, It's just been announced that Invincible is to leave Portsmouth this week to head to the Gulf in case other actions are to take place early next year. Hopefully I'll be able get some detailed photographs of her taken from the PORT side as she leaves. If anyone may be interested, please let me know. May I take this opportunity to wish all list members a merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Chris Davenport Nr Portsmouth England. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Chris Davenport" Subject: Re: L'Arsenal Hi Jean-Paul, Last address I have for L'Arsenal is: L'Arsenal Boite Postale NO2 14790 Verson France Regards Chris Davenport Nr. Portsmouth England -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: YHSAIO@aol.com Subject: Profile Morskie Fuso To all SMMLers, Since the Naval Institute Press/Conway's has delayed the publishing of the Anatomy of the Ship book on the Fuso (perhaps the delay will enable Hi-Mold to produce a first class Fuso kit to replace the Aoshima pile of plastic dung) I have seen people wondering about Fuso references. I remember seeing in a recent Profile Morskie ad for a monograph on the Fuso. I have not seen it listed in anyone's catalog (Caroline or Bill Gruner, do either one of you have the book in stock?). Has anyone seen a copy of one? Yunchi Hsaio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Enterprise photo >> Just wondering if there are any photos of your Enterprise available to view and where? << Terry, It was about four or five years ago when I built the Enterprise. One of the few photos of is on the Navismagazine site in the photo gallery. The beautiful etched plate cost about $30.00 at the time. Unfortunately there are no close ups of the model. Rusty White Flagship Models inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: L'Arsenal address << I have heard of a small French company named "L'Arsenal", but I cannot find any of their products, even in France (I have just relocated in Paris). Would anybody be able to point me in the direction of a source for a catalog of their products, or even better for their address so that I can contact them directly. Many thanks in advance. Jean-Paul Binot >> Jean-Paul, As a matter of fact, I received a request from L'aArsenal for dealer terms for carrying Flagship Models details. So obviously, they are alive and well. The address is as follows: L'Arsenal B.P. No.2 14790 Verson France Fax: 33.2.31.26.86.58 Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Duane Fowler Subject: Vosper MTB = PT 73 I'm not sure of the accuracy, but the PT73 of McHale's Navy fame was a Vosper, I believe. In fact, the Revell Vosper kit is the same tool as the old PT73 kit. The figures look a lot like the crew from the TV show. Regards, Duane Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Renasiewicz's" Subject: Resin models Dear SMML, With all of the talk these days concerning the influx of new warship models produced from resin moldings, is there a reference source or area to go to concerning the actual methods of construction for these kits. I have viewed several of these kits on the web from numerous manufacturers and would enjoy trying my hand at them. However, the ballgame is substiantially different concerning glues and paints as well as fillers and other available products used to build them. Can anyone shed some light on this particular area of the equation? Respectfully Frank Renasiewicz -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Re: L'Arsenal and French Subjects According to a listing in Fine Scale Modeler, the address for L'Arsenal is: B.P. No. 2, 14790 Verson, France. I hope L'Arsenal will put out resin kits of some neglected French subjects in 1/400, such as the La Galissoniere class light cruisers, the cruiser-minelayer Emile Bertin, the super-destroyers Volta and Mogador, and the super-destroyers of the Le Fantasque class (all of which have been the subject of books from Marines Editions). They say hope springs eternal.... Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: HDente@aol.com Subject: Re: FRAM Regarding FRAM: most were based on the Gearing/Sumner classes. Only 3 or 4 Fletchers recieved FRAM modifications, one being DD-531, the Hazelwood, also the prototype DASH (drone antisub helicopter) conversion. While many Fletchers recieved some sort of modernization, including 3" AA guns and weapon ALFA, FRAM refers to a very specific program authorized in November of '58, and was as follows: FRAM Mk 1-DD 710 class only. ASROC, DASH, and Mk. 32 torpedo tubes added. All guns but 2 twin 5"/38 mounts deleted. Most retained mount 1 and 3. The first 8 conversions (group A) retained 1 and 2. Hedgehog was retained on group A. The bridge was enlarged, and enclosed, incorporating a modular CIC. SQS-23 sonar, SPS-10 and SPS-29, 37, or 40 radar were added, the radar on new tripod masts. All machinery rebuilt. The life of these ships was expected to be extended 8 years. FRAM Mk 2-primarily DD 692 class, with 16 DD 710 included. ALL 5" mounts retained, other guns deleted. DASH and Mk 32 torpedos added, initially with Mk 25 tubes as well, later deleted. sonar was SQS-4 and VDS. Radar as FRAM Mk 1. Hedgehog retained, bridge remained open, but CIC added. Machinery rebuilt. Life expectancy extended 5 years. There was a FRAM Mk. 3, but it was abandoned. As you can see, FRAM was intended to give WW 2 destroyers long range antisubmarine capability, and since DASH was pretty much a failure operationally, it left the 49 FRAM Mk 2 ships without a weapon to match the range of its sensors. Note that these ships had NO antiair capability at all, leading to experiments in Vietnam with Shrike missiles mounted over the ASROC mount, and Army Chapperal missile launchers mounted on the now useless helicopter pad-DASH facilities were too small for any manned helicopter. Robert Sumrall's "Sumner-Gearing-Class Destroyers" has a complete description of FRAM, if you can find a copy-its currently out of print. Harry Dente, RIS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Morley, James (London)" Subject: USS Enterprise / HMS Invincible I agree with Bill Code (Tamiya should have done Nimitz, not Enterprise) absolutely. I think I made the same comments in a posting a couple of months ago. Sadly, given the lack of money in Japan, and the lack of mass-market interest in 1/350 scale capital ships (too large for most people, I think) it is massively unlikely that this gap will ever be filled. Personally I think that they would sell a surprising number of these kits, and I don't think that it would be a loser at all. On which subject, the only 1/350 resin kit of a modern aircraft carrier (not incl Tarawa) - HMS Invincible, is in danger of not making it off the slips due to lack of expressed interest (SMML passim). I'm sure that this is not really the case, so how about anybody who's likely to buy it coming forward now and contacting Caroline or Dave at WEM. James Morley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From : Greg Lee (De-commissioned SMML Listmaster) Subject : White Stuff again, and South Park During Buliding. Note from Shane: This is a public apology to Greg, as I missed his letter below, which was sent as part of a private message to me. That's what I get for not reading his mail properly. Especially when I read it & saw his comments :-((. Anyway, I'm very sorry Greg. A now very humble Asst Listmaster Hi Gang, Well, This is my first post as a Reader, and I must say I am really enjoying the break so far, SMML is a great read. *A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE* For Shane who has had a very successful first week on the job - Keep up the good work! As for me, well, I am building better than ever. I have about 8 kits on the go at the moment :-) During my sitting last night however, I over did it a little with some C.A. (Thanks to Eric Cartman, South Park sure aint the show you watch while building:-), and this morning, I have the white "Hoop-a-joop" again. Now somebody told us about this once before, was it rubbing alcohol to get that off? Greg "No Kitty, This is my Pot-Pie!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: RCClem@aol.com Subject: Warning: Be Cautious of Accuracy of Ebay Auction Offerings As some of you may know, I am very interested in warships of any navy from the period between 1880 to 1910. Especially, the US Navy ships Olympia, Oregon BB--3, and the first Maine (ACR-1). Anyway, I spend too much time cruising the auction site www.ebay.com, looking for good original photos of these ships. I've only found one worth buying and I was totally satisfied with it. However, I have found several photos mis-identified and, therefore, they were misrepresented to possible buyers. The most common mistake I've seen has been to present the USS Maine, BB-10, as the ACR-1 USS Maine, which blew up in the harbor of Havana, Cuba on February 15, 1898. There were relatively few good photos taken of the first Maine, but a substantial number were taken of the later. The differences should be readily apparent. The first Maine had only 2 stacks and had its two turrets mounted off the centerline (Starboard forward and Port abaft). The USS Maine BB-10, commissioned 4 years after the loss of the first Maine, had 3 stacks and had its turrets mounted on the centerline. I've also found pictures of the armored cruiser New York labled as the Olympia. To be fair, all of the sellers, upon being notified of the facts, have revised their descriptions in time for buyers to decide. My point is that one should look carefully before buying. Happy Solstice from Longitude 87 deg, 55 min West; Latitude 41 deg, 45 min North. Sunrise 07:16; Sunset 16:24 Central Standard Time (local time). Elapsed daylight = 9 hours, 8 minutes. Way too short for me. But hey, it beats Whitehorse, Yukon! (No offense) Roger Clemens Hinsdale, Illinois -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Shane Subject: Delta III class SSBN Dragon 1/700 Hi all, Since I've nearly completed the Krivak I'm building, I thought I'd try Dragons 1/700 Delta III class SSBN as a quick project & was wondering how accurate were the colours supplied on the instruction sheet by Dragon are? This looks to be a nice easy kit to make over Christmas, only 14 parts :-). Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: 1/700 Askold released today! The WEM 1/700 Askold is out as of Sunday pm.. finally! We ran out of 10 thou plastic rod but will be processing and shipping all day tomorrow... The price is 38.25 pounds, post free worldwide which includes a large photoetched etched brass set. http://whiteensignmodels.simplenet.com/askold/askbras.jpg What does she look like?? Click on below for Page 9 of the instructions. http://whiteensignmodels.simplenet.com/askold/askcol.jpg For a look at the complete picture...click on the following URL. http://whiteensignmodels.simplenet.com/askold/askold.htm You'll have to be quick though to beat the WEM Chrsitmas closedown.. we go offline Tuesday lunchtime for 2 weeks!! Cheers! Caroline and Dave C. White Ensign Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume