Subject: SMML VOL 894 Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 00:26:52 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: WW1 German ship Schlesian 2: Re: Lightships 3: Re: MAS boat plans 4: Re: PT boats 5: Re: Older US Battleships 6: Re: SS Jeremiah O'Brien/delurking 7: Queen Mary as a troopship 8: New releases from Marines Edition 9: Re: San Francisco tourist info 10: LIGHTSHIP INFO 11: River Gunboats 12: MAS Boats 13: Re: Thanks for the info 14: Re: San Francisco tourist information 15: Re: Lee 16: San Francisco tourist information 17: P-51 & U-505 18: S.G.B's and Vospers 19: Re: Lightships 20: Warship Magazine 21: Anchor Chain 22: USS Constellation Artifact 23: Re: San Francisco attack & U-Boat 24: Re: Constellation 25: Los Angeles Class stern.... 26: Re: Belknap 27: lightships 28: Russian MTB Camouflage 29: A different Diorama 30: Re: Skysweeper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Model Clubs 2: Book for Sale 3: Model Ship Journal-new update for Issue Zero -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "voske" Subject: WW1 German ship Schlesian Hello, I'm building an Schlesien ship from the german WW1 era. I would like to receive more information how to build it, and a friend toll me I should adres my question to you... The fox -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Fritz Koopman Subject: Re: Lightships Hi there Rusty Lightships are indeed floating lighthouses. In the old days they were maned by a crew of ten to twelve for about a six to seven month duty. The crew used to be needed to ensure that things were running properly, and to act as life savers for the unwary ships that did'nt heed them. The names painted on the sides (In the New England area at least) pertained to what shallows they guarded, i.e. Nantucket Lightship was stationed at the Nantucket Shoals for example. This was painted in large letters so that other ships could recognize them as a navagational aid, instead of another freighter underway, from a large distance (before its too late!). They didn't move at all on station (Just anchored and stayed there) but they did have a single powerplant to get them to and from station, as well as keeping station in the event that their ground tackle failed in extreme weather. Nowadays equipment is reliable enough, and shipping safe enough (with reasonably reliable life rafts etc, EPIRB, and a coast guard that has a quicker response time to trouble far offshore), that the light ships no linger need to be manned. Thus, just about all have been replaced with light bouys, or as some of us refer to them, "Monster Bouys". These generally are constructed as a vertical cylindrical float that is around 40 to 50 feet in diameter at the waterline, and have a 45 to 60 foot mast to mount the light. Inside the base are generally four deisel generators ( 2 online and 2 backup) to run the light, foghorn, and weather relaying equipment. In some cases the generators can also run two or more propellers to assist in towing them back to port for periodic maintenence. An example of one of these can be found marking the entrance to Boston, about ten nautical miles out from the channel proper. Best Regards Fritz Koopman In Salem MA where someone decided it would be a nice joke if it snowed this late in April. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: MAS boat plans You can get copies of the original Baglietto plans for the MAS, as well as some marvelous redrawn sets by Giancarlo Barbieri, from Associacione Navimodellisti Bolognesi, Casella Postale 976, 40100 Bologna, Italia. They also have a site on the web: www.anavbo.com Two books by the same author, Erminio Bagnasco, will provide you with plenty of information on the MAS, as well as MS and VAS. Although long out of print, they are well worth finding if you have an interest in this area: Le motosiluranti della seconda guerra mondiale. Parma, Italia: Tuttostoria. 1977 I MAS e le motosiluranti italiane. Roma, Italia: Ufficio Storico Marina Militare. 1969. Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: PT boats A slight correction. The boats used in the movie PT 109 were not converted NASTY boats; rather, they were 85' USAF crash boats. The primary "giveaway" is the shape of the transom. A NASTY has an outward-flaring transom, while the crash boats have tumblehome aft. There are a number of scenes in the movie that show this feature quite clearly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Joe Costanzo" Subject: Re: Older US Battleships I think the oldest American battleship you will find (besides Oregon) is the USS Arizona 1921 by Tom's modelworks, in 1/350. Not what you wanted, but the best I can think of! This kit holds a special significance for me as it depicts the ship when my grandfather served on her, if only I could get the time or cash to build it! I'm not sure if it's still in production. If you're willing to settle for other nationalities, Modelkrak makes some nice predread kits from the Russo and Sinu-Japanese wars, and there is that new injection kit of Mikasa, all in 1/700. Hope this helps. Joe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Jodie Peeler Subject: Re: SS Jeremiah O'Brien/delurking hello all.... Dave Swindell asked about the SS Jeremiah O'Brien. You can check out her web page at http://www.geocities.com/jeremiahobrien/, which has full information on her location and a schedule of events and such. If her location hasn't changed, she's just a very pleasant stroll east of Fisherman's Wharf (which is itself a very pleasant cable car ride from downtown). Also, the USS Pampanito was moored just ahead of her, so there's two wonderful WWII ships for you to explore. I was aboard the O'Brien back in late September, and her state of preservation and restoration is nothing short of astounding, especially considering that these ships weren't built to last forever. The gangplank they had at the time was a little wobbly, but that's the only quibble. You will definitely be pleased by what you will find -- far and away one of the best museum ships I've ever been aboard. Also, if you're going to over on the Oakland side, why not go over to the former NAS Alameda and visit the USS Hornet while you're there? She, too, is in remarkable shape (especially considering what she's been through the past few years), and is a must-see if you're in the vicinity. (Not that I'm partial to her, mind you.) And, besides that, just enjoy everything while you're there. San Francisco is a lovely, lovely city.... While I'm here, I'd like to de-lurk and say hello to everyone. Some of you know me from the Airliner Modelling Digest (and I recognize some familiar names), but some of you don't, so -- hello. I've only been here a few days, but already this looks like a lot of fun -- which is what this hobby is supposed to be all about. I hope to have a lot of fun with, and learn a lot from, all of you.... :) jodie http://www.mindspring.com/~raisingirl/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Al Salas Subject: Queen Mary as a troopship Hello Everyone; I recently received as a birthday present, a 1/600 scale model of the Queen Mary. It seems that several of her uncles crossed the Atlantic in the Queen during the war both to and from Europe. As part of her genealogy research on her family, she wanted a model to complement a small WWII exhibit. Naturally I didn't object to this assignment although I've never built a liner nor have I ever built in this scale. I've have obtained several books on the Queen's service during this period so I have a fair idea as to the nature of her weapons and reconstruction. What I don't know is what color gray she was painted. She received numerous coats during her six years as a troopship and they probably weren't always the same so a good "representative" color scheme will work. Regards Allan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "larsenal" Subject: New releases from Marines Edition Hello!, I've just received the new Marines Edition catalog and discovered the following announced books that promise to be great Les porte-avions Bois-Belleau et Lafayette ( Lafayette and Bois-Belleau carriers ) La Marine US en couleurs 1941-45 ( the US Navy in color 1941-45 ) These books will be available by the end of the year Best regards, Jacques Druel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: San Francisco tourist info Dave, O'BRIEN is usually berthed just north of the Bay Bridge, and should be open. From downtown you can take the cable car over the hill to the National Maritime Museum's historic ships and musuem with its fine models and other collections. This should also put you into reasonable proximity of PAMPANITO, which is open for tours. I'm sure you'll also get more precise info from some of our Bay Area members. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys http://www.shipcamouflage.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Victor Baca Subject: LIGHTSHIP INFO In reply to the lightship question in SMML Vol 892: Lightships are indeed moveable "lighthouses" and were properly listed as Aids To Navigation by the U.S. Coast Guard who operated all U.S. lightships after taking over that function from the U.S. Light House Service in the 1930s. Lightships are proper ships, with propulsion systems and can operate under their own power. Their reason for being is the huge mast with beacon light atop, warning mariners away from shoal water or dangerous rock formations. In addition, their general arrangements show a prominent foghorn trumpet, usually sited amidships. They had massive mushroom anchors at the bow- often coming right out the unique stem hawse pipe for securing the ship in position. Lightships usually took the place of lighthouses due to the location of the hazard to navigation. They marked dangerous spots not suitable for placement of a "permanent" structure. The ships were usually painted with bright red (sometimes yellow) hulls to mark a location and were built by the Coast Guard in specific classes, culminating with the 128 footers built in the 1950s. Their hull numbers followed standard naval practice with a letter prefix of either LS,WLV or WAL; depending on the era. Two of these ships, the WLV-612 and WLV-613 were actually used as law enforcement cutters by the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 1980s, with white hulls and standard USCG markings. Photos can be seen in Scheina's excellent book U.S. Coast Guard Cutters And Craft 1946-1990, published by Naval Institute Press. Now as for lightship markings. The bold letters on their hulls i.e.; NANTUCKET, COLUMBIA, BRENTON REEF, etc. were NOT their home port. These letters signified the danger spot they stood watch over. For example, a mariner standing into danger could read the ship's station on the hull and know the spot she marked. Combining that with the unique flashing arrangement of the lightship's beacon, told him exactly where he was and to steer clear of danger. Lightship "names" on the hull could change with their location and are not considered as permanent names. For instance, the Lightship LS-101 (later WAL-524) served as the STONEHORSE reef and OVERFALLS shoals lightship during her career and her hull lettering depicted those two stations depending upon her assignment. In addition, lightships would leave their stations for repair and upkeep. In these cases a relief light ship would take over the station, with the bold lettering on her hull reading, "RELIEF." To make things really interesting, the ex-STONEHORSE (LS-101) lightship, now encased to the waterline in concrete as a museum ship in Portsmouth, VA is named "PORTSMOUTH," which is fictitious. Nonetheless, she is a beautifully restored lightship worthy of a visit. She now marks a great spot where ship enthusiasts can sit and enjoy the passing of all types of ships up close and personal as they ply the river. (Model Ship Journal will run the official plans of the STONEHORSE lightship with details shot aboard her in Portsmouth in a future issue). All the lightships are gone now, and that's a shame. Their crews had interesting stories to tell and they served in dangerous waters; mooring to areas normally given a wide berth by all other ships. They were shelled by U-Boats in WWII (they made juicy targets with their bright red hulls in wartime and were unable to maneuver; chained to the bottom). Many were blown away and severely damaged by storms. They were also rammed by larger ships. The NANTUCKET (LS-117) was rammed and sunk with, loss of life by the liner SS OLYMPIC and replaced by the cruise liner company with the WLV-534, which brought many safety improvements to lightship design. She's now on display, I believe, at Baltimore, MD. Life aboard these little ships was rough and their crews dealt with storms, war and the constant danger of collision. They could not leave the station for re-supply, depending instead on regularly scheduled visits by lighthouse tenders (buoy tenders) for vittles. The crews could suffer psychologically as well. The constant moan of a foghorn in close proximity and having to endure the hardship of life aboard could sometimes lead to interpersonal conflicts among the crew. Time has passed the lightship by and unmanned data buoys now mark the spots where the old lightships once stood guard. Theirs is an interesting story and I hope their contributions to maritime history are not forgotten. Victor Baca Model Ship Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: River Gunboats Hi Dave Traplet Publications do an excellent sheet on the Insect class gunboats as built. I've lost the details but they can be found in Marine Modelling. According to my references VTB 11 and 12 started out with 2 x DAR 400mm torpedoes, 2 x 7.7mm machine guns and 6 35kg depth charges. They probably got the standard MGB armament of 1 x 2pdr and machine guns when they were taken over. Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Victor Baca Subject: MAS Boats Check the Naval Institute's book, "Fast Fighting Boats 1870-1945, Their Design Construction And Use" by Harald Fock. ISBN #0-87021-820-4, originally published in German in 1973, then translated to english in 1978, Nautical Publishing Co., Ltd. I picked up my copy a number of years ago in a used bookstore and was impressed by the numerous plans for German S-Boats and there is a detailed section on the development of the MAS boats. There are outboard/inboard profiles, main deck and two sectional drawings of the Italian MAS 501-525 class, for instance. Many other plans for the boats show development. Also lots of good photos. Best Regards, Victor Baca Model Ship Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Thanks for the info I want to thank everyone who volunteered information on the lightships. Great to read such interesting stuff. I especially enjoyed the real life experience of the poor swabby who actually served aboard on of those ships. I was that isolated, I would surely have a portable modeling kit around. Once again, great stuff guys! Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: San Francisco tourist information Dave Swindell wrote: >> I'm flying into San Francisco next Monday morning and all being well should have the afternoon for some touristy stuff. Could anyone local point me in the direction of:- A: any good model shops in the downtown areas, or in Oakland. << The best shop in San Francisco for those interested in ship models is Franciscan Hobbies. It is on Ocean Avenue in the western section of the city. A streetcar line runs right past it, but I am not sure which line it is. Call the shop for directions 415-584-3919. The are open Monday through Saturday. >> B: where the Jeremaih O'Brien is currently located and if she is likely to be open for viewing. << She is at Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf, directly behind the USS Pampanito (SS-383), another museum vessel. Both are open for touring. >> C: any other attractions of a nautical nature easily accessible by public transport or taxi from the downtown area. << Hyde Street Pier has a collection of sailing and steam ships open for touring - it is just to the west of Fisherman's Wharf. Be sure to check out the museum bookstore, as it has a very nice selection. Nearby is an interesting shop called Frank's Fisherman, with all sorts of nautical items for sale - check out some of the steam engines on display there. The San Francisco Maritime Museum is one block south of that, and has nice models, including a 1/48 scale builders model of the California (BB-44). All of these attractions are accessible through the new streetcar line just completed along the Embarcadero. If you can get over to Alameda, across the bay, you can tour the USS Hornet, a retired Essex class Aircraft Carrier. I am not sure if public transportation serves that area. It would be a very long hike from the Alameda Ferry Landing to the Hornet, at least a couple of miles. Have a great time! Cordially, Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Warship Models Underway! http://members.aol.com/wmunderway/home -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Steven P. Allen" Subject: Re: Lee Sorry, Lee; my misunderstanding. Steve Allen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: cfrieden@calpoly.edu Subject: San Francisco tourist information Hi Dave, The O'Brien is currently open to the public at Pier 45 (Fishermens Wharf), just aft of the submarine USS Pampanito. You will probably want to also check out the SF Maritime Museum, which is walking distance from the O’Brien. For more information check out the following sites: www.maritime.org www.geocities.com/jeremiahobrien/ There is also the USS Hornet near Oakland and the Red Oak Victory (in Richmond I believe). Hope this helps, Chris Friedenbach -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: TechnoInfidel@webtv.net (John Collins) Subject: P-51 & U-505 Greetings SMMLmates: While reviewing an older SMML (#875 or thereabouts), I read a post by Alan R. asserting that the P-51 was developed and built by North American to a British specification and preliminary design. I could find not such assertion in any of my references. Most indicated that the British Purchasing Commision operating in the United States in th early war years had been impressed with the North American trainer that became the T-6 Texan. However, as the situation in Europe worsened with the fall of France, the Commission sought to purchase Curtiss P-40's. Curtiss production facilities were already committed and more P-40s could not be produced. The Commission approached North American with a proposal for NA to produce the aircraft for Britian. North American rejected the proposal saying that they could design and build a better aircraft. And that they did. P-51, P-51 and A-36 as mediocre performers. Well, again, debatable. They were good performers at lower altitudes. The lack of a supercharger diminished performance at higher altitude, but it was maneauverable, sturdy and a good gun platform. There is no doubt that the addition of the Merlin engine dramatically improved performance at high altitudes and made the P-51's reputation. Again, I am just curious about the notion that the P-51 was a preliminary British design and would like to see references to that effect. My trip to Chicago was quite fun. I was unable to visit any of the area's hobby shops. All were considerable a considerable from downtown, and there were sufficient activities to keep me entertained. I did visit the U-505 at the Science and Industry Museum. Was it worth a 30 minute wait to get into the museum and a 45 minute wait to see the boat? Probably. Unfortunately, the tour of the boat is only of the inside and, of course, most of the things we, as modelers, would like to see are on the outside. Due to current construction the outside of the boat cannot be seen. However, the U-505 is in trouble. 45-years exposure to the elements has taken its toll. She may just rust away. To avert this disaster, the museum is seeking funds to bring her inside. If we, modelers, historians and seamen want her to be around, we need to do something. Any ideas? John Collins Atlanta, GA Hi John, While not wanting to get too far off topic, wasn't the P-51 sorta based on the Martin Baker MB-5?? Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Lambert and Keel" Subject: S.G.B's and Vospers I am in the "disorganisation" of trying to recall what I should bring to the convention next week. (Short arms, to go with my short legs and short attention span). I am preparing my talk on Flower Class watsits, and I will be bringing a number of my drawings to show off. Rather than carry them back across the pond, they will be disposed of to the highest bidder, in a group or as separate sheets. (I may use them as shelter if the natives are unfriendly). Steam Gun Boats have been mentioned. My first ever drawing L/S/01 is of the S.G.B. 09 - Grey Goose, redrawn from her "As Fitted" builders plans. I have had published a number of articles on the subject. See Model Boats, Marine Modelling etc. I prepared the drawings for the S.G.B. hull produced by Fleetscale in the U.K. My aim was to produce a publication about SGB's for the Anatomy of the Ship Series. To this end I have purchased all the builders drawings, and researched the "Ships Covers" held at the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. I even started work on the G/A's and put them aside when Conway Maritime Press failed to show any interest. A number of excellent working models have been produced from my drawings. I have drawn all the weapon systems in detail. (a PUBLICATION -one day)? I have viewed the New Squadron/Signal Publication Warship Number 13 - "Vosper MTB's in Action". Tim has produced an excellent publication, jam packed with good text, nice line drawings, colour artwork and sharp black and white photographs. (I provided many of them). No 13 is well up to this companies usual high standard. I look forward to meeting old friends and meeting new ones aboard USS Salem. Yours "Aye". John Lambert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Re: Lightships The 1996 Revell-Germany 1:144 scale kit of the Trinity House (South Goodwin) lightship is identified in the instructions as a reissue of the old Frog kit. Pyro did a Nantucket lightship (possibly reissued by Lindberg but still OOP) that commands big money on eBay. A good book on the subject is "No Port in a Storm" by Bob MacAlindin, published in 1998 by Whittles Publishing, Roseleight House, Latheronwheel, KW5 6DW, Scotland. It's a 146-page soft cover book that sells for just under 13 pounds. ISBN 1-870325-37-0. There is apparently also now a sequel to this book. Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "John Rule" Subject: Warship Magazine Could someone please post the numbers of the magazine Warship before it became an annual. Thank you John Hi John, I have number 49, 1989 so I'd assume at least to number 52 with it possibly starting as an annual only in 1990? Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Alan Lindstrom" Subject: Anchor Chain Anyone know if the Model Shipways 42 links per inch chain looks OK for 1/700 scale anchor chain? Alan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Robert OConnor Subject: USS Constellation Artifact SMMLies, Thanks to all of you who responded so quickly to my request for information on the USS Costellation, the 1812 conflict veteran. In answer to meany of your requests to know what the artifact is, well, it's not all that sexy. The item is a plank of wood about14" x 6"x 1/2", with a knot hole on one end. Attached to the plank is an iron rod about 12"x1", rather unfinished looking and bearing hammer marks on one end. The plank also has a brass plate about 3"x2"x1/4" which reads "US Frigate Constellation 1797". Dad got it from a neighbor, who states one of his forbears worked at the shipyard in Baltimore where the original ship was broken up. I don't know the true nature of the item ,and the neighbor used it as a doorstop for years, but it certainly is a conversation piece for naval history buffs. I was able to contact the curator of the Constellation Museum at Baltimore, and learned little. he'd like to see it, or a photo. I will continue to try to authenticate the item and will gladly report the results when determined. Thanks again to all of you who responded, and I value the input each of you provided. Just goes to show the level and variety of interests and expertise which makes this such a great list!!! And for anyone interested, I picked up the Revell 1/48 Rafale M yesterday - Knockout kit of an interesting maritime a/c-Now if they can get the floating launch pad right, they'll be back in the real game.... Bob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: Re: San Francisco attack & U-Boat I have the following. Concerning the San Francisco it seems that she fought the suicide boats at in the Luzon Landings on Jan 10.1945 and at Okinawa on April 15.1945. As far as the suicide boats there are 2 possiblities. First the IJN had 4 types of motor launch available, one of them was 59ft long weighed 20 tons and was capable of 44 knots maximum speed. Then there is the suicide craft called SHINYO. 6000 of these were built in 1944. Many went to Okinawa. They were mainly built of wood but some were made of steel. Their stats are 16 to 18 ft long, weighing 1.25 to 2 tons powered by one or two car engines creating speeds of 25 to 30 knots. They would carry 4406 pounds of TNT or 2 depth charges for the one way run. They were painted green and hid along the coastline were they blended in. Well, Don that's the best I can do did you try the VFW's? For Kelvin about the U-boats of the type 21 it seems they were all metal construction no wood deck on them. They were painted either light or dark gray. My squadron book The U-boat war shows subs of this class in both colors docked along side each other. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: Allan and Crystal Plumb Subject: Re: Constellation From: louellet@uism.bu.edu >> The frigate CONSTELLATION was in service from 1797 to 1852, when she was broken up. From 1853-1855 a new sloop-of-war named Constellation was built. This is the ship that is in Baltimore today. Old Navy documents suggested it was really the same ship, but that is not the case. Some timber from the frigate may have been used in building the sloop, to trick the paper pushers into thinking that she was 'repaired' instead of building a completely new ship as was the case. << As usual we're behind the Brits, who did that a lot between about 1650 to 1750, during the period of the 'establishments'. Nice to know that some things (bureaucracies) never change. (I've been rereading my Napoleonic era references and browsing through my wood ship catalogs recently.) (Corel's HMS Unicorn is _not_ the 1795 18pdr 32, durn it. Not quite sure what she is, but certainly not the 1700-built ship Corel claims. So there is no UK frigate of the Napoleonic era available, AFAIK. Sigh. And the WW I people think they get slighted. Hundreds of choices to build, but no kits.) (There is a Constellation though. Probably the rebuild, which all things considered was fun to tour when I was in Baltimore.) Allan 'parenthetic' Plumb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Mark McKellar Subject: Los Angeles Class stern.... Okay - I'm confused.......I admit it and am stopping for directions. I'm building the DML Dallas 1/350 boat number 770. The kit gives two options for the stern. One option has vertical fins at the ends of the control surfaces - One option does not. I can't seem to figure out which version to use with the most modern ship of this class. Help.... Mark Near Boston where we had &@*%%&*&*#@ snow all day today -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: DILIANE@aol.com Subject: Re: Belknap Just a little side note on the Belknap story. During my tour with Uncle Sam's big canoe club, we used to go to different ships and teach electronic warfare. On one of the ships we were on, we met one of the survivors of that collision. He was in CIC when the collision took place. He told us how the deck and compartment disappeared as he exited, and what a hell it seemed to be. I believed him, because he never went anywhere on board without his life jacket. Jim Campbell -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Stuart Robottom Subject: lightships Greetings. Anyone interested in lightships who lives in northern England should check out TS Lord Nelson in Norwich, Norfolk. While it has had most features removed it is an interesting vessel. It is of similar hullshape to the Revell lightship. Regards, Stuart Robottom http://www.deakin.edu.au/~robottom/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: Russian MTB Camouflage Hello T. Gart Connelly I tried to answer your off-line message but AOL refused to accept my message. so here it is: >> From: PT191@aol.com Subject: Re: Russian MTB Camouflage Falk Pletcher, I'd like to see those photos of those Russian MTBs. T. Garth Connelly << Garth Please give me your postal address and I will send you photocopies. But don't expect too much. They are of the "usual" poor Russian quality. Best Falk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Mark Krywienko Subject: A different Diorama Hi SMMLies, Thought I would share the following experience with you, and my immediate thought was that it would make a great diorama (but I am too busy to even attempt to build it). While going through some old magazines the other day I came across an edition of 'The Aeroplane' 11/3/1955 (an English weekly magazine). It included the following brief article and a b/w picture, headed 'Submarine Tanker'. 'In a recent U.S. Navy exercise the technique of refuelling a flying boat in the open sea from a moving submarine was demonstrated. A Martin Marlin is shown here being refuelled by the submarine oiler U.S.S. Guavina'. Hey Shane, this makes a change from me asking questions about HMS Minotaur ; ) Mark Sydney Australia Hi Mark, Yup, it sure does ;-). BTW APMA's roaming Secretary (OS on work), has been sending me back plenty of pictures for the APMA Magazine & website, including Fletcher shots, Belfast, Portsmouth, and wait for it....... some of HMS Monitor at Portsmouth in drydock ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Re: Skysweeper I again want to thank everyone who has responded to my question about the Skysweeper. The response both on and offlist has been surprisingly overwhelming. If you contacted me offlist, please don't think I'm ignoring you. Some things have come up in the last few days that require my undivided attention. I plan to reply to all of you who have addressed this topic, but it may be a few days in coming. Thanks again for your assistance. Go Navy! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMMLcon Infomation & posts SMML Convention and tour notices: http://www.mikedunn.freeserve.co.uk/smml/help/smml_con.html If your coming to the SMML convention on friday, we need to know which tour you planning to attend so that we can get an accurate head count for transportation. Contact John Frohock ca139johnf@aol.com and let him know which tour you plan on attending. If you are going on a tour, you need to be onboard the USS Salem no later than 10:00am on Friday May 5th. We will open the ship starting at 9:00am for those who would like a cup of coffee and some schoozing before departure. For those of you who are not going on either tour; the USS Salem will NOT be open to the public on friday (Crew will be on watch to repel boarders if provoked ) so please do not show-up at the ship on friday unless you are attending the tours. Check out Convention and tour info at: http://www.mikedunn.freeserve.co.uk/smml/help/smml_con.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shane Subject: Model Clubs Hi gang, Just a quick request out to any model club who would like to link to the APMA site, to get in touch with me at: mailto:sljenkins@tac.com.au & I'll add you in. The site is virtually finished & I'm putting the final touches in for a weekend(ish) relaunch. Whilst on the topic of model clubs, any club who would like to link to the SMML site is very welcome to. I also encourage all modelling clubs to post when their meetings are being held in SMML as well, you never know where your next new members could come from ;-). Regards, Shane APMA VP "Having fun making models for the past 25 years" http://www.tac.com.au/~sljenkins/apma.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Percy, John" Subject: Book for Sale "The Worlds Greatest Battleships" By Robert Jackson Some of the largest, most complex and destructive war machinery ever devised by man. This book takes a detailed look at the ships and historic naval battles--a fitting tribute to the battleship's proud history, from Trafalgar to the present day. 100 photos. 144 pages. Cost: $24 - includes US Priority Mail shipping w/delivery confirmation, to US and its territories only (For foriegn destinations, cost will be $50 total). Money Orders or cashiers checks only, please. Thanks, John Percy mailto:jpercy@clariion.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Victor Baca Subject: Model Ship Journal-new update for Issue Zero I spent Monday and Tuesday in Seattle taking photos for Issue Zero of Model Ship Journal and we'll have some intertesting material as a result. On Monday, we shot pictures of Capt. Dave Webb's collection of scratchbuilt ship models at the U.S. Coast Guard Museum Northwest in Seattle, WA. We carefully removed his 1/8"=1' scale models from their cases to eliminate glare and distortion and used studio lighting for some really nice shots. Look for the article in issue Zero of MSJ entitled, "Capt. Webb's Coast Guard." He's an excellent scratchbuilder with many unique USCG/Revenue marine subjects in the collection. Capt. Webb (USCG Ret.) commanded some of these cutters and it shows in his scale models. While I was at the Coast Guard base, I found none other than USCGC MELLON (WHEC-717) alongside the docks. She's our centerspread plan feature in Issue Zero of Model Ship Journal. Arrangements were made to come back and photograph her on Tuesday. We shot in both black and white as well as color slide stock and hope to have some great detail and portrait images as soon as the negs come back from the processor. I'll print the B&W myself and scan into the magazine. You'll be able to literally build a model of the 378' high endurance cutter from our pages with photos and background info on the USCGC MELLON and plans (including hull lines) to 1/350th scale, . We'll also be running 1/8"=1' scale plans (including hull lines) and historical info for the U.S. Army's 74' ST tug of 1943, with a shot showing the ST -497 underway and a picture of the builder's model of the ST-14. Neat little tug and not well known. Finally, we'll present images of Don Preul's beautiful scale models of U.S. Navy ships circa WWII. Don is a profesional ship model maker and is tops in his field. His 1/16"=1' scale ship models really have to be seen to believed. We'll give you an overview of his work in the article titled, "Don Preul's Navy." If you haven't already subscribed to Model Ship Journal, there's still time to get in on the ground floor with Issue Zero beginning your subscription. We're only printing 1,000 of these. Use either Master Card/VISA or a personal check (money orders and cashier's checks ok as well). $30.00/year for four issues. This new quarterly magazine is going to be a real winner! Best Regards, Victor M. Baca Editor & Publisher Model Ship Journal Send subscription requests to: PHOTOMARINE ARCHIVES Model Ship Journal P.O. Box 28516 Bellingham, WA 98228-0516 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume