Subject SMML23/12/98VOL403
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 1998 00:08:19

shipmodels@tac.com.au

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MODELLERS INDEX

1: USS SALEM (CA-139) Resin 1/350 Model
2: Re: Book Wanted
3: 1:700 USS Tarawa update?
4: Re: IPMS-USA magazines
5: Christmas in Atlanta Land
6: Carrier deck marking decals etc.
7: Model of FF Bronstein? and Sealine kits
8: Re: Weapon Alpha
9: Re: WEAPON ALPHA
10: Re: IPMS(USA) magazines
11: Better Fuso
12: WEM Christmas Greetings
13: Re: FRAM/HMS Invincible colours
14: Re: Weapon ALFA
15: Re: "FRAM"
16: Re: Holiday Greetings
17: Re: Weapon Alpha
18: Re: Weapon Alpha
19: Re: Weapon Alpha
20: Modelling clubs
21: Navy Log

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TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX

1: Re: 1/144 warship hulls & plans request

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MODELLERS

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1)
From: "Sheridan, John" <SheridanJ@hanscom.af.mil>
Subject: USS SALEM (CA-139) Resin 1/350 Model

>> My resin kit of the SALEM arrived today from Classic Warships, and it looks very good. Patience has indeed paid off. Naturally, its length makes my 1/350 SOUTH DAKOTA look like a cruiser rather than a battleship. <<

 The decals aren't so bad either <grin>.  <------(shameless plug here)

 This is going to be an excellent model once built. I cannot wait for my model to show-up at the front door. Lucky for me that the USS Salem is close by so that I have a 1:1 scale model to use as a reference...<grin>.

 Speaking of the size of the SALEM, here's some numbers to compare her by:

 Iowa Class Battleships:

 LOA : 887'
 BEAM: 108'

 ALASKA Class Cruisers

 LOA : 808'
 BEAM: 90'

 North Carolina Class Battleships:

 LOA : 728'
 BEAM: 108'

 ************************************************
 Des Moines Class Cruisers:

 LOA : 716'
 BEAM: 76'
 ************************************************

 South Dakota Class Battleships:

 LOA : 680'
 BEAM: 108'

 Baltimore Class Cruisers:

 LOA : 673'
 BEAM: 69'

 Cleveland Class Cruiser:

 LOA : 608'
 BEAM: 63'

 As you can see, the SALEM is approx. 36' longer than the South Dakota. However, she's a full 92' shorter than the ALASKA class cruisers which were real monsters. The only thing larger than a ALASKA (excluding Aircraft Carriers) were the IOWA-Class Battleships. 

 John Sheridan @ Microscale Decals http://www.microscale.com
 If I'm talking Decals, then i'm talking for Microscale, Otherwise I am speaking for myself.
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2)
From: Tom & Carolyn Harrison <Tomsmodelworks@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Book Wanted

 HELP SMML members,

 We are looking for a paper back book on Escort Carriers. The title is "Fleet Air Arm in Focus Part 1" by D.A.Hobbs and published by Maritime Books. ISBN #0-907771-45-9

 Thank you all for your support of the cottage market. Without your support we would not be in business. We at Tom's Modelworks would like to wish you all a Happy Holidays and New Year.

 Tom
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3)
From: "Les Dorr Jr." <ldorr@CapAccess.org>
Subject: 1:700 USS Tarawa update?

 Planning to resume construction on the Revell-Germany kit of USS Tarawa (LHA-1). Kit represents the ship as commissioned.

 I'd like to update the kit to reflect Tarawa's current configuration. Anyone have any details on what needs to be changed?

 Les
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4)
From: dhjonespsm@juno.com
Subject: Re: IPMS-USA magazines

>> Note from Shane:

 Good guess Nat. The issues concerned are as follows:

 Fletcher class DD Pt 1 Vol 15/2 Winter 1979 pp 78
 Fletcher class DD pt 2 Vol ?
 Sumner class DD  Vol 16/2 winter 1980 pp 79 
 Mahan class DD Vol 16/4 Summer 1981, pp 208
 Gearing class DD Pt 1 Vol 17/3 Spring 82 pp 42  
 Gearing Class DD Pt 2 Vol 17/4 Summer 82 pp 44
 Buckley Class DE Vol 18/2 Winter 82 pp 34

 Also around the same period, there appears to be some ship articles written by Nat. I'll have to read up on the Quarterlies & while we're on the subject :-). <<

 Nat did a 4 part series on WW II British destroyers, for which Larry Gertner did the plans, and both Larry and I contributed photos. This series, and the above articles were published during the period when I served as IPMS-USA Quarterly editor.

>> Seeing as Lorna & I have "taken custody" of APMA's exchange mags, can someone >enlighten me about IMPS(USA) magazines. we have "the Quarterly, "The Journal" & >"Update". Were these mags separate or were they just name changes? <<

 They were separate. Originally IPMS USA was a branch of the UK based IPMS Society and received the UK publication. Then the decision was made to publish a magazine for American members, called the IPMS-USA Quarterly. Due to the infrequency of its arrival it was felt that some sort of "newsletter" was needed - planned to be published in "off months" to keep IMPS members up to date on new kits and club business. Thus the "Update was born, published 6 times a year. The first issues were in the planned newsletter format, but a new editor took over and redesigned the newsletter into a small magazine with articles as well as news. This state of affairs continued for many years, with IPMS-USA members actually receiving 10 magazines for their yearly dues. What a deal!

 I served as editor of the Update for 1 year, and the Quarterly for 4 years. I guess you could call it good OJT for the magazine I do now - Plastic Ship Modeler. One thing I brought to the table when editing the Quarterly - there was a ship related article in every issue while I had it. I tried to cover all aspects of the hobby, not just wings and tracks.  

 After IMPS left Denver and moved to Omaha there were some serious financial difficulties (caused by some bad management decisions together with lower member renewals) resulting in a crisis situation for the society. In an effort to cut costs the Quarterly and Update concepts were scrapped and replaced with the "Journal". This magazine is published 6 times a year and is designed to incorporate features from both previous magazines. It is slick and even has color inside (something we could never afford to do, although I did introduce color covers on the Quarterly). 

 In terms of quantity of material there is a lot less in the Journal than in the old Quarterly and Update magazine system, but now there are many commercial sources (including mine) to fill the voids. In terms of references, it is a pretty good time to be a modeler.

 This is of course a very brief and simplified account of events in IPMS-USA. 

 Merry Christmas to everyone, and especially to our listmasters.  

 SMML is the best newsgroup on the NET!  

 Daniel Jones
 Plastic Ship Modeler magazine 
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5)
From: Vimieraa@aol.com
Subject: Christmas in Atlanta Land

 Chritmas has come early this year: I have just been shown an advance proof copy of Glenn Arnold's new book on the Atlanta class cruisers. I have never seen such a superb collection of never before seen photos of these beautiful ships. Along with much new data is the camouflage pattern in color of the Atlanta as she appeared in June 1942 at the battle of Midway. And surprise, surprise there is a fully detailed set of plans of the San Diego as she appeared in 1944 after refit. The plans are given as a separate fold out sheet at large scale,so there is no loss of detail. Modellers will love this.

 Can Glenn Arnold tell us when the book will actually be available?
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6)
From: "FERNANDO, YOHAN" <YOHAN.FERNANDO@Bain.com>
Subject: Carrier deck marking decals etc.

 Hello fellow SMMLies,

 I am looking for US carrier deck marking decals suitable for the Corsair Armada 1/700 Ranger (built as in 1944). This would include the dashed lines along the deck as well as the large hull numbers on the flight deck. Also interested in finding suitable aircraft (I believe she had F6Fs for training at this time.) The generic Waterline US Carrier planes set only includes Dauntlesses, Avengers and Wildcats if I'm correct. Can anyone make any recommendations for either of the two?

 Thanks and happy holidays!

 Yohan Fernando
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7)
From: jpoutre@lehman.com (Joseph Poutre)
Subject: Model of FF Bronstein? and Sealine kits

 Hi all,

 Firstly, I'm wondering if there is a model in 1/700 of the FF USS Bronstein.

 Second, I have a Sealine model of USS Long Beach on order from Pacific Front. I was wondering if anyone out there had built this model, or any Sealine model and could tell me about their quality and detail. Also, is there a listing somewhere of their kits? Once I receive the model, I'll let you all know how it is.

 Thanks in advance,
 Joe Poutre
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8)
From: Pieter Cornelissen <clementi@mediaport.org>
Subject: Re: Weapon Alpha

>> Since we are talking about Fletcher FRAM conversions... Does anyone know of an aftermarket or add-on kit that provides a Weapon Alpha in 1/700th scale?? <<

 I know of only one Weapon Alpha. It's in the extra 'FRAM' sprue on Skywave's USS Fletcher, which is very hard to obtain, at least in Europe.

 I don't know how accurrate ist is.

 Pieter Cornelissen
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9)
From: John Burch <burchj@erols.com>
Subject: Re: WEAPON ALPHA

 Not an aftermarket or add-on kit, Skywave's 1/700 USN Destroyer Fletcher-class - DD792 Callaghan (SW-800) includes a Weapon Alpha, along with various other parts to construct either a WWII or post war Fletcher; round bridge or square bridge versions. The basic kit has a slightly modified hull and 5" gun mounts from Skywave's original Fletcher (now out of production). One difficulty with the kit, if one wishes to build a post war Fletcher, is that there are no directions for the post war configurations included; it is left as an excercise to the modeler to do the research on a specific ship, and do the kit-bashing to recreate it. Additionally, most post war Fletchers, including the DDEs with Weapon Alpha, replaced the 40 mm quad mounts (not on a one-to one basis) with the twin 3"/50, which is not included in the kit (but MK 56 FC radar for it is included).

 The Skywave E06 Equiment for US Navy Ship WW2 (out of production) includes two twin 3"/50s. MK 32 ASW TTs also have to be added, for most post war Fletchers, as in the Sixties.

 I just bought two of the Callaghan kits from Pacific Front Hobbies for $12, each. For that price you get a nice little kit along with lots of parts for the spares box. I had bought three of the same kit years ago (and set them aside because of the lack of guidance on the post war configuration), and am now using the parts from the five kits as part of an upgrade to a bunch (17) of Skywave Fletchers I built 20 years ago, including repainting with the Polly Scale camouflage colors and replacing round bridge with square bridge, as req'd. I'm also using the basic kits to do some post war Fletchers. The first one completed is MULLANY (DD 528), a four gun Fletcher as in 1963 in WESTPAC. Coincidentally, I plan to do a Fletcher DDE with Weapon Alpha and pole mast,[ CONY (DDE 508)] for a buddy who served in her in the mid Sixties. Some where along the line I plan to scratchbuild NORFOLK (DL 1) in 1/700 scale using the Callaghan's Weapon Alpha (either two or four, depending on the time frame modeled) but so far I have been put-off by the need to scratchbuild the NORFOLK's four 3"/70 gun mounts.

 Cheers,
 John A. Burch
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10)
From: Richa5011@aol.com
Subject: Re: IPMS(USA) magazines

>> Seeing as Lorna & I have "taken custody" of APMA's exchange mags, can someone enlighten me about IPMS(USA) magazines. We have "the Quartely, "The Journal" & "Update". Were these mags separate or were they just name changes? <<

 For many years IPMS USA produced two publications:

 Update was mostly IPMS news and events, kit reviews, results of the Nationals etc.This magazine was published six times per year.

 Quarterly contained longer, more detailed articles and was generally a reference source.

 So there were a total of 10 publications sent to each member every year.

 In the mid-80's IPMS USA experienced some severe finanical problems and it was decided to cease publication of the Quarterly and Update and to combine the two publications into the current Journal format as a new publication.

 IPMS USA is now in great financial shape and the Journal continues to be a great reference source.

 Nat
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11)
From: "Lester Abbey" <lester@abbey.co.nz>
Subject: Better Fuso

 Recently there was a wish expressed that Hi mold would release a decent kit of the Fuso to replace the "Aoshima piece of dung". I am posting this to say that this is very likely to happen this year - for the following reason:

 Whenever I attempt a "silk purse out of a sows ear" project - building an accurate and decent model out of a poor quality kit - a better quality kit is invariably released within two months of completion. Some notable Examples: Aoshima Nagato, Waveline Oi, Fujimi Tone, Fujimi Akitsuki.

 I am now working on the Fuso and am putting lots of work inot it just to get it right.
When I finish it will almost certainly cause High Mold or Tamiya or somebody to release a far superior kit. 

 Lester Abbey
 Wellington
 New Zealand
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12)
From: "Caroline Carter" <xdt22@dial.pipex.com>
Subject: WEM Christmas Greetings

 Fare thee well, my SMMLlie friends, till 1999... may you and yours have a splendid Christmas and a happy and successful New Year.  Many thanks in partic. to Greg for his hard work re. the list, and luv to Shane n Lorna for carrying the flag till Greg's return.. will he, won't he?

 Anyhow, remember we are closed until the 8th January.. so...  till then... 

 Lotsaluv

 Caroline and Dave and The Team at WEM
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13)
From: CBNJBB62@aol.com
Subject: Re: FRAM/HMS Invincible colours

 Dear Sir: 

I have the following suggestions for books concerning Fram conversion

 1. FLETCHER CLASS DD's by Squadron signal co.
 2. FLETCHER CLASS Destroyers,USNI Press
 3. SUMNER-GEARING -CLASS Destroyers USNI Press

 Of these the first listed is least expensive.

 As far as an ALPHA Weapon goes they are provided in the SKYWAVE M-1 Callaghan kit.
 
 Lastly as far as H.M.S. INVINCIBLE was painted this is my best guess after comparing color photos to the Skywave paint guide and then to my paint color chip set it looks the hull and superstructure was a close W.W.II PollyS Pale- gray 5-P with the flight deck a PollyS RLM-74 dark gray with white lines go the length and width of the flight and in the right stern corner is the ship I.D. letter "N" also white. Now there is a black stripe that runs from the ski-ramp to the stern that looks like SC Black 66 from PollyS and each side is a thin white line. My color chip set is a piece of paper that as I buy new paint I make a square and paint it and write  it's name next to it. Helps make inventory easier after the labels fade out.

 I got a question, every now then a term is used that I don't understand. What's BTW mean?

 Sincerely
 Craig Bennett

 Note from Shane: BTW means "by the way"
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14)
From: Ed Grune <efgrune@flash.net>
Subject: Re: Weapon ALFA

 for Ralph B. - Weapon ALFA is included in the Skywave CALLAGHAN kit (W-1).

 If you don't have access to one of these kits, contact me off the list & I'll send you the pieces

 Ed
 Happy Holidays to All!
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15)
From: "Bill & Kaja Michaels" <billkaja@pop.tiac.net>
Subject: Re: "FRAM"

>> FRAM stood for Fleet Rehabilitaion And Modernisation, which was a ship life extension program. <snip>  I'm now awaiting a flood of info from the list :-). <<

 I worked on the FRAM project for the US Coast Guard's Hamilton-class Cutters in the late 80's-early 90's. My CO always said: "You Rehabilitate drunks --- you Renovate ships!"

 More of a trickle than a flood............!

 Bill

 Give them time Bill, it's Christmas after all :-).

 Shane
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16)
From: John Snyder <John_Snyder@macnexus.org>
Subject: Re: Holiday Greetings

 In case something keeps me away from the keyboard in the next couple of days, I just wanted to take time to wish all on the list a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Channukah) and Happy New Year from Snyder & Short Enterprises. The reception of our line of paint chips has been very gratifying, and we hope that all who have purchased them are happy with the product.

 Speaking of chips, Randy and I spent a few hours in the cold yesterday painting chips for the USN Set 2: 10 colors done so far--nearly 3,000 chips. A couple more weeks should see them ready to ship. After that, on to getting the RN colors matched and mixed.

 Again, Happy Holidays to all,

 John Snyder
 Snyder & Short Enterprises
 The [semi-frozen] Paint Guys
 Sacramento [where it was 19F last night], sunny? California

 John, I'll be thinking off you here in Oz where it's 25C  :-))

 Shane
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17)
From: YHSAIO@aol.com
Subject:  Re: Weapon Alpha

  Ralph Batykefer wrote:

>> Since we are talking about Fletcher FRAM conversions... Does anyone know  of an aftermarket or add-on kit that provides a Weapon Alpha in 1/700th  scale??? <<

 I believe that the 1/700 Skywave Fletcher (in its various incarnations) provides a Weapon Alpha as well as a modern bridge and other post 1950's fittings. I guess that Skywave was planning to release a modern Fletcher, thus the inclusion of the parts, but they never got around to it.  

 Yunchi Hsaio
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18)
From: Jowfx@webtv.net (John Fox)
Subject: Re: Weapon Alpha

 Skywave's USS Callaghan includes a Weapon Alpha as well as alternate bridge conversions to model post war Fletchers.
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19)
From: Rick Heinbaugh <heinbau@gte.net>
Subject: Re: Weapon Alpha

>> Since we are talking about Fletcher FRAM conversions... Does anyone know of an aftermarket or add-on kit that provides a Weapon Alpha in 1/700th scale??? <<

 There is a good one in the second Skywave kit, released in Japan (1983-ish) as kit #SP-1, JMSDF Ariake, and later in the US as #W-1, DD792 Callaghan. This kit is improved in all ways from the old "two-in-a-green-box" Skywave Fletchers.

 The 01 level forward is stetched forward to the proper measurement, the 5" guns were re-done a little better, the directors were improved (but still benefit from PE), nicer 20mms and several other sundry improvements to the WW II round-bridge Fletcher were included.  Additionally, the WW II square bridge with the short director is included.

 As a bonus, we have some post war bridge options, a tripod mast, a Weapon Alpha and some too-large fixed hedgehog mounts.

 This kit is definitely the right starting point for a post war Fletcher.

 Rick Heinbaugh
 Seattle, WA
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20)
From: Shane
subject: Modelling clubs

 Hi Gang,

 Dan & Nat have supplied us with one of the many excellant reasons to join a modelling club & that is the "in house" magazines that most clubs produce & recieve from other clubs. These magazines usually cover a lot of material & can be a boon to modellers, who can't find what they want in the commercial magazines. 

 Now, if I'm preaching to the converted, I apologise. But after glancing thru APMA's collection of exchange magazines, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of ship modelling articles & reviews, amongst other items. While we may be lucky & have a lot of ship modelling resources on the net, not everyone can access the net for one reason or another. These people only have commercial magazines(if that) to rely on, if they are not a member of a club.

 Now, I know there are horror stories about modelling clubs. But if you are not a member of any club, try one & hopefully you'll won't be disappointed.

 Also thank you Dan, for the nice words about SMML. I reckon PSM is a good read too :-).

 Shane

 Ps: over the next couple of days SMML may be either early or late, as since Lorna is half hungarian, I get to celebrate "Hungarian Christmas" which is celebrated Christmas Eve, which means I get to open presents early :-).
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21)
From: "mkrumrey" <mkrumrey@frontiernet.net>
Subject: Navy Log

 Happy Holidays to all on the list:  

 Does anybody remember a T.V. show from the '50's called "Navy Log"? I think it only ran for one season. It had a real rousing "bumper theme"; and I think it (the show) was a half hour long, and usually dealt with some crisis between men on ship during WWII, (naturally) vice focussing on a particular battle. There was one episode I remember of two brothers, one was in the German Navy, the other was in the U.S. Navy and was a blimp commander providing escort duties in the atlantic, naturally the other brother was a U-boat commander, and, if memory serves me correct, the U.S Navy brother depth charged the U-boat that was commanded by his brother, a rather touching story. I was probably 6 or 7 at the most so I don't remember much about it. The end of the show, had an overhead shot of an Essex class carrier with the crew spelling NAVY LOG on the flight deck, and the music was a male choir singing, "Almighty Father Strong to Save". I was just curious if anyone else remembers the show, and that particular episode, and if there was any truth in it.  No one I have ever met remembers the show except my dad.

 Regards
 Mark Krumrey
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TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD

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1)
From: MDeskin@aol.com
Subject: Re: 1/144 warship hulls & plans request

 I have a source for 1/144th scale fiberglass warship hulls.

 Everything from super-battleships to destroyers, and even a submarine!! I am looking for sources for the details like ladders, anti-aircraft mounts, and radar arials!!!

 I am also very interested in obtaining plans for any French warships, or troopships during the time frame of 1900-1946.

 Thanks!!
 Mikey
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End of Volume