Subject: SMML VOL 786 Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 01:18:28 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: SMS Konig in 1/350?? 2: Re: Gato clas 3: Re: Midway decks 4: Re: Revell Germany new kits 5: Chinese Gun Boat kit. 6: Re: Paint Queries 7: USS GLENNON INSIGNIA 8: Paint Queries 9: Re: Schokokola 10: Hypocrifal Acronyms 11: Availability for Flight IIA Burke model 12: Re: Matchbox Indianapolis 13: Thanks to the Gato guys 14: Re: Ship books 15: Re: Life preserver colors 16: Re: Ace Resin casting kit 17: Re: Konig release 18: Small Napoleonic Sailing Ship Kits 19: Re: Mini-sub in Pearl Harbor 20: Superior Navies 2 cents etc. 21: Wood vs Steel 22: USS Fall River CA-131 23: Warship Camouflage Website 24: Senior Moment 25: CV-6 Paint job 26: Battle honours 27: Re: Ship Book 28: Apology - Canberra a flop 29: Richelieu and battleship design 30: MAS boat Material 31: Re: USS Indianapolis 32: Graf Spee@aol.com Question about Ace Resin 33: Re: Life preserver colors 34: Re: Draught Markings, Fletcher Class DD 35: Detailing Italieri 1/700 Supercarriers 36: Re: Things with wings 37: 1/350 Replacement barrels -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Re: USS Indianapolis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: Re: SMS Konig in 1/350?? Re the ICM 1/350 Konig, Well, the last that I heard was for a late Spring release... so... we'll be about 7 or 8 months on from first estimates already! The UK importers have not got a price yet... they are well behind on their armour releases (some subjects have actually been dropped... possibly due to lack of interest). BTW, we at WEM have already penned in a PE set for this and the Grosser Kurfurst... so it can't come too soon, as far as we are concerned! Thanks! Caroline http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models White Ensign Models, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Gato clas >> As this is my first posting on SMML I will say a little about myself. I am a fleet boat fanatic, but I am also interested in US Navy subjects from any era. I mostly work in 1/350, but I am starting to work on a 1/48 scale Balao class boat. I look forward to being a part of this list. << Chris- Welcome aboard! If you haven't done so as yet, please check the SubCommittee website for additional help and information on R/C submarines (I assume your 1:48 Balao is going to be one), as well as display submarine information. We're at: http://wolfsong.com/SubCommittee/ Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Keith Bender" Subject: Re: Midway decks I have a friend who is a plank owner of the Midway and also a flightdecker, he said she had steel decks from the begining, No wood. (note) The upper part of the bow from the Fall River CA131 is located at battleship cove in Fall River, MA. It includes the bow bulwarks and is cut at approx. just above the anchor hawse outlets. They also have the two five bladed props from the Mass. BB59 on display now. These where removed during her 1998-99 drydocking. Keith, AKA ADM. Bilgecoolie Charlie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: mornsbar@prl47.ping.de (Michael Kuehnert) Subject: Re: Revell Germany new kits Replying to Donald Bridge: I think I have seen the Revell Germany HMS Illustrious (or was it Invincible actually? Man, couldn't they have simply christened their second carrier Glorious or something... all those 'I's...;) in a toy store just before Christmas, as well as the Ark Royal. Don't think I have ever seen a Wasp LHD. Michael -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: David R Angelo Subject: Chinese Gun Boat kit. Re the Gun boat Kit , or "I know I've seen that picture somewhere".................... PSM 17 has a review of this kit, Dan says his best guess is that it is a Japanese made Chinese naval vessel, It's name is spelled 2 ways, YUNG FENG or YUNG HSIANG .Built 1912 205' long, 59.5' beam, 830 tons. Armed with 1 - 4.1", 1 - 3", 4 - 3pdr., 2 - 1pdr. My Jane's 1919 has a listing for a gunboat of these names, but no photo. The kit refered to is about 17" long. At the time of the review Pac Front sold the kit for $15. David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: Paint Queries Phil: For the USN and RN sets, we either had actual yard- or Admiralty-issue WW2 paint samples (as in the case of Mountbatten Pink) or the correct period reference (the 1929 Munsell Book of Color, in the case of USN paints) to match to, or actual paint samples from ships' paint lockers. These were supplied to us by a very well-known naval author who has been collecting these materials for decades, and who has asked repeatedly to remain anonymous. For the IJN set we matched to actual paint chips from a Japanese source; we're looking still for other IJN colors. For our upcoming Regia Marina set we've obtained actual paint samples from Italian sources. The Kreigsmarine set will be the one involving the most guesswork--though it will be informed guesswork--unless I can find a way to get to Germany and the one known set of Kreigsmarine colors in private hands and match it against RAL standards. Otherwise, we'll go with documentary information and the guidance of a couple of Kreigsmarine experts. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: USS GLENNON INSIGNIA Try the Naval HIstorical Center. They have an archive on post war destroyer insignia. The material is the original artwork. Try them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: Paint Queries I heard that S or S dived on the Manchester, raided the paint locker, and guess what? It was full of Mountbatten Pink. What about Burdock Blue? Have they got that? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: Re: Schokokola CHOKOKOLA >> oes anyone out there know the secrete original formula for SCHOKOKOLA, the "fortified" chocolate of German WW II submariners? It came in round, pocket sized white tins, approx. 3 1/2" diameter, with brown, orange, or blue inscriptions, depending on type. It was supposed to give you extra strength and endurance and have other magical powers! << he formula itself is a trade secret. In fact Schokokola is still in production in Germany, and still sold that round orange and white metal tin of the same size. It is a favorite of truck drivers to keep them alert on long hauls thus one often finds it for sale at gas station mini marts on the Autobahn. A big dose of Caffine additive gives this product its "magical powers" above and beyond regular chocolate. BTW, its good stuff, a rich dark chocolate with a slight coffee taste. I am sure it is basically unchanged since WWII when it was issued to all branches of the German military. Cheers Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: Hypocrifal Acronyms >> subject: Re: USMC << Not sure, but I don't think I saw this one yet MARINE = My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment D -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Gary Au" Subject: Availability for Flight IIA Burke model I would like to buy a Flight IIA Burke. Is only 1/350 resin kit available? Does anyone want to sell his un-bulit kit to me? I try to order the 1/350 resin kit but it always out of stock and I am still looking for it? Gary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Matchbox Indianapolis Lawrence: Your best investment would be the Classic Warships publication of the Indianapolis. Keep in mind that, for the most part, this model depicts the Indy at the time of her loss. There are still some modifications you'll need to make, such as loosing the starboard catapult. Also, molded into the quarterdeck you'll find some boxes. There are some who will say that these boxes represent A-bomb components. Others will say hogwash, the A-bomb componenents were kept in the hanger, and these are actually boxes of 40mm ammunition which hadn't been stowed when a photo was taken-- which photo was used by the fellow who made the master casting of the model. You can view the photo yourself on page 42 of the CW Indy book. It's a nice little kit once it's dressed up with some PE and Skywave replacement parts (except for the main armament, all the guns need to be replaced). Marc Flake Tarrant County Texas (where a ban on all outside burning is in effect -- it's too cold to do any grilling anyway.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Thanks to the Gato guys I want to thank everyone who has offered help (and Plans) to assist me with my 1/72 scale Gato. Many thanks Gato guys! Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Ship books Mike: I picked up that same book a couple of years ago. It got me intereseted in building pre-dreadnoughts, which led me to building USN WWII ships. There is a companion volume, titled "Ironclads and Paddlers," that is also very good. Same format. Although the title would lead you to think the paintings are only of 1860-1890 ships, there are several classic pre-dreadnoughts in it. Another book that inspired me was "The American Steel Navy," an 1890-1910 photo album that really brings the period to life for me. Marc Flake Tarrant County Texas (Where I'm already applying paint to my Miami-class light cruiser.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Life preserver colors You'll probably get inundated with answers on this, but here'smy two cents: They were painted the same color as the surface to which they were attached. Marc Flake Tarrant County Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Ace Resin casting kit >> What's that (Ace Resin). What does it come with, and where can I get one? << First, Ace Resin advertises in FSM. So check out their ad there. I also believe the kit are sold through Micro Mark and Squadron Mail Order. The kit includes (as I said yesterday) everything you will need to make your own molds and cast parts. It includes RTV rubber, resin, mixing sticks, gloves and a couple of plastic containers to make the forms for the molds. Instructions are also included. I believe it retails for about $25.00 and it comes with enough RTV and resin to make quite a few small molds. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Konig release >> say there was some talk that a kit of this fine ww1 Battleship would be available in Nov 99...well what happened?? << There was a photo ad in the latest issue of FSM showing the box art. It looks like the release date has been set back but eventually it will be released. Hang on. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: Rick Heinbaugh Subject: Small Napoleonic Sailing Ship Kits With the passing of the author Patrick O'Brien, my thoughts are turning from modeling cruisers and destroyers to modeling frigates and sloops. (in 1/1200 scale) I have previously used the excellent GHQ kits and the numerous Navwar and Triton offerings. Does anyone know of any other manufacturers of 1/1200 white metal Napoleonic sailing ship kits? Thanks, Rick Heinbaugh -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: RCClem@aol.com Subject: Re: Mini-sub in Pearl Harbor >> Regarding the question of the mini-sub at Pearl Harbor, on the www.warships1.com site, there is a "Navy Technical Board" which contains a discussion of the theory of a mini sub that hit the WV and OK with one torpedo each. The discussion points out problems with many of the conclusions drawn in the magazine article. Basically, the authors conclude that it's possible, but not probable, that the sub launched torpedoes. << I looked at www.warships1.com. LOTS of great analysis! Now it seems we have 3 somewhat related versions of the story. They are remarkable for what they do not finish saying. No one source says it all. No surprise there, I guess. 1. Naval History magazine seems to propose an "original" idea that a minisub entered Pearl Harbor and torpedoed two US BBs. It did not mention the fate of that sub. Was it sunk or did it escape to be lost elsewhere, since I have heard of no mother sub recovering its minisub? And it did not acknowledge other info on sub sightings, etc. 2. "USS WARD FIRES FIRST SHOT WWII" states that at least one minisub "cruised nearly all the way around Ford Island until it was spotted, about 8:30, by the Breese and Curtiss. Several ships began firing at it. The Curtiss put a shot through the conning tower. The Monoghan, heading out the channel, fired on the sub, tried to ram it, and dropped depth charges. After the war, the wreckage of the submarine was raised. The bodies of two crewmen were still trapped in it, so that section of the craft was cut out, and they were given a ceremonial burial. ....the hull of the submarine was hauled (to a new dock) and covered with concrete." The note to make here is that this is a different minisub than the one sunk by the USS Ward. It must have been sunk in relatively shallow water. The book does not state if that sub actually fired its torpedoes. The Ward's minisub was sunk in 1,200 feet of water. There was no mention in this small book if the Ward's minisub was raised. 3. //www.warship1.com has a picture of a minisub that was raised after the War. The caption states that the sub was raised (to clear the channel?) and was the one sunk by the USS Ward. I doubt that 1200 feet is considered too shallow, so this minisub must be the one sunk by the other ships. The caption does not mention if there were torpedoes still in the wreck. Other than that, the point-counterpoint rebuttal of the Naval History magazine article was very interesting. Roger Clemens Hinsdale, Illinois -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: Superior Navies 2 cents etc. >> Their submarines did! << They certainly did but there weren't enough to win the war (Close but no fruit gum). Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "sctrtrash" Subject: Wood vs Steel In one of my references, and I don't know which one right now, I remember reading that the Midways were originally wooden flight decks, but early in their career they were replaced with steel. I have a book on the Airwar Over Korea, and there is a shot of a Panther jet in the pattern over the Midway, and it is clearly a metal flight deck. A B/W photo, but clearly a metal deck. When I was on the Valley Forge in '69 as a malaria patient, I remember thinking that the flight deck wood reminded me of railroad ties, not the bright tan that the model directions called for in the Lindberg Essex, (Wasp) kit of the '50's or the tan that the FDR kit of Revell. I made a mental note to build a "Correct" one when I got back from Viet Nam. Mark Krumrey New Richmond WI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "John Sheridan" Subject: USS Fall River CA-131 >> After west coast training, FALL RIVER served a tour of duty in the Far East as flagship of Cruiser Division 1 from 12 January to 17 June 1947. She returned to Puget Sound Navy Yard, where she was placed out of commission in reserve 31 October 1947. << Another slightly interesting tidbit about USS Fall River is that her bow is on display at Battleship Cove, Fall River Massachusetts. John Sheridan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "John Sheridan" Subject: Warship Camouflage Website USN Warship Camouflage has found a new home! The new location will be ready for occupancy in a week-or-so and the site will be back online with a big new update. I would like to thank everyone who emailed me with suggestions, help, etc. on finding a new home. John Sheridan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: Schiefet@cs.com Subject: Senior Moment >> In 1970, I believe the Glennon was part of DesRon 12. I am almost positive she was in our squadron when we did the North Atlantic that summer. The Squadron consisted of Glennon, Glover, R.L. Page, Edward MacDonald, Garcia (my ship) and I believe the Forrest Sherman. I have a JPEG file of the DesRon 12 logo. Contact me off line if you want it. << Sorry Joe, I had my squadrons confused. The Glennon and Glover were in Destroyer Development Group (DesDevGru) 2 out of Newport. This group was around in the late 60's. My first ship (DD-709) was part of that group. The purpose was to have one of each destroyer type to use as an experimental platform. This group was decommissioned around 1970. If I come up with that squadron logo, I will let you know. Steve Singlar Pelham, NH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: CV-6 Paint job Thanks for those who sent paint info. Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies The Store for The Model Ship Builder www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: "Chris Drage" Subject: Battle honours Hi gang, >> Subject: Most Decorated Ship << Surely one ship and one ship alone possessed more battle honours than any other and that is the old lady herself: HMS Warspite. Regards, Chris He tao rakau e taea te karo, tena he tao kupa kaore e taea te karo......(Te Reo Maori) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: Ship Book My inspiration for ship modeling came from an article in Scale Ship Modeler, back when it was produced by people that cared about the final product. It was the "100 Inch Mighty Mo", a beautiful 1/96 scale BB-63 by Harvey Wagner. I was lucky enough to view the actual model in a hobby shop near Seattle back in 1994 - she was still in good shape. Probably my favorite book on warship modeling is " Building Warship Models" by PC Coker. Though long out of print (and hence pricey when it can be found used) it is a fine collection of photos of exquisite models, interspersed with step by step techniques. Scale Model Warships, by John Bowen, is also a very good book, though if I had to choose one, it would have to be Coker's. Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography Don't have a helicopter? Try our overhead views of modern US Warships! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "Arthur" Subject: Apology - Canberra a flop I wish to apologise to any and all about my erroneous comment yesterday when I stated that the Canberra aircraft was a flop. The statement was out of context with the timeframe being discussed. As quite rightly pointed out by direct emails correcting me, the Canberra has gone on to be one of the more successful aircraft of the RAF and is still in service. One more year and it holds the record of being the longest serving aircraft - 50 years. Thank you for that one Chris. I had no intention of offending anyone, speaking of a particular point in time when those on the inside had the hairshirts on and were beating themselves quite rigorously. Time, technological advances and money can make a silk purse out of a sows ear. On topic, the same can be said about who, what and when and where a navy is the 'best'. Best at what? Originally, that thread was becoming a pita, later comments threw up some interesting anecdotes that were highly amusing. Said comments must have come from members with first hand experience and I wonder just what depth of experience this list has. I am sure that a lot more information is passed off list that is intriguing to say the least. Has there ever been a survey to establish what the background of the membership consists of Shane? Arthur Hi Arthur, In regards to the survey, not as such no. But over the past two years, it's sorta come up now & again. We have lawyers, serving & ex seviceman/woman across the board & of many nationalities, engineers, basically the memberhip seems to come from everywhere ;-). Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: "Jens H. Brandal" Subject: Richelieu and battleship design The book about the Richelieu arrived, and what a book it is! Chris and Jaques were right - recommended reading for anyone who speaks French. The rest of us can still look at the pictures and the colour renderings. Speaking of colour - the text claims the Richelieu was painted light and dark grey in the Home Fleet, still the colour profiles are pale grey (almost off white) and dark blue... Has anyone got matches to Humbrol enamels for this eyecatching camouflage scheme? As if a weird twist of fate, the kit arrived at the same day from Hannants - yep, this definitely has potential. When looking through the book it suddenly struck me the similar configuration with Rodney and Nelson with all the main batteries in front of the bridge and the secondary armament towards the rear. What were the rationale behind this distribution of armament, and why did no other ship classes continue this configuration? Jens (now looking to do a course in French language) Hi Jens, Just thought I'd mention that I've received the latest IPMS(UK) journal & it has a very nice shot of your award winning Scharnhorst from the UK Nats. Congrats again ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: MAS boat Material I am trying to locate on an urgent basis, material for the Italian MAS boats of WW Two, plans, photos,color details etc. I believe that they may have been at least one title on the subject published in the Orizzonte Mare series. If so, I would very much like to obtain a copy. Any help would be welcome. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: Jowfx@cs.com Subject: Re: USS Indianapolis First off, get a copy of Classic Warships, Warship Pictorial of the USS Indianapolis so you can see how much work you have ahead of you. It is really an excellent book. Next, throw away all the armament except the 8" guns. Replace the others with the following: Corsair Armada's 5" 25 cal guns, Skywave quad 40 mm, and WEM, twin 20 mm Oerlikons,(if you plan on showing her in her final configuration, otherwise use singles). You could get GMM's cruiser/destroyer PE, with Tom's Modelworks aircraft catapults. You should also get a couple of sets of GMM's hatches and W/T doors, for as you know, there are no bulkhead details. When I started this same project about 3 years ago, I was able to get a cruiser detatil set from Naval Works which included the gun directors and fire control radars. However, I don't think these are still available. I would also replace all the liferafts with Skywave rafts. You will need both oval and rectangular rafts. You should also make sure to include floater net baskets, bent up from railing. I feel that the rafts and floater nets are a major point of interest on the Indy in particular, in view of the fact of how long most of her crew were in the water with only life vests. A major problem with this kit (among a host of others) is that it depicts the Indy in a configuration she was never in. For instance, the kit has single 20 mms and only the starboard side catapult with Seahawk planes. When the Indy was overhauled for the last time, she traded in her singles for twins and landed her port side catapult and her SOC Seagulls. The kit is very heavy and thickly molded. You will need to thin out the splinter shields and other parts which are majorly out of scale. Also, don't forget to remove the molded in "crates" on the fantail. I think that these are supposed to represent the A-Bomb parts, but from what I have read, these were stored in the hanger and in the Captain's cabin. You have a lot of work in store. Or maybe you could pick up the USS Portland and convert her to Indy. But that might not be any fun now! Good Luck. Maybe I might finish mine someday. John Fox -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Graf Spee@aol.com Question about Ace Resin Ace Resin sells a "Do It Your Self" resin casting kit with everything you need to learn how to teach yourself how to cast your own parts, right in your own home. The kit sells for $29.95 + $4.00 S&H in the US. Call (520)886-8051 for overseas shipping prices. Send check or money order, in US dollars, to: Ace Resin, 7481 E. 30th. St., Tucson, AZ,. 85710. Steve -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: Fritz Koopman Subject: Re: Life preserver colors Hi Doug. From the few color photos from the war in my possesion the standard USN "Jim-Bouy" life-ring was white with natural canvas color straps to attach the hand ropes to it. Of course, other ships may have painted them. and the best is to check your resources. If they're black and white, check the contrast to a surrounding "known" color. In a black and white photo,International Orange will appear almost black,as does red, unless the photo is terribly exposed. If it's grey, you may not be able to distinguish the life ring at all from the background. Best Regards Fritz Koopman Salem Massachussetts, and STILL no snow! : ( -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: Fritz Koopman Subject: Re: Draught Markings, Fletcher Class DD Hi Alan: >> At bow string is, top to bottom, 0-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0-9-8-7-6 (5-4-3 pass through boot topping). At stern string is, top to bottom, 8-7-6-5 (6-5 pass through boot topping). Must be draught markings, but can anyone explain significance and why boot topping is marked differently at bow and stern? Thanks. << Well, speaking as a Naval Architect/Marine Engineer specializing in stability, in which draftmarks play a major role, and to make a short story long, I can say this much: Common practice is for the draft marks to represent the vertical distance with respect to the designed Baseline. The Baseline Is an imaginary line that is drawn parallel to the designed waterline, and passes at the very extreme lowermost edge of the hull (this applies to powered steel ships only, and this may or may not include the running gear, i.e. shafts, struts, rudders, etc.). In the case of the Fletchers, this line is coincident with the very bottom of the hull, not including the upturns at the bow or stern. Why do different numbers pass through the black line? it could be one of two things. 1) If there is a large amount of weight added to the stern after completion of the original design (extra depth charges, or AA) the trim of the boat will change, and the stern will sink down more than the bow. Then, when the waterline is painted, it will reflect the change in trim, with the black boot higher in the stern (in this case, one foot). Since the draftmark marks are relative to the designed baseline and not the as built waterline, there are different numbers in the black boot-top region. 2) The drawing is in error. My suggestion is to measure the marks on the drawing and see if the 5-4-3 marks etc. are properly at a scale 15', 14', and 13' respectively with regards to the baseline. then you will know which of these two options the problem represents. If you need more info, feel free to reach me off line. Best Regards Fritz Koopman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35) From: "Morley, James (London)" Subject: Detailing Italieri 1/700 Supercarriers I'm sure others will respond to Tony Partlow's mail, but here is an opinion: For Photoetch use Gold Medal Models (updated) Supercarrier set. For Aircraft use Skywave's US Navy aircraft set. There is an edition of this in clear plastic (S-12s I think), which I would recommend. These aircraft are well detailed (though some features like panel lines are somewhat exaggerated, and as usual only the Tomcats have the stowed/folded wing position as a build option without surgery). However drop tanks and landing gear are supplied (and a serious lunatic could easily add gear wheel doors and missiles). They are an immesureable improvement over the Italieri blobs. This set comes with high-viz markings for Nimitz, Eisenhower, and a couple of planes for Enterprise. What you want is the 'Special' edition of this set which includes the correct markings for the forward deployed CVW in Japan (can't remember what number). Hope this helps Regards James Morley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36) From: Tom Eisenhour Subject: Re: Things with wings John Snyder wrote: >> Well, let's see, prior to Vietnam you could find the USAAF flying Spits and Mossies in US squadrons in US markings in WW2. << Don't forget the Beaufighter Mark VIIs of the 416th Night Fighter Squadron in the MTO. Tom Eisenhour -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37) From: RLapadura@aol.com Subject: 1/350 Replacement barrels Hi All, Let me start by wishing everyone on the mail list a Happy 2000. Here's hoping it will be a productive one! My question is, I've seen listings for 1/700 replacement brass gun barrels made to standard caliper and diameters for various navies. Is there anything equivalent in 1/350 scale. Specifically, I need replacement 8" barrels for a 1/350 San Francisco as the resin ones that came in the kit look out of scale (too thick). I tried to turn my own using telescoping brass tubing, but out of the dozen I've completed, I think I have three or four that match. Any response or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Bob LaPadura Pres. NJIPMS Who is NJIPMS? Check out our web site at http://www.njipms.org. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: USS Indianapolis >> I just picked up a Matchbox USS Indianapolis kit and is wondering if anyone have any tips on superdetailing it and correcting any errors? << For the best reference on that ship, call Pacific Front Hobbies and ask for the Classic Warships Publication, Warship Pictorial #1 USS Indianapolis CA-35. Its only $9.95, and loaded with great drawings and the best photo reproduction around. Of course, I am the publisher, and not biased, HONESTLY! Thanks, Steve Wiper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume