Subject: SMML VOL 918 Date: Mon, 22 May 2000 01:17:29 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: R.A.N. conversion 2: Parts Favor 3: Alaska 4: Re: Axis Order of Battle 5: Iowa-class BBs, lacquer thinner, etc. 6: pbr video 7: Tamiya's 1/700 Ships 8: Paddleboat or Tank motor unit 9: More on new kits 10: Arethusa/Leander/CAM Catapult drawings 11: Re: Scale Effect 12: O Class 13: Re: pbr 14: Last Foxtrot In Shanghai? (a pun) 15: Wanted 16: 1/400 PT Boat? 17: U-571 Modeling 18: Re: Identity of ship... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMMLcon Infomation & posts 1: SMMLCon 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: International Maritime Modeling April/May 2000 Update 2: Latest Uploads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "David Rowe" Subject: R.A.N. conversion Hello everyone, I'm thinking about converting Revell's Oliver H.Perry to one used by the RAN. Would/could somebody supply with some info? I've seen some pics of the Melbourne and the Newcastle, they both would appear almost identicle to the kit if built as the Perry. Is this the case? Do the RAN's vessels have the extended flight deck/hull? As to the colours, I use Humbrol paints and tips as to which I should use would be great. As for the ensigns and the hull numbers, would GMM's decal set(s) provide what I need? Thanks guys, all the best,Dave. Hi Dave, Yes the RAN FFG's have the extended flight deck. I can recommend a three part series on the RAN FFGs, complete with paint chip in the APMA magazine. This article was written by Lindsay Charman & is highly recommended. I intend to use it for my Skywave (same as The REvell ones) RAN FFG's. That is when I get around to em, cue for comments from the Peanut gallery ;-). Pop over to the APMA site for deails on how to get a hold of the relevant issues. Shane APMA VP http://www.tac.com.au/~sljenkins/apma.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Christopher Crofoot Subject: Parts Favor I'm working up for a conversion of the 1/350 Fletcher DD to a square bridge late war DD. Consequently, I'm going to need some twin 40mm and some quad 40mm's (Tamiya Missouri has them). I was wondering if anybody on the list has any in their spares boxes that they'd be willing to part with. Failing that does any body know of a source for the BWN 40mm quads. I don't know if they're even in production anymore but I thought I'd ask. Thanks in advance... Chris Crofoot -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: rweilach@mindspring.com Subject: Alaska I am considering building my 1/700 Samek USS Alaska. I note that the painting directions look a little suspicious. Can anyone tell me what colors the Alaska carried in her "Dazzle" camo scheme? Thanks, Rob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: Re: Axis Order of Battle Dear Don: In Sept 1939 the German fleet consisted of the: BB Scharnhorst Gneisenau PB Deutschland Scheer Graf Spee CA Hipper Blucher CL Emden Konigsberg Karlsruhe Koln Leipzig Nurnberg DD Z-1-4 Z-5-16 Z-17-22,Z-23 TB Mowe Grei Seeadler Albartros Kondor Falke Wolf ILtis Jaguar Leopard Luchs Tiger T-1-8 Craig -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Jodie Peeler Subject: Iowa-class BBs, lacquer thinner, etc. hello all.... The recent talk about the Revell vs. Tamiya Iowa-class BBs has me going down memory lane for a bit to 1988, when I built both variants of the Revell kit (both the Missouri-in-WW2 fit and the modern Iowa). I remember being generally favorably impressed by them, perhaps because at the time they were the biggest ship models I had built. I also remember when I saw the Tamiya BB for the first time, and how I was taken aback by the lack of detail on the superstructure, especially up forward where hatches and ports and all that good stuff are visible on the Revell kit. There are good and iffy points to both kits. Although I've not built the Tamiya, it looks to me like it's a bit better engineered. The Revell kit has a one-piece deck, but it can be awkward to deal with, and I distinctly remember not being able to get a good fit at all between the one-assembly superstructure and the main deck on either of my Revell kits. Gaps of 1/16" to 1/8" are what I remember -- then again, I was using tube cement back then. The Tamiya kit seems a whole lot better in that regard even though its main deck is split into pieces and has some tricky seams. OTOH, one thing I *loved* about the Revell Missouri was that all the gun tubs were separate and there were no recesses in the main deck, which meant I could pretty much build almost any Cold War configuration of any of these ships I wanted. Having seen both kits (and since my boyfriend just completed a gorgeous late-war New Jersey from the Missouri kit), I'm inclined to agree with Rusty in urging you towards the Tamiya kit. The Revell kit is pretty good, but the Tamiya kit looks considerably more solid, and you can bring it up to the Revell's level of engraving and detail and all with some brass and a pin vise. Nothing too difficult. There was some talk on SMML a couple days ago about using lacquer thinner. In the past I used lacquer thinner rather extensively and can attest to how good it is with enamels. HOWEVER, you *must* be VERY careful when using it! Don't let it touch your hands (wear nitrile gloves), make sure you have LOTS of ventilation, and wear a good-quality respirator when airbrushing it. This stuff *can* contribute to cancer and other nasty things, especially in one's naughty bits. I used it extensively for several years with no protection (and even used it to clean my hands when I got paint on them), and let's just say that after I had an episode that taught me what lacquer thinner can do to one's body, it did not take me long to decide I wanted to switch to acrylics. I don't want to be an alarmist, but this *does* happen, and having been there I do not want anyone else to do the same. Use lacquer thinner if you want, but be *extremely* careful! Jay Sherer wrote: >> I am sure all the bachelors want to know this......Does she have a sister? :) << Uh...I hate to tell you this, but even though I'm not her sister, I'm the last one! And I'm spoken for, I'm afraid.... ;) jodie http://www.mindspring.com/~raisingirl/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Kurt Van Dahm Subject: pbr video The History Channel put out a great tape on the PBR's in the Great Ships Series of video tapes. Shows the development and use of the PBR's, MK I and MK II versions and details their use in the rivers. Check out the History Channel web site for information. This series has about 10 tapes covering Riverboats (Mississippii River type), tugs, cruisers, dreadnaughts, liners, sailing ships, clippers, etc. Kurt Van Dahm Westmont, IL NRG member -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Jim Johnson" Subject: Tamiya's 1/700 Ships On closer inspection, it is the Indy that Tamiya is showing. As a matter of fact, it looks just like the Matchbox kit. Manufactures have been known to show built-ups of thier competitors at trade shows just to have something to look at. Lets hope that this is the case, the model doesn't look up to Tamiya's standards. Most companies swap molds back and forth (ie Matchbox and Revell Flower class) but I can not ever recall Tamiya ever releasing someone else's molds as their own, and I've been buying Tamiya ever since thay were a small second rate manufacturer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Kelvin Mok" Subject: Paddleboat or Tank motor unit I can rarely resist a bargain. The local Radio Shack was having a clearance on a wood assembly kit walking Triceraptops (kit number 28-002) for CDN $4.99 (reg $14.99). I remember vaguely that there were other animals. The real bargain there is a small 3v motor with a worm drive for the two stage reduction gear and axle to actuate the hind legs-front legs link. It comes complete with battery holder, switch and screws. The gear ratio is such that the revolutions are quite slow and generates a high torque that makes it very useful as a side paddle ship's power plant or a model tank power unit. Passing on this tip. Kelvin Mok -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "JAmes McCormick" Subject: More on new kits If anyone else gets the monthly flyer from VLS, Revell Germany has a few new releases (maybe not new, correct me if these are reissues). Among them, in 1/700th is a USS Wasp (yes, the ausault carrier), German Navy Ship Rommel (what is a Lenkwaffenzerstoer?), plus what appears to be some of the 700th dragon kits( Ark Royal, Invincible, Arleigh Burke, Saipan, Illustrious). Jim McCormick -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Simon Wolff" Subject: Arethusa/Leander/CAM Catapult drawings Hi you all.... Hi guys.. Can anyone help with scale drawings on or a source for scale drawings of aircraft catapults used on Arethusa class, Leander class and the CAM vessels? This request is on behalf of a fellow modeller. Any help appreciated... cheers! Simon Go the E-boat SIG!!!! Hi Simon, IIRC, there are scale drawings of the above cruisers in Alan Raven's "British Cruisers of WW2". Shane PS: Some more of Simon's excellant work (both models & photos) will be appearing shortly on the APMA site as well. Just as soon as I can find some time to do so. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "hugh1lottie2" Subject: Re: Scale Effect >> In painting models some aficionados recommend "scaling down " the colours. I seem to remember an article which I believe was in Scale Aircraft Modelling and was written by Ian Huntley (a colour aficionado) suggesting that at 1:700 scale lightening colours with 25% white would give the correct scale affect. There was even a graph to show the variation in addition of white for any scale. << >> Pre war photos of ships painted in 507a do tend to look lighter than the actual color card, this is because a large object seen in daylight with a percentage of the surfaces exhibiting a degree of spectral reflection and seen at beyond a certain distance from the camera, will tend to -----------LOOK LIGHTER! In addition 507a as used in peace time had a slight sheen, or gloss, and this would further lighten the look, which leads naturally onto the twisted subject called "scale effect", ie, the further the distance from the viewer then the lighter the tone. << My question is, if I am painting a white ship how do I show scale effect. Are you really sure that you need to add more white or is it correct to add neutral gray to colors to give scale effect much like an intensity [chroma] scale. When I see a red object in the distance it doesnąt look pink but a dull red. Next time you drive somewhere. try to decipher what colors automobiles are in the distance and how they are very similar in color until they are much closer and the color is more intense. I almost positive that it works the same way with ships. Hugh -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Chris Drage" Subject: O Class HI Gang, This is one for Tim Stoneman, Mike Cooper and Robert Lockie etc. I am about to begin a diorama depicting Convoy PQ18 on Sept. 14th 1942. I want to include both HMSs Onslaught and Opportune in the dio. Onslaught alongside the Liberty Ship Nathaniel Greene and Opportune slicing thorough the water behind, in the next lane. Can anyone confirm both Onslaught's and Opportune's camo schemes at this time? I think Onslaught had a two colour W.A. scheme whilst Opportune looks to be in scheme for Home Fleet destroyers ( the one we always associate with O Class). Incidentally, the two models have been improved using Nat Richard's article with Tim Stoneman's additional comments. The final build article will be available on the WEM website. Wish I could have got to SMMLcon........ Envy........ Regards Chris He tao rakau e taea te karo kupu kaore e taea te karo (Te reo Maori) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "philip knell" Subject: Re: pbr For some good shots of the pbr try watching the film apocolypse now, strange film but half of it is spent on a pbr original phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Ned Barnett Subject: Last Foxtrot In Shanghai? (a pun) Having made several visits to the Foxtrot "Skorpion" at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, I have been salivating over the prospect of modeling the ship - but I'm still (9 months later) in my first scratch-built project (Noah's Ark) and am not about to start even something as simple as a submarine until I've gotten a bit better. Yesterday, at my local Hobbytown USA, I found a Trumpeter model of "Model 33 Submarine of the Plan of China" - in 1:144th scale (a great deal at $19 USD). Darn if it doesn't look a lot like a Foxtrot. There appear to be some differences on the sail (I'm basing this on the box art - and on a silhouette poster of Foxtrot Skorpion I have on my wall). The box says the sub was based on a Soviet design (part of the "Agreement of February 4" in 1959). It goes on to say that when the accord fell apart in 1960, the PRC finished the sub without Soviet help. FYI, the kit is a bit heavy-handed in the molding (and has more than a bit of flash), but nothing an experienced modeler can't handle. The instructions suggest using stretched sprue for the deck lifeline stanchions - perhaps a recognition that the fine molding necessary to produce scale rod is beyond them. The instructions give colors that look to be based on Tamiya paints (the codes seem to match); the decals are glossy but workable (in appearance). All in all, a great "buy" for $18.95 USD - it would be probably $40+ by a Western manufacturer (and while most of the big-guns would do a better job, this is a very workable kit). Now, to my questions. Is anybody here familiar with both the Foxtrot and the PRC's Model 33 who can comment on the similarities and differences? Does anybody know a source of accurate Foxtrot plans I can get to model the sub (or even better, plans to the same scale of Foxtrot and Model 33 so I can do point-by-point comparisons)? Thanks ... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Ned Barnett Subject: Wanted I'm looking for any of the following: Detailing kit for the USS Olympia (Revell) - and references for the Olympia "then" or as she floats Glencoe Oregon (and, if I can find the Oregon, a detailing kit for same) - and references for the Oregon Detailing kit for Revell 1/720 Graf Zeppelin (also, any plans or references for this ship) Thanks Ned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Ned Barnett Subject: 1/400 PT Boat? I am planning to model the 1/400th Revell USS Mission Capistrano as a fleet oiler with PT boats as deck cargo - apparently, a common way of shipping the PTs overseas was as deck cargo on oilers and tankers. What I need is a 1/400th PT (four would be great, but one could be a template). In fact, any boat-hull shape that mike's out to 80 ft. in 1/400 (2.4" if I did the math right) would work. I have photos of the mounting girders but no plans, so if anyone has plans, that would be interesting and useful, too. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Ned Barnett Subject: U-571 Modeling I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the film, but this isn't a movie critique. Although I've only seen it once, and was very caught up in the story, I was also taken by the "look" of the U-571, the S-33 (disguised as a U-Boat) as well as the German Z-class destroyer. I was especially impressed that the S-33 really looked like an S-Boat with a German sail - the bow sure looked like an S-Boat. I'm not used to seeing such verisimilitude in Hollywood movies, and I would like to model these - especially the storm-tossed rendezvous between the U-571 and the S-33. The 1/700 Hasegawa U-boat kit has both a Type VII and a Type IX - and in the movie, it appeared that the S-Boat's topside was mocked up to look like a Type IX. It also seems (seems) that the S-Boat and the IX were roughly of the same size/displacement (both larger than the Type VII). I'm looking for your views on the level of plastic surgery needed to convert the Type IX into the S-33 in the movie. Thanks. Ned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: URUDOFSKY@aol.com Subject: Re: Identity of ship... AP 121 GENERAL HUGH GAFFEY: see DANFS, auxiliaries, AP121 on the web at: www.hazegray.org Ulrich Rudofsky -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMMLcon Infomation & posts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John Clements Subject: SMMLCon 2002 Les Pickstock beat me to it - well volunteered. I'll certainly do what I can to help any UK venue in 2002. Portsmouth Navy Days would be a fantastic time and place, but how are we going to decide the venue, and when? John Clements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: International Maritime Modeling April/May 2000 Update I am please to announced that the April/May 2000 update to International Maritime Modeling is finally up on the web. This update is dedicated soley to ocean liner/merchant ship modeling. Once again, for personal and professional reasons beyond my control, this update is posted about a month later than I wanted to. Thanks for your patience and I hope to have the next update, which will return to a more general modeling format, will be online in about another month. http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm The April/May 2000 update to the site includes: Photos of Atle Ellefson's 1/500 Batory, Donald Stoltenberg's 1/570 HMHS Britannic, 1/600 RMS Mauretania 1/350 RMS Olympic, 1/500 Piludski and 1/600 SS France, Pablo Cicero's collection of 1/400 scale scratchbuilt sailing ships and Tom Nicolai's 1/350 RMS Titanic, Olympic and HMHS Britannic in the Photo Gallery. A review of the Airfix 1/600 scale Queen Elizabeth in Quick Kit Reviews. A review of the Gold Medal Models 1/700 scale Merchant Ship set, Tom's Modelworks 1/192 3-Bar Railings, 2-Bar Railings, 3-Bar Stanchions and 2-Bar Stanchions and the complete line of Ocean Liner Models 1/350 scale Olympic/Britannic conversion sets in Photoetch Reviews. A review of SS Oriana - The Last Great Liner in Book Reviews. The addition of an Ocean Liner Models product page under the Photoetch List. Related updates to the Links page. I hope that you will all enjoy it and please feel free to send me any comments and contributions to my webmaster email account. Thanks, Felix Bustelo International Maritime Modeling URL: http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Mike" Subject: Latest Uploads Hi all, The latest set of Archives are now on-line, and should be indexed by the time you read this. We are looking for more articles, reviews, etc, for a revamp we are in the process of doing, so if you fancy having your name up on the Site, drop me a line & let me know your idea! Mike SMML Webmaster -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume