Subject: SMML VOL 821 Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 01:23:15 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Torpedo Boat Deck Gun 2: 1/350 Halifax by Iron Shipwright 3: Another book question 4: KGV pictures. 5: Re: Planking drawings 6: Wish List 7: Re: Starblazers 8: Hull Stations for California & WV - Wisswesser Plans 9: Attaching cables 10: Knots 11: Re: WaterLines 12: How about a Garbage scow? 13: Re: HMS Dreadnought kit 14: MB MODELS 15: Re: Hobby store 16: Tamiya 1/300 Destroyers 17: information replys 18: CVL Abbreviation Nickname 19: Re: HMS Dreadnought 20: US Destroyer Colors 1920 21: Cocoa Matting Color 22: Mirage 1/400 Grom Ca.1940 23: American Yearbook co 24: Re: ICM Kits 25: Tamiya KGV 26: Silent heroes 27: US Naval History Photographic Collection -- USS Alabama 28: RN Set #2 - Humbrol Matches: Correction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: 1:350 HMS Dreadnought by Steel Navy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS Welcome to the Valentine Day Edition of SMML This issue is dedicated to all the partners out there who put up with all us idiotic ship modellers. Especially, to my beautiful wife who endures all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes with SMML & fills in when needed. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Marten, Howes & Baylis" Subject: Torpedo Boat Deck Gun Dear Sirs We are seeking detailed constructional information of the 1 PDR rapid fire gun as shown on the attached file. This gun appeared to be standard equipment for the range of steam cutters etc. at the turn of the century, (see Standard Designs for Boats of the US Navy 1900). For your guidance we are currently constructing a 1/12 scale model of a class 3 Torpedo Boat built in the Brooklyn Naval Yard in about 1895 as part of the inventory of the USS Maine. Regards Peter Baylis Hi gang, The picture has been posted on the SMML site. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Gary Au" Subject: 1/350 Halifax by Iron Shipwright Any news about this kit. When this Canadian Frigate kit will available? Gary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: LYRAD801@cs.com Subject: Another book question Hello, I'm looking for a review of either of these books: US Submarines Through 1945: An Illustrated Design History US Submarines Since 1945: An Illustrated Design History Thanks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Francisco Javier Chaves Salarrullana" Subject: KGV pictures. Hello SMMLies: Where can I find any good broadside photograph, or drawing showing KGV in late 1940, in her peculiar dazzle camouflage? I'd like to know if the colours used were standard or an own mix made by the crew, and if the camouflage pattern was a ship's artist inspiration or pehaps an experimental one. Thanks. Francisco Javier Chaves. Zaragoza (SPAIN). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Francisco Javier Chaves Salarrullana" Subject: Re: Planking drawings >> Does anyone know the size (width and length) of the planking used on the flight decks of Escort carriers? Are they significantly different than those used on the Essex Class? Also, the size of the tie down strips. Any help, or ideas as to where to find this info will be much appreciated. << Hi John. You can find several detailed drawings in the book "The escort carrier Gambier Bay" by Conway Maritime Press Ltd. If you can't find that book or need the info now, just E-mail me and I will send you a set of drawings in detail that show the planking, tie downs, arresting gear and barrier arm. Francisco Javier Chaves. Zaragoza (SPAIN). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Lisa and Bill Wiseman Subject: Wish List Greetings, One of our two remaining local hobby shops burned over the summer and they have decided to get out of the business. The second shop is mainly a train shop but the owner has decided to diversify his stock to include more models and paints. He has asked our club to help by putting together a list their "wish lists" and a list of kits that they think would be stocked in a better hobby shop. I as club president, I have assigned members with certain specialties to put together these lists. I have one member working on AFV and Armor, one Cars and Trucks, one Sci Fi and I have taken the daunting task of Ships and Aircraft. Remembering this is a smaller shop (about 2000 sq ft) over half of which is train merchandise, I am asking for your thoughts and opinions on the "essential" ship kits. If you have any thoughts on A/C, I'll graciously accept those as well. (off list of course). These kits would have to come from the "mainstream" or mass market suppliers (Sentai, Hobbytime etc.) as direct purchase will probably be too expensive. Please remember this store is geared to the general modeling mass market. Esoteric subjects or high end resin kits will take up valuable capital and shelf space. What I need is a list of subjects that would appeal to beginning modelers and veterans alike. I also don't wish to start a "Ford vs. Chevy" type flame war over who makes better kits or products. Here is what I've put together so far: Tamiya 1/700 A small selection of the IJN CV's- Shinano, Shokaku, etc A couple of the IJN CA/CL's - The "new tooling" Yamato & Musashi A selection of the IJN DD's - Matsu, Harusame etc. The US CV's Enterprise & Hornet DKM Scharnhorst, Gneisenau RN BB's Nelson , Rodney, Hood, KGV, PoW Hasegawa 1/700 IJN BB's - Kongo Haruna IJN CV's Akagi, Kaga USN BB's S Dakota, Alabama USN Essex/Hancock class CV's Fijimi 1/700 USN Iowa's USN A/C RN Ark Royal / Eagle CV's RN A/C DML/Dragon 1/700 USS Tarawa / Saipan HMS Manchester Tico class CG USS Normandy OHP Frigate Adams Class DDG Soviet Nanchucka Class Corvettes Italieri 1/720 CV-60/62 CVN 72/70 Kutzenov DKM Hipper/Blucher/Eugen CA's 1/350 Scale kits will have to be limited due to size and stock cost. I thought, The Enterprise CVN-65 A couple of the Iowa's Yamato/Musashi Bismarck/Tirpitz He already stocks Evergreen and Plastruct, Tamyia Acylics and MM enamels. Thanks for any help, Doc Wiseman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Robert Vancel Subject: Re: Starblazers >> Also, on a sidenote regarding the Starblazers thread, I personally have no problems with fantasy ships (NOT Starships) being on the list eg: Jules Verne's Nautilus, Skydiver (UFO), USS Seaview, Flying Sub (Voyage to the bottom of the sea) Seaquest, etc. Space Cruiser Yamato is probably stretching it a tad, but what the hell - gotta cater to those Y&%$#o bods I suppose ;-). << Okay now, Shane. I have to pick a bone here. Skydiver was simply a water-launched fighter plane (ala Sub-launched ICBMs). And the SC Yamato, in spite of its conversion, was fully capable of operating as a ship, since it did in several episodes where it wasn't necessary for it to be in space. There are even several nice shots in the series and the movies where she is docked at a normal shipping port next to 'real' warships. bleahh! hehe Robert Hi Robert, What can I say - ya caught me out ;-), forgot about the water landings, been ages since I watched it. As for Skydiver, well it's Gerry Anderson - what else can I say, apart from "it's great" ;-) FAB Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SolidStump@aol.com Subject: Hull Stations for California & WV - Wisswesser Plans Perhaps my "thread" did not completely express my thought, Mr. Wiper. I was referring to the California & West Virginia classes in pre-war fit. I have complete plans from Floating Drydock of Arizona & Idaho. I know they have other pre-WW2 battleship plans with hull stations. The California & West Virginia plan sets listed do not include hull stations. I have the one for California so I'm sure of that. The research you do Mr. Wiper is very much appreciated. I have purchased your pictorials and some of your Classic Warship models. I dig as best as I can and do not expect "manna". But, I've not seen plans with hull stations for the California and West Virginia designs other than on a Wisswesser drawing. P.S. I have ruled out going to the San Francisco Maritime Museum and stealing their 12' US California model to take measurements. Simon Scheuer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: Attaching cables >> What is the suggested method for attaching rigging to the deck? In this case I'm looking at photos of modern warships (1890s thru 1990s) and usually the rigging appears to enter a pin hole in the deck. << At last a model question! Not sure what you mean here. On small scale models, rig may enter pin holes in the deck for strength and ease of assembly. On a full sized ship, the line would terminate in a shackle, the shackle would be connected to an eye ring bolted into the deck or bulkhead. This facilitated disconnecting and connecting the line, as well as reducing wear. It is actually possible to simulate this in 1:350 by making eye bolts from strands of fine wire looped around a micro drill shank and twisted. These are inserted into the deck. Your wire lines are then threaded through the eye bolt and looped around itself and snipped. The loose bit can be bent back and glued, the resulting little nub simulates the shackle. Obviously this is something only for those with steady hands and not in any hurry to build a fleet. Dave (guy who finishes two ship models in a decade, if its a good decade) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: Knots >> Knots. Do you have to be a Boy Scout to tie the proper knots in rigging or are a few simple (basic) knots used to tie down rigging? << Please do not try to copy actual knots in scale rope (thread). In my experience in small scales, say 1:100 and smaller, a complex knot will look way overscale. Use simple knots and a bit of glue to keep them from coming undone. Save a headache and looks better too! I use wire to simulate lines on model ships, and never use knots anyway. Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Dave Judy Subject: Re: WaterLines I like to paint the area of the waterline black first, then clearcoat it(gloss, so the masking tape doesn"t stick) then mask with vinyl tape(follows the hull shape easier). Then mask off the upper and spray the hull red, then when that is dry, mask off the lower and spray the upper hull color......when that is dry.....remove all masking......works great for me!!! Dave Judy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Melea/Mike Maynard" Subject: How about a Garbage scow? Am I the only Model builder who believes that the world could do without another version of a Fletcher class destroyer? Or one less Iowa class battleship?(in any scale) Would the big model companies(Revell comes to mind) topple if they gave their Missouri mold a rest and try reissuing or(gasp) develop and market a NEW ship model kit? OK OK , I've heard all the excuses, "Ship models don't sell as well as car models", diminishing interest in plastic models, and my personal favorite," DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO TOOL UP A NEW MOLD", blah blah... I counter this company line with :1)It takes money to make money. They (Revell) didn't have any trouble marketing the Beatles Yellow Submarine. The money could have been spent to mold, well, any type of real ship or boat. Or even re-issue say, the destroyer escort model... 2) If ship models are that unprofitable or waste of catalog space, how does that explain the rise in resin ship models? Sure they're expensive and some need some TLC to make em look right but the folks that purchase them are folks like me, not kids. Even the Japanese have a pretty good line of ship models, (even though it's more BB's and carriers), Tamiya's inventory is certainly more extensive than the domestic manufacturers. But, that doesn't let the resin folk off the hook. I scanned the different producers of these kits and lo and behold, more Iowa class BB's!!! Admittedly they are trying to appeal to all builders but I would hope ONE of these guys would take a chance and offer say a yet to be produced model. Like a Polar class Icebreaker. Or any USCG models for that matter, they are very underrepresented in the model world. A friend of mine phoned a resin producer and asked if he was going to produce a kit of a 378' cutter. He replied that no, they wouldn't sell. And yet I'm sure we'll see another Fletcher or some other over produced kit in the up coming year. If the manufacturers of the WWII stuff is apprehensive of turning out non-gray vessels, consider; there are a number of kits of Navy boats that served in Viet Nam, resin and injection molded. And one of the first boats that served in 'Nam wasn't Navy but the CG 82' "Point" class patrol boat. It seems the Navy had spent so much time building BIG ugly Gray ships they couldn't even field a patrol boat on short notice. Or how 'bout a WWII model of the OWASCO class cutter, at 255 feet it packed 4- 5inch guns and 2 quad 40's, the smallest American craft to pack that much firepower. I could cite other potential models, both Coast Guard or other unusual Naval craft but I fear that it will take a modelers "uprising" to get any results. Even a NYC garbage scow would be a step in the right direction.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: HMS Dreadnought kit John Impenna writes: >> Anyone know of a 1/350 scale or larger kit of the Dreadnought? I don't recall seeing one anywhere. << Dean's Marine has a 1/96 scale kit for the Dreadnought. You can see the model by following this hyperlink: http://www.model-dockyard.com/deans/dreadnought.htm Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography Perry Class? We got 'em! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Miguel Costa" Subject: MB MODELS Hello: First, thanks to Dimi for the Mediterranean Fleet Colours. Does anybody knows, the adress, phone and e mail (and web, if they have), of the Manufacturer of ships MB MODELS. Thanks. Miguel Costa Mallorca Balearic Islands "one place five islands" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Joe Costanzo Subject: Re: Hobby store Shane, The store is called Trains and Lanes in Nazareth, PA (Near Allentown and about 15 minutes from Bethlehem, natch). They have a great selection of kits from Tamiya, Hassegawa and Fujimi. No Skywave or any resin kits, though. Plenty of releases from Monogram, Revell, Matchbox and those other second-rate manufacturers, for what it's worth. Loads of other hobby related stuff too! Joe Costanzo Hi Joe, Thanks for that. Always nice to plug a great sounding shop ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Duane Fowler Subject: Tamiya 1/300 Destroyers Hello Douglas, Last time I was in Japan ( a couple of weeks ago) I picked up the Tamiya 1/300 Yukikaze (Kagero class) and Yugumo (Yugumo class). They are reissues of the 1968 kits (the date is embossed into the lower hull). The hulls are in two pieces so the water line guys should be happy. The kits look decent although not quite up to modern Tamiya standards. There is a lot of room for detailing. A 1/300 photo etched set would be really nice although you should be able to get a one to 200 three bar rail set and cut the lower rail off for most of the railings. most of the AA is pretty crude, though. I picked them up for ¥2700 which equals about US$25.75. The price on the box is ¥3000. The box has artwork for the cruisers Suzuya and Kumano so maybe those will be re-issued shortly too. Tamiya also did a 1/300 Maya about the same time. Best regards, Duane Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Bruce Simard" Subject: information replys Gents, Just a quick note to thank all of you that responded to my request for information on the Iron Shipwright Elco and PC kits. Especially to Jon Warneke of Iron Shipwright, who responded in a most affirmative manor. Its great to see a group willing to help each other out. Thank you again........................Bruce. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "FCR" Subject: CVL Abbreviation Nickname Hello to all Just a silly question. In WWII the USN Escort Carriers or CVE have a abbreviation nickname that it was "Combustible, Vulnerable and Expendable". Now the question is if the USN Light Carriers or CVL have also one abbreviation nickname? Can anybody answer this, please. This is for my almost finished USS Bataan CVL-29 and I would like to put a subtitle of this abbreviation on the model diorama. Thanks in advance. Filipe Ramires PORTUGAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: Re: HMS Dreadnought HMS Dreadnought. Dean's Marine makes one. Contact Tony he sells them at www.modelersboatyard.com Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies The Store for The Model Ship Builder www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Jay Schantzen Subject: US Destroyer Colors 1920 Are there paint chip sets or color suggestions available that would cover the correct colors for DD187 (USS Dahlgren) launched in 1920? I'm looking for all info, including hull colors (including size of boot topping if it was done), deck colors, and any other useful colors. Thanks in advance! Jay Schantzen MD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Jay Schantzen Subject: Cocoa Matting Color My WWI era destroyer plans describe "Cocoa matting" as a non-skid deck surface. Any suggestions on a paint color that would work? I'm assuming the stuff was like the yellow/brown reed mats you buy in places like "Pier One" imports. Am I right? Thanks in advance! Jay Schantzen MD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "Bob Pearson" Subject: Mirage 1/400 Grom Ca.1940 Greetings all, I have picked up the Mirage kit of the Grom in its 1938 rig, however the sprue for the 1938 parts is missing and in its place is that for the 1940 fit. Would anyone having a copy of the 1940 instructions please forward a scan of the instructions for Sprue D. Was Grom just in overall grey in 1940? I suppose I could just do her as Blyskawica and camouflage her accordingly. I also got the Mirage 1/400 Mazur. Both kits are nice and provide a great starting point for extra detailing - however these are just going to be OOB for a couple of fun builds while I work on my other projects. Does anyone do 1/400 injected RN destroyers? I was sure i saw some listed somewhere, but darned if I can find them Regards, Bob Pearson Visit my WW1 Aviation page: http://members.xoom.com/Sopwith_5F1 For the CBR/RNP Profile page visit: http://members.xoom.com/profileart/ Managing Editor / Internet Modeler: http://www.internetmodeler.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: DILIANE@aol.com Subject: American Yearbook co John Snyder had an interesting posting about the American Yearbook co. He stated that anyone could buy an Enterprise yearbook from 1976-77. IF you happen to follow up on that great advice, you may see a very old picture on page 209 of an old squid. It is a very good yearbook, and covered our cruise to the PI, Hong Kong, Tasmania, and Africa. Great photos of all the full color planes and even inside the hangar deck. I also posted a request recently for any info for building an Iowa class turret, to scale. I received some good responses. I picked up a book today called Warfare at Sea. It is mainly modern weapons systems, such as Aegis, harpoon and quite a few others. It also has a drawing of what I wanted to build. It is distributed by motorbooks, and has ISBN 0-7603-0405-x. Many excellent photos, but only if you like modern type ships. So, enjoy your modeling. And John, I will be trying to order another yearbook, so both my kids can have one. Jim Campbell, Chippewa Falls, WI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: RCClem@aol.com Subject: Re: ICM Kits I have been gone awhile and just noticed this ongoing string on ICM kits on early steel navy ships. One thing I must have missed. Are the ICM kits plastic or resin? Are they all in 1/350 scale? Do they come with photoetch kits? Thanks, Roger Clemens Hi Roger, Welcome back ;-). The ICM ships are plastic & are all in 1/350 at the moment :-((((((((. IIRC, they won't be coming with PE. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: Tamiya KGV Hi Douglas It all depends on which period you're modelling as when they started out KGV and DOY were pretty similar. AA fit changed significantly throughout the ships life. I'm in the process of actually making my Tamiya KGV into a more accurate representation of the late war KGV and have a soon to be redundant Matchbox DOY which you're welcome to have for parts etc. For photo-etch I'm using TOMS Modelworks excellent KGV/POW set which would be easily adaptable for the DOY as well. Other bits such as pom-poms and 5.25 turrets come from White Ensign. Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Damian Pliszka Subject: Silent heroes Hi all, Looking at WW2 photos I often can see reparing vessels, floating drydocks ect. allowing USN to operate on huge areas of Pacific. Where I can find informations about these ships? Damian Pliszka Slupsk, Poland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Ed Grune Subject: US Naval History Photographic Collection -- USS Alabama Good morning SMMLies. This weeks addition to the US Naval Historical Photographic Collection are some photos of the USS Alabama (BB-60). The photos may be found at: http://history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-a/bb60.htm There are some color photos of her during her shakedown criuse wearing a Ms12 (Mod) scheme. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: Dimitrios Apostolopoulos Subject: RN Set #2 - Humbrol Matches: Correction The approximate mix for B15 is 3 parts H96 and 1 part H34. Dimi -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Rob Mackie Subject: 1:350 HMS Dreadnought by Steel Navy There was an inquiry regarding the availability of a 1:350 scale HMS Dreadnought. Steel Navy makes an excellent full hull HMS Dreadnought (1906). It is an all resin kit and includes an etched brass fret. Price is $185 and it is available directly from Steel Navy at Steel Navy 7317 Walnut Road Fair Oaks, California 95628 USA Phone: (916) 863-6026 FAX: (916) 863-6176 Email: rhino7@jps.net There is a preview feature on the Warship site at http://warship.simplenet.com/dreadnou.htm I'm working on a more comprehensive article which should be ready in a few weeks. Dave Runkle, the owner of Steel Navy, has the kits in stock and I think you'll be impressed by the quality. I was the prime mover in terms of getting the project started, bringing the players together and providing seed money. The heavy lifting was done by Jon Warneke (master pattern) with assistance from Dave Runkle. Dave did all of the resin casting at his extensive Sacramento, California facility, and Tom's Modelworks drew the photo-etch. Rob Mackie Warship Editor and Webmaster -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume