Subject: SMML VOL 822 Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 01:08:45 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: IJN Kinu 2: Re: Tamiya 1/300 Destroyers 3: PE set for USS Helena 4: Re: KGV pictures 5: Re: How about a Garbage scow? 6: MB MODELS 7: Re: Wish list BEWARE 8: HMS Prince of Wales 9: IJN Oyodo 10: Re: Starblazers 11: Re: US Destroyer Colors 1920 12: coast guard resin kits? 13: Re: How about a Garbage scow? 14: Re: Tamiya KGV 15: Re: The surname PERRY 16: Re: How about a Garbage scow? 17: Plan set retailer in Germany? 18: Tamiya 1/300 19: Channel 4, UK TV 20: This and That 21: Re: Channel 4, UK TV 22: German Mines 23: Re: Book Review 24: Independence class carriers research 25: Re: KGV Camouflage 26: Re: Wish List 27: Re: Hull Stations for California 28: Re: Star Blazers 29: Naval Films (was: HOOD) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Tamiya King George V photoetched details 2: FS: Warship quarterlies 3: NEW ITEMS from SAMEK 4: Dirty Tricks department, Part 1 5: Plastic Ship Modeler offer 6: Re: 1/350 Halifax by Iron Shipwright -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Mitsuaki Kubota Subject: Re: IJN Kinu Hi Joe, Sorry, I myself don't have Tamiya's Kinu, so I can't comment detailed review. But I've heard it is a very good kit. According to Mr. Shoichi Kinugasa, monthly contributor to Model Art magazines, this kit has only two minor problems. One is that the rangefinder platform between 2nd and 3rd funnels should be higher 1mm. Another is struts should be added between upperdeck and shelter deck starboard side of catapult. Tamiya's Kinu depicts as she was fitted 1941. I'm not convinced that strips on lino deck are overscale or not, I think it isn't matter in 700th scale. I suppose no manufactures sell PE set exclusively for 5500 tonners, but general fittings like 2 bars railings, ladders and catapult would be enough. Best regards, Mitsuaki Kubota -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Mitsuaki Kubota Subject: Re: Tamiya 1/300 Destroyers Hi Douglas, Tamiya's Yukikaze(not Kagero) and Yugumo were originally released 32 years ago, and had been out of production for a long time. They are released last year as 50 years anniversary of Miyazawa-Mokei. (Miyazawa-Mokei is a famous Japanese wholesale dealer.) Considering their age, they are good kits. Although they lack small details like ventilators, lockers or reels, and have no portholes and degaussing cables, represent good profile views. If you want building correct models, some modification will be required. But they are worth doing. The two kits are almost identical, but bridge structures differ. They are enough attractive kits, I think. Best regards, Mitsuaki Kubota -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Timothy Dike Subject: PE set for USS Helena >> I've ordered the 1/700 CW USS Helena and I'm wondering about the most appropiate PE set to detail her. Maybe the Omaha class cruiser Tommodelworks PE set ? << Your building one of my favorite ships, Steve did an excellent job on this one. I used Tom's Modelworks Brooklyn class cruiser set to do the searchlight platform and boat crane as well as several other misc. details. They also make handrails you can use However I prefer the Stainless Steel that Gold Medal Models uses in it's cruiser/destroyer set as they seem to spring back when my big thumbs come in contact with them. Besides you will have enough PE left over to do a DD or two. mailto:Cadman@kc.net http://www.kc.net/~cadman/ "A still sea never wrought a skillful sailor" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Mark Shannon Subject: Re: KGV pictures Francisco Javier Chaves of Zaragoza (SPAIN) wrote: >> Where can I find any good broadside photograph, or drawing showing KGV in late 1940, in her peculiar dazzle camouflage? << There are not too many pictures that show the broadside of this camouflage. Raven and Roberts in the "British Battleships of WWII" and in the Ensign "King George V Battleships" monograph lament that they were unable to find any. I have heard that some from private collections have surfaced since then, but I have not seen any. It would be logical to assume the colors to be a combination of the AP507 greys, but not certain. The pattern may have been similar in many respects to those of this period carried by Repulse, Warspite, and Jupiter. Mark Shannon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: Re: 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... << What you said!! And add to that list big scale Enterprises (CVN-65). What's with this proliferation of One Ship Class models? Every year FSM, in their wishlist model survey, has at the top a big scale Nimitz Class. If it appears in this annual wishlist year after year, there have to be a couple of people out there who'd buy it. Along with Nimitz, how 'bout a big scale Essex? There are/were more of them than Enterprise creating a wider appeal. But no, the Tamiya Enterprise in 1/350 is followed by the Arii in 1/400. Oh boy. That right there could be the answer why there's a 'diminishing interest' in plastics: no choice. Added to the list of 'small boy' cutters and patrol boats, I'd like to see commercial ships/boats, too: like more trawlers and tugboats--American trawlers and tugboats. Never mind there were other classes of DDs and BBs that we've yet to see.... On the positive side: there is that Tamiya PBR, which I hope creates a whole new range of models in the Riverine dept. Has anyone tried that resin Monitor that's been appearing in the Squadron catalog? s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "John Sheridan" Subject: MB MODELS MB Models / Blue Water Navy 622 Old Trolley Road Unit 112 Summerville, South Carolina 29485 (843) 821-3558 John R. Sheridan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Wish list BEWARE Bill, Too bad about one of your hobby shops burning down. Your idea about providing consulting services to improve the remaining hobby shop is a great idea and you are fortunate the owner would enlist your advise to expand his stock. I want to caution you about one thing when providing advise that involves money to your local hobby shop. A local hobby shop here asked some of our members for the same advice as to what they should stock their shelves with. He took our advice and after several months I found out that he expected us (the local model club) to spend a lot more money there to justify his cash investment. Obviously this came as a suprise to us. Any retail store that would depend on a small group to support their business is looking for failure. I thought the owner surely must have known this. To make a long story short, he was so upset with his lack of sales that he asked us to meet elsewhere. All because he was under the assumption that we would literally support his model section of the hobby shop. I'm not suggesting you back out of your relationship with the hobby shop. Just make certain the owners understand what they can or can't expect from you before any money is spent. The good news is the model investment has worked out well for the hobby shop here. It has grown steadily into the largest hobby shop in the state. The bad news is, there are still hard feelings among our group after the way we were treated. Most will not give one dime to the hobby shop now. So now you can see why I say beware. I just don't want to see this happen to anyone else. For what it's worth. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "James Morley" Subject: HMS Prince of Wales Can anyone tell me the Admiralty designations for the colours of PoW's Singapore disruptive scheme. The Tamiya instructions are somewhat vague....... ? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "BROSCOEII" Subject: IJN Oyodo Hello, Does anyone know where I could purchase a Fuj. 1/700 "Oyodo" Japanese Cruiser kit? Thanks in advance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Mike Dunn" Subject: Re: Starblazers Hi, Robert wrote :- >> Okay now, Shane. I have to pick a bone here. Skydiver was simply a water-launched fighter plane (ala Sub-launched ICBMs). << Shane added: >> As for Skydiver, well it's Gerry Anderson - what else can I say, apart from "it's great" ;-) FAB << Robert! How DARE you!!!! SKY was the sea-launched plane, DIVER was the submersible - TOGETHER they are SkyDiver....! "Simply" a plane...? Did Derek Meddings live in vain? Looks like it....... And Shane - FAB? Please! That was ThunderBirds.....just shows, you ARE a philistine! You'll be saying SIG next, you peasant!!!! Sheesh, ListMasters! Come back Lorna - all is forgiven! Mike PS - I've reviewed a lovely SkyDiver kit in this months IM, just for all you Sub hunters & Fandersons out there..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: US Destroyer Colors 1920 The colors you want are #5 Standard Navy Gray for all vertical surfaces, and #20 Standard Deck Gray for the decks. Both are included in our US Navy Paint Chip Set 1. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Keith Bender" Subject: coast guard resin kits? Well spoken Mr. Maynard! I think some of these resin companies should try some coastie stuff. The 378' class would be great. It could be made as the vessels were built in the 60's or have parts for the FRAM refit in the 80-90's. How many kits of the Iowa's and Big E do we need. Funny thing is if you purchase anyone of those Iowa's, lets pick on, well they all have something wrong with it. Why can't one be made to specks and be perfect. The resin kits are getting to be the same thing in some respects. How many repeats do we need? I think I speek for A LOT of modelers when I say we need new coast guard cutters. Revell has made and re-released the Eastwind over and over then made it into the Burton Island. I own six of them and I'd bet many of you have a few in your collection too. My point is what makes a kit manufacture decide on what ship to model. We all have our favorite ships. How do they know their kit will sell if produced. I would make my own kit if I had the time and know-how. But till then I must rely on the resin kit people to produce a coastie vessel because I have a better chance of getting struck by lightning before I see Revell or any other big name put out a coastie vessel of a 378', 210' or a Polar class. OK, I'm finished. Lets see how big of a can of worms I just opened. Keith CT. is starting to thaw. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: How about a Garbage scow? A reply from a resin manufacturer- I think you just dont understand what it is like to be self employed, or what good or bad marketing will do to you. It can be down right scary at times. When people ask me to do a kit of any vessel, I have to consider the sales potential for that request. Fact. Battleships, Cruisers, Carriers, etc., sell much better than a small Coast Guard Cutter. I would be out of business if all I produced were small craft, garbage scow included. I think that this is where YOUR venture into scratch building should grow. Please dont misinterpret my reply, this is only to help explain the trend you have observed. Steve Wiper Classic Warships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "graham" Subject: Re: Tamiya KGV Hi Chris, Do not forget to model DOY you will need the directors from the Matchbox kit as they are of a later type than the Tamiya kit. best wishes from graham@cruiser siguk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Tim Perry" Subject: Re: The surname PERRY Hey, My surname is Perry as well! And I ran a photo-etch plant for several years! (PP Models; gone, but I gather not entirely forgotten...) And there was a John Perry running an AFV outfit some time back, in the south of the UK. Any other Perry's out there? Tim Perry Bristol, UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: AJOWENS@aol.com Subject: Re: How about a Garbage scow? This is kind of a wish list, possibly someone could have some guidance on how to do one of these or maybe, I'll entice one of the resin manufacturers listening in to give it a thought. Has anyone ever considered a Lexington or Saratoga in their original planned battlecruiser (CC1) configuration? There is a real nice drawing of one on pages 166-7 of Jane's Battleships of the 20th Century and I can't help thinking what handsome ships they would've been. A Montana class BB or German Mackensen BC would be a great build as well - I seem to recall that someone made a Montana kit, is it still around? I've never heard of a kit of either of the others though - how's that for esoterica? If I was crazy enough to try making one of these on my own is there any existing kit that would be a good starting point or should I just start carving? Best, A.J. Owens -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Plan set retailer in Germany? Does anyone on this list know of a company in Germany that sells plan sets of ships, kind of like Floating drydock does, in the US. I am aware of Christian Schmidt, but have heard that others exist. Thanks, Steve Wiper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Douglas_J_Martin" Subject: Tamiya 1/300 Duane: Thanks, I've asked the folks at RB Ten to 'display' the box lids as they sometimes do. The prices are 3000 Yen each, worth considering..... Douglas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Douglas_J_Martin" Subject: Channel 4, UK TV Fascinating tale of the discovery and identification of U869, sunk off the US Eastern seaboard, in 1945. The sub was recorded as being sunk off Gibraltar, where it was supposed to have been re-routed, but apparently it never got there - theoretically being sunk launching one of its own torpedoes. No 'claim' was made for its sinking by Allied forces. The divers who found the U-boat and made attempts to identify her, 2 lost their lives to the 'bends'. A relative of the crewman, whose knife was found onboard, lives in the USA, not far from where the sub sank, she was interviewed - very moving, the program was also shown in Germany. Of note was the comment that 'Ultra' was listening into all of the U-boat transmissions, both from Germany and by the Boats themselves. Douglas (Scotland) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: This and That Having been out of town for a few days, I'm trying to get caught up on my e-mail. Re: Primers Michael Donegan asked: >> when is red lead used and when is yellow oxide used. I can remember seeing ships in dry dock painted in both colors on the same ship. Is one for steel and one for Aluminum?? << That's how it worked during our overhaul: red was applied to the steel hull and yellow to the aluminum superstructure. Re: Mail Service Ernst-Bernard Kayser stated: >> My point is, surface mail across the Atlantik is not reliable! << Could a phantom u-boat be lurking out there? Call the National Enquirer! Re: Funnel Grills Try some leftover scraps of photoetched railing. Re: Spray Paints Ken Perry asked: >> I'm wondering if paints are available in spray cans for modern USN ships for hull and decks. << Tamiya makes two sprays: Haze Gray #32 and Gunship Gray #48 (very close to Deck Gray) Re: HMS HOOD Wreck I checked out the website and FAQ list. My question is: was any memorial to the ship and crew ever erected? Saw a story about a memorial to USS INDIANAPOLIS that was dedicated a 4-5 years ago (in downtown Indianapolis), but what about other ships that were lost in action? Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: Re: Channel 4, UK TV Hi Guys In the last SMML postings it was announced that a U-boat search was underway off New Jersey. Did they find another sub? Because a few years ago. A U-boat was discovered and it's identity was uncertain, it was thought to be U-550 or U-791. How was the program over all? Craig Bennett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: German Mines Hi Can anybody direct me to an account of the development of German anti-shipping mines in WWII? Specifically, I am hoping to find out more about their evolution, and their air-deployment in the Black Sea against Russian ships. Apparently the Russians became adept at defusing them, and the Germans depoyed ever more cunning countermeasures. Dave Krakow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Book Review >> 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. << Ok. They're both great!!!!! Seriously, if you are interested in submarines, these two books are absolutely invaluable. They give a complete developmental history, including many of the "roads not taken". Particularly valuable are the extensive chapter notes that cover technical and strategic issues in detail. Have met Friedman at the annual SubCommittee SubRegattas, and the gentleman is truly a treasure trove of information. I also know Jim Christley who did the line illustrations, which are themselves a superb modeling resource. Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Michael C. Smith" Subject: Independence class carriers research If anyone has an interest in Independence class light carriers and/or the 1943-1945 U.S. Pacific carrier offensive, and a little time on their hands to do some critical reading, please contact me off-list. I would like to solicit some fact checking for some writing I am doing. Michael Smith Marshall, Texas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Re: KGV Camouflage Hi, The first camouflage schemes applied to the battleship King George V is described and sketched in an article in Warship No. 11, which is reprinted in Warship Vol. III. I cannot scan the sketch, but can photocopy it and send it to you if you want. Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Mike Settle Subject: Re: Wish List >> 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. << Don't forget the plain old common type of ship models such as those made by Revell/Monogram, Lindberg, Airfix, and Heller. Even though the detail (and flat bottoms on some) may not be what we expect, inexpensive kits like RM's Missouri, Arizona, etc., can do much to entice novice builders and older children to try a ship model. Hopefully, this will be a venture that not only will be profitable for the shop owner, but may also bring him new customers, too. I am the manager of a hobby shop in the Eastern US, and our sales will run 4 or 5 of the "bread and butter" models like the ones mentioned to one of Tamigawa type quality. And don't forget the Revell/Monogram Constitution. Also, in terms of types sold, car models lead the pack, followed by aircraft, then armor, and regretfully last, ships. We don't do much with Sci-fi, nor do we try to (the owner's decision). Surprisingly, considering the area this shop is in, we also manage to occasionally sell one of the wooden craftsman kits. Good luck, and be sure to thank the owner for being willing to try to cater to your needs. Mike Settle I am not agent #1908 of the non-existent Lumber Cartel (tinlc)tm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Re: Hull Stations for California I'm not experienced in working with plans (or should I say I'm not real familar), so I hope someone here can either back me up or correct me. As far as the California is concerned, Myron J Smith's Golden State Battlewagons has a side-top view drawing with a frames scale. Profile Morskie #6 has forward and aft Body Plans showing the curvature of the hull along it's length in 1:400 scale for both the prewar and wartime reconstruction versions of the ship. I'm not familar with the term "Hull Stations" but I'm guessing the contour lines in the Body Plan in the Profile Morskie = hull stations. If I'm wrong, please feel free to turn your broadsides on me and explain the errors in my way. >> P.S. I have rules out going to the San Francisco Maritime Museum and stealing their 12' US California model to take measurements << HMMMMMMMM!!!! Do I know anyone with a Semi? Dasvidanya! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Re: Star Blazers Robert... Trust me...there are no scene in any of the series or movies were the Yamato/Argo is shown docked adjacent to "real warships" as there are no longer any blue-water naval vessels in use at that time. In fact, the only appearance of a blue-water vessel is a tanker getting caught up in a swell caused by the Comet Empire Citadel (displacing a huge amount of water in the bay near the capital city.) You are correct though, there are a number of occassions where the ship is shown ploughing it's way through blue water (rather than the sea of stars), but they are few and far between for the most part. That's why, even though I'm a rabid fan of the show, I've abstained for the most part from making comments about the show and it's related kits here. Dasvidanya! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org http://www.onelist.com/community/iscandar-66 http://www.onelist.com/community/USS_Oriskany -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Naval Films (was: HOOD) Rick Heinbaugh noted: >> This was "The BEDFORD Incident", by Mark Raskovich. In 1963, it was believable that anything could happen in the Cold War against the Evil Empire and her fleet of Invincible Atomic U-Boats! ".if he fires a torpedo at me, then I'll fire one." "Fire One Aye, Sir!" << According to "Sailing on the Silver Screen: Hollywood and the US Navy" by Lawrence Suid, the Navy wanted nothing to do with assisting in the production of the movie based on the book, as it didn't like the portrayal of the commanding officer with his Ahab-like obsession with the submarine he was tracking, nor the implication that he would trigger a nuclear confrontation. Instead, the film was shot at Shepperton Studios outside London and the aerial shots of a destroyer at the beginning are obviously stock footage of a British ship. The interior mock-ups, however, were a remarkable recreation of a COONTZ-class DLG at that time. Sick bay, CIC, even the wardroom looked right on the money. The biggest single bit of artistic license occurs during the exchange of dialogue that Rick cited, since the actual ASROC launch station wasn't located on the bridge at all, but several decks below. That wouldn't have had the desired dramatic effect, of course. I don't recall exactly how faithful the screenplay was to the novel, but in the movie there was a West German commodore onboard the destroyer who had served in u-boats during WW2. Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Loren Perry Subject: Tamiya King George V photoetched details Hi Douglas - Be advised that a set of photoetched brass details custom designed to precisely fit Tamiya's 1/350 King George V and Prince of Wales is available from Gold Medal Models. It has pre-curved bow railing plus plenty of additional railing of the correct Royal Navy patterns used on this class. It also has vertical and inclined ladders, 3-D relief-etched crane booms, Walrus aircraft wing struts and propellers, 3-D relief-etched degaussing cable for the KGV, funnel cap grilles and perforated funnel platform, all the required radars, replacement yardarms and pre-shaped yardarm footropes, gunsights (with crosshairs), rails, & other details for all the antiaircraft guns carried by these ships. It also contains 3-D relief-etched armored turret window covers, boat oars, Highly detailed 3-D relief-etched watertight doors in the correct RN patterns, DF antenna, and more. Fully illustrated instructions are included. This is the largest and most complete set of photoetched brass details available for the Tamiya kits. Price is $36 plus $1 postage (or 10% of the total for overseas air mail.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: CokerRE@aol.com Subject: FS: Warship quarterlies FOR SALE Warship issues #1 through # 13 and # 24 $10 each. details of each issue upon request. Please reply off line to PC Coker at cokerre@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Bill Gruner Subject: NEW ITEMS from SAMEK We have just received a big re-stock of the new Samek Bismarck. This is the most accurate small-scale kit of the famous German battleship, and is our Featured Model of the Month on our website. Price is $72.00, a very good value for a resin kit of a battleship; it does come with photoetch, too. Samek has informed us that the French battlecruiser DUNKERQUE (1940) is now available, and 20 will be airmailed from Czech Republic in a few days. A much larger batch will be surface shipped, but will not arrive for several weeks. Price will be $72.00; RESERVE now. German battleship TIRPITZ (1944) will also be sent, price will be $72.00. We will also have the German submarine tender SAAR (date unknown at this time) for $25.00. Samek has announced the following kits in 1/700 resin, to be released over the next several months: 1. German Heavy Cruiser PRINZ EUGEN 2. British Tribal Class Destroyer HMS ESKIMO 3. German E and R Boat Tender HELA 4. Russian Battleship OCTOBER REVOLUTION 5. US Navy Battleship CALIFORNIA (1944-45) 6. US Navy Battleship TEXAS (date unknown) 7. German Battleship SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN (1939) 8. German Heavy Cruisers HIPPER and BLUCHER Thank you, Bill Gruner Pacific Front Hobbies http://www.pacificfront.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Loren Perry Subject: Dirty Tricks department, Part 1 This morning I received an e-mail from the owner of another model ship website informing me of something that may affect members of SMML who try to contact Gold Medal Models over the internet. On June 4, 1998, the domain name "goldmedalmodels.com" was registered by Tom Harrison of Tom's Modelworks, 1050 Cranberry Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014. On February 13th, the same domain name registration was updated, again by Tom's Modelworks. To those not familiar with the implications, Tom's Modelworks is a direct competitor to Gold Medal Models. There is no connection between the two companies. Anyone trying to contact Gold Medal Models by using this particular name will instead be directed to Tom's Modelworks. This can be quickly verified by going to: http://www.networksolutions.com/cgi-bin/whois/whois Type in goldmedalmodels.com in the search box and hit the "search" button. Gold Medal Models (GMM) is a U.S. Registered Trademark and cannot be used by any other party for commercial purposes. Moreover, GMM already has a website at a different domain address, easily found using a search engine - simply type in Gold Medal Models. A second GMM website appears on the Navis webpage. Until I was notified about this incident, I had no idea that Tom's Modelworks had done this. The individual who pointed this out to me indicated that one reason people do this sort of thing (ie. register possible web domain names of other competing companies in advance) is to make it manadatory that a business wishing to use that name for legitimate business purposes must first pay the registrant a hefty fee for the privilege of using it. In some cases, the registrant may deny use of the name to other parties in an effort to cripple a competitor. GMM has always been an honest competitor in the field of photoetched ship model details as well as photoetched model train details and other areas of endeavor. We do not stoop to using "dirty tricks" or attempting to sabotage another company using unethical techniques. As was revealed in a series of posts on this site almost two years ago, Tom's Modelworks was caught attempting to sell counterfeit copies of Gold Medal Models 1/350 scale Titanic photoetched brass detail parts. Tom's Modelworks made photocopies of an original GMM 1/350 scale Merchant Ship set (GMM No. 350-3) and then, by cutting and pasting the paper printouts, re-arranged the parts layout and deleted the Lusitania parts to create their own version. Several customer witnesses verified to us what was taking place. So blatant was this attempt to steal GMM's design that the photoetching company that works for both of us contacted Mr. Harrison and informed him they would no longer produce his copy for him due to copyright violations. He was forced to cease and desist the manufacture of his copy of our set and had to re-draw it from scratch. To date, Mr. Harrison has never denied or apologized to us for committing this act. We still retain a sample of the Tom's Modelworks counterfeit set as proof in the event of legal action. We have no intention of initiating any form of legal action regarding this incident, preferring instead to settle things in the marketplace. But the set exists, and we have made actual size digital photocopies of it available to any and all wanting to see for themselves exactly what Tom's Modelworks did. After that, we here at GMM had decided to let sleeping dogs lie, but when we were notified that Tom Harrison had just renewed his web domain registration of our company name only yesterday, we felt that the membership of this site ought to know the facts. Loren Perry/GMM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: dhjonespsm@juno.com Subject: Plastic Ship Modeler offer Special offer to SMML subscribers. My name is Daniel Jones. As many of you know, I publish a magazine called Plastic Ship Modeler. Many of you I know are subscribers. However, I am sure that there are other ship enthusiasts and modelers who read this list who may have heard of the magazine but have not had the opportunity to see one. In order to introduce the magazine to a wider audience I recently offered a set of 4 magazines (last years issues - numbers 17 through 20) on ebay for $15.00 - one fourth off the normal price. I would like to make a similar, but even better, offer to my fellow SMML list members who would like a chance to evaluate Plastic Ship Modeler magazine. SMML offer - the same four issues (Nos. 17 through 20) for $13.00 postpaid in the USA and Canada - $17.00 postpaid overseas. This offer will NOT be repeated. Now is your chance to evaluate PSM at a bargain price. I will honor this price until the end of February. Of course my motives are not entirely altruistic. I am hoping you will like what you see and will want to subscribe! Plastic Ship Modeler is still the ONLY magazine devoted entirely to static models of engine powered ships, both naval and mercantile. If interested, please send your payment to; Plastic Ship Modeler - SMML P.O. Box 2183 Arvada, CO 80001 Thanks for listening, Dan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: ironship@usit.net (Jon Warneke) Subject: Re: 1/350 Halifax by Iron Shipwright Hi Gary, >> Any news about this kit. When this Canadian Frigate kit will available? << From the source, the kit will be available in mid-April. The delay is due to getting the mainmast right, and tweaking some of the parts to reflect the additional source materials we've received from modelers wanting to give us an assist. On this point, both Ted and I would like to thanks all of the modelers out there who have either offered or send additional materials on these ships to help us out. I hope that this kits will meet your expectations. Jon Warneke Commander Series Models, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume