Subject SMML04/01/99VOL415 Date: Mon, 04 Jan 1999 23:49:19 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: WEM 1/700 HMS Askold bubbles 2: Re: BATTLESHIP Scharnhorst 3: Re: Blue Water Navy... USS Kidd Kit 4: Re: Blue Water Navy... USS Kidd Kit 5: Online Bookstores 6: Re: Oklahoma City (CLG) 7: KGV Turret tops ca. 1944 8: Re: MB address 9: Availability of 1/350 RMS Queen Mary 10: Re: Revell 1:144 kits 11: Hornet Museum Ship 12: Re: Renwal Shangri-La 13: Re: R/C Yamato 14: RC Yamato 15: 1/1250 USS Albany 16: SPS 40 17: Re: SCHARNHORST 18: Re: Oklahoma City 19: Re: Better Value 20: Colors & rigging. 21: Re: New subscription -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Re: Wanted : Surface radio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Pieter Cornelissen Subject: WEM 1/700 HMS Askold bubbles My WEM HMS Askold arrived yesterday. The model is almost perfect. As I do not own a VCR I can not just look at the castings while watching episodes 3 and 4 of 'Reilly' -:). I have started building her. As it turns out there is one small but potentially serious problem with the kit though. Near the casting gate I discovered a small air bubble. When I tried to sand it a void of about half a cubic centimeter appeared. Had I discovered this later (after painting & detailing) on it would have caused quite serious problems. As this void appeared near the casting gate it may be present on other examples, so if you have purchased an Askold, check thouroughly for small bubbles etc. Anyway, Askold is still the best cruiser kit I have ever seen, I recommend it to everyone. Pieter Cornelissen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Robert J. Mitchell" Subject: Re: BATTLESHIP Scharnhorst The Scharnhorst's are refered to as Battlecruisers as the designers started with the WWI designs for Yorck and Mackensen as a starting point. I would not really rate KGV as being undergunned, over complex turrets being their main fault. they are often refered to as Pengelly's masterpeice. HMS Duke of York got Scharnhorst. It would have been interesting if Scharnhorst had actually had her radar switched on. I've actually wargamed scharnhorst against HMS Renown. that would have been an interesting dual. Scharnhorst has heavier armour, but HMS Renown's fifteen inch shells are three times heavier. All WWII Capital ships suffered from weak horizontal protection to a greater or lesser degree and their is nothing as uncertain as a sea battle Bob Mitchell -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Alberto Rada Subject: Re: Blue Water Navy... USS Kidd Kit Hi Don’t bother, I also bought this kit and one of the parts was missing, I sent them an email , two emails, 3 mails and finally he answered that they where going to send the missing part, after one month waiting with no sight of the postman, I started sending emails again, whereby he answered that the part had been sent, but had no postal code etc. I asked for it to be sent again and do it via feed or similar and I would pay for the part and the postage, that was about 6 months ago, I have not received it and he wont answer the emails, so I finally and sourly gave up. I have to say that this is the only negative experience I have had on this respect, I have bought several models from White Ensign Models and Commander Series Models and whenever a part arrived broken or was missing their response has been immediate and way way more helpful and kind that what you can expect from a normal business transaction. My conclusion I will never again buy a Blue Water Navy model, this is a hobby and its supposed to bring joy to my leisure time, not problems. SALUDOS Alberto -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: James Corley Subject: Re: Blue Water Navy... USS Kidd Kit. >> Help! I opened this kit that I bought several years ago and found that I am missing the Bridge House (resin) and I can't find and address on the web to request a new part. Does anyone have their email address? << Gary, Good luck getting anything from them. I bought a HOUSTON kit which had a warped fwd lower hull (4-piece hull!) and I had been given an extra 5"/25 but was shorted a 1.1" quad.....it took over two years of bitching and moaning, including a public rant on rec.models.scale to get the parts replaced. Mike Bishop refused to replace the parts. First I was accused of having either lost, stolen or destroyed the parts and was trying to "steal" more from his company. The r.m.s. episodes devolved into a series of posts his were always "calm and sane" while I threw "tantrums" and was branded by MB as an "email terrorist!" These usually started when somebody asked if a kit was made and I would list all of those I knew about, except the BWN kits. MB could not understand why I wouldn't endorse, reccomend or even mention his products. After a series of emails with Charlie Parker, I was rewarded with an entire HOUSTON kit, "consider it interest" was what he told me. For a while, I then would mention his kits....I even bought a few more with excellent service (from Charlie, not Mike) at local shows. Well, I was told by Charlie last year that he was no longer to be a part of BWN/MB Models, so there goes the customer servant. If my past experience was an indicator, you will have to throw several "tantrums" and become an "email terrorist" before you get any satisfaction from BWN. JZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Michael Eisenstadt Subject: Online Bookstores Folks: In recent issues of SMML, several list members mentioned a number of on-line bookstores that had particularly good selections of ship-related books for sale. Would any of you be so kind as to repost the names and URLs of these bookstores? Thanks so much for your time and effort! Yours truly, Mike Eisenstadt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: Oklahoma City (CLG) >> Sounds like the OkieBoat (USS Oklahoma City) is finally realizing her fate as razor blades.... :( I had really hoped they could get a drive together and float her up the river to Muskogee to be berthed near the Batfish. Too bad, another WW2 ship, albeit converted, bites the dust. Of course, if she were next to the Hornet (the CV you saw) there may be a small sliver of hope that she'll join the Hornet's museum flotilla. << The latest I have heard is that she is scheduled to be towed from Mare Island to Pearl Harbor this week. From there she goes to a target range for a SinkEx - rumor is that she will be a target for a submarine torpedo. Sorry! Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "mkrumrey" Subject: KGV Turret tops ca. 1944 Does anyone on the SMML have information as to the painting of the turret tops on the KGV in the 1944 scheme? I am using "Warship #11" as my reference, and the author of the article doesn't mention the turret tops in the measure for the ship. I am building the Tamiya 1/350 model, and the directions advise painting the tops "Field Blue". Just wondering if they were in fact painted "Blue". Thanks Mark Krumrey New Richmond Wisconsin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: MB address >> Help! I opened this kit that I bought several years ago and found that I am missing the Bridge House (resin) and I can't find and address on the web to request a new part. Does anyone have their email address? << Mike Bishop address is: MBishop446@aol.com (Mike Bishop) Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Cal Probasco" Subject: Availability of 1/350 RMS Queen Mary Am looking for a 1/350 scale model kit of the Queen Mary. This scale is not in production now. If anyone knows where I can find such a kit, please advise. Currently, only German Revell and Modelcraft produce a 1/600 scale model. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Revell 1:144 kits I have their Type XXI U-boat. The version I have is one of three versions: a "standard" kit, one with interior compartments and fittings (the version I have) and one of The Wilhelm Bauer, a Type XXI that was raised and modified after the war. The WIlhelm Bauer is now a museum ship, the only Type XXI survivor. Overall, the kits are good, but a number of external details are wrong in terms of free flood holes and various fittings. Good reference sources are available to correct these, if desired. Overall, very good kits (better than the American Revell outfit). Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: tomkremer Subject: Hornet Museum Ship James writes: >> I had really hoped they could get a drive together and float her up the river to Muskogee to be berthed near the Batfish. Too bad, another WW2 ship, albeit converted, bites the dust. Of course, if she were next to the Hornet (the CV you saw) there may be a small sliver of hope that she'll join the Hornet's museum flotilla. << Actually Hornet is down at the ex-Alameda Naval Air Station and is now open to the public. I have a friend who is pretty active in the group operating the museum/ship, from what I hear they are having trouble keeping their heads above water. Like the group in New Orleans that had the "Independence" class light carrier they are finding that it is pretty easy to get an old ship and damn hard to maintain it and turn it into an interesting exhibit once you have it. On a related note I recently received a Christmas package from Pacific Front that included, among other things, the GMM photoetch set for US WWII CV/CVE. I am almost done with "Independence" in her guise as a night fighter carrier and this is a kit you really must use photoetch on... the funnel supports, crane and radar masts look *soooo* much better. My best so far, next projects are the Jim Shirley USS San Francisco and the "Prune Barge" USS California circa 1941 (anybody have an unbuilt JSP California they would like to sell?) and then the Tamiya Hornet and Enterprise as per the Doolitle Raid. Best regards, Tom Kremer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "mike.leonard" Subject: Re: Renwal Shangri-La My Shangri-La arrived in the mail yesterday. In excellent shape for a model that I'd guess to be about 25 years old. Everything is intact and the aircraft consist of a pair of A3B Skywarriors and 12 F9F-8 Cougars -- 5 with wings down and 7 with wings folded. Also a helo and 3 Regulus missiles. Best of all are the prices listed on the instructions: #S-600 USS Shangri-La = $2.29 #S-601 USS Noth Carolina = $1.98 #S-602 USS Springfield = $1.49 #S-603 USS King = $1.29 Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Erwin Van Deynze Subject: Re: R/C Yamato >> Is the Battleship Yamato I:200 Injection Molded kit by Nichimo is a radio control ship? If it is who sell it? << >> The 1/200 scale Yamato you speak of is (was) made by Nichimo and it comes ready for radio control conversion as I recall. You should be able to buy it through Hobby Link Japan. << I've seen the kit at Broux in Hasselt, Belgium, a couple of months ago. Broux can be reached at : www.broux.com. Beware though, their site is quit a handful to load, and they even simplified it a bit after they had so many complaints... They handle post orders and their stock is on-line. Erwin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Fredrik Tholander" Subject: RC Yamato I purchased a 1/200 Yamato about a year ago and has sailed her a number of times under RC. I've used two RS 540 electric motors powered by 2 6V/4A dry cells. That kind of power is a it too much as she can, with a fresh battery, be provoced to do probably close to 4-5 kts, lifting her bulb out of the water! I recommend that you install two RS 380, each connected to a single prop, or similar as the gearbox that comes with the kit is probably best left behind. On the water She looks rather nice while still being reasonable(everything is relative as most of us know) easy to bring along. I've also installed RC in Tamiya's 1/350 New Jersey and Enterprise and that also worked out pretty fine although the size of Yamato naturally makes her less affected by winds and waves. The NJ is however just the right size to bring along just about anywhere so that might be something to consider after you have done your Yamato. It's worth building just for the looks people give you when you fetch the package down at the post office:-) Good luck and happy sailing Fredrik Tholander -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: RSlaff2414@aol.com Subject: 1/1250 USS Albany I am rather new to this but I am sendinfding out this notice. I am looking for a Navis 1:1250 USS Albany refitted into the skyscraper guided missle cruiser, circa 1970. My father was captain of this ship then and would like to get one for his birthday. It is the sister of the USS Chicago. Also the Coontz class DLG USS Luce, the Forest Sherman class Davis, or Dealy class Lester, all for the same reason. My dad is the only American to command four surface combatants in this century. I think he deserves to have these as memorabilia. If you have one of these, or the knowledge of where to go I'd appreciate the help. Therefore I am just shotgunning this out to any body. Thanks, Randy Slaff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: SPS 40 I need an SPS 40 and SPS 10 in 1/192 scale. Anyone out there doing these in photo-etch in this scale? Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: PulligS@aol.com Subject: Re: SCHARNHORST With the new interest, can someone tell about the fight with RENOWN in April 40. Also a comparison of the ships at the time. This should be interesting as after the French ships the "R"s must have been the target ships she was designed to fight. Interested in ranges, fire control, comparison of protection, etc. How about if she had of got her 15" guns. If she had of got them would she have been criticized because of the difference in her guns/ armor, such as the WASHINGTON's were. Sam Pullig -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: mitch fisher Subject: Re: Oklahoma City Intersting that someone would want to turn her into a Museum ship after being a target. I used to work for a tugboat company in the Bay Area and towed several targets to/from Port Hueneme, and also out to sea to be shot at. They do a pretty good job of patching the exterior to keep them seaworthy, but inside they are usually pretty tore up from their many hits. They do weapons testing at PH, so they fire various missles at the ships w/o warheads and film the impact with hight speed cameras. Even without explosives they punch a pretty good hole. Mitch -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Chris Davenport" Subject: Re: Better Value Hi All, Jean Paul wrote: >> I would like to suggest that some brave soul try and write a digest of the considered opinion of the group on topics that were discussed at length in SMML, so that we can refer to it without having to browse tens of threaded messages in the archives. A few topics come to mind: * color of the Bismark's turret tops * color of the Graf Spee's decks * etc. Any volunteer? << I think this may a a good idea, with all subject on one particular ship kept with one file. It's something I've been thinking of doing for my own use, so if nobody else wants to take on the job then I'll volunteer. Whoever takes on the job though, will they have the permission of Rusty and John et al to use the information that they post to the list in this manner? Chris -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Damian Pliszka Subject: Colors & rigging. Hi all, I have found interesting camouflage scheme of HMS Belfast in 1942. But... Can you help me with colors what were used in this scheme? There is no information about decks painting. Any suggestions? I'm also looking for detailed rigging schemes for: HMS Belfast, USS Alaska, USS California, IJN Tone. Thanks in advance. Damian Pliszka (POLAND) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: ellison@connection.com Subject: Re: New subscription In responce to Patrick LESAGE, Bonjour mon amis, comment cava? I have plans for the Croiseur Le Georges Leygues in 1/200. I can send a copy to you if you wish? Jon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "Michael C. Smith" Subject: A suggestion for added value... I second Jean-Paul's suggestion - it would be nice to have an on-line archive of research dealing with subjects like these. The recent discussion re: pre-WWII flight deck colors was great, but might be hard for latecomers to pick up on. None of these topics are exactly up my alley as I'm a Pacific War USN type, and I'm not likely to get the sources or time to get into the Atlantic war anytime soon, but I like the idea (and I'm interested in the Graf Spee colors as well). If anyone can suggest Pacific war questions, I'll volunteer to research a question or three for circulation among the group, incorporate the group's suggestions, and someone can decide where we go from there. Michael Smith Marshall, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Darren Scannell Subject: Re: Wanted : Surface radio >> I am looking for a surface (75Mhz) four Channel stick radio - preferably second hand. All of the hobby stores, even the online ones, have lots of air frequencies, but only 2 channel surface (or three channel pistol grip).I also searched ebay.com and buysell.com and none were surface frequency.Anyone in western Canada/north west USA have one to sell? << Not many stores carry the surface channels in Canada (there are only 2 or 3 in Toronto). I had to order a Futaba 4ch from Hobbycraft Ca.. It takes 3-4 weeks to get in. Any good Hobby shop will special order. You don't see too many used radios for sale, but it does happen. The Ace R/C Nautical Commander is popular also ( mainly, I think, because it is easy to modify and made in the US.). >> I want to make my lights light and my whistles whistle! << I also ordered a switcher unit from MCD in Ont. that ties into the radio for these types of functions. It comes in either 8 or 16 channels and uses one radio channel. Most of the guys in the club use them to operate horns, lights, motorized turrets etc.. >> Thanks Malcolm << Good luck Darren -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume