Subject: SMML VOL 835 Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 00:07:18 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Various 2: Adm. Frank Fletcher 3: Iowa class battleships paravane chain 4: AIRFIX MAGAZINE AND MINOTAUR 5: Re: Taiwan Subs 6: Visiting the UK 7: Airfix magazine and the Minotaur 8: Fw: Mister Darby Pictures 9: Re: Pearl Harbor Movie 10: Hai Pao 11: Re: Pearl Harbor movie 12: Heian Maru and Zuiho/Shoho etched flight decks 13: HMS Gambia 14: KGV - thanks 15: Rodney 16: New Mailing List for Preserved Ships 17: ICM - POSSIBLE FUTURE SHIPS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Photoetch for Revell 1/318 John Paul Jones 2: Book for sale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: James Corley Subject: Re: Various From: "Ralph Batykefer" >> Third, I heard a rumor that JAG has plans to build a USS Wasp LHD-1? I am wondering when it will be available and how much I need to save. I saw on the new shiplist that Revell of Germany is coming out with one, but I doubt it will be very detailed or accurate (hopefully not as bad as the Revell USS Tarawa). << If past trends are any indication, this kit will be shared by Skywave and Dragon (DML/Shanghai Dragon, etc). Skywave will come out with it first, and it cost about $70. After a few months RevG and DML will release it simulaneously for $35 (and within weeks Squadron will claim to have it for only $19.95, but when you try to order it they will be "out" because they sold the only one they had at that price!) From: "Mike Leonard" >> The February 25 edition of the Washington Post had an article entitled "Taiwan Displays Its Feeble Fleet". There was a photo of a 56-year-old ex-USN Guppy diesel sub, one of two in the Taiwanese navy, named Sea Leopard (hull number 792). Don't know if that was the original name or not. Taiwan has four submarines versus almost 100 for the PRC. The article also discusses the possibility of Taiwan acquiring Aegis technology for its surface ships. This story should be available online at washingtonpost.com. << I went there and read this article. Hooray for the Post, they are finally telling the story of how the Clinton-led US Government has tried to put the final nails in the Taiwanese coffin. The reason, not listed by the article, that foreign builders have not been able to sell sub, or much other modern weapons, to Taiwan is the political pressures placed upon them by the Communists. It has been alleged, and not really denied, that the PLA directly gave money to the 1996 campaign of Bill Clinton, it has also been suggested that the same chinese fundraisers were successful in obtaining large amount of money in 1992. In return, Clinton has helped the ChiComms by blocking the export of submarine technology by reclassifying such technology as "offensive weaponry". Litton was wanting to build D/E subs based on the German Type 209 to Israel and Taiwan. The Clinton administration (with the strong support of the Rickover contingent) blocked the construction of any non-nuclear subs on American soil. The two Guppy subs Taiwan does have had their tubes welded shut upon transfer! Austalia, France, Gemany, The Netherlands, and the USA have all been bullied by the ChiComms into letting Taiwan atrophy in a direct attempt to regain their island. The clock is ticking, and the ChiComms only have 11 months of guaranteed non-involment by the US Government ... maybe that is why they have put more pressure on Taiwan to begin reunification talks or they will invade. Luck for Taiwan Clinton viewed the OHP class frigate as a defensive weapon, they have 7 OHP hulls in service now, as well as 6 "Layfayette" class. As for the rest of their fleet, it is most armed for Anti-shipping and underseas warfare. I would guess that Taiwan should be able to eliminated the PLAN while it sacrificed itself, if it got the lucky breaks. A few new subs would help though. "The idea, said Fei, commander of the Tsoying fleet, is for Taiwan to be able to survive the first round so that American forces can have time to come to its aid." is one of the quotes from the article, but this supposes Clinton would actually order such aid. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Robert Weilacher Subject: Adm. Frank Fletcher Does anyone know what happened to Adm. Frank Fletcher after the Battle of Midway? Did his career end soon after? Rob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: HDavid2501@aol.com Subject: Iowa class battleships paravane chain Can anyone tell me exactly where they connected the chain that towed the paravane from the bow of these battleships. Thanks for any help. David Hill -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Simon Wolff" Subject: AIRFIX MAGAZINE AND MINOTAUR Hi Mark, That article you refer to in October 84 Airfix Magazine is about WWI Minotaurs. Excellent article by the looks of it. regards Simon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Roland Mar Subject: Re: Taiwan Subs To: Tom Dougherty While I would need to see the characters to be absolutely sure, the "Pao" would appear to mean "Leopard", the "Shih" would appear to be "Lion". The "Hai" is an adjective meaning "Sea". Interestingly enough, before they were delivered, it was required that the torpedo tubes be welded shut. I assume that this has been rectified. Their payload may include old Mk 37 homing torpedos, but it is also likely that they carry even older steam powered, wake generating, straight running Mk 14's. There was some talk of them trying to get Brit Tigerfishes. If not, I rather suspect that when the PLAN goes for Taiwan, they will be just wet speedbumps. Hope this helps Roland Mar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "John Rule" Subject: Visiting the UK Although it is generally not on the itinerary for most north americans visiting the UK, a trip to Glasgow can be interesting. The Museum of Transport has a large collection of beautiful models of ships, mainly built on the Clyde. These include models of sailing ships made from bone crafted by French POWs during the Napoleonic wars and shipyard models of battleships, cruisers, destroyers, merchant ships etc. The collection is fairly extensive, and the museum also includes many other exhibits devoted to transportation. Well worth a visit if in the area. John Rule -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "John Rule" Subject: Airfix magazine and the Minotaur >> Can anyone who has any back issues of Airfix magazines please answer me the following ... HMS Minotaur class AC Airfix Magazine Oct 1984 pp 78 article. Does this article refer to the WW1 or WW 2 Minotaur Cruiser? << It refers to the Minotaur Class of 1904/5. The article contains some historical information together with rudimentary sketch drawings of the armoured cruisers Minotaur, Edinburgh and Warrior drawn to approximately 1:500 scale. If you are interested I can fax you a copy if you Email your fax number off list. John Rule -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Mike" Subject: Fw: Mister Darby Pictures Can anyone help Steve? ----- Original Message ----- From: STEVEN M L'ECUYER Subject: Mister Darby Pictures I'm looking for pictures of the ocean going tug Mister Darby built by Jackson Marine for Halter Marine many years ago. She is a 150 foot oil well tug that I believe is still in service. Any photos of the actual ship would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve L'Ecuyer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: CapnTroy@aol.com Subject: Re: Pearl Harbor Movie >> I have heard that there are two movies in the works about Pearl Harbor. One is the Disney movie, title as yet unknown. The other is by another company and is tentatively entitled "Tennessee." << Paul: "Tennessee" was the original working title for the Disney Pearl Harbor movie, the working title was used to throw off the competition. Troy Waters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Lawrence Tam Subject: Hai Pao Hello, I believe "Hai Pao" is Sea Leopard in Chinese. Lawrence Tam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Marc Flake Subject: Re: Pearl Harbor movie >> I have heard that there are two movies in the works about Pearl Harbor. One is the Disney movie, title as yet unknown. The other is by another company and is tentatively entitled "Tennessee." << Nope. One movie, two names. The script was titled "Tennessee." That's because the two characters are living in Tennessee for the first third of the movie. Something I found interesting was that Paul Verhooven was mentioned during its "Tennessee" period as being director. Hmmm, Verhooven and Disney, what's wrong with that picture? It has been renamed "Pearl Harbor," even though the attack on Pearl Harbor is not the climax of the movie. BTW, latest word is that Costner has turned down the part of Doolittle. Marc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "John Sutherland" Subject: Heian Maru and Zuiho/Shoho etched flight decks As promised I have reviewed the Heian Maru kit. It appears to be the Hospital Ship with two extra sprues and is moulded in grey. It has alternate decals for Hie Maru - so I guess they aren't going to issue this one separately. Profile and derricks seem to match those in JJM page 239. They have modelled her with 4 15cm guns and 2 x 25mm twins or triples (optional). JJM shows only 2 15cm guns and no 25mm. Any thoughts out there? Also received the Pit Road etched flight decks for Zuiho and Shoho. They are GORGEOUS!!!! They also contain a lot of other etched parts (masts, hatches, etc.) John Sutherland Sweltering in the Wellington heat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Brian Selzler Subject: HMS Gambia I wonder if anyone could tell me Gambia's camo colours during 1942. I think I've got the patterns figured out from an article on her in a 1974 Model Shipwright and from British Cruisers of WW2 but, the colours are a little harder to discern. It looks like some 507A or MS1, maybe some white, perhaps a couple of shades of blue. Any definitive answers? Also, Mr. Raven. Are there any Colony class camo schemes in your forthcoming book? Still waiting after 25 years for the future volume of "Ensign" Colony Class Cruisers. your patient admirer Brian Selzler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Jens H. Brandal" Subject: KGV - thanks Thanks to Robert and Martin for their replies regarding the KGV - I did a check on the SMML archives, and Robert gave a list of camouflage schemes the KGV carried. If the Tamiya box art is correct, the pattern I want to finish my model in (if it gets that far:)) is the Admiralty Disruptive scheme of 507A, 507C, B5 and B6 which she carried from July 1942 to February 1944. Considering that the next colour scheme was from July 1945, that sounds like a rather extensive refit...should I have cold feet of what? I know that my request may sound like I'm trying to let others do the research for me, but I was hoping the answers would result in specific and relatively straightforward modifications. Having said that, the responses I got for accurizing the Yamato revealed a lot of areas not immediately apparent in the "Super Illustration" book. On the other hand, the book highlighted many areas of improvement that would be virtually impossible to describe by the written word. Part of the problem is that I am interested in aircraft, cars, dabble in armour and figures in addition to ships, so if I should buy reference material for every model I wish to build, there would be nothing left over for models and detailing sets :) Jens PS: What is a "gash chute"? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: Rodney Hi Derek I've just received an e-mail of what may be the scheme you referred to - which is not the one I thought (the later multi-coloured one). This always struck me as a view of Rodney in the middle of re-painting and not a genuine scheme at all. There is colour film of her underway in this scheme and I would think that her re-paint was suddenly interrupted. Colours seem to be AP507A and AP507C if you wish to model her at this period. Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: New Mailing List for Preserved Ships Hi Guys, This message appeared on the British Archaeology mailing List this morning. Yes, of course I subscribed straightaway!! List Owner: historic-vessels@mailbase.ac.uk The NEW electronic discussion list set up to encourage the sharing of views about the preservation of historic vessels, not just in the UK but worldwide! JOIN TODAY by sending an e-mail to mailbase@mailbase.ac.uk with the message text reading 'join historic-vessels' followed by your name. ------------------------------------------------------------- i.e. join historic vessels Caroline Carter missing out the apostrophes of course! Thanks! Caroline -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Phil Gollin" Subject: ICM - POSSIBLE FUTURE SHIPS I posted an e-mail to the ICM web site (extolling the virtues of the SMML website as a source of interested modellers and a place where traders could advertise) and got the following reply; >> Thank you for your interest in our model kits. We are really glad to advertise our plans and information on your web-site. Also we would like to inform you that at present time Hood and Takao are in manufacture. In April 2000 Konig and Grosser Kurfurst in 1/350 scale will be available. Now we are designing such model kits as Kaiser, Derflinger, Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, Indiana, Alyaska, Essex. What battleships will be manufactured in the first turn depends on desires of our customers. If for example Kaiser will be more desired than Essex it will be manufactured earlier.... We are waiting for your reply, Sincerely Yours, Tatjana Sukhar" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Loren Perry Subject: Photoetch for Revell 1/318 John Paul Jones To Craig Bennet - Gold Medal Models has a 1/350 scale Modern USN ship detail set etched on brass that has the proper radars, rails, ladders, and other fittings for the Revell destroyer. The difference in railing height will be small - in 1/350 scale the 36" tall rails measure .102" in height while in 1/318 they are .113" tall, or eleven one-thouandths of an inch (.011"), not enough to really notice without precision measuring devices. The same goes for the radars and other details - they'll be slightly underscale, but only by a few thousandths of an inch, not enough to detract from your model's appearance. There are no PE fittings available in exact 1/318 scale at present. The GMM set is No. 350-12, priced at $36 plus $1 postage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Percy, John" Subject: Book for sale Hello all, I have a book for sale: "Battleships of World War II",, by MJ Whitly At last the real encyclopedia of World War II battleships! With over 250 photographs and detailed line drawings, full technical data, complete coverage of ship design and wartime service record, you can track the moves of battle wagons from Argentina to South Dakota. Don't miss the battleships that were the picture of naval might! 320 pages. Cost: $55, shipping included. US and its territories only and Payment by money order, please. John Percy mailto:jpercy@clariion.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume