Subject: SMML30/01/99VOL441 Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 16:32:58 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: What's to see around L'Orient 2: WEM Narrow Seas 3: Re: HobbyLink Japan 4: Re: Paint shades 5: Re: new IJN CA kit 6: Re: Resin manufacture query 7: Ahoy Frank Beer! 8: 1/250 railings 9: Re: MINSK, etc. 10: HobbyLink Japan 11: Card model Torpedo boat 12: Re: camo colors 13: Re: WHITLEY BOOK 14: Re: New to resin model building 15: Re: Hobby Link Japan 16: Re: Brooklyn Class 17: Re: Hobby Link Japan 18: LEE 1/550 Titanic kit: In box review 19: Re: Hobby Link Japan 20: Answers to Chris's contest -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Ensign & Man o'war -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Ed Grune Subject: What's to see around L'Orient Hello all. A buddy of mine from work as a temporary assignment for the month of February installing a new E-2C "HAWKEYE" trainer for the French Navy at the base at L'Orient. I told him that I'd check to see if there are museums or historical sites associated with the former German U-boat base there. Can anybody on the list help me with that information? Thanks in advance Ed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Ed Grune Subject: WEM Narrow Seas I wanted to drop a quick note to thank Caroline and the folks at WEM for their quick reponse to my sales order. The package arrived fine. As far as a quick "in the bag" review [ no box here], the WEM 73' MTB in 1/350 is very well done, and is molded crisply. It looks to be a very good kit for someone who would like to try their hand at resin & brass ship modeling. The railings are faily straight forward - there are no intricate bends. What bends there are in the brass are 90 degrees for the guns. I'd also like to point out for the interest of the List, that on WEM's yellow price list/catalogue sheet inserted in the box there was mention of upcoming releases in 1999 of additional Narrow Seas subjects - "principly German, US, British, and Italian." I sure hope that there is an 80 foot ELCO in my future. Ed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "FERNANDO, YOHAN" Subject: Re: HobbyLink Japan I've ordered from HobbyLink Japan on two or three occasions and have been happy with their service. I believe that there are only a small number of people who work there and that a large amount of emails sent to them go unanswered- they seem to rely on their automated email notification system more. After placing an order on-line, you should get an email confirming your order, and then another one when it gets shipped. If something is back-ordered, you'll also get periodic emails about the status of the order. Everyone I've spoken to has also had good experiences ordering from them. Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: Re: Paint shades The answer to the problem of colour chips is, yes they are useful BUT ONLY AS A GUIDE. People who talk about scale effect, weather conditions etc are right. Perception and how it changes with age and sex are also vital. So is what colours are next to each other. Official chips and paint company replicas are also suspect. The paint mix varied from yard to yard and between batches (it still does). Use chips by all means but don't treat them as gospel. Finally, if anyone is interested, I picked up an article in a model railway magazine (I bought the magazine because the article was so good). This covers colour and how it is perceived and can be said to be the last word on the subject. OK it looks at comments from the model railway field but they can equally be applied to the ship modelling arena. I can e-mail a copy to whoever is interested. With regard to physical details I agree with you whole-heartedly, they should be as accurate as possible but with colour it really is a case of if it looks right. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: new IJN CA kit I just heard from Mike Bishop at MB Models. He will be releasing the first 1/350 IJN cruiser on the market. It will be a kit of the Furutaka as seen at Savo Island 1942. No price given. BWN email is MBishop446@aol.com. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Resin manufacture query Jon Warneke said: >> Another piece of info that we've come to find out is that history seems to be the biggest determination of the future success of a kit. ...if the ship had a key role in some battle as it screamed positive inspiration to the ships around it, then it probably will be built. << I'm not doubting anyone, but if that's the case, why has no one done any 1/350 IJN Carriers? Talk about history!!! Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: Ahoy Frank Beer! Hi SMMLlies, If anyone out there has got the E-Mail of ship modeller Frank Beer (Aussie from Glengarry), could you please let me have it... I have an important message but no E-Mail and a letter will take at least 10 days.. he only sent his mailing address.. Cheers! Caroline Carter WEM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Ernst-Bernhard Kayser Subject: 1/250 railings Hi there, I am building a kit by a German company called Wilhelmshavener Modellbaubogen. The ship is a freighter, the "Solingen". I am quite pleased with the overall looks of my ship especially considered that all the parts are paper cut outs. However to make it look even better I would like to replace the printed-on-paper railings and ladders with something more convincing. The scale of the model is 1/250, kind of a standard for paper models. This is the point where the accumulated wisdom of you SMMLers might come in handy. 1. Does anyone out there know where I can get 1/250 railing? I already looked for photoetch at the usual places (GMM, Tom's Modelworks, WEM) but couldn't find what I need. 2. If push comes to shove, what is the least painful way to scratch build such railings and ladders? 3. Other details that cry out for replacement are the winches which operate the loading booms. In the kit they are merely printed onto the deck. My problem is that I don't know how the real thing looks like. Can anyone direct me to a good picture of such a winch? Your help would be very much appreciated Bernhard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Katz, Gene S" Subject: Re: MINSK, etc. To answer RCClem (and a few other offline inquiries): No, I am not now nor was I ever a congressman, state assemblyman, senator or any other politico of that ilk. I was single at the time and the lady of the other part was married to a high level official of the state of . . . (Wouldn't you like to know!!) Interesting story of the MINSK's demise. By the way, the airshow was great, as was the rest of my weekend in beautiful Austin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Michael Connelley Subject: HobbyLink Japan Hello: Yes, it would seem that HLJ has fallen off the edge of the world, much like Hobbypage. HLJ used to post the next time they expected to update the web site, and many moons ago this actually happened on a weekly basis. Now it seems they have given up on updating thier web site any time soon. However, it does seem that there is still someone there. Occasionally there are minor changes to the web site, so if you order something (or send an angry letter like me) you'll probably get a response. Chances are they're still really busy, underfunded and understaffed. If you can't get through to HLJ, or would like to ask a question or two before ordering something, may I recommend Rainbow Ten. They have a lot of what HLJ has, especially from the major producers, for the same prices. Since Rainbow Ten does much less business via the internet, they have always fully answered my emails by the next day. In contrast, I once (and only once!) asked HLJ how much it'd cost to ship the Nichimo 1/200 Yamato kit to the US via UPS, and they simply replied with what's posted on thier web page for regular kits, seemingly upset that I didn't read the web page before writing. However that ain't no regular kit....it's the size of a small desk! Anyway, I digress. Rainbow Ten is always quick to fill orders, mostly since everything on thier web page is in stock (and updated daily), and if they don't have it they can get it pretty quick. Anyway, here's the URL: http://www.wbs.or.jp/bt/models/english/ Check them out. Cheers Mike Connelley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Geoff Smith Subject: Card model Torpedo boat A couple of weeks ago, during a search for something else entirely, I came across and downloaded, a card kit sample of V108, a German V105 class Torpedo boat of 1915. This looks good and when printed out agrees with the given length and beam for the original ship. However, despite reading Destroyers by Anthony Preston and various searches on WWW, I've come across nothing related to this ship or class. Does anyone know of reference material (photos) etc. either hard copy or WWW based? I would really appreciate any guidance. I should add that I've also made the same request on MARHST-L, not out of doubts over the list's abilities, purely to widen the spread of my request. Regards, Geoff Smith -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: SantMin@aol.com Subject: Re: camo colors >> A friend read to me, from a photo copy of an offical USN document, that the Plunkett was to have had a "expiremental" camouflage pattern, consisting of the following colors: light gray, thayer blue, pale green, pink, and mauve(purple-gray). All of this, as unbelieveable as it may sound, was to have been done in early to mid 1942, on the east coast, possibly at the New York, or Philadelpha Naval Yards. Can anyone come up with any evidence of this, PHOTOS? << I don't know about that one but I do remember reading that it was found that the ABSOLUTE BEST camo color for aircraft was PINK. It was the hardest to see in all conditions. They just couldn't get pilots to fly pink airplanes. cheers, Bob Santos -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Baker Subject: Re: WHITLEY BOOK I had the unhappy task of reading the Whitley book on WW II battleships in final draft form and strongly recommended to the USNI Press that they not buy it because of the extremely poor writing style, lack of proper grammar, the frequent technical errors, and the lack of balance in the presentation of information (Whitley is fixated on armor, which by WW II was no longer much of a criterion for the utility of a battleship). The author had not even bothered to check the spellings of the names of the ships and had gotten several wrong. I did not, however, see either the photos or the line drawings (if any), so I can't comment on whether they would be very good, except to say that in previous Whitley books the quality has been only marginal and that Arms and Armour Press (the Brit publisher originating the project) normally prints their photos muddy). I also felt that the book would tend to hurt the sales of other, far, far better USNI Press books on the self-same subject and that there were also far superior books available from other publishers. But, the rule is "anything about battleships sells to small boys," so they ignored my advice and published it anyway. Be warned. A.D. Baker, III -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: William Schnakenberg Subject: Re: New to resin model building >> I recently purchased a 1/350 resin model with a mindset to try this medium, vice plastic. So I need all the help I can get! I am a total novice with glues needed for resin building and want to approach this with some knowledge of what types of glues to use and are available. Also do they have applicators for gluing very small parts? I would like assistance with books, procedures, tools, recommended glues and resin fillers, you or others can recommend for someone just getting started. I have limited experience with metal parts and have always made details from plastic. I take my time in building models and therefore storage of glues is important << Go to my site in the Sig line below. I am new to resin kits and took a beginners approach to the building of my first one. Click on the "Review of the Model" link on the Home page. There's also a "Warship" link on that page for other reviews, techniques and further links to ship modeling.. The USS Salem, CA-139. The World's only preserved Heavy Cruiser, Quincy, MASS. http://members.xoom.com/ltwes329/salem.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Rowland Subject: Re:Hobby Link Japan I do business with Hobbylink and have been very happy with the customer service. They botched up one order and when I pointed it out to them they quickly made it right. I also like how they update your order status weekly, almost makes up for having to wait forever for your kits to come in. Jason Rowland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Cadman Subject: Re: Brooklyn Class >> Is there a book about Brooklyn class light cruiser with plans, photos and characteristic of each one of them? << The only ones I know of are; U.S. Cruisers : An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman, A. D., III Baker (Illustrator) American Cruisers of World War II by Steve Ewing US Naval Vessels 1943 a WWII reprint None of which focuses totally on the Brooklyn class, there are several excellent plans available from the Floating Drydock including; USS Brooklyn CL40 1945 USS Philadelphia CL41 1944 USS Savannah CL42 1945 USS Nashville CL43 1945 USS Honolulu CL48 1943 USS Helena CL50 1943 (actually a separate class but related) I have the Nashville set in 1/96 and the Honolulu in 1/192 and they are well worth the money. Cadman's Home page at http://www.kc.net/~cadman/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Hobby Link Japan Roberto: I got a couple of kits from Hobby Link Japan last month. Emailed the order, had to phone in my credit card number onto a voicemail. They emailed they had received the card number. It took about a week for them to get one of the kits in stock. They emailed me when they sent it out, and I got it a week later. All in all, I was very satisfied and will do business with them again. The best part is that the prices are better than they are here in the states. But you have to watch the exchange rate. I ordered when the rate was 120 yen to the dollar. While I was waiting, the rate went down to about 116, but it went back up to 120 when the transaction occurred. I looked back and found the best exchange rate this past summer was 140, but that was when they devalued the yen. It's fallen to about 110 recently, but it climbed back up and is at 116 today. Now its time to give the old pound a try. Marc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Bill & Kaja Michaels" Subject: LEE 1/550 Titanic kit: In box review Someone asked about the Lee TITANIC kit a couple of months ago. I recently received this kit as a gift. I already had a Revell Titanic in my stash, so I pulled them out to compare. Everyone has probably seen the Revell kit, so I won't describe it. The Lee kit is from China, and is motorized. It comes in a shorter, wider, and taller box than the Revell kit. Retail price (US $) is the same. The Lee kit is about half an inch (about 1cm) shorter than the Revell kit. The Revell kit is 1/570 scale, while the Lee kit is 1/550. Similarities: There are a lot. Parts breakdown looks to be very, very similar. Neither model has the bow anchor well. The display bases are the same, except the name plate engraving is different. Molded in detail on the hull and decks looks to be to the same level of detail on both models. Shapes of the deckhouses look to be the same. Major differences: The Lee kit has a one piece hull, molded in black. The rest of the model is molded in white. The Revell kit is molded all in white, and has a 2 piece hull. The Lee kit has a battery box/motor mount molded in the bottom of the hull. The Lee kit is motorized, but that doesn't detract from the kit. In order to install the propshaft for a working prop, you have to cut away the rudder and drill a hole for the shaft. You then use a larger than scale propellor, and put a scale shaped adjustable rudder in place. If you don't do do the optional motorization steps, the model looks just like the Revell one. The Lee kit is packed in a sturdier box, and the sprues are each packed in separate poly bags, instead of the Revell "All in one bag". The Revell kit is molded in a bright white plastic, the white pieces of the Lee kit are more of an "antique white". Both kits have a small flag sheet. I expect the GMM photoetch sheet will work on either model. Recommendation: Looks like a tie, unless you want a pond toy for a youngster (or yourself!), in which case I'd go with the Lee kit. Bill Acton, Mass, USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "John Clarke" Subject: Re: Hobby Link Japan Roberto. HLJ are good to deal with, as long as everything is straightforward, & I have had some wonderful service from them. But. An e-mail can take days to answer & problems (rare as they are) take even longer to sort out. Trying to order mew releases can also be an interesting experience,( I knew of a certain new Tamiya kit late last year, every time I went to pre-order one, the order was bounced. They finally accepted the order a few days ago, it's due for release in a week). John Clarke -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Various Subject: Answers to Chris's contest From: "Lester Abbey" Hi Shane, He tao rakau e taea te karo, tena he tao kupa kaore e taea te karo.... (Te reo Maori) I have two translations: 1. You can block spears but you can't block words or 2. You can deflect weapons but you can't deflect words. Regards Lester Abbey Wellington New Zealand Summertime here - but sleet in the mountains From: "Martin Short" Chris, I've taken your bait!! He tao rakau e taea te karo, tena he tao kupa kaore e taea te karo... (Te reo Maori) Maori is not an easy language to translate, but here goes....., the metaphorical translation of Chris' saying is .... A spear may be dodged; but not sarcasm Points out of ten? TTFN Martin. (9.00pm, 25C, and sooo stuffy, reminds me why I prefer Wellington) From: "arthur" It sounds like Chris is a Kiwi who has flown the nest. From 28 degree C to dismal Shepherds Bush. Translation of Te Reo Maori: Human spears can be deflected, but not those of misfortune. Arthur NZBG Well Chris, up to you now: Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Kim Tomlinson" Subject: Ensign & Man o'war In the Ensign Books I have 1 to 6, plus the Hood and Renown-Repulse specials and in the Man o'war books I have 1 to 5 and 7. I am looking for the Man o'war 6 Hood by Maurice Northcott if anyone has a copy or knows where a copy is that is available for purchase please let me know. Is this the full list or are there more to collect? K Tomlinson. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume