Subject SMML29/10/99VOL713 Date: Sat, 30 Oct 1999 00:37:34 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Heller Contact Update 2: Re: Marine Model ship kit 3: Post-WWII Soviet carrier aircraft? 4: Re: Damaged Model 5: Deck planking 6: 1/700 Fairmile kits 7: Duck 8: Maritime Modeler Magazine, 9: Baseball? Oh, you mean ROUNDERS 10: Chains vs Cables 11: Re: married to a ship modeler 12: Re: Damaged Model 13: On FSM and DEs 14: Aurora and Potemkin 15: Re: Yamato part 16: 1/350 scale Tirpitz 17: Re: Damaged models 18: Anchors and chains 19: Re: Russian fleet colors 20: RN Cruiser Funnel Bands 21: Japanese WW1 Ship in Tokyo Harbour? 22: Anchor chain 23: Re: Masking tape 24: Tjeld (Nasty) type boat's torpedo tubes 25: Y2K bugs 26: Resin kits -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Trivia 2.2 2: Re: Paints 3: Angled Deck Essex 4: A Y2K statement from Gold Medal Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: Heller Contact Update Hello Everyone, I received an email from the contact at Heller that was provided to me by Jacques Druel. His name is Francis Reiser (not Reser as it appears and will soon be corrected on my webpage - oops!) and he provided me with a better and easier email address. mailto:francis_reiser@compuserve.com. He is looking forward to hearing from ship modelers regarding Heller products and subjects. Felix Bustelo Webmaster International Maritime Modeling http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm (who is still deliriously happy about the Yankees and looking forward to the parade down Broadway tomorrow!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: sinkanka@usit.net (Ann G. Sinkankas) Subject: Re: Marine Model ship kit Regarding the Marine Model ship kit, I believe this line of kits started with the Boucher Company in the 1920's or 1930's, whose owner was Mr. Boucher, an early professional ship modeler. Boucher's line of kits then went to Marine Model Company, who were very much in business in the 1960's, and were the chief competition to the old Model Shipways company in producing model kits made up of roughly carved (more closely carved as time went by) hulls of suger pine (later poplar), with stripwood, dowel, "white metal" and brass fittings, and plans. Scales used were (are) 1:48 to 1:96 for most wooden vessels, with 1:96 to 1:192 for steel-hulled vessels. I thought MS was better than MM in terms of the detail and accuracy of their plans and instructions. I believe that the Marine Model line then was taken over by Bluejacket Shipcrafters, who have several ex-MM kits in their latest catalog (though probably reworked). Bluejacket is very much alive, have a store in Stockton Springs, Maine that is well worth visiting, and regularly issue well-done new kits. Bluejacket sells several kits to produce steel-hulled naval vessels. Model Shipways was in Bogota, NJ, just across the river from NYC. Its line went to Model Expo, which sells it as MS, and has been adding new kits. They've gone from precarved hulls to plank-on bulkhead, to laser-cut plank on bulkhead and plank on frame. Their latest kit looks excellent, and they appear to be preserving their high-quality plans and instructions, using recognized experts such as Ben Lankford to work up the research materials, plans, instructions, etc. Regards, GMS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Joseph Poutre Subject: Post-WWII Soviet carrier aircraft? As you may know, I like to create "hypothetical" models for fun and practice in between my serious projects. I was considering the carrier Graf Zeppelin, and how it was taken over by the Soviets post-WWII. What if they had decided to try finishing her as a carrier? What aircraft might she have carried? And how would they have been marked? I've started researching aircraft flown by the Soviets in WWII, and as a first impression I would guess the YaK-9 and the Sturmovik might have been candidates. Maybe copies of American aircraft, like the B-29/Tu-4 situation. B-25s, based on the Tokyo raid? How about a carrier-based P-40? If we come up with a consensus, I'll build it, photograph it, and post it to the Warship site. Let's have some fun with this! Joseph Poutre Co-webmaster, Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society http://www.bb62museum.org/ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Kelvin Mok" Subject: Re: Damaged Model >> when you see around 5 miles of spider's web thin stretched sprue on each of his models, you can understand...........demolishing about a week's worth of rigging on one of his models. << I have experienced stretched sprue on a model coming loose on their own, probably due to room temperature changes, until I used sprue made from the rubbery plastic used to mold model car or truck tires. This plastic will tolerate a light snag without breaking when the model is handled. If the antenna cable is long, it takes on a realistic looking sag. The material makes it a bit difficult to draw consistently though. Ordinary plastic glue can be used to attach them. Kelvin Mok (klmok@home.com) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Tom Werner Hansen" Subject: Deck planking Guys, I looked at the 1:400 kits of the Aurora and the Potemkin I raised a question about yesterday and found that the stile of simulating deck planking consists of a series of raised lines. What do you guys do with that? When I did a number of 1:600 kits way back I just left them the way they were and tried to get the colour of the wood as good as possible. Is there a way to improve on the kit deck, short of replacing the deck with v groove styrene (like Chris Crofoot did with his Potemkin)? Is it practical to scribe grooves in the deck along the existing raised lines prior to removing the raised detail, and then giving the deck a thin wash of black, allowing the dark paint to run into the grooves and then wiping the black off the planks? Has anybody tried this. How wide would the planking be in 1:1? I have a feeling that the planking on the model is way overscale. I asked for a reference called "Battleships of The First World War". I looked for it Bookfinder but came up with nothing. There is however, a book called "Warships of the First World War". Could this be the one? Tom W -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Rob Lockie" Subject: 1/700 Fairmile kits I see from White Ensign's lists that several Dog Boats are due for release before too long, including the MGB and MGB/MTB versions. No doubt there are others on this list who can provide more details......! Robert Lockie Cambridge UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Mark McKellar Subject: Duck >> Geez Felix, it's only baseball ;-þ Shane - ducking for cover << Like it's only tea or it's only an island......... Shane, You're on the wrong side of the planet to understand. Mark Boston But Mark, I don't like tea ;-). And I do understand, it's just fun to stir ;-). Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Mike.Dunn@dresdner-bank.com Subject: Maritime Modeler Magazine, Hi guys'n'gals, Am I right in thinking that this is/was that new magazine, or am I confusing things again? Mike (from the foxhole) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Mike.Dunn@dresdner-bank.com Subject: Baseball? Oh, you mean ROUNDERS Hi, >> Felix Bustelo (who is wearing an extremely silly smile because the Yankees have now won the World Series two years in a row and sweeping the opponents both times!) Geez Felix, it's only baseball ;-þ Shane - ducking for cover << World Series? Against which other countries? Sheesh, at least cricket, football (real socker, not the namby-pamby padded American stuff), rugby, etc have REAL World Cups! }-) Mike (now running even harder & looking for a VERY deep bunker!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Mike.Dunn@dresdner-bank.com Subject: Chains vs Cables Caroline wrote : >> TOILETS have chains, ships have CABLES!! << and Derek replied : >> Uh, interesting analogy there , but is this something unique to the RN or days of sail? Reason I ask is that I've never seen the term "Cable" used in place of "Chain" in USN records. >> Well, I reckon these two comments say just about everything to do with US Navy ships Mike (now running for cover, wearing a fireproof flak jacket) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: Re: married to a ship modeler First, let me second Shane's and Lorna's congratulations to Jean-Paul Binot and his new wife. Second, to Mistress Lorna, my wife has not only stayed married to a ship modeler for 29 years, she's a divorce lawyer! However, I am getting a bit of grief at present for concentrating on the 1:232 deck of the Revell Olympia instead of refinishing a 1:1 deck (the living room floor). :-}p Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: Re: Damaged Model >> One aspect that I found disturbing... despite notices posted on and around Jim Baumann's models, not to remove the covers..., someone... removed and replaced the cover, demolishing about a week's worth of rigging on one of his models. He was livid. << To which Rusty White responded: >> This why IPMS/USA rules state that covers must be removed before the model will be judged. This way if any damage befalls a model, at least the judges can't be blamed. << Sorry, but just how does removing the model's protective cover protect it from damage??? Jim Baumann's only mistake was in not locking down the cover so it could not be removed. Not blame the judges? I have witnessed an airplane in aircraft diorama ripped from its base when the judge, his glasses dangling from a lanyard, leaned over to look at something across the table, inadvertantly hooked his glasses under a wing, then stood up. The Plexiglas box cover had been removed just like the rules said. Another judge, when pointing out a detail on one of my ship models to a colleague, accidentally drew a black line on the modeled water base with the uncapped felt-to pen he was using as a pointer. The well-meaning sod then proceeded to pick off part of the plaster with his fingernail while attempting to remove the mark. His apology was genuine, but it did not reverse the damage. Maybe the IPMS rule should require entries be enclosed in protective cases. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Steven P. Allen" Subject: On FSM and DEs A few days ago, notice was given that the "latest" issue of FSM had a cover photo and feature article on a build-up/conversion of the Revell Buckley-class DE. As I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere (excuse me, the official Chamber of Commerce phrase is "the middle of everywhere"), I cannot find same. Could anyone tell me what issue number (and month) that is and where I might acquire it Mail Order or on the 'Net? Thanks muchly, Steve Allen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Jean-Paul Binot" Subject: Aurora and Potemkin Back in May, there was some exchange of messages on the subject and Les Brown was kind enough to let some of us have copies of old articles published in Military Modelling. They contain drawings and plans in addition to useful bits of information. As for your questions: 1. Potemkin at the time of the mutiny Hull: Black Superstucture: White Funnels, ventilators and masts: Amber Yellow Funnel tops: Black Upper masts: Black 2. The colours for the Aurora in St. Petersburg 1917 Overall medium grey -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Yamato part When I have missing or parts I want duplicated I use Ace resin. It's a compete kit for making your own molds and resin castings. Of course if you do not have a master part, you'll have to scratchbuild it first or, like you have mentioned, contacting the company directly. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "bob mcfarlane" Subject: 1/350 scale Tirpitz If anyone has a color scheme for the 1/350 Tirpitz, I would greatly appreciate any help I could get for the model. My son is building the kit and has been stopped in his tracks. The instruction booklet included in the model is pitiful and the photos on the sides of the box are much to small to be of any help. We have looked for photos of the model on the Internet, but unfortunately, we haven't had much luck there either. Thanks to any folks who can help us out. Bob McFarlane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "graham" Subject: Re: Damaged models In reply to the below quote. >> One aspect that I found disturbing... despite notices posted on and around Jim Baumann's models, not to remove the covers (when you see around 5 miles of spider's web thin stretched sprue on each of his models, you can understand..), someone (maybe the "official" IPMS photographer, or the press?) removed and replaced the cover, demolishing about a week's worth of rigging on one of his models. He was livid. I just hope that JB shows up again next year. << Hi, now to the above Caroline express my concerns to JB, rest assured I will speak to John to see if we can stop this from happening again. When I finished judging the WEM trophy, BTW that was a mammoth task every ship there bar one or two and there was allot, all the cases were on the models, and since all the other ship judges HAD finished their jobs, this damage must off been done after the judging. BTW this is one of the reasons why some models were "white carded" when put into the wrong class as I for one will not move someone else's models (just in case of accidents). My point of view to other modelers what is a "diorama" well a ship with ships boats sailing by along with yatch and sailors on the deck of the ship and said boats is one. best wishes, graham. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "larsenal" Subject: Anchors and chains I don't want so start a great debate about the colors of anchors and chains in the French Navy, but if anchors are usualy black, chains could be black... or white as well! I have pictures of the modern Duquesne with chains white, Escorteurs d'Escadre with black and white chains depending the ship and the period, I even have pictures of the cruiser Emile Bertin with black chains in 1944, white in 1936, and one row in white and the other in black in July 1938 ! Best regards, Jacques Druel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Russian fleet colors I think Falk Pletcher said it best in SMML 684 when he wrote: >>Russian warships (of the early 1900 years) had different paint schemes, dependent on what fleet they were attached to. Up to 1903, the Pacific Fleet's standard scheme was - White hull and upperworks, - Yellow funnels with black tops In 1903 it was changed to - Olive.grey overall (sometimes also described as blackish.brown) Some ships may have had grey funnels for some time in 1904. The Baltic Sea's Fleet's paint was - Black hull and upperworks, - Yellow funnels with broad black tops. Up to 1903, ships in the Black Sea probably had the same white/yellow paint scheme as those in the Pacific. The 2nd Pacific Squadron which fought in the Battle of Tsushima was recruited from the Baltic Sea's Fleet and had retained their black/yellow paint scheme. Ships of the Black Sea's Fleet (Potemkin was here -- Marc) were painted - Black hulls, - White upperworks, - Yellow funnels with black tops. These were the standard schemes, but there were some variations. The Coastal Defence Battleships, for example, had the Baltic Sea's scheme but the upperworks above 01 deck level painted white. Also the main gun turrets were white, except those of GENERAL-ADMIRAL APRAKSIN which were black. My guessing for equivalent Humbrol tones would be: Hull black - 85 Hull white - 41 Yellow - 69" << As Falk said, this is "only guessing", but it's educated guessing based on r******ch. This is a good candidate for the FAQ project. How's that going BTW? Aurora would probably have been painted gray. Go to the Warships Links section and click on Russian Navy Photos Link (just checked, but the server's on the blink), follow the links until you get to color pictures of her as she is now. As I understand it, the model represents her as she is now, a museum ship. Just try to imagine what the surroundings were and decide which shade of gray is best. I'd bet on a medium, neutral gray, maybe even a bluish gray. When I was researching Russian MTBs, I ran across a couple of good books at the library, both were specifically on the Russian Navy. However, the pictures are in black and white for this period. Marc Flake Tarrant County, Texas (Where I'm thinking it must be pretty nice to be a Yankee fan in the 20th Century -- congrats to Felix and all the other Yankee fans) (Shane: "It's only baseball????" Shame, Shane, Shame) Hi Marc, Watch this space for news about the website & the FAQ in the next week or so. As to your last comment - :-þ Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Mark Krywienko Subject: RN Cruiser Funnel Bands >> Does anyone know of any source that lists the colour and number of funnel bands carried by British Cruisers before and during World War One? << Woo Hoo...someone else interested in WW1 British Cruisers...You beauty!!! Allow me to eagerly contribute to this question. There were 6 Cressy class Cruisers laid down in 1898/99 and completed in 1902/3 Their Funnel bands are as follows Aboukir - No Bands Bacchante - Single Band on Funnels 1 & 4 Cressy - Single Band on Funnels 2 & 3 Euryalus - Single Band Funnels 1, 2 ,3, & 4 Hogue - Twin Bands on Funnels 1 & 4 Sutlej - Twin Bands on Funnels 2 & 3 My picture of the Cressy shows what 'appears' to be White bands, however I have read that red bands were sometimes used to identify ships as well. My reference here is 'Jane's Fighting Ships of WW1' btw, the Hogue, Aboukir, and Cressy were all sunk in one nights action off the coast of Holland by U9 in the North Sea on the 22nd September 1914. I can't quite remember the exact details of that nights engagements, but the German Submarine Captain torpedoed the first cruiser, then as the second cruiser stopped to pick up survivors, he torpedoed that one, then when the third cruiser stopped to pick up survivors, he torpedoed that one as well. I believe that the English changed their tactics towards Submarine defence after that night. Mark Krywienko Sydney Australia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Mark Krywienko Subject: Japanese WW1 Ship in Tokyo Harbour? Hello SMMLies A friend of mine was showing me some photos they took in Japan while on Holiday there this year. One of the pics was of a cruise they went on from Mikasa Pier (to Sarushima - 'Monkey' Island) @ Yokusuka in Greater Tokyo. What interested me immediately though was what appeared to be a WW1 vintage warship in the background! Unfortunately because of the angle and long range of the shot I really couldn't discern much, but what I did see was, 2 long tall funnels with a single black band at the top of each one, 2 masts without tripods, white, and she was warship looking. The colour of the vessel may have been white or light blue or light grey, unfortunately with the light and shade and the distance, I just could not tell. However, this has really excited me that maybe, just perhaps, there is still a warship of WW1 vintage (or there abouts) floating. Does anyone know anything of this ship, what type of vessel it is, etc. Any information will be most gratefully received either on or off list will be fine thanks. I am planning to visit Japan next year, and if this ship is real I can guarantee you that it will be my first place of visit... Just love those WW1 ships. Thanks & Regards, Mark Krywienko Sydney Australia Hi Mark, That would be the IJN MIkasa. Haven't got much info on her, but that'll get you started. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Douglas Bauer Subject: Anchor chain Regarding the color of anchors and anchor chains: when I was a Boatswain's Mate aboard ship back in the 60's our bow anchor was painted haze gray, and the chain was painted black by the yardbirds when we were in port.. The chain was divided into "shots" of 15 fathoms each, and each shot was connected to the next by a detachable link. In order to accurately determine the scope of chain payed out while anchoring, the detachable link was painted red at 15 fathoms...white at 30 fathoms...and blue at 45 fathoms and the pattern repeated for the length of the chain. Additionally, the links on either side of the detachable link were painted white according to the number of fathoms represented...e.g., one white link on either side of a red link indicated 15 fathoms...five white links were 30 fathoms...three white links on either side of a blue link equaled 45 fathoms...four white, a red, and four white showed 60 fathoms. Most anchorages were done with a scope of chain about 5 - 7 times the depth of the water (at least for my LST). A modeler might want to take that into consideration when depicting a vessel at anchor - be sure you have the proper markings on the chain at the water's edge. All you ever wanted to know about anchoring...and more!! Doug Bauer Poway, CA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Erwin Van Deynze Subject: Re: Masking tape I use the Tamiya masking tape with much satisfaction. I haven't experienced any chippping, it's a bit flexible, leaves no residues (just don't leave them on for months, but that applies for any masking tape), and leaves a sharp edge. They com in easy dispensers, in several widths, the only backside I'm having is that they are so damn expensive, but I've found the they are used with care you can reuse them... Erwin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "KOSTAS ORNERAKIS" Subject: Tjeld (Nasty) type boat's torpedo tubes Hi there, I'm a modeller from GREECE, and I was sugested to meet you. I would like also to pose a question.Where I could find infos(plans, photos e.t.c.) of the Tjeld (Nasty) type boat's torpedo tubes. Regards Kostas Ornerakis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Shane Subject: Y2K bugs Hi gang, Well Loren's post down below has reminded me that I should do something about the Y2K bug - keep forgetting about it. So, if any SMMLie is up to speed on Y2K, could you email me at: mailto:sljenkins@tac.com.au This way, we can be sure of only the "normal" interuptions to SMML on the 31st/1st ;-hic). Shane - who will be flat chat on New Years on First Aid duty :-(. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Shane Subject: Resin kits Hi again, I'll be starting my next kit shortly - Resin OzMods 1/700 HMAS Vampire. Could people refresh my memory on hints & tips for resin kits. Thanks, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Jeff J Herne Subject: Trivia 2.2 Round 2 Question #2 When you hear the name of this ship you would probably think of the American Civil War. However the name also applies to another war and to a particular heroic incident in which the ship was sunk. While the mission was unsuccessful, the ship's commander became a national hero, and he and his crew all received the Medal of Honor for their exploit. The commander later wrote a book about the event. This is a potential six point question. Question #1 What is the name of the ship? (1 pt.) Answer MERRIMAC Question #2 In what war was she lost and what was her mission? (1 pt.) Answer Spanish-American War. She was scuttled under fire as a block ship in an attempt to bottle up the Spanish fleet by blocking the channel into the harbor at Santiago, Cuba. Question #3 Who was her commanding officer? (1 pt.) Answer - Lieutenant Richard P. Hobson. Bonus #1 What kind of a ship (classification) was she before her mission? (1 pt.) Answer - Collier Bonus #2 Why was the commander passed over for the Medal of Honor, only receiving it many years later? (1 pt.) Answer - The crew received their medals in 1899. Officers were ineligible for the award until 1915, Hobson received his in 1933 by a special act of Congress. Bonus #3 - The commander of the mission received numerous awards, including having a tobacco product named in his honor. Question - what was the product and what was its name. (1 pt.) Answer: A cigar - named "Hobson's Choice". Correct responses were from, and the points leaders: jjrule@idirect.com 6 r2brown@bc.sympatico.ca 6 johnsnyder@macnexus.org 6 minadmiral@aol.com 5 sanartjam@aol.com 5 mike.leonard@erols.com 5 douglas.j.martin@email.msn.com 4 KHgold@wman.com 4 work@il.net 4 billkaja@pop.tiac.net 4 Question #2 Name 3 liners operated by each of these companies during the years noted (9 points) 1905 Northwest Steamship Company Limited 1897-98 Empire Line 1910 American Line Bonus Question: What 3 liners were considered to be "Ballin's Big Three?" (3 points) Good Luck! Responses to: mailto:warships@juno.com ***DO NOT SEND ANSWERS TO JHERNE@HOTMAIL.COM*** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Conan35@aol.com Subject: Re: Paints Felix: Model Expo is just finishing up a line of paints based on the Snyder & Short color chips. 22 of the Royal Navy colors are shipping now, with Japanese Imperial Navy and U.S. Navy to follow in the next several weeks. Web site is at: http://www.modelexpoinc.com Best Regards Rob Finley Model Expo, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: Angled Deck Essex Yes they are alive at Naval Base Hobbies add the GMM photoetch set 540-6 and you'll build a 21" a fine American carrier to display for under 60.00. "Mod. Amer. Carrier" page Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies The Store for The Model Ship Builder http://www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Loren Perry Subject: A Y2K statement from Gold Medal Models I felt that it's time the subject of Y2K (the infamous computer problem we all know about by now) as it relates to our business here at GMM should be addressed. By the time you read this, there will be only 63 days left until the calendar rolls over to 2000. Many of you have no doubt seen the humorous references to Y2K in various advertisements that have appeared recently in major publications like Model Railroader, FineScale Modeler and elsewhere. So we're not the first to bring the subject of Y2K into the field of scale modeling. But as you know, Y2K problems may disrupt many types of computer hardware and/or software when 1999 changes to 2000. The consequences for unprepared small companies in the areas of billing, invoicing, shipping, and making timely payments could be substantial. Much is still unknown about this unprecedented event. You are no doubt aware of this and are making your own personal and professional preparations. If you haven't started to prepare, now is a good time. Products and services are still available today at low prices. We at Gold Medal Models first became of Y2K's potential for disrupting our business in June 1998. We've been actively working on our own Y2K compliance goals since July of that year and although we are fully compliant internally having 100% Apple MacIntosh and Adobe computer products with full eight-place date fields, we can still be affected by outside factors beyond our control. These could include problems with suppliers and transportation among other things. Our preparations are almost complete and we have already "hardened" Gold Medal Models as much as possible against the effects of possibly severe Y2K-induced problems, both at the actual turn of the century and for months thereafter. Contingency plans are in place and various types of back-up equipment and supplies are already on hand as a hedge against interruptions in transportation and/or manufacturing. We'll be in a position to continue doing business through the year changeover so long as our suppliers and transportation systems are able to do the same. (Our suppliers have assured us they are already fully compliant internally.) For the above reasons, GMM has postponed any further new product development and deployment until after the turn of the century. All current products in the GMM catalog will remain available with the exception of the handbook "Photoetching For The Plastic Ship Modeler" (GMM No. HB-1) which is now out of print and no longer available. Should events turn out to be of a minor nature, the handbook will be re-issued in an updated form. I have left many obvious things unsaid because this isn't the venue for such discussions. Nonetheless, I felt it was necessary to make a formal statement on the subject as it relates to our business for the benefit of our customers and dealers around the world. I fervently hope that we here at GMM are wrong about the need to prepare as we have already done. Nothing would please us more than to be able to continue to manufacture high-quality products for ship modelers for years to come. Although we have already expended much time and effort in preparing, we are fortunate that we can actually afford to be wrong. So if Y2K problems turn out to be merely temporary and manageable, our business will survive the changeover and we'll be here to serve you well into the next century. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume