Subject SMML31/08/99VOL654 Date: Wed, 01 Sep 1999 02:20:54 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Plastic Sheeting for basing 2: Heller Re-Issue Campaign 3: What's on the workbench 4: Re: Visit to National Archives and Naval Institute of the US 5: Re: Weathering ship models 6: Re: convention & current projects 7: Re: Blue Water Navy customer service-NOT 8: Re: Current Projects/ Acrylic water 9: Ship weathering, Cerbesrus Scharnhorst and current project 10: Re: Current Projects 11: HMS Warspite 12: Current projects 13: The Perfect Workshop & Current Building Projects 14: Car-ferry Avenir 15: Fighting Fleets in Miniature 16: current projects (Bismarck) 17: Re: SMML meet 18: 1st (current) ship and CVE Hangar deck 19: RAN Gray 20: Current projects 21: Re: National Archives II Visit 22: Italeri 1/700 Charles De Gaulle??? 23: Reply to Mark Flake & current projects 24: Sea blue 25: National Archives/U.S. Naval Institute 26: Any kits of Arkansas or Wyoming? 27: Fletcher Anti Skid Walkways 28: Re: Current Projects 29: Re: Warspite or anything else! 30: CARRIER MODELS 31: Re: Italian Naval Books 32: Convention 33: Heller Charles de Gaulle 34: Normandie English LCA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: PE Set for 1/400 Heller Charles de Gaulle -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS Hi, There's been a little confusion on how to re-subscribe. All you have to do, is send me an email & say you wish to re-subscribe. All those who have queried already about this, have been put on the new list. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Ted Roy Subject: Plastic Sheeting for basing Try using shower door plexiglas. If you go to your local glass supplier you probably get all his scraps for a song and that will be more than you could use. I use it for basing my miniature ships in 1/1200th scale and some of my 1/300th scale. Ted Roy http://fighting-sail.napoleonicwars.com A Website about Napoleonic Navals for Wargaming and Model Building http://cfa.napoleonicwars.com A Website about the Napoleonic Naval Wargame Clear for Action -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: Heller Re-Issue Campaign Hi Joe and all Heller model fans. OK - I will glady use IMM as a forum to help generate enough demand to re-issue kits from their 1/400 scale series. I had received an email from someone asking about the Heller Hood kit. I had an email that was posted here on the SMML a few volumes ago and I passed it on to that individual. He got a response that it wasn't planned for 1999 or 2000. At least the response came from an actual person so here is the email address from the Heller employee. mailto:NellyGRARE@compuserve.com Since my next update will focus on merchant ships and ocean liners, I was planning on posting the above email address in the October update for those folks out there hoping to tell Heller what they want. In the meantime, start dropping hints at the above email. Felix Bustelo Webmaster International Maritime Modeling http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: What's on the workbench Currently, I am working on the Iron Shipwright/Accurate Images PC 461 class ship in 1/350 scale. I plan on writing about my experiences with my first resin kit for the Warship update. I am also using Badger Marine paints on this kit, which will be reviewed in an upcoming update for my website, IMM. I should have completed her a while ago, but I am just a very slow worker when I do find the time. On the on-deck circle (with accompanying build articles appearing on IMM) Airfix HMS Hotspur Airfix HMS Amazon (Type 21 Frigate) Glencoe SS France (1/450) and a PT Dockyard kit here and there. Afterwards, I haven't a clue, but the damn closet is getting full! Regards, Felix Bustelo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Bruce Burden Subject: Re: Visit to National Archives and Naval Institute of the US Hi Dimi, >> Next week I will visit the US National Archives and Records Administration at College Park and Naval Institute in Annapolis to search for WWII Royal Navy warship photos. << Since I was recently at the Archives II site, I can help you with that. 1) You will need to sign in, and get a reasearcher ID card. Although the facility opens at 8:45 daily, I don't believe the Researcher Registration room does. E-mail (inquire@nara.gov) and see when it opens, or register the day before. 2) You will want to head to the 5th floor (still photo room) Ask the folks at the desk for help, it is the best approach. Tell them what you are looking for, and that you haven't been to the facility before. They are very helpful. 3) Go to the Archives II on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. It is open until 9:00 PM on those days. 4) There are 3 copy stands in the Still Photo Room. Bring a camera, film, remote release, and 50mm macro lens (or regular 50mm) to copy the photos. A light meter will help as well to get the exposure correct. But - NO BAGS ARE ALLOWED! So, you will need to carry everything loose. :-( 5) Note that photos are pulled (retrieved) more often in the morning, so you want to have your "pull list" ready by, say, the 11:00AM pull. Grab everything of interest, and spend the afternoon/evening looking over the photos, rather than pulling a few things and running out of photos after the last pull with time to spare. Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Weathering ship models The trick is to know when and when not to weather ship models. Here's how I determine when to weather. If I place a ship in the water it's in it's natural element and should be built and weathered to represent a ship in the real world. So weathering would naturally be part of that. If I build a full hull model on a decorative base, it's then a replica of the ship like a technical drawing. So it should be pristine and clean. I weather ships using a chocolate brown wash on all the details. Everything from hatches to capital guns can benefit from a good wash and dry brush. It really brings out minute detail that would otherwise be overlooked by the viewer. Also, nothing looks like rust like chalk pastels. Grind up some Burnt Sienna and Orange pastels on sandpaper and brush them on like paint. The pastels will appear slowly and gradually so hold the model at arms length from time to time to check your progress. All of this should take place before applying the delicate photo etched parts. Be sure to apply the pastels on a flat (not glossy) surface. I hope this helps. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: convention & current projects I'd be interested in the SMML convention. Current projects include: 1. 1/10 scale 77' ELCO PT (7' 8" long) for a client 2. 1/10 scale 40mm MK3 for another client 3. Masters for a 1/192 scale LSM kit I'll be offering eventually 4. HO scale COLUMBIA tug from a resin kit Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Reynaga, Tim@EDD" Subject: Re: Blue Water Navy customer service-NOT Hello all After complaining about my unrewarding attempts (multiple letters and long distance telephone calls over a period of months) to get Blue Water Navy to make good on a couple of torpedo mountings missing from their Bainbridge kit, I am pleased to report that there is a happy ending to the story. Shortly after posting my gripes about the poor service provided by BWN, I received the parts I needed in the mail from Commander Series Models, free of charge. In fact, they sent not only the two torpedo mountings I was missing but three spares as well. They also sent a bunch of extra goodies including 3 searchlights, 3 ventilators, 2 liferafts, and 16 deck guns (4 in resin and 12 in metal.) As if this weren't enough, they also included a voucher for 15% off my next purchase! After my unpleasant experience with BWN, this outstanding response was particularly impressive. I want to publicly thank and commend Commander Series Models for their superb customer service. Tim Reynaga -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Lisa and Bill Wiseman Subject: Re: Current Projects/ Acrylic water I've found a gold mine of heavy clear acrylic water imitations. Recreational Vehicle manufacturers use rippled acrylic sheet to divide the living area from the cooking area. These sheets are available through RV repair shops and automotive supply catalogs and houses. I've also seen similar sheets at Home Depot and Lowes here in the 'States. The sheets are available in colors and clear and in several sizes. Once painted from the bottom, with a little drybrushing of white and/or light blue/green on the top and they're perfect for 1:700 moderate seas. The pattern may be a little weak for larger scales but it could work for calm seas. Current projects: Minicraft's Titanic (the older one) with Loren's PE, Tamiya's 1:350 USS Enterprise CVN-65 in current fit also with Loren's PE, the USS Clifton Sprague FFG-16 ( Commanders OHP in 1:350), a couple of tracked land vessels, and a US Civil War Confederate Cavalry Officer (120 MM). Just finished the "Phantom Menace" set from AMT. Busy, busy, busy... Doc Wiseman. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Jens H. Brandal" Subject: Ship weathering, Cerbesrus Scharnhorst and current project >> I am a newcomer to the hobby of ship modeling, and browsing the various ship modeling websites I have noticed that there are modelers who seem to prefer presenting their models in a "showroom" finish and others who prefer to weather them to give them a "used" look. As someone who prefers the latter, I would appreciate any tips on weathering ship models. << There are several techniques you can use to represent a "used" look to your ship models, and they are pretty valid for other types of models too. Washes and drybrushing will add shadows and highlights to make the details stand out. Rust streaks can be represented by using pastel chalks as they give a subtle appearance so important in smaller scales. Soot from the funnels can be represented the same way, or using the airbrush. I find using Tamiya acrylics excellent for this kind of work. Use an extra fine nozzle, go lightly, and you have full control. Take a step back and admire your work. Just before adding a little extra: STOP! Weathering is easy to overdo, and it is easier to add than to remove. Also, >> can anyone help with the camo scheme worn by Scharnhorst during the channel dash - paint mixes used (Humbrol or Floquil) would also be appreciated. << When I built my Cerberus Scharnhorst, I used the colourprofile in the book Kriegsmarine in Colour by Robert C. Stern. No doubt, someone will tell me my research was faulty, and the colours all wrong:) The hull was painted dark compass grey (HU128 I believe), and the superstructure light compass grey (HU 127?). Over the superstructure I added scribbles of dark grey using dark grey colour pencil and thinned dark grey paint. On the lower hull, there was a dark grey area, for this I used a very dark grey - something like tarmac. The decks I painted wood with planks added by using differently coloured brown pencils. The tops of the primary and secondary turrets were painted light blue, Humbrol Prussian Blue I think it was. THe exact shades are probably not known anyway, so I just used the shades I preferred, keeping in mind that colours seen from a long distance tend towards a bluish tint. Current project? In the good old days of SMML, I'd probably get stoned for saying this , but my current project is a car. The only shiplike item is the cockpit bathtub of Tamiya's Mercedes CLK-GTR. The chassis is pretty much finished, and the body is in the process of being painted. Getting a smooth paint finish is hard work (for lack of great skill), and each branch of modelling has it's own challenges. Jens -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Joseph Poutre Subject: Re: Current Projects My current serious model projects: 1/700 PF-21 Bayonne using Japanese resin version of PFs sold to Japan post-WWII 1/48 HO3S-1 - Belcher Bits version, decorated as BB-62's Korean War helo, the "Jersey Bounce" 1/700 SAG: BB New Jersey, CGN Long Beach, 2 Spru-cans, 2 OHPs, a Knox FF, FF Bronstein and an AOR, all on a big seascape. These are all for donation to either the BB62 Museum and/or the city of Bayonne, depending on where the ship ends up. I also have fun projects: 1/700 HMS Anson or Howe, converted to BBGH, using Tamiya KGV. 1/350 AON - Glencoe NS Savannah converted to nuke AOE. Ya gotta have the fun projects to turn to when the for-donation ones get too consuming. You can screw them up and call it battle-damage instead of doubling the construction time repairing. REMEMBER: IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A FUN HOBBY! :-) Joe Trustee and co-webmaster, Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society http://www.bb62museum.org/ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: HMS Warspite Hi all I must admit that the theory that the deck colour is due to the low sun is interesting but on balance unlikely. Three particular factors argue against this, firstly the consistency of the colour, it is unlikely that the level of the sun would blank out variations in the wood decking especially as they are visible in the background. Secondly the lip in front of the 6 inch battery is the same shade (and that wasn't wood covered) and finally the quarter deck is also the same consistent shade. Lighter shades appear in the background so the theory that the low sun is causing the colour can be rejected. It still appears that this is a painted deck. Chris Re your query about twin 20mm I think Dimi actually looked through the IWM collection without finding conclusive information. Two twin 20mms were definitely located on the rear of the left hand side of the catapult deck (see photo P34 Anatomy of the Ship Series The Battleship Warspite by Ross Watton). Raven and Roberts list the other 2 as replacing the pair of 36 inch searchlights on the bridge but this would leave an unusual distribution for these guns. As you may have guessed their are quite a few unresolved questions about the Warspite. Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: Current projects Hi all My current projects are: Just finished WEM Dido Current USS Shangri-La (July 1945) - waiting for decals from Duane Fowler to complete (many thanks Duane, Michael C Smith and to the USS Shangri-La association for their help). HMS King George V (1945 fit) - in progress Cuirasse d'escadre Bretagne (1940) - in progress IJN Kongo (1944) - in progress In planning Tamiya O's to be Oribi and Offa - have the etched brass and photos HMS Sussex IJN Oyodo HMS Aurora HMS Renown Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Ralph E. Batykefer, Jr." Subject: The Perfect Workshop & Current Building Projects I recently moved and have a place to establish a modeling shop, and do it correctly. I have a vent hood from a cooking stove and wondered if this was safe. Since the hood uses a motor with brushes I am concerned about possible ignition of paint or thinner fumes from the sparks. Is this a potential problem or not? What do you all do out there in SMMLie land for venting fumes using fans? Cannot wait to get the shop together and get back to building... ANY OTHER IDEAS FOR THE IDEAL WORKSHOP ARRANGEMENT??? Comments would be appreciated. As to current projects... Once the shop gets completed I have a bunch of kits underway. NCC-1701 ENTERPRISE (yeah another sci-fi project, consignment job) 1/700 USS FORRESTAL (corrected mistakes and added hanger deck & backdated to 1963 with a C-130 on the deck...) 1/350 USS TARAWA (2 years of research/drawing - starting to cut plastic) Revell USS ARIZONA (correcting kit - scratchbuilt cranes/planes but considering the photoetch set to finish the project) I also have been working with a company doing photoetch computer design for helo and aircraft models. Yeah I like a/c too. It also pays for my hobby... We are preparing to finish a 1/48th SH-60B & F. Looking great! Ralph Batykefer Havre de Grace, MD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "larsenal" Subject: Car-ferry Avenir This kit is long out of production from the Heller lines. It's almost impossible to find over here and was never re-released by Heller during the last decades. Maybe the best way to find one is to have a look at the vendors during model shows or try such people as Four Stars Collectibles, APC Hobbies, etc... Best regards, Jacques Druel L'Arsenal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: jmaine@golden.net Subject: Fighting Fleets in Miniature Hi all, Here's my bit for the survey on current projects. I'm continuing along with my 1/1200 scale collection of WW II warships and am just finishing Bismarck (Airfix)and part-way through the supply ship Altmark (Eagle). After that, it's a flattop for me, namely HMS Ark Royal - judging by the contents of the box it's the nicest of the Airfix "Naval History Series" that I've seen so far. What I'm really looking forward to, though, is to try my hand at scratchbuilding in 1/1200. I'm going to start with a Maass class destroyer but what I really want to do is work my way up to one of those incredibly sleek Italian cruisers, like the Raimondo Montecuccoli or Eugenio di Savoia - que bella! (or however the Italians say it). To help me along on this I have a fairly large collection (photocopies) of the "Fighting Fleets in Miniature" series by Michael Ainsworth. There must have been over 200 installments of this series that appeared in the English magazine "Model Boats" from about the mid '60's to at least the late '80's. Each article was devoted to one or more warships of (mostly) WW II or WW I vintage and was accompanied by beautifully done 1/1200 profile and plan drawings, with separate details of upper decks, turrets, boats and other items. Mr. Ainsworth also built models in this scale and even did a detailed, how-to series on scratchbuilding British dreadnoughts! I still find his series to be a wonderful resource for modelling (and just for the pleasure of reading his prose). It really surprises me that his work has apparently never been collected together and published in book format. My question to anybody out there who might know: whatever became of Mr. Ainsworth? I know he moved to Canada from the UK, at least for a while, because he did a wonderful article on HMCS Haida in her various guises. Whether he is still with us or not, I certainly feel a debt of gratitude to him for his contribution to our hobby. John Maine Kitchener, Ontario Who sometimes takes correspondance courses from a certain school in Boston and thinks it'd be very nice to arrange a visit to said school at the time of a SMMLie convention on USS Salem! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: MARK CUEVAS Subject: current projects (Bismarck) Hello Shane, This is my first message to this list Currently working on a 350th Tamiya Bismarck. Nothing special added to it except GMM's set, extra locker boxes throughout the upper decks, and extra ducting and piping everywhere. It is being built for the IPMS/UK Nationals this October. To all the purists out there it will be full hull showcase quailty, but it will have a "REAL WOODEN DECK" just like the real one. Mark Cuevas Southern California, where it's hot, dry, smoogy and the sky is brown from all of the brushfires -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: SantMin@aol.com Subject: Re: SMML meet I'm game. I can visit my family in New Bedford and then head up for the meet. However, My vote is for a FALL meeting (I HATE hot weather, and yes, it can get HOT in New England). With all the steam I've seen on this list it could get awful hot if it's summertime. Besides, you will need the time to get organized. Cheers, Bob Santos -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: KDur597268@aol.com Subject: 1st (current) ship and CVE Hangar deck Hi folks - *Whew* Glad we're still here. I have a comment and a question. Just wanted to say that after seeing Rusty repeatedly recommend the Tamiya Fletcher as a good 1st project I think I'm for once going to take someone's advice! This isn't eXACTly my 1st ship, but let's say it's my first "serious" ship. I'm still going to plug away at Prinz Eugen and eventually Bismarck, but I have the Tam Fletch, the GMM set for it, the "In Action," AND Floating Drydock planbook! Plus the Roscoe and Friedman books. I love DDs! So what AM I waiting for? PE references seem to be hard to come by, and Fletchrefs abound. BTW, I have had offers for the PE Profile, but I think I'm going to wait and buy the bound set. The question: this has to do with an aircraft model display. I'm nearing completion on an all-out 1/72 Avenger that I want to display in a maintenance diorama. I'm thinking of posing it on the hangar deck of a CVE - the bird is from VC-76 flying off CVE-80 "Petrof Bay." What I'd like to do is basically have a base of the hangar deck and a back wall representing a wall inside the carrier. From previous threads here, I think I'm safe in assuming the deck to be painted dark grey. What I have no idea of is what the wall of the hangar deck in a CVE looks like. Would there be an I-beam vertical member visible, plumbing, etc? I don't imagine photos of a CVE hangar deck are easily accesible! Thanks as always - Ken D -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Stuart Robottom Subject: RAN Gray Hello again. I have asked this before, and if it has already been answered I apologise. Does anyone know the name of the current Royal Austalian Navy gray-green paint that is used for combat ships (as opposed to white/buff combo for survey ships etc)? If anyone out there knows the colour, and can suggest how to accuratly match it with Humbrol paints, it will be much appreciated. The only method I have heard of is to use Humbrol 127 and rub fingers along it once the paint is dry. That apparently makes it a bit green, but I think it looks a little weird... Also, have seen HMAS Fremantle in a blue low-viz colour, and have one or two photos if anyone is interested... Regards, Stuart Robottom http://www.deakin.edu.au/~robottom/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Douglas Bauer Subject: Current projects Shane and Lorna, I'm glad you decided to stay on with SMML - a decision which benefits us all. My current project is a scratchbuilt 1:350 rendering of the USS Salamonie (AO26). With help from Jon Warneke I've been able to successfully cast my first resin waterline hull and am now in the process of finishing off the deckhouses prior to attempting the main deck and all its fiddly equipment and fittings. I have previously done a conversion of the Revell "Mission Capistrano" into a fictitious fleet oiler, USS Catawampus...it came out pretty decently, but this larger scratchbuild is a challenge. Anyone who's done anything along this same line is invited to please give me any tips, pitfalls, and helpful hints they may wish to share. Thanks, Doug Bauer (from southern California) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: National Archives II Visit >> Next week I will visit the US National Archives and Records Administration at College Park and Naval Institute in Annapolis to search for WWII Royal Navy warship photos. I would appreciate any advice you may have on how to manage an efficient search given that I will be able to spend one day at each place. << Dimi, When you visit the National Archives, you will need to apply for a Researcher's Card. Very easy to do, folks there were helpful, and you get it same day. Be aware that the Archives rules are quite restrictive as to the materials you may bring with you into the Archive rooms. There are lockers in the basement for non-permitted materials to be safely stored; costs you some nominal amount of change, but you get the money back at end of the session (security deposit). Assessing materials can be a rather tedious and long process. IIRC, ship plans are on the 5th floor, and you go through the catalogs to see what is available in the way of documents. You then fill out a request form, and periodically, a clerk will fetch the request forms and bring the materials. There are rules for handling the materials, and copies are made by the professional staff for a fee. Although listed, the ship plans I was interested in (USS Abraham Lincoln, an early Polaris SSBN) wre still classified, and I could not access the material. This may be true for other plans and materials. I am not aware of any Royal Navy photos or plans deposited in the Archives, all material I saw listed was US. Good luck! Tom DOugherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Robert OConnor Subject: Italeri 1/700 Charles De Gaulle??? Some years ago, Italeri announced a 1/700 Chuck De Gaulle kitto be released in about 1997. Any word on what ever happened to that little gem?? Maybe it,too was too short for 1/700 scale Hawkeyes to land on, or the ships engines overheated and melted the styrene hull??? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: DRPREUL@aol.com Subject: Reply to Mark Flake & current projects Mark Texas at the time of Normandy and Cherborg had 40 20mm, 2 each side of #2 turret, 6 on top of #2 turret, 5 each side amidship, 2 each side mainmast on top of the clipping rooms, 6 on top of the #4 turret, and 5 each side of the afterdeck totally 40 20mms. She also had 10 40mm quads, and 10 3"/50s mk. 21s. Hope this will help you out. Currently I am scratch-building the USS St. Louis in 1/192 scale in her 1944 dazzle camo. Also, USS Selfridge DD357 1/192 scale 1944 configuration also dazzle camo. Putting finishing touches on DM-29 USS Tolman,Sumner class minelayer 1/192 scale 1944 also in dazzle. Just finished (4) 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin Military Sealift Command Roll on ,Roll offs To be commissioned next month. Don Preul J&D Productions Annapolis, Md. See some of the models we have done in the past on Classic Warships Web Site under Model Gallery. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: steven lau Subject: Sea blue Greetings. My current project is the Classic Warship Bagley kit in 1/350 which I plan to build as the USS Blue as at Savo Island. This will be followed by the CW 1/350 USS San Francisco as she looked in late 1942 when she slugged it out with the Japanese battleships. Does anyone have a good mix for Sea Blue (5-S)? Both ships wore this color as they were in Ms 11 at the time. I have read a mixture of Ocean Gray (5-0) and Navy Blue (5-N) in equal proportions would work. I do have the Snyder and Short paint chips (thanks guys!) but wondered if anyone had any thoughts as to whether that would work. I also wondered if the wood decks on USN ships were stained or painted in Deck Blue(20-B). I would think paint might make them more slippery when wet but I don't know. Incidentally, one question for our web master. Just call it American curiosity but is Fosters really "Australian for beer" like the television Ads over here say? Or are you even familiar with the stuff? Thanks for everything. Steve Lau. In Lincoln, Nebraska where Fosters is considered exotic. PS: By the way, I forgot to mention that I generally prefer to use Polly Scale acrylic paints so any color suggestions for Sea Blue mixes in that line would be appreciated. By the way I was interested in the recent discussion on the new paint series by Badger which included navy colors. Anyone with recent experience with this line of paint and does anyone have a source for the stuff here in the States? Thank you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Michael Eisenstadt Subject: National Archives/U.S. Naval Institute Dimi (and all others who may be interested): For photos of British WWII era warships at the National Archives II building in College Park, go to the Still Photo Branch on the 5th floor (if memory serves me right) and search for the ships that interest you in the following collections (they are either located alphabetically or by nation -- Great Britain in this case): 80G RG 19-N RG 19-LCM RG 19-SB There might be some stuff as well in RG 19-NAO. These are, to my knowledge, all the places where you will find photos of British warships during WWII. I would be interested if any other SMML members provide you with collection numbers not listed here; if so, I've overlooked something. Keep in mind, you must submit your photo requests at the following times: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30. You can't request photos any later than that (even though the archives don't close until 5 or 9 PM -- depending on what day of the week it is). Photocopies are about $.10/page, but you have to buy a plastic "credit" card for use with the photocopiers. The U.S. Naval Institute collection is much simpler to use. British ships are simply listed by country (Great Britain) and ship type (battleship, cruiser, etc.). Within each of the latter files, the ships are listed alphabetically. That's it. If you are really nice, they'll usually let you go in the back room to go through the files yourself. Photocopies are at two different rates: for USNI members and non-members. I think the non-member rate is $.25/page. You pay after you're done at the front desk. Hope this helps! Good luck! Mike Eisenstadt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: kenny_II Subject: Any kits of Arkansas or Wyoming? Greetings all, I recently encountered a request from a guy about any type of model that may be out there of the USS Arkansas, BB33. Either this or the Wyoming would work. Any suggestions? Thanks, Tim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Duane Fowler Subject: Fletcher Anti Skid Walkways Hello Todd, Once again I must apologize for the length of time it has taken me to get some decals out (over six months for some, I fear). However, the 1/350 set of Fletcher Class Antiskid Walkways are available at this time from Toms Modelworks although they are not yet on the price list. The first few sets are missing the additional pieces for the Square Bridge Conversion. If you need those pieces, please be sure to specify. like the 1/700 set the 1/350 set includes both the solid walkways that were on the USS Fletcher and a generic tiled pattern. The set also includes true scale 24" white hull numbers, draft markings, lots of extra walkway strips and a 48 star flag and jack. Other that that, if you wish to paint your own, I used an 85% gray for the walkways with about 4% forest green. The actual walkways were black rubber matting but with weathering and scale effect, I find that the gray looks about right. The very slight touch of green gives it the rubber look. keep in mind that although the decks were deck blue, all the photographs I have seen of the walkways show them to be considerably darker than the deck. On the 1/700 models that I have seen with the walkways are very difficult to see. Lightening the deck may be necessary. Hope that helps. Best regards, Duane Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: Mike Connelley Subject: Re: Current Projects Howdy: My current project is the new tool Tamiya 1/700 Yamato. After doing the ancient 1/426 Revell Arizona I'm totally spoiled with this kit. I've even given up test fitting parts since it's a waste of time with this kit! Although there are many small parts, I think this is a great first ship model since it's good sized when finished, the fit and accuracy is as good as you could ask for, and the paint scheme is simple. Right out of the box you get something that really looks good. Sorry that this came out sounding like an ad. Cheers Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: "Peter Hall" Subject: Re: Warspite or anything else! Hi Everyone, In reply to Chris Drage's comments yesterday about making my offer of help to Leif public. It goes without saying that if any of you feel that I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. I do not profess to be an expert, but the least I can do is have a 'chat' and maybe put a few ideas across. Just send an E.mail and I will do my best to help.Ok. All the best Peter Hall -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: Dave Baker Subject: CARRIER MODELS The Heller kit for the CHARLES DE GAULLE will only be accurate for another few months, as the ship is to go back to the yard to have the angled deck extended about 4 meters. Someone forgot to determine the landing run-out for the E-2C radar aircraft purchased from the U.S.A. for the ship, and it turned out that, if the last arrester wire is snagged, there is insufficient deck space left for the aircraft to stop and be turned around for respotting. Lots of finger-pointing going on, as one would suspect. Only two E-2Cs have been bought, the first one of which is in France and has flown from the ship during trials; a third is to be ordered later, and they cost on the order of $500 million each (which must include spares and test equipment). Does anyone know where the kit can be purchased in the U.S.A.? Received a copy of the new Hasegawa kit for the ZUIHO yesterday (decals indicate that it will also be issued as SHOHO at some later date). Something of a disappointment, in that the details are heavy and the flight deck spoiled by raised lines not only for the longitudinal wooden planking but also for all of the painted-on markings. A good replica can be made, but a lot of rework and brass will be necessary. Not at all up to the standards of Skywave's IJN kits. On the other hand, the price was quite reasonable. Glad to see that the SMML ship will be steaming as before, with the same steady hand at the helm (and the same first mate ready to fill in expertly if needed). As to digressions, I'll desist from providing windy background on ship names, etc., in the future. Best/Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: "Cooper, Mike" Subject: Re: Italian Naval Books I don't know the current state of play, but I got mine via a contact on SMML!! Caliver Books in the UK were listing two of them recently, and at one time WEM said they might. I can dig up the publishers details if anyone wants... Yours, less than wonderfully helpfully... Mike Cooper Reading UK - Where its gone all ukky and humid. Still, September tomorrow, which MUST mean rain. Won't that be unusual! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: Andy Anderson Subject: Convention Attn John Frohock I vote for the Smml Convebtion on board the USS Salem if it,s in the summer. I shipped out of Long Beach to warmer waters....... Andy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: "larsenal" Subject: Heller Charles de Gaulle I must say that I agree With Jean-Paul Binot and Felix Bustello about the quality of the Charles de Gaulle. The kit is basically correct, but is not up to the great Heller we had some years ago when they released their series of German warships, Avisos Escorteurs class, etc... I guess that it would be too costly to produce a very well detailed model, so I assume they decided to design an accurate but somewhat simplified version of the carrier for the mass or occasional modelers, and let the enthusiasts improve the model by themselves. In the past years I think model designing was less costly than it is today, and also that the number of models sold higher than it is currently. ( Boys are more interested now by computers and video games than we were, because there were none at all !) I plan to release a detailing set in the months to come with resin photoetch and probably decals. But as you may know the ship is still in her very early trials, so I presume some details will be altered in her appearance in the future, so maybe it's better to way a few months. Information is also were scarce at the moment with only general views available. About Heller's re-release policy, I think and hope that they will continue to re-release their best models. Illustrious / Arromanches was available at 2-3 times in the past, and as this subject is quite popular over here, I presume it will be re-released once again. But it is still possible to find copies over here in small shops. Best regards, Jacques Druel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: "larsenal" Subject: Normandie English LCA To complete the information given by Shane, an English LCA in genuine WWII colors was present for years in the Arromanches Museum in Normandie. It was stored outside and its state deteriorated over the years, but it is maybe interesting to have a look if it is still here. Best regards, Jacques Druel L'Arsenal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Loren Perry Subject: PE Set for 1/400 Heller Charles de Gaulle The currently available 1/400 Naval Ship set (GMM No. 400-1 @ $36 plus postage) from Gold Medal Models has almost everything needed to detail the 1/400 Charles de Gaulle by Heller. However, if any SMMLies out there can supply me with specific photos and/or other data on the prototype, especially regarding radars, girder structures, and similar items, I'll give serious consideration to producing a dedicated PE set just for this kit. Loren Perry/GMM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume