Subject: SMML26/08/99VOL649 Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 23:52:57 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Naming USN ships 2: Re: 1/350 aircraft 3: Re: Battleship Trivia 4: White Ensign's 1/600 Warspite set 5: USS John Wayne 6: Iowa uniqueness 7: DR ROBERT BALLARD MIDWAY BOOK TO BE PUBLISH IN OCTOBER 8: BWN - confusion 9: US Navy ship names 10: Re: Stop posting BWN opinions!!! 11: Re: Battleship Trivia 12: Re: Proposed military vehicle modellers' mailing list 13: Italian WWII camoflage 14: Re: Battleship Trivia 15: SMML Convention 16: Re: realistic flight decks 17: Sanding tight spots 18: Re: Stop posting BWN opinions!!! 19: Re: KRIVAK colors 20: USS Reagan and USS Carter 21: Sea Dart Missiles, colour of. 22: Humbrol paints for RN schemes. 23: SMML Convention 24: Tirpitz deck camouflage... 25: Re: Cleaning agents / SMMLCON / SCI FI 26: BWN - an observation 27: BaD 1/96 Scale Models 28: 1/128th scale stuff 29: Re: Enterprise 30: Info on rengo kantai magazine 31: Re: Ship Names 32: Re: Battleship Trivia 33: 1970's Royal Navy colors, and the SMML@Salem show. 34: Re: Nichimo 1/200 I-19 35: Re: The Philladelphia Project. 36: Re: Proposed military vehicle modellers' mailing list 37: Re: Battleship Trivia 38: General rants... 39: Question to Falk Pletscher 40: TAKE A BATH 41: SHIPS NAMED FOR LIVING PERSONS 42: Texan, firing for effect 43: SMML Convention 44: Re: Texas Teams vs. New York Teams 45: That USS Texas Thing.... 46: Re: Battleship Trivia 47: SMML convention 48: Re: SMML convention and international survey 49: Texas vs New York -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: For sale at Research in Scale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Dave Pluth" Subject: Re: Naming USN ships Nat, One problem with naming one after Jesse "I ain't got time to lead" Ventura. He'd charge you royalties on his Copyrighted name. Each time the ship sailed, was show on TV or just about anything else, he'd get a check. Bad idea! Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "joseph w. reyna" Subject: Re: 1/350 aircraft >> Can anyone enlighten me........ Are there detailing accessories available for the 1/350 USN Aircraft for Tamiya's Enterprise. Nothing very fancy, drop tanks, missiles, that sort of thing. I was toying with the idea of back-converting to the pre 1982 version with beehive island (largely to take advantage of GMM's excellent, but otherwise unusable, Hi-Viz aircraft decals). Does anyone have any thoughts (like: "you have to be nuts"!). I was thinking of buying the Revell kit and scaling up the major components from that, then doing the details from reference. Thoughts welcome........ (resin aftermarket conversion set being planned would be more welcome!!!!!!!!!) << James (and fellow SMML-ies/ettes?), While I know of no specific 1/350 aircraft detail sets, I have in my possession a number of the NICHIMO 1/300 aircraft sets, which include some very nice renditions of drop tanks, missiles, bombs, ECM gear, as well as the more detailed wheel assemblies. Originally, I had intended to use only the wheel assemblies to dress up my BIG E aircraft, after a bit of sanding and paring to try to get the parts to scale, but I was wondering if certain other parts, the drop tanks and bombs to be specific, might also be used. Could a smaller 1/300 scale drop tank be used to represent a larger 1/350 scale drop tank, could a 1/300 scale 500-lb iron bomb be used to represent a 750/1000 lb bomb in 1/350 scale, etc. Does anyone have any experience with using the NICHIMO aircraft details to add to their 1/350 aircraft? Cheers. Joe Reyna -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Ross Bruce-QBR000 Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << Easy...he could take a sit down bath in the tub that was installed for FDR. Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Leif Snellman" Subject: White Ensign's 1/600 Warspite set I just bought White Ensign's photo-etched set for Airfix Warspite 1/600 (WEM PE 614). While impressed by the fret itself I'm less so with the instructions. With the set came one page of General Instructions and one page with instructions specific to Warspite. However, there are no references to parts 5, 9, 10, 18, 21, 23, 30, 39, 45 or 51, so I have some suspicions that one page could be missing from the instructions. Could someone confirm/deny. Leif Snellman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: USS John Wayne Hello SMMLies A trivia question ... in what movies, filmed during WWII or about a WWII subject, did 'The Duke' play a Navy officer or Marine? There are seven of them. Ed Mansfield TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Satin, Michael N. (SHEP)" Subject: Iowa uniqueness >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << Answer: Take a bath! A bathtub was installed in Iowa in 1943 when she carried FDR to Casablanca. Due to his handicap, he needed a 'tub rather than a shower. AFAIK, Iowa is still the only ship in the USN to have a bathtub installed. Michael -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Clappsy, Jim (DF - PCC)" Subject: DR ROBERT BALLARD MIDWAY BOOK TO BE PUBLISH IN OCTOBER To all interested in Dr Robert Ballard books, his latest will be out in October. You can pre-order from yahoo for $28.00. The book will list for $40.00 in October. So here's your cahnce to save some money and get a great book, if its anything like the others. THANKS JIM C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Mike.Dunn@dresdner-bank.com Subject: BWN - confusion First, let me say that I haven't had ANY dealings with BWN - I have just been reading this thread with interest. Lars wrote :- >> While I understand that those of you with bad BWN experiences are posting them to "help" those of us who have never dealt with BWN, the conflicting opinions being expressed are confusing me. Some say BWN is great, others say it's not worth the money to buy from them. Who do I believe? Rather than help, you all have made the situation worse! << Well, I had noticed (as had Ken Goldman, last issue) that ordinary modellers (like me) had problems with this company, but was very interested to see that those who stood up for them were well-known modellers, some of whom were fellow company owners. Maybe I missed a "plain" modeller who has had no problems - but I don't think so. Lars went on :- >> If you've already taken your problems up with BWN and are still not satisfied, then don't buy from them anymore. It's rather immature to make a crusade of the issue by trying to spoil BWN's reputation with those of us who are innocent bystanders. << BUT - if (as mentioned above) this company cannot be bothered with the main set, but doesn't want those "in power" as it were complaining about them to us all, this is double standards. I can't imagine that you are defending this for an instant, but that is how it reads. All these guys are doing (and well - I now have no intention of buying from this company) are warning us that they rarely respond to any communication; when they do, they demand proof that you did buy from them (surely the fact that you bought DIRECTLY from them is proof enough?), and they insist that the damaged parts were sent back first. Well, I can sympathise with the distraught modeller. They try for months to get a response, are accused of trying to steal from the company, and to add insult to injury are told to return the part BEFORE they will get any further - with the possibility that they won't get a replacement! If this is the only example of the part in the kit, I sure wouldn't send it off! He continued :- >> Besides, how do I know if I can trust someone who has posted a negative opinion? Just because I am told that the small resin boats were broken during shipment doesn't mean that it happened as such. << Well, one person saying this - yes, it's possible. Many - I'd seriously start thinking that there is a problem with this company. A good reputation (eg WEM - never had a problem with them, and from the swift responses and care from Caroline & David, I don't expect ever to have any) is precious - it get's you repeat business time after time. Carelessness get's you the reverse - an initial sale, and then nothing ever again. >> I don't mean to sound childish, but if you don't have anything good to say about someone, keep it to yourself << But people have, in the past - only now do we see a lot of modellers have had problems. Should we ignore these problems? Allow people to get stung? I feel that such a forum will warn prospective buyers about past purchases, and allow them to come back with an informed opinion on whether they wish to buy from them, or another company. >> The point is, whether or not some of you have a legitimate beef against BWN, why do you feel the need to denounce them in public? << If a company is so poor in customer care and service that there is no other forum, what do you suggest? Ignore them, and let other people get ripped off for tens, if not hundreds of dollars? We aren't talking about cheap kits, don't forget. If this public showing of opinion has no effect - then nothing at all will. Conversely, such denouncements _may_ have the effect that they decide to do something about their reputation before it is totally shattered. We will have to see. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Mike.Dunn@dresdner-bank.com Subject: US Navy ship names Ed wrote :- >> Burke and Hope definately deserve to be honored for their service to their country. Yes, Hope is a limey by birth -- but we adopted him. << How do you get around the Winston Churchill? Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Evert Jan Foeth Subject: Re: Stop posting BWN opinions!!! I thoroughly disagree with the general idea of "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything". If there is something wrong with a companies customer service (Not meaning BWN, I have never done business with them) and you have tried your best (10 emails and 2 letters qualify) I think it is not unfair to tell other modelers about those experiences. It should not be some revenge as you did not get what you wanted, but a general yellow alert. As for BWN, it seems that a lot of people have had less than satisfactory dealings with them. If only a handfull of people complain, it could be a fluke incident, but the number of mails is quite large now. As a possible future customers, I appreciate to know what might happen. I feel the same way with model reviews, which are generally all positive. If a kit fails on accuracy, or is too expensive, say so. Even with bad kits, most reviewers point out the good parts, and conclude the kit is good, needing minor work. Well, a review site might stop receiving models when a few bad reviews are posted, but the objectivety is gone. I have posted a bad review here once, no doubt to the distress of the manufacturer, but the reviews I read were not telling the whole truth. As a result, a kit I received could not live up to my expectations. In this case the positive review had an adverse affect on the kit. If the reviews were covering all details, I would know what to expect. I do not consider that "insulting" a company, as long as you don't start calling names, and try to remain objective. Not only can other modelers benefit from it, the manufacturer can as well, as he will receive a signal and can act accordingly. But I do think, that in case of a difficulty in communication, it is better to post a general inquiry if somebody knows if there is a problem with that companies email etc, before complaining. I have seen some misunderstandings on Rec.models.scale that were completely unneccesary, and resulted in heated discussion. On the safe side, my complements to the service of: Gold Medal Models, Pacific Front Hobbies, Iron Shipwright, White Ensign Models, and the Floating Drydock. I have not done business with those I left out. Foeth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Bruce Burden Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << A bath tub was installed for Roosevelt. However, it took the Capitan of the Missouri to truely land in hot water. Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Bruce Burden Subject: Re: Proposed military vehicle modellers' mailing list >> I am hoping to get the first issue out this weekend (28-29 September) so ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ if you would like to subscribe (yes, it is free!), please email to << Wow! What time zone are you in? :-) But, it sound like a great idea. Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Fernando, Yohan" Subject: Italian WWII camoflage Hi Everyone, I know that most (all?) US and British disruptive camo schemes used in WWII did NOT have the same pattern on the port and starboard sides. Does anyone know if this holds true for the schemes the Italians used? In particular, I'm building the destroyer Dardo from the Waveline Freccia kit and have the port side pattern but not the starboard one. Was it the same, or different? Any insights would be very helpful and appreciated! Thanks. Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Gordon Hogg Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia For Duane Fowler regarding ranking officer, USS IOWA: He could take a bath. Special tub built for FDR still in place. That is all. Gordon Hogg Lexington, Kentucky USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Edgar L. Arnold" Subject: SMML Convention This is my first time posting to this forum. I am amazed that there are as many knowledgeable people as there seem to be out there, some of them I know personally. In regard to the proposed SMML Convention at the USS Salem, count me in. I live about 2 hrs. away in CT. Just give me a day or two heads up, and I'll be there. Regards Ed Arnold -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: realistic flight decks It isn't that hard to do but it is somewhat time consuming. Make sure before you start that your colors are to "scale" shaded. Black for instance is one to one scale out of the bottle and would and anything painted this shaded of black would stick out like the preverbal thumb on any 1/350 or 1/700 model. You must mask off all the markings and paint them on. The only exception being the carrier number on the deck. Use a Rapidograph pen with gray ink to add the tie downs. The Rapidograph pen can also be used to create the canopies on the a/c. Once all your markings are painted on, use the same color you used to paint the flight deck and dust over the entire flight deduce in an uneven patter. This will cause the markings to have a weathered appearance and look like different shades of the same color. Finally, using your airbrush, darken the areas where the a/c touch down and take off. Hope this helps. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: Sanding tight spots Hi Ken, Ken here. You definitely are on the right track. I saved all the tines that broke off an aging lawn rake. I grind the bent ends down to various widths, as needed, and glue wet/dry silicon carbide paper to the outside face using good old rubber cement (apply to the metal and to the paper, let dry, then stick together the way you'd use contact cement). This works great, and it won't bend like brass rod will if you apply too much pressure. Micro-Mark and Model Expo also carry what looks like a nifty little electric sander for getting into tight spots. It also works with needle files. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: Re: Stop posting BWN opinions!!! I don't agree with Lars Orloff's post yesterday, but there is a fine line between what Lars might feel is character assassination and legitimate griping. It seems clear to me that this line has not been crossed and that this kind of heads up is most appropriate in SMML. If every person thought that he or she was the only one having a particular problem and kept quite, nothing would ever be corrected or improved, whether one is talking about a scale ship model or basic civil rights. As for which "side" Lars should believe, my observation in yesterday's issue might help him make up his mind. Whatever he decides, he will be making a more informed decision. Manufacturers also need feedback if they want to stay in business. Quiet correspondence is always the appropriate first step when there is a complaint. Sometimes it requires yelling a little louder to get the manufacturer's attention. If Mike Bishop has been paying attention to this thread, he can now make his own more informed decisions too. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Rick Heinbaugh Subject: Re: KRIVAK colors Darren Scannell wrote: >> And while I'm here, I like your Krivak, Shane, but I was wondering if anyone had alternate paint choices for the hull. The soviet ships always looked so blue in photos and I'm having trouble deciding what to use. I would order a S&S paint chip set, but I couldn't seem to find one, hhmmm... << Two Soviet Navy ships (I think it was BOEVOY [SOVREMENNY class] & ADMIRAL VINOGRAD [UDALOY class]) visited San Diego in 1990. I looked at them with an eye toward building Skywave's two wonderful new kits. I noticed (also asked others to confirm) that the two ships were painted distinctly different colors. The SOVREMENNY class ship was a dark, slate-grey colour (similar to Humbrol 27 - not blueish or greenish), while the UDALOY class ship was a lighter gray (similar to Tamiya's greenish XF-25). Both ships were freshly painted, so the lighter color was DEFINITELY NOT a faded version of the darker. Neither ship appeared to me to have any appreciable "blue" tint. Also, the decks were a different shade, a more orangey brown shade on the lighter ship. And the deck color was wrapped around the deck edges differently. Photos will show what's right for yours - pick ONE ship and use that system. I'm sorry I can't give better color approximations; my model stuff has still not recovered from last year's move. Mark Knowlton (present on SMML) may have taken photos, and I know Philip Toy, also in San Diego IPMS with Mark, took excellent photos. The KRIVAK II that shadowed my ship in the Sea of Japan on a cloudy day didn't seem particularly bluish to me either. Although they didn't hold still very well, they did pass in review VERY closely down our side, giving me a chance to look close at the deck colors. I hadn't really believed that brown was the correct colour, but it was. Good luck, Rick Heinbaugh Seattle, WA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Duane Fowler Subject: USS Reagan and USS Carter If the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is anything like it's namesake it will cost more that all other Navy ships ever built combined and none of the computer systems aboard will have any memory. And if the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) is anything like it's namesake it will function well although it will have no coherent course and will let everyone in the world know exactly where it is at and any given point in time. Regards, Duane Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Jon Godsell" Subject: Sea Dart Missiles, colour of. >> Also, what color are live Sea Dart missiles? I've only seen the bright red practice rounds. << Sea Dart live rounds are white. Jon Godsell, Wallasey. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "Jon Godsell" Subject: Humbrol paints for RN schemes. >> Speaking of RN colour schemes, does anyone have a list (or a web address) of what Humbrol paints/combinations will reproduce RN colours? I think a list or an address was published earlier this year, but I've lost the details! << I suggest that you contact the Surface Warship Association via George Peat at mailto:gpeat@globalnet.co.uk They have a list of the combinations required. Jon Godsell, Wallasey. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: John Sheridan Subject: SMML Convention >> Count me in as well - I'll take it one step further - I believe I can arrange to have three current authors (Herne, Raven and Arnold) of the Warship Perspective series attend as well (I KNOW one will be there). Perhaps Mr. Raven might even consider giving a little talk on a subject or two? (I love volunteering him for things).... << I think that having some authors and perhaps some of the kit manufacturers at the convention would be an excellent idea and can easily be arranged (Pssst! Steve, Mike, Ted.....are you listening ?). We could also arrange a "Tour Special" so that the SMML crew could visit Battleship Cove (Massachusetts, JP Kennedy, Lionfish, Hidensee) and the Charlestown Navy Yard (Cassin Young, Constitution) as well as the SALEM (of course since the conference will be held onboard!). I am very exicted at the response on the list to the convention! Now, the burning question..........when to hold the convention ? 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Chris Hughes" Subject: Tirpitz deck camouflage... I was browsing through a copy of the wartime photo interpretation magazine "Evidence in Camera" today, when I happened across a photo of the Tirpitz moored in Kaafjord during the summer of 1944. The pattern on the deck is quite novel - talk about giraffe spots... If anyone wants to see this, I've scanned it and will email it on request. Cheers, Chris -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Lisa and Bill Wiseman Subject: Re: Cleaning agents / SMMLCON / SCI FI If your referring to Plastic Prep which was distributed by Polly S (now Testors). It is basicaly Ethylene and Propylene Glycol methyl ether which may not be strong enough to remove some mold release agents. It would work on Parafin and others that would be water soluble. I use rubbing alcohol it's cheap and not too bad on your lungs if you use it in a paint booth. I would be in for SmellieCon 1 in MA. I too am a closet Sci fi builder. I have several Trek models in the collection. It's difficult to explain to Tread heads, Wingers and Car Nuts, but I think Ship Guys get it somewhat. After all, they were part of a fleet. We may need a 12 step program. "Hello I'm Bill and I'm a Trek modeller....." Doc Wiseman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: John Sheridan Subject: BWN - an observation I just want to chime-in about some of the negative responses to those who have dealt with BWN. Mike Bishop, the owner of BWN works in a one person shop with himself as the sole employee. He must deal with orders, processing, manufacturing, QA, and a whole lot of other little things that make a small business run. Oh, and above all; he has to deal with you the customer as well! Sometimes he gets it right and the customer is completely satisfied; sometimes he gets it wrong and we all hear about how he is Satan himself. I would like to see some of you people in his shoes for a few days just to realise how hard it is to own and operate in a niche market! I am not excusing him for making mistakes and screwing-up order; it's all part of owning a business and having big shoulders to bear those burdens. But cut the guy a little slack and above all; communicate.....communicate......communicate! Pesonally, I have had absolutely no problems with BWN when it comes to missing or defective parts. Sometimes the parts might take a bit to arrive, and a once it took a phone call to get the part simply because Mike forgot to send it! Mike did apologize and stated that he was so busy filling orders that he just forgot to send me the part. No big deal; he shipped the part right away (with a few extra goodies) and that was it. Sure, it took a little effort by me to get my part, but persistance and communication pays-off instead of anger and threats. After my phone call with BWN, I finally realised that he is one person dealing with all of us and sometimes one of us falls through the cracks because that one person is up to their eyeballs with work. For those few on this list who vowed to never buy a BWN kit ever again; too bad your anger is causing you to be missing out on an excellent product. Better not get angry at Commanders or Classic Warships because if you do, your only option will be learning how to scratchbuild. BTW, you will be seeing my completed BWN 1/350th USS Massachusetts on the warship website in a few weeks. I am working on the final details right (damn you 20mm guns!! ) now and will be photographing it this weekend. It was a beautiful kit to work with and built-up into a excellent rendition of the prototype. John Sheridan @ Microscale Decals http://www.microscale.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Ken Subject: BaD 1/96 Scale Models As a new subscriber, I would be more than willing, if not exactly eager, to peruse the archives for an answer to this query, but I find a fair number of broken links and non-links, so I'll have to post this question: Does anyone have any experience with the 1/96 scale kits from BaD or Westford, NY? I have spoken to Lou and got a good feeling, and the pics look top-notch, but the price/scale ratio seems too good to be true. At the moment I am a sticks & strings type, but I'm becoming interested in more contemporary, i.e., the current century, vessels. The SMML looks like another example of the wonderful resources enabled by the Internet. Many thanks! Hi Ken, Sorry about the broken links, I haven't got around to fixing them yet. In the meantime, if you go to the following url, you'll be able to access the available back issues. http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/4712/volumes/ Regards, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: Suzanne Bolton Subject: 1/128th scale stuff Hi all, Does anybody know if it's possible to buy 1/128th scalefittings for Japanese ships. In particular I'm after anti a/c guns,machine guns,people and brass etch stuff.With the amazing 1/700 stuff available I would love to see 1/128 drooping chain rails. At present I'm building the Yamashiro and have finished the brdge,funnel and almost the mainmast and so am now looking at detailing but I just haven't the time to scratchbuild now with 3 kids tearing around. Any info is much appreciated. TIA, Steve -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Erwin Van Deynze Subject: Re: Enterprise Shane wrote :- >> Ahh, someone's watched the Motionless picture then eh ;-)) Shane - who's prefers B5 now << >> Did you ever see the recut version? Tightened up the storyline, reduced the hours floating around the "new" Enterprise, and generally made a good picture out of it. B5 - good series - shame about Crusade............ - but I prefer S:A&B, even though it didn't last too long (but partly filmed down in Oz, as I recall) Mike (showing his real model preferences!) << My god, seems I've let some devils loose here with my remark on the E's! Seems there are more SciFi-builders over here... Wolfs in sheepskins? Or should I say Aliens in Fletcher DDs? Nice idea though, what about a Imperial Star Destroyer in Ms 22, or a starfury in Western Aproaches... or Mountbatten Pink? Have to comply with your remark on B5, only a shame we can't see it here on TV (57 channels and nothing on... yeah, you got it, Bruce...) About two years ago VT4 (a local network) showed the first two seasons, and since then all I can do is drool over my keyboard, when I see all those great things on the net... Damn! Erwin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: Suzanne Bolton Subject: Info on rengo kantai magazine Hi everyone, Does anybody have a good address where I can buy rengo kantai? If so it any good? Is it worth the money?And how much is it? I have heard it mentioned a few times and would like to know what I'm missing. Cheers Steve -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Re: Ship Names Mark asked: >> I understand naming ships after cities and states, especially ones represented by members of Armed Forces appropriating committees. I think it was Rickover who pointed out that "fish don't vote". I even get naming ships after famous battles, famous ships, Naval heroes and presidents. But what is the deal with naming ships after living people? Wasn't it a tradition that you had to be dead to get a ship named after you? What did Reagan (CV(N)) and Carter (SS(N)) do to avoid this previously mandatory death sentence? << It's political maneuvering and nothing more. I think it was a very bad precedent to start naming ships after living people, especially politicians. Wasn't VINSON the first? Imagine naming a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier after a congressman that few people had ever heard of, albeit the fact that he was a huge patron of the military-industrial-congressional complex in the decades he spent on the hill. STENNIS might also have been alive when they named another CVN in his honor. How about RICKOVER? He probably got the sub instead of a gold watch. SSBNs/SSNs were named after several other politicians, including JACKSON, RIVERS, and LIPSCOMB. Better to stick with the fishes. At least BURKE was a prominent naval figure and retired CNO when they named a ship class after him while he was alive. Mike L Alexandria, VA USA (where it's too damn close to too many politicians) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: Greg Lee Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << Hi Duane, The Captain of the USS IOWA was, and still is, the only C.O who could take a nice hot bath at sea - the tub was origionally installed for President Truman. So do I get a prize now :-) Greg -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: "Jeffry Fontaine" Subject: 1970's Royal Navy colors, and the SMML@Salem show. Here is a partial response for Joseph Poutre on Ordnance Marking/Color Coding. >> what color are live Sea Dart missiles? I've only seen the bright red practice rounds. << Joseph; Here is a color identification chart for ordnance markings and color coding. Since the color coding is standard between all NATO countries, you can use this for your UK ordnance as well. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ammuntion Color Coding Significant colors and their interpretation: Yellow -- Indicates the presence of high explosives. Brown -- Identifies low explosive items or components, or indicates the presence of a low explosive such as a solid popellant rocket motor. Gray -- Identifies ammunition that contains irritant, incapacitating, or toxic agents when used as an overall body color except on underwater ordnance. Gray with dark red band -- Indicates the ammunition contains an irritant (riot control) agent. Gray with dark green band -- Indicates the ammunition contains a toxic agent other than binary agents. Gray with broken dark green band -- Indicates the ammunition contains a binary nerve agent. Gray with violet band -- Identifies ammunition with an incapacitating agent. Black -- Identifies armor-defeating ammunition, except on underwater ordnance, dummy hand grenades, and when used for lettering or marking. Silver/aluminum -- Identifies countermeasures ammunition. Light green -- Identifies screening or marking smoke ammunition. Light red -- Identifies incendiary ammunition or indicates the presence of highly flammable material for producing damage by fire. White -- Identifies illuminating ammunition or ammunition producing a colored light; exceptions are underwater ordnance guided missiles, dispensers, and rocket launchers and when used for lettering or marking. Light blue -- Identifies ammunition used for practice. Bronze, gold, and brass -- Identifies dummy/drill/inert ammunition not for firing but only used for handling, loading, assembly and testing, training, and display. Some dummy hand grenades may be painted black. Non-Significant Colors: Olive drab -- All ordnance items. Black -- For lettering. White -- For lettering, also used for guided missiles, dispensers, and rocket launchers. The following colors, or when applied as stated, have no identification color coding significance: Gray, black, white, or green on underwater ordnance, such as mines and torpedoes. White on guided missiles, dispensers, or rocket launchers. Black and white when used for lettering or special markings. Unpainted or natural color. Colors specifically applied to identify the color produced by smoke ammunition or pyrotechnics. -------------------------------------------------------------------- I obtained this information from the Aviation Ordnance web page at: http://www.ordnance.org/ It has some nice to know stuff and a bit of historical information as well. Hope this helps. Regards, Jeffry Fontaine From Bremerton, Washington where the USS Missouri used to be, but thanks to Congressman Norm Dicks...just who is he representing anyway? Washington or Hawaii? Maybe the Navy can name a barge in his honor... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Re: Nichimo 1/200 I-19 Hi, I recently talked to a friend who had built the Nichimo 1/200 I-19, and he said it was a "sweet" kit. Hope that helps.... Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35) From: LBart73@aol.com Subject: Re: The Philladelphia Project. The sci-fi book is "Thin Air" by George Simpson. Published in 1978. deals with the teleportation of a DE, U.S.S. Sturman. It's a pretty good read. Larry b -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36) From: Greg Lee Subject: Re: Proposed military vehicle modellers' mailing list >From: "R Lockie" >> the format will be much like that of SMML. Shane has been most forthcoming with advice and assistance and I have shamelessly plagiarised much of his work, for which many thanks. << Good Luck with it, I hope Think Tank is as successful as Shane's SMML. Greg (Where its always cold and rainy in this forgotten land) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37) From: Steve Singlar Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << Take a bath. (No not you personally, the ranking officer on the USS Iowa). Steve Singlar Pelham, NH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38) From: "Jeff Herne" Subject: General rants... Nat Richards explanation of the naming of USN vessels had me falling off the chair... Bravo Zulu Nat... Now, this SMML convention aboard Salem....I have one question. With this many "shipheads" in one place at one time, what do think the possibilities are of getting up steam and having some real fun? Contrary to Mr. Arnold's babbling (he's been staring at monitor for far too long these days), I will gladly attend the convention. I'll be the guy walking around the big target painted on his chest....why not turn it into a model show as well? John, you've got space, right? Regards, Jeff Herne -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Question to Falk Pletscher Re: SMS Lutzow On your suggestions for painting this battlecruiser during wartime, I noticed that you said that the superstructure decks, those not covered with wood, were covered with linoleum. I had thought, like the Japanese during WWII, the Germans removed all flammables, including the linoleum deck covering? I do remember reading in one of the many books on SMS Emden, on how and when all flammables were removed and tossed overboard on the eve of war. These decks were then painted a dark gray. Is there any validity to this? Thanks, Steve Wiper - Classic Warships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40) From: Dave Baker Subject: TAKE A BATH With regard to Duane Fowler's question, the IOWA had a bathtub installed in on the chance that President Roosevelt might want to use it. It was still in the C.O.'s quarters when the ship was recommissioned a few years ago. But, I think you'll find something resembling a bathtub in the facilities aboard the USN's two hospital ships, too. Best/Dave Baker -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41) From: Dave Baker Subject: SHIPS NAMED FOR LIVING PERSONS The Military Sealift Command will be renaming a chartered U.S. Air Force equipment prepositioning ship, the former SEA FOX, the MAJ. BERNARD FISHER this October. Major Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient, is still alive. Agree it's poor policy to name ships for living people (and used to be considered bad luck), but once the cat was out of the bag with the Carl Vinson (named at the insistance of President Nixon in honor of the then still alive but very-deserving Congressman whose hard work in the 1930s resulted in a viable warship construction program in place in the United States BEFORE WWII involved us), the process has continued. Agree that there has been too little consistency in keeping to "traditional" names sources, but remember that those name sources, in many instances don't really go back all that far into the past. The worst case of addled name-sourcing is the SSN 21 class, which has SEA WOLF (SSN 21), CONNECTICUT (SSN 22), and JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23); figure out a definition that would encompass those three! USN had hoped to return to fish names with SSN 774 but was handed VIRGINIA, which was a gift to Sen. Warner of Virginia, who fought hard to keep the submarine program going at both Electric Boat and Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock (the latter, of course, in Virginia, which has voters, who like jobs, etc.. . . .). For those of you who like trivia questions, which destroyer was the ONLY one ever named for a woman? Best/Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42) From: Marc Flake Subject: Texan, firing for effect Grrrr Range 10,000 yards . . . target heading 1-6-0 . . speed, 6 knots. FIRE! Up three clicks . . . FIRE! Down one click . . . FIRE! Now what state did that team come from a few months ago to play that cold game where everybody's pucking about on the ice? Seems to me that a Texas team won something called a Stanley Cup. Wasn't too long ago that a team from that same state had a certain amount of trouble winning a Super Bowl against a Texas team (or anyone else for that matter). Are we worried about our Rangers? Naw, we're just taking it easy, waitin' for the real action in October -- that's when it will count. And if the (Dallas-Fort Worth area) Rangers fail, we'll just send out the (Houston) Astros. Second target approaching! Turrets one and two continue firing on first target . . . turrets three, four and five concentrate on that down-under fellow! Ya know, I always thought of Australia as a nation full of Texans, still do. Except they aren't champions of baseball, football or hockey. They don't even have a battleship in their navy. Never did. Fire for effect! Marc Flake Hey Felix, We've got no worries here mate, afterall 60% of his firepower is being pointed down here, where there's a large smokescreen about to be genereated with some facts ;-þ Now, where to start, ahh yes Baseball - the lowly cousin to cricket - nuff said. I'll freely admit that we Aussies have yet to really succeed in real football, ie: soccer for you North Americans. But in league & union we do pretty damm good - apart from that small country next to us, who really enjoy beating the crap out of us at union. Just pray, that we don't encompass gridiron as a nation, otherwise you'll be in for a real shock ;-)). Umm, hockey, letmesee - World Championship teams with both men & women teams. Oh, sorry, I'm talking about real hockey, not some silly game played on ice ;-). Now to bring it back on topic. Oh BTW, do you hear that sound off Sydney Heads - that's the sound of rightous indignation coming from HMAS Australia, as she slowly raises herself up to deliver up a broadside from her 8 12in guns. Sure she may only have been a battlecruiser, but she was Australian & that makes up the difference ;-)). Shane - no longer ducking for cover, if that's the best a Texan can throw my way ;-) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43) From: "msyoung" Subject: SMML Convention The idea of a convention sounds extremely interesting. May I suggest the organization be patterned after the highly successful and long running National Narrow Gauge Conventions which began in St. Louis approximately 19 years ago. Details for the most recent of these can usually be found in the most recent issue of Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette model railroading magazine. I believe an extremely dedicated bunch of modelers near the Salem would need to provide some upfront capital to start the ball rolling. Admissions and Vendor table revenues would more than payback that investment and excess funds could be passed on to the next group hosting the convention. A vote at the closing "ceremonies" could pick the next location based upon bids submitted by interested parties, normally a group of modelers from one location or shipmodeling club. Just a few ideas to get things rolling... Mike Young Springfield, Missouri -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Re: Texas Teams vs. New York Teams OK, that tore it. You can talk about Rangers and the Yankees all you want, but how about the San Antonio (where I live) Spurs over the Knicks and the Dallas (where I was born) Stars over the - what was the name of that New York hockey team again? Sorry to be so off-topic, but I've resisted the urge to say something about this for weeks! :-) Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45) From: "Chris Neel" Subject: That USS Texas Thing.... This is kind of along the lines of the USS Texas thread that has been running lately.... I've been wanting to do a 1:700 model of the USS Texas CG(N)-39 of the Virginia Class (yet another type of ships to be named after states (including the Mississippi and the Arkansas), along with the California Class (California & South Carolina)). From a previous Pacific Front Catalog, I've seen a Sealine (resin kits from Japan) offering for a USS Virginia CG(N)-38 to be used with the Skywave "E-1" set of "Equipment for Modern US Navy Ships". As Bill Gruner is currently out of pocket due to his moving shop, does anyone know if this kit is still available? Has anyone built this kit and have any comments? I seem to remember hearing that the E-1 set is no longer available. Would I be able to obtain all of the parts needed from another model such as the Arii USS Ticonderoga kit? I had always been impressed with these nuclear powered cruisers - I was really disappointed to hear that the Texas was decommissioned when she still seemed to have plenty of life left in here...... I'm not really fond of the idea of Submarines being named after states - they're just not visible enough to have that Texas sized pride in...... Any help would be appreciated..... later Chris Neel Victoria, Texas (listed for that "international" survey + Texas count) - Go Astros! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46) From: Ed Grune Subject: Re: Battleship Trivia >> Another Trivia Question: What could the ranking officer aboard the USS Iowa do that no other officer in the US fleet could do? << Well Duane, just a WAG here, I'd say take a sit-down bath in a tub installed for FDR. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47) From: "Leverett L. Preble" Subject: SMML convention I live in Winchester Mass a suburb of Boston. I love the idea of a gathering on the USS Salem. Leverett Preble -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48) From: "Les Case" Subject: Re: SMML convention and international survey >> Regards and heading for the Subway for cover Felix Bustelo Hi Felix, Don't worry too much, afterall, they're only Texans ;-)) Shane - who's thinking about ducking for cover over here in God's country ;->> << Why are ya'll ducking for cover? It's too hot to fight (at least in Texas anyway: 104ºF in Austin yesterday). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Texas vs New York Hello Felix: I have some cousins who used to live in Valley Stream. They root for the Mets. They said that no "real" Long Islander would dare root for the Yankees! The Texans are working toward the sweep this year over Noo Yawk. Dallas Stars (hockey) vs Buffalo Sabres San Antonio Spurs (basketball) vs New York Knicks ... I can see the Ranger's Stadium from my office and its still the home of the best record since the All-Star break. With all of those preliminaries over, whats on the modeling bench? I'm finishing the JAG Collective Asheville and have started the Loose Cannon Quincey as the Minneapolis. Ed Mansfield, TX A transplanted Marylander who used to root for the Washington "First in War, First in Peace, Last in the American League" Senators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: HDente@aol.com Subject: For sale at Research in Scale BS Press/ Profile Morskie USS Alabama--$14.00 AJ Press Nelson and Rodney--$14.00 Color plates showing both sides on Nelson's green/grey 1942 disruptive scheme and Rodney's 1942 blue/grey scheme. Separate 1/400 scale plans with plan and profiles for Nelson 1940, 1942, 1943, 1945. Scrap drawings of guns, boats, catapult and decks and platforms. Research in Scale, 205 Maryland Ave, Paterson. NJ 07503 hdente@aol.com. VISA/MC accepted. $5.00 postage -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume