Subject: SMML VOL 951 Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2000 00:07:08 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: 1/350 Tamiya USS Enterprise 2: Re: 50 cal machine guns 3: Re: Rusty's CW Salem 4: Modeling vessels from fiction 5: Re: Weathering below waterline 6: Re: Fletcher Camouflage and Radar 7: Traplet Publications Plans Service 8: Re: Moskva detail set 9: Re: Salem turrets 10: Re: Rusty's CW Salem 11: Gold Medal Models does it once again! 12: 50 Cal machine guns 13: Flotation Baskets 14: Combined color chip set 15: Re: Paint Chips 16: Re: Modern colors 17: Re: Royal Sovereign 18: Re: Whatya buildin 19: Re: 50 cal machine guns 20: Lattice masts / Next trip 21: INR 22: RN & RAN Cruisers, etc. 23: IPMS - 2000 24: Is Resin The Best Available? 25: Re: Tread plate 26: Re: Russo-Japanese War Exhibit & Mission Bay 27: Boston cl CAG 28: WL or Full Hull? 29: Re: Vacation time again?? 30: Revell 1/500 Royal Sovereign 31: Donald McNarry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Pre Dreadnought Books For Sale 2: Re: Rusty's CW Salem 3: GMM's 1/350 Konig sets now en route here 4: Konig / Grosser Kurfurst detailing set 5: Shipcamouflage Message Board -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: PSmith6328@aol.com Subject: 1/350 Tamiya USS Enterprise Hello all you ship modellers This is my first posting and what I want to do is build the Tamiya 1/350 USS Enterprise. Can anybody help with building the hangar deck and any other useful advice as I am not really a ship modeller but I have always wanted to make this kit. Any tricks of the trade would be gratefully accepted. Are there any resin, decals or etch brass sets to go with this kit? If so how do I get hold of them? Any information would be really useful Thank you Phill Smith Milton Keynes UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: 50 cal machine guns >> I'm building a 1/12 scale PBR [patrol boat] and need dual 50's for the foward gun tub. does anyone know where I can buy them, or a source of drawings or photographs? << Drop in to your local National Guard or Army Reserve center and ask if they have the tech manual on the M2HB .50 caliber, which is the correct version for a PBR. It's full of photos, exploded parts diagrams, etc. Publication number is TM 9=1005-213-25. Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Fernando, Yohan" Subject: Re: Rusty's CW Salem Derek, If the 'platforms' underneath the 8" gun barrels are what I think you are referring to, then they are representations of the ejection chutes for the spent 8" shell cartridges. The Salem's 8" guns were fully automatic and instead of having the shells and cordite bags placed seperately into the breech, the ammunition was packed into a shell cartridge that included the shell and the charge (pretty much like any hand-held small arms ammunition). After firing, the empty cartridges were ejected from the chutes just below the barrels on the front face of the turret. Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Ned Barnett Subject: Modeling vessels from fiction I wonder how many others like to model vessels from fiction. I've got the kits (and I've drawn up the plans) to create Red October from the Tom Clancy book - not the movie. I'm well into the African Queen (from the movie, not the book). I had nearly finished the "Old Dog" (the stealthed-out B-52-I from Dale Brown's Flight of the Old Dog). I've also got the snap-tite kit of the Jules Verne Nautilus that I'm slowly detailing (I need to reread the book first). Two I haven't challenged are the USS Cunningham (the DD-21-class lead ship) from the two great books (highly recommended) by James H. Cobb - Choosers of the Slain and Sea Strike (initially published with the better name Seadragon). It's a near-future stealth destroyer designed for independent raider-type and littoral missions - the books are fantastic, and the ship is an interesting challenge that I have yet to tackle. I think the hull of an Aegis destroyer would be the right place to start - except for the Oto Melara turrets, everything else would have to be scratched or kit-bashed. If any of you have read these two books and have a better idea on this, please let me know. The other vessel I'd like to model (but don't know where to begin) are the Sea Fighters from Cobb's brand-new book of the same name - (another great must-read book, BTW - but I encourage you to read them in order, as they have continuing characters). In this book, for littoral warfare, he postulates taking an LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) and converting it into a formidably-armed and reasonably stealthy PGAC (Patrol Gunboat Air Cushion). The book is a fascinating look at high-tech littoral warfare in the near future - and the boats seem highly plausible. I'd love to model one - is their an LCAC model out there (I'm assuming that there is an LCAC - that it's not another fictionalized piece of high-tech hardware). Anyway, I'd be interested in comments, in recommendations on "core-kits" for conversion (if any) for the ship and boat Cobb postulated - and to find out if anyone else is doing this kind of speculative modeling. Ned Barnett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Poore, Devin" Subject: Re: Weathering below waterline From what I've seen of ships in drydock, photos, etc., most "weathering" underwater consists of white barnacles, a little bleaching of the paint, and minimal chipping. There's a pretty well know picture of USS Yorktown (CV-5) in drydock at Pearl during her hurried repairs before Midway that show a fairly distressed hull below the waterline (the photo is in the Archives on the WARSHIP site). Devin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: Re: Fletcher Camouflage and Radar Speak to us J H. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Traplet Publications Plans Service Could you please furnish an address for these folks? Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Moskva detail set >> I am in the process of producing a specific detail set for this kit, which will be released on my Atlantic models label. << Peter, Put me down for one! The Moskva is one of my favorite vessels and I too have the kit. I have been considering for years about doing a detail set for this model. Since it was out of production so long, it was on the back burner. I'm glad you're doing one! PLEASE let me know as soon as it's ready to ship. I have obtained a huge set of plans for the ship to possibly do a kit of it someday. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Salem turrets >> Maybe this has been brought up before (and I missed it), but what are the platforms at the base of the main turret faces (beneath the barrels)? << Steve Wiper can better answer this than I, but I can venture a guess. They appear to be platforms for crewmen to stand while servicing the turret. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: louellet@uism.bu.edu Subject: Re: Rusty's CW Salem From: Derek Wakefield > I picked up the latest issue of FSM today. While reading Rusty's excellent article on Resin Shipbuilding 101 (and oogling his handywork), I noticed something I'd never seen before. Maybe this has been brought up before (and I missed it), but what are the platforms at the base of the main turret faces (beneath the barrels)? << Derek, Those are not platforms. The automatic 8 inch/55 caliber rifles ejected the empty cartridges out the front of the turret. What you see on Rusty's model are the pipe frames and nets that were rigged to catch the empty cartridges. You can also see them on the SALEM model at: http://www.uss-salem.org/museum/model.htm (Select the link for the photos.) Former crewmen say that the cages and nets did not work very well since the web material was so tight, the cartridges tended to bounce right out. The 5 inch/38's also had a cartridge catching system on the rear of their turrets. These can also be seen on the model at the above link. Neither of these systems would probably be used in wartime. Steve Wiper did a great job in producing this kit. It has many details that are not installed (cartridge catchers) or are missing altogether (3 inch directors on forecastle) from the only 1:1 version on display. Larry Ouellette Quincy, Massachusetts, USA Volunteer, USS Salem (CA 139) U. S. Naval & Shipbuilding Museum http://www.uss-salem.org/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Gold Medal Models does it once again! I just received the new 1/350 SMS Konig/Großer Kurfurst photo etch set from GMM. It is really good! Lots of great detail items to make a good kit great. The items in the set are a secret for now, due to the practices of "Brand X", so you will have to wait for the official release for more info. If one were to ask me "Would I stake my reputation on this set", I would without any reservations. It is really that good. I would say this is going to be the one to get. Steve Wiper www.classicwarships.simplenet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "John Rule" Subject: 50 Cal machine guns >> I'm building a 1/12 scale PBR [patrol boat] and need dual 50's for the foward gun tub. does anyone know where I can buy them, or a source of drawings or photographs? << May I suggest you contact John Lambert, a fellow SMMLie, who has an extensive line of weapon drawings which he sells. I'm sure he has a drawing of the weapon you are seeking. I suggest contacting John at LAMKEEL@email.msn.com . By the way the drawings are unbelievable, typically with more detail than you can shake a stick at. John -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Flotation Baskets Tom of Tom's Modelworks: Are you planning on shooting your 1/350 flotation baskets down to 1/700 scale? This would be a nice little detail which is currently missing. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "John Rule" Subject: Combined color chip set >> I think John Snyder's idea of a color chip set with most navies included is a great idea. Let's start here. US, British, Japanese, German, Russian, Chinese and throw in Australian IF you have any extra room (couldn't resist Shane) all on one sheet. << Two worthy additions to the above modern navy chips would be India and Canada and for that matter any other navy for which paint samples can be obtained. John -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: Paint Chips >> Can the USN and RN paint chip sets that can be seen on the warschip site and made by Jon Warneke and Jeff Herne be bought somewhere by mail-order? << Stefan, those paint chips were commercial sample chips from Dutch Boy Paints as carried by Sears here in the States. The problem is--as I pointed out at the time (no slam here to Jon or Jeff) that commercial paint companies constantly change their line of colors, and the names of colors, so that the chips quickly become superseded, obsolete, unavailable... This is what has already happened with most of the Dutch Boy Chips. It is what WON'T happen with our chip sets, since we maintain precise records of the formulas used by Dunn-Edwards Paints who produce our colors. Every batch will match the original sample. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys http://www.shipcamouflage.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: Modern colors >> Do you want wet or Dry samples? << Dry samples, please, preferably brushed thick enough to be fully opaque. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys http://www.shipcamouflage.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Richard Baker" Subject: Re: Royal Sovereign I as I speak in the process of making the Ex-frog /novo/upc/Revell now Chematic 1/500 kit. The model is not for the faint hearted, my one was moulded with the mould a little off, but it does make it interesting. As regarding converting it to the Royal Oak, as it does not really look like either the Revenge or the Sovereign, the only real difference will be the bulges, tripod mast and bridge structure. if you consider making it the Resolution, my website homage to my late grandfather, has over 100 pictures of her and the other R's. also Alan Raven & John Roberts had a book out published by Battle of Britain prints of the R class, if anyone has a copy can I have it? I will pay of course. http://www.resolution.ic24.net/ Thanks Richard Baker Hi Richard, You have a very nice site - well done. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Harvey Low" Subject: Re: Whatya buildin Working on a scratchbuilt 1/700 FUSO (1943 configuration). Started out with the Aoshima kit but wasn't satisfied at all with the kit's accuracy or crispness (and can't afford the Japanese resin version). Coming along nicely with most of it (pagoda structures, midsection, decks) pretty well built up. Did the hull using basswood with decks using evergreen scribed sheet. At least it's beginning to look like FUSO. Now for the painting! Harvey Low -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: PT191@aol.com Subject: Re: 50 cal machine guns H-R Products has large scale machine guns, you could use those on your PBR model. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "Francisco Javier Chaves Salarrullana" Subject: Lattice masts / Next trip Hello everybody. Here's an idea about how to make lattice masts. Start with a piece of plexiglass or translucent material. Give it the external shape of the mast, crane, aerial or whatever you want, polish it, and then paint onto that transparent part the structure that you want to reproduce. The light will show through among the painted structure and the colors of the background will do so. I think it's simple and effective, I saw it once in a model railroading magazine and the results were superb. Now I need some help. I've just got the tickets to London (by train, perfect adventure...Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau-Paris-Calais-Dover-London), for I'm going to Duxford next July 8th and 9th. I will go to Leeds July 7th (to a friends' home) and to London July 10th and 11th. Having a lot of work to do (this is going to be "The great escape, part two"), I only have those 2 free days. What MUST I see there? Thanks in advance. Francisco Javier Chaves. Zaragoza (Spain). Swimming pools by day and "chiringuitos" by night a must these days; This is like a big microwave oven! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Ian MacCorquodale" Subject: INR Hi Gang, I am headed to Manhattan for the Naval Review, and would like to know if anyone can tell me if there is parking at the Intrepid Museum or in the vicinity of 38th street and 12th ave. I'm driving in from Halifax and have to be there for 0500 hrs. Any advice would be appreciated, as I have never been to the Big Apple, and to be honest I'm a little intimidated. :-0 My apologies if this is off thread, but the SMMLies always have the answers! Cheers, Ian Mac's Naval Photography http://www.geocities.com/macrachael/ Clan MacCorquodale Online http://www.geocities.com/maccorquodale/ Scottish Clan Plaques http://clanconnections.bizland.com/main.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: RN & RAN Cruisers, etc. I'm seeking opinions/advice for a number of future projects I've been thinking about for awhile. I don't have the funds, time, or space to persue any of these at the moment, but I wanted to ask before it slipped my mind again. My collection is lacking a proper "Commonwealth" representation. As such, I'd like to add models of the following vessels to my collection... HMAS Canberra or HMS Devonshire (c.1943) HMS Belfast HMAS Sydney HMS Argonaut HMCS Bonaventure (Majestic cl) HMAS Vampire or Vandetta (post last modernization) HMAS Swan or Torrens (Leander type). I already know about the problems with converting the Airfix Suffolk to a Canberra from past SMMLs. I'm thinking about ISW's 1:350 or WEM's 1:700 Dido cl for the Argonaut (possibly both). Airfix has a 1:600 Belfast that I've heard is pretty good. Likewise, I've heard it might be possible to convert the Airfix Ajax into a Sydney (albeit with a lot of teeth nashing and swearing). What I'm unsure about though are the Bonaventure, Vampire/Vandetta, and Swan/Torrens. I know OzMods is planning to release kits of the Melbourne (another one I wouldn't mind having), but I don't think it would be a candidate for a Bonaventure conversion (owing to all the differences). Like the Dutch De Zeven Provincien and US Galveston & Worchester, I'm starting to fear I may have to scratchbuild a Bonaventure (especially since I'd prefer one in 1:700). Another issue here is I've never built any Airfix kits. The price seems right for my budget, but is fixing an inherent flaws going to be so time consuming that the effort (and cost of aftermarket add-ons) outweigh the initial savings? Are they better, worse, or on par-with your typical Revell/Monogram kits? Likewise, I haven't built too many 1:600 kits. A Lindberg Manchester, and Aurora St Paul, Enterprise, and Guadalcanal are the only ones that come to mind, and all of those were built when I was a kid). My efforts to date have concentrated on collecting 1:350 and 1:700 kits, with only a few exceptions. Advice, suggestions, tips...all appreciated. Go Navy! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org Hi Derek, About time you started on some good ships ;-). I'll start with hardest first - IIRC, Ray Bean did a conversion of the Heller 1/400 Arromanches to HMCS Bonadaventure in PSM & IPMS(Canada)"s RT magazine. Only the PSM article I think is readily available - highly recommended. I'm not sure of when OzMods will be releasing their carrier, although I think it's soon. The Airfix Leander can be easily converted to a RAN Type 12 River class DE (or FF as the RN called them). Add some WEM PE & you're laughing mate. For the Darings you have a few choices - track down the old Airfix kit or go to OzMods for their 1/600 & 1/700 Darings. Check out Internet Modeller for an article on the OzMods 1/600 Voyager & a review on the 1/700 Vampire (OK, OK, no comments from the peanut gallery ;-) ). I'll also be going down to HMAS Vampire with several rolls of film in the near future & doing up a walkaround for the APMA & SMML sites. While you're at Internet Modeller, check out Kieth Butterly's Airfix HMS Belfast as well ;-) Also, B-Resina did some 1/700 resin versions of the Airfix 1/600 range of ships, but I'm not sure how good they are. All the usual suspects have reviews on the above kits as well the others you have mentioned ;-) Regards, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: IPMS - 2000 Well, it's beginning to look like you can ad me to the list of attendees. Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: RhinoBones@aol.com Subject: Is Resin The Best Available? This is a question which is probably best for the resin kit manufacturers and the chemists in the crowd, however, I am sure that there are plenty of others who can offer insight into this question. The question is: How could it be possible that in this age of modern materials engineering that a compound (i.e. resin) which is carcinogenic, that is prone to warping, which is brittle, which needs to be out gassed and which is prone to voids, is the best possible material available for casting model kit pieces? Ships, planes, vehicles and figures all use resin as the formulate. Now, I understand that due to the economics of manufacturing the merchant is forced to make a cost-to-sales trade off analysis, but I find it hard to accept that resin is the material of choice. Need to hear from the manufacturers on this one. This is not intended as a criticism, but as a legitimate question as to why things are the way there are! Also, are there any new materials being developed, or on the horizon, which could supplant resin? If for no other reason, an equivalent material which does not have the carcinogenic properties of resin would be a good reason for a change. Regards, RhinoBones -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "chisum" Subject: Re: Tread plate To my knowledge no one produces photo-etched or plastic tread plate in the Japanese pattern in the U.S. The Japanese plate were actually flat bars of steel roughly 6 -8 inches long and welded or screwed down to the steel deck. The kicker is these bars were 100 degrees to each other and not 90. Skulski in his Takao book shows them at 90, but all Japanese sources show 100 degrees. Maybe some outstanding model ship kit producer might offer it along with some perforated plate. I hear there a good one in Arizona. Randy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: RhinoBones@aol.com Subject: Re: Russo-Japanese War Exhibit & Mission Bay >> The Arthur Sackler Gallery in Washington, DC, has a new exhibit entitled "A Well-Watched War: Images from the Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905". . . . Hopefully the naval aspects of the conflict will be well represented a catalog of the works on display is planned for July. << Thank you Mike for the notice on this exhibition. There is a chance I could see it, but if not, I certainly hope that you will provide the Collective with a description of the displays. Pictures would be nice. As for myself, I plan to take in the regatta at Mission Bay this week end. I will be taking photos and I certainly will make them available. Regards, RhinoBones -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Boston cl CAG Does anyone have any plans to do a 1:700 Boston/Canberra CAG kit? I recall someone having told me someone was considering it, but...(I've slept since then). After staring at my old Revell Boston and comparing it to plans/photos of the Canberra (what I cristened it back in HS, unaware of the differences), I've all but given up the notion of trying to accurize it, because A) it's built (and tearing it apart would be a challenge), B) there's just too many things wrong (bridge, radars, 5/38s, 3/50s, missiles, etc), and C) given it's 1:480 scale, trying to find replacement parts, PE, etc would be a bear. Since it holds a lot sentimental value for me (and the kit is as rare as hen's teeth anymore), I'll probably just see what I can do to restore it back to it's original condition (not an easy task given all the parts that are missing). Go Navy! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "michael thrupp" Subject: WL or Full Hull? Hello there I have been reading the comments on waterline or full hull with interest. IMHumbleO if a ship model is not built to a big 'museum' scale (that is, smaller than 1:200) it looks out-of-its natural element if it is shown Full Hull mounted on an obviously 'artificial' stand - unless it is on wooden blocks, in drydock mode . I think - (pretencious pause) - that most people see, or visualise ships afloat, and have an image of the 'character' of a particular ship in terms of the relative propotons of the upperworks to the hull above the waterline. Impressions such as the pyramid-like symmetry of the Bismark, the towering pagoda superstructure of the Fusu, the everything-up-front look of the Richelieu and Nelson, etc. is lost ( to me anyway) when viewing a smaller scale full hull model. FWTW my 2 cents Mike Thrupp -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Minadmiral@aol.com Subject: Re: Vacation time again?? >> Hmm.. I wonder if it'll be bikini weather in Sacramento? << Caroline is coming to California in the summer??? WHO is doing the resin and PE on the bikini project?? Waterline or full hull?? Chuck Duggie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: drwells@hogpb.mt.att.com (David R Wells) Subject: Revell 1/500 Royal Sovereign John Impenna wrote: >> Now, a question. Can anyone tell me how good the Revell, ex-UPC?? 1/500 scale Royal Sovereign is? I have read that it is more appropriate for the Revenge, but I was wondering how difficult a conversion to the Royal Oak would be. Has anyone tried this? Any thoughts are welcome << For such an old kit, it's pretty darn good. It is unquestionably more like the Revenge than the Royal Sovereign. The forward superstructures were different for each member of the class. If you've got a copy of Raven & Roberts "British Battleships of World War II", they have some decent diagrams showing the differences within the class. If my notoriously leaky memory serves, the forward superstructure is moderately close to the Royal Oak, but the funnel is capped on the kit. You'll have to cut the funnel cap off to make the Royal Oak. Actually, I think the funnel cap isn't angled quite steep enough anyway, so no great loss there. As Shane pointed out, it was originally a FROG kit, and they sold it as Revenge. The mold spent a number of years in the Soviet Union, and for obvious propaganda reasons, they preferred to sell it as Royal Sovereign/Arkhangelsk. Revell-Germany picked up the mold a couple of years ago, and they continued the error. They probably didn't know any better. Problem areas: The 4" twins on the deck are a bit of a problem. They have nasty sink holes in them, and they sit far too high. It looks like the gun mount is sitting on an extremely high barbette. You can cut it down without too much difficulty. It will look much better. It's hard to get the nasty seam behind the casemate guns to seal up nicely. The bilge keels are missing. Overall though, not bad for a kit of its age. David R. Wells "There seems to be something wrong | David R. Wells with our bloody ships today" | AT&T Middletown, NJ Adm. D. Beatty, May 31, 1916 | Email: drwells@hogpa.mt.att.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: GKingzett@aol.com Subject: Donald McNarry Is the great model ship builder, Mr. Donald McNarry still alive and well? From his book Ship Models in Miniature, I surmise he would be well into his eighties. Is his first book, Shipbuilding in Miniature, known to be available anywhere? I am always astounded how the laws of physics, such as surface tension and strength of materials seem not to affect his work at all. There are no glue globs, paint layers, sagging lines or crooked fittings, all scratch built in tiny scales down to 1:600 and smaller. And his photography is superb. Amazing! Thanks for any info. Gary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: GrafSpee34@aol.com Subject: Pre Dreadnought Books For Sale Hi I have just put up for auction some nice illustrated pre-dreadnought books on the Imperial Russian Navy. I also have several rare vintage illustrated books (1890's -1905) on the USN in the Spanish American War. This link will take you to a complete list of my eBay postings: http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=flakbait2&inc lude=0&since=-1&sort=2&rows=25 You'll probably have to click on page two when you get to the bottom of the first page. As usual, no reserve and everything starts at one dollar. No Questions Asked satisfaction guarantee. Thanks for looking Dave -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: Rusty's CW Salem >> I picked up the latest issue of FSM today. While reading Rusty's excellent article on Resin Shipbuilding 101 (and oogling his handywork), I noticed something I'd never seen before. Maybe this has been brought up before (and I missed it), but what are the platforms at the base of the main turret faces (beneath the barrels)? Go Navy! << This question will be answered when you are able to purchase my next book, which is scheduled to go to printers in the next few days. The book will be "Warship Pictorial #8 - USS Salem CA-139", which will sell for the paltry sum of $12, and of course be available thru Pacific Front Hobbies. They will go on sale at the end of July. Thanks, Steve - www.classicwarships.simplenet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Loren Perry Subject: GMM's 1/350 Konig sets now en route here Gold Medal Models' new PE set for the ICM Konig-class WW1 dreadnoughts have been etched and shipped, are now en route here, and are expected to arrive by this coming Monday. The instruction sheets are at the printers now and are due to arrive here in about a week. The new GMM set contains the following items: 1. Over 140 inches of railing in four styles including: 2. Drooped Chain-style railing for the main decks 3. Standard solid-type railing for upper decks 4. 3-D relief-etched simulated canvas-covered railing with lacing holes for bridge and searchlight platforms 5. Two funnel cap grilles 6. Eight lengths of vertical ladders 7. Thirty-six 3-D relief-etched inclined ladders in a variety of styles to match the kit requirements with the correct configuration of handrails and perforated side plates 8. Five yardarm footropes for both masts 9. Twenty-one 3-D relief etched hatch covers in two styles for decks 10. Twenty 3-D relief-etched watertight doors in closed and open configurations for bulkheads 11. Paddles and 3-D relief-etched see-through bottoms for life rafts 12. Oars, screws, rudders, and stern rails for ship's boats 13. Safety rails and hooks for boat cranes 14. Ten 3-D relief-etched screens for various vent intakes 15. Two replacement accommodation ladders with perforated platform gratings 16. Simulated stud-link anchor chains and chain stoppers 17. Replacement capstan handwheels and brakewheel 18. 3-D relief-etched perforated girders for boat cradles 19. 3-D relief-etched ship's helm, binnacle, and engine telegraph for ship's bridge 20. One cable reel 21. Fourteen 3-D relief-etched armored doors for conning tower, gun turrets, and fire control tower 22. 3-D relief-etched bow crests and nameplates for all four ships of the class 23. Simulated rigging for boat davits and small cranes 24. Twenty-six sets of 3-D relief-etched covers for skylights in eight different styles 25. Five 3-D relief-etched underwater hull torpedo tube doors in two styles with detailed instructions on how to install them 26. Fully illustrated instruction sheet with historical facts and information on backdating the models to pre-Jutland configuration. Release is now expected in about two weeks or less. Price: $32 plus $1 postage (North America) or add 10% of the total for air mail to all other countries. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Tom & Carolyn Harrison" Subject: Konig / Grosser Kurfurst detailing set "NEW FROM TOM'S MODELWORKS" Our Konig / Grosser Kurfurst detailing set is NOW available. Shipping has started for set #3524. This set was designed off the kit to insure fit and contains over 100 individual parts. You can either order directly from us or Pacific Front Hobbies. This set cost $16. and we will ship free to SMML customers. We accept Visa & MasterCard, you can either e-mail your order to: tomsmodelworks@att.net or our voice/fax number is 408-777-8667 Artwork will be in next week for our new special 1/350 Enterprise set. More info to follow on SMML page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Shipcamouflage Message Board For those interested, there have been some rather interesting discussions on our message board lately regarding early WW2 USN Pacific Fleet camouflage...all are welcome to join in. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys http://www.shipcamouflage.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume