Subject: SMML VOL 955 Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 00:40:25 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: USS Block Island aircraft 2: Re: Revell Alabama v. Kearsarge 3: Re: On Topic vacation 4: WR Press book on Royal Navy Camouflage 5: Re: ex-Frog Revenge and scratch-built Lattice Masts 6: USS Hornet operating hours 7: Re: IPMS Dallas Get-together 8: Re: Scale Barnicles 9: U.S. Navy Hull Numbers, WWII 10: Momoli kits 11: San Francisco Hobby Shops 12: Re: Sea Blue Blues... 13: Flower Class Fittings 14: Books in America 15: Re: cage mast 16: Model Ship Journal 17: toxicity 18: Cage Masts 19: Re: Grosser Kurfurst Problems? 20: Constitution Kit 21: 1/350 Konig PE advisory from GMM 22: Hyuga 23: Re: Sirmar Fittings 24: Used Maritime books store in New Hampshire 25: Re: Resins 26: Re: Sil Val hobbyshops 27: Re: Smit Rotterdam 28: Re: Model Ship Journal 29: Good Starter Kit (Addenda) 30: Re: resin toxicity (and IPMS :-( ) 31: Ethan Allen 32: American Civil War Sesquicentennial is Approaching 33: USS North Carolina and USS Yorktown 34: Re: Cage masts & Flowers 35: San Francisco Area Hobby Shops 36: Toxicity of resin...... 37: Re: Trip to Falls River -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMMLcon Infomation & posts 1: Re: CT/NY/NJ/PA SMML get together? 2: SMML NorCal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: White Ensign's Konig Photoetched brass detail set 2: Model Ship Journal-September Issue 3: Re: FSM Back Issues 4: Re: San Francisco Hobby Shops & Museum Ships 5: Shipping price correction 6: Models & Books For Sale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Fernando, Yohan" Subject: USS Block Island aircraft Hello, I'm currently building the Tamiya 1/700 Bogue as the USS Block Island. I want to depict her at the time of her loss in 1944. Does anyone know what her aircraft complement was at this time? What about the aircraft painting scheme? Thanks, Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: John_Impenna@hyperion.com Subject: Re: Revell Alabama v. Kearsarge Joel Labow writes: >> Alas, I suspect that the rumor that the Kearsarge molds are no more now has some supporting evidence. << According to a customer relations rep(I didn't get a name) at Revell, the Kearsarge molds did and do now exist. This is coming from Revell themselves. Both ships were barquentines and were similar, but not identical,about the hull(as both kits are). Many folks have said that the Alabama model is quite accurate as compared to the plans recently discovered as well as compared to the few other sources.available. I can't speak 100% as to the accuracy of the Kearsarge kit, but I have heard that it compares very well to the Washington Navy Yard model, which I haven't seen. I have also been told there is no way Revell would list 2 kits in the same catalog that WERE NOT CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION AT THE TIME. Both kits are in the Revell 1973 and I believe, the 1974 catalogs. This info was given to me when I called last year to inquire as to the chances of these kits being reissued. I asked the customer service person directly if the Kearsarge kit still exists and she got the info from someone else in the department. I see no reason for Revell to provide incorrect info on this. I do see reason for folks who hold copies of the kit that they might want to sell prior to a reissue that would lower its value, fostering the tale. Believe what you will, but I'll go with the word from the horse's mouth (Revell) for now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Bruce Burden Subject: Re: On Topic vacation From: Marc Flake >> There's a little fight going on between the Houston folks and the Nimitz Museum folks in New Braunfels. I'll go into more detail about that, if y'all want me to. << The Nimitz Museum is in Fredericksburg, not New Braunfels. :-) New Braunfels is off of I-35, while Fredericksburg is about an hour west in the Hill Country. Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Franz Aigner GmbH" Subject: WR Press book on Royal Navy Camouflage Does anybody know when that book will be published? Or is it out already? Greetings, Richard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Mark Shannon" Subject: Re: ex-Frog Revenge and scratch-built Lattice Masts First, on the R-class battleship kit. As far as the basics, it is all there and reasonably accurate. The fit of the parts is typical Frog/Airfix of the time, especially the secondary armament casemates joins, which can leave a huge gap. Details are heavy, the twin 4" AA a bit on the molten blob with the part hidden deep in its depths (for a Michelangelo to free). But the kit is good and with the normal levels of skills on this list will make a good representation. A little scratchbuilding and some detail parts, and a contest winner resides therein. As far as tricks for making a scratchbuilt lattice mast, you may not like to hear them, but the best two pieces of advice I can give are: 1. Make a jig. You need something to allow you to hold everything in place without any stress on the joins while you assemble the lattice. 2. Learn to solder. This can get tight, with the need to have 'heatsinks' applied to keep later joints from melting earlier ones, and all, but the techniques are relatively simple and very generally applicable. Trying to freehand brass wire and hold it with super glue is just going to be a frustration with reduced hopes of success. Study the structure you are trying to replicate and figure out the way to break it down into self-supporting subparts. Jigs can be made easily from 'Lego' blocks, cardboard, plastic strip, and can be designed to use elements of the structure you are building as portions of them (deck platforms, suport strips, searchlight or radar platforms, and the like). About a year ago, there was an article in Fine Scale Modeller about rebuilding the lattice tail of the "M*A*S*H" Bell helicopter. Among the techniques used was replacing portions of the kit part in turn. This can be another way, but in the article's case, the rebuilding was with styrene strip and rod, not brass wire. I hope this is of some use. I like the process of solving 'puzzles' in building, and learning new techniques/skills as I go. Mark -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: USS Hornet operating hours To get to the USS Hornet museum, you must cross the Bay Bridge and follow the signs to Broadway and Alameda. The USS Hornet website has specific directions. The ship was great to see, although they still have a lot of work to do. The admission was $10.00, but be careful not to go on Tuesdays--There is no guided tour of the island on Tuesdays. They were nice enough to let me come back Wednesday for free to get the tour. an additional reason you should not come to visit on Tuesdays is that we're closed on Tuesdays. we try to accommodate out of town visitors who aren't aware of this fact, but as you discovered, not much is open other than the 2nd deck, hangar deck, and flight deck. s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: GKingzett@aol.com Subject: Re: IPMS Dallas Get-together Please add me to the get-together list. Any time after noon on Friday or all day Saturday is fine with me. Gary Kingzett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Joseph Poutre Subject: Re: Scale Barnicles >> Does anyone know where I can get 1/500 Brass etched or resin Barnacles? << >> I don't recommend using commercial scale barnicles because it is very time consuming to remove them from the sprues. Instead, after painting, I would leave the model in a dish of scale sea water. Be sure to use 1/500 scale sea water, so that the barnicles will be the proper size. This method requires some patience, and remember to keep refilling the dish to compensate for evaporation. Scale water is pretty expensive but I know a guy who can give you a good deal. He also has bottled propwash in 1/700 and 1/350. << HEY! Don't you _dare_ try to rip off these unsuspecting folks. _Anyone_ who has worked with flightline (like shoreline, only thinner, less flexible, and far less resistant to seawater) knows that there is no such thing as "scale" propwash. "Scale" propwash is simply the regular thing properly thinned with Scale Water (TM) (non-Sea formula, preferably). If you need propwash for your carrier model, just head to your local airport, and the maintenance people will be happy to sell you some. You should bring your own container, preferably a sealable one, since it's known to evaporate at a high rate if not stored properly. Joseph Poutre Co-webmaster, Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society http://www.bb62museum.org/ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Alan Simon Subject: U.S. Navy Hull Numbers, WWII Anyone have source for UNSHADED white numeral decals, each number approx. 3/16" wide x 1/4" high? Need four sets of "557" in standard U.S. Navy WWII style. GMM and other known commercial offerings in required size are either shaded or in wrong style/weight. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Alan Simon Atlanta, Ga. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Bill Code" Subject: Momoli kits hello list, I just recieved my first commision as a ship modeller...My Dentist wants a nice racing sloop for his new office.. I showed him a built up momoli mini kit of the racing sloop Britannia of 1898 in a craddle..He liked her. I suggested there kit of the 1885 americas cup winner "Puritan" cutting her to the waterline heeled over with a foamy bone in her teeth..He was jazzed! Now to order the kit..sigh, I stumbled across Britannia. the little catolog that came with her doesnt really tell how much the kits are or how to order ...anybody order from these folks before? Also on a diffrent tack . I was looking at ICM Konig and thinking...If a fella wanted to make a 1/350 SMS Derfflinger this kit would supple the heavy guns and turrets ,ships boats, secoundary guns ect..hummm, maybe i should order another.. cheers Bill Code -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: SAMI ARIM Subject: San Francisco Hobby Shops To Ned, Luckily the two largest Hobbyshops in the Bay Area are in the Silicon Valley. The San Antonio Hobby shop is in the city of Mountain View and D&J Hobby is in the city of Cambell near San Jose. Both Hobbyshops are huge and have massive stocks in ships and and ship related items. Give them a call to get directions. Sami Arim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "John Snyder" Subject: Re: Sea Blue Blues... Derek, I seem to recall that Sea Blue B was the Munsell reference, but Randy has the notes at his place as I'm still trying to cope with shoehorning myself into my apartment due to my divorce-related move. As for the Baby Ruth bars afloat in your waters: what harbor are you moored in, lad? Best not hold Swim Call.... ;^) The '41 camo information will be on our website, URL below. John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises The Paint Guys http://www.shipcamouflage.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Leslie Brown" Subject: Flower Class Fittings Sirmar produce 5 sets of fittings for the 1/72 scale Flower Class. These are intended primarily for R/C models and hence are manufactured primarily of 'light weight polyurethane resin'. The catalogue claims they are highly detailed although I have not seen any of them so can't comment personally. Pack 1 (FCF/1 @ £12-79) Bridge Set comprises compass, bearing sight, signal lamps, search lights, 20mm RU lockers, vents, voice pipes, wooden gratings, various lockers and general bridge equipment. Pack 2 (FCF/2 @ £14-89) Carley Floats comprises six round ended Carley floats with oars etc cast on them. Pack 3 (FCF/3 @ £14-89) Hedgehog Set comprises hedgehog launcher and bombs, steam winch, anchors (2 off) and two Lewis guns. Pack 4 (FCF/4 @ £23-30) Armament Set comprises 4"gun and shields (2 types), 20mm guns with steps, depth charge throwers and 2pdr pom-pom. Pack 5 (FCF/5 @ £13-52) Stanchion Set comprises 80 white metal stanchions. The above prices are current and include UK postage. Full address is: Sirmar Model Ship Fittings Unit 48 Meadow Mills Dixon Street Kidderminster Worcestershire, DY10 1hh Tel/Fax 01562 747419 Regards Les Brown (No connection with the firm whatsoever) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Phil M. Gollin" Subject: Books in America United States Naval Institute, new "New Books", for this autumn ; First and most importantly; Nelson to Vanguard - By D. K. Brown, 1st September 2000, with an even more interesting sounding write-up than the British edition. Then some other interesting ones; Black Cat Raiders of World War Two (reprint from 1982) The Sailing Navy, 1775 - 1854 by Paul H. Silverstone (Part 1 of new series) Civil War Navies, 1855 - 1883 by Paul H. Silverstone (Part 2) Driven Patriot - The life and times of James Forrestal (reprint from 1992) Enigma U-Boats Frigates of the Napoleonic Wars Splinter Fleet - the wooden subchasers of World War Two – by Theodore R. Treadwell The Allied Convoy System, 1939 - 45 The Battle to Save the Huston The Handbook of 19th Century Naval Warfare - by Spencer T. Tucker The Introduction of the Ironclad Warship – by James Phinney Baxter (reprint from 1933) Trust but verify - Imagery Analysis in the Cold War – by David T. Lindgren USS Olympia - Herald of an Empire – by Benjamin Franklin Cooling Should give everyone a nice break from Modelling. Regards, Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: SantMin@aol.com Subject: Re: cage mast >> Seen in profile, the sides of cage masts often curve in a gentle sweep. I've not tried this, but I think if you gave the finished assembly a gentle twist, it would create that curve. Incidentally, physicists call this a "toroid" and that is the only shred of knowledge I retained from high school physics... only because I thought it might come in handy for a cage mast someday. << If you build it correctly, the gentle sweep is automatic. I wrote up how to do this in the July 1992 Fine Scale Modeler magazine. It was also reprinted in the Kalmback book "Scale Model Detailing" which is still available. Cheers, Bob Santos -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "Stefan Smets" Subject: Model Ship Journal >> I would just like to echo Mr. Barnett's statement concerning the high quality of Model Ship Journal. Fantastic publication. << Any address where it can be ordered ? I would like to see it, but I doubt it's already available in Europe. Thanks, Stefan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: toxicity Michael Eisenstadt in the previous issue referred to "something as innocuous as sawdust". Sorry to disillusion you, but sawdust can be extremely hazardous. Of course sensitivity to allergens varies among individulas, but the dust from sugar pine is a known rhinocarcinogen (in the nose) and that from Cocobolo, a beautiful exotic, is hyperallergenic. The latter can cause anything from skin irritation to severe respiratory distress if inhaled. Then again, I've known woodworkers who've plied their trade in furniture factories for years without using a mask and seem to be just fine. Admittedly, I almost never wear a mask, but I do my woodwork in front of a fan that sends the dust away from me, out of my studio. The bottom line is - be careful and don't dismiss physiological symptoms. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Kenneth H. Goldman" Subject: Cage Masts After searching through my non-catalogued library I finally found the article on making cage masts. It's actually part of chapter 11 in SHIP MODELING FROM SCRATCH by Edwin B. Leaf, published by International Marine, a division of McGraw-Hill, copyright 1994. There are drawings of a special jig and a description of how to use it. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER http://www.wman.com/~khgold/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: John_Impenna@hyperion.com Subject: Re: Grosser Kurfurst Problems? NEVENGER@aol.com writes: >> I just found a local hobby store in my area that will carry the ICM line and got great and sad news. I was told that while they will carry the Konig, her sister ship the Grosser Kurfurst may soon disappear because the mold many have been broken. << Can anyone shed any light on this??? John -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: BEN8800@aol.com Subject: Constitution Kit Since I designed the MS big C kit I won't say what is better. However, I will give you exactly what I said to the other "Seaways magazine" list. No one seems to understand that there are differences between the kits. That's really the important thing. The MS Constitution kit is bigger than most of the others. Also, the hull is a complete plank-on- bulkhead kit. The design is based on the ship as it exists today in Boston Harbor. Essentially, it has been recently restored to the plans developed by the Navy in 1927 with just a few minor updates, nothing significant. The Bluejacket kit has a solid hull up to the gun deck, then you build it up from there. The design has attempted to reconstruct the ship as it appeared when it was first built. Consequently, it is quite different from the MS kit and the ship as it exists today. Now, I am not that familiar with the foreign kits. However, I believe the Mamoli kit is close to the ship as it exists today. Probably they used the 1927 Navy plans as a basis. Ben Lankford -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Loren Perry Subject: 1/350 Konig PE advisory from GMM A note of advisory to all modelers ordering the GMM Photoetched detail set for their ICM konig kits (and we've already received some orders): Do not cement the two main decks to the hull until you've received your GMM sets. Reason: there are four photoetched torpedo tube doors that are installed inside the hull and if the decks are in place, you won't be able to do this. The torpedo tubes on the real Konig-class ships were recessed into the hull. To achieve this effect, the GMM set provides a drilling jig with detailed instructions for locating and cutting the required holes in the hull below the waterline. Once this is done, the 3-D brass torpedo tube doors are secured in place and the decks can now be glued to the hull. If you've already started your model and have assembled the decks to the hull, don't worry about it - your model will still look fine without these parts in place. Only an unforgiving judge at an IPMS contest will notice. (And he will make you pay for your sin, I assure you.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Mapweasel1@cs.com Subject: Hyuga I've had my eye on a Nichimo 1/500 Hyuga for some time. Can anyone tell me how good (or bad) this kit is? Any updates, books, etc., on it? If its a real woofer of a kit, does anyone else make one? Preferably in plastic. Thanks in advance. Brian Mowery "Red in the morning, sailors take warning. Red at night, sailors delight. Red at noon, fly a balloon." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Re: Sirmar Fittings Mike Eisenstadt noted - >> in the current issue of Model Graphix (Japan) they have some small photos in the "what's new" section of detail items for this kit from Sirmar. << I purchased some of the Sirmar detail sets some months back, just before the reissue of the Revell 1/72 FLOWER was announced. They are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality. I think this is mainly because they were originally made for the Matchbox kit a number of years ago, and the molds have deteriorated in some cases. >> No info as to where these may be obtained, however (at least not in English!). << Been looking for my past correspondnece with Sirmar, but no luck yet. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "JEL" Subject: Used Maritime books store in New Hampshire I will be in the area of Lebanon NH for business next month and was wondering if any SMML readers know of any good books stores in the surrounding area (50-100 miles away is OK)which specializes in maritime books. I am particularity interested in books on the Imperial Japanese Navy. Thanks Ed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: James Corley Subject: Re: Resins >> [snip]For right now, gating the molds properly is really the only way of getting this problem solved, and I always miss one or two of them. However, I'm sure there's someone out there somewhere figuring out a way to make all of this discussion irrelevant. << Jon, You know the answer to this. It exists, and there is one here in Marietta, and probably one at UT as well. The USAF paid for the development of a laser-resin prototype part generator using 3D CADD drawings to construct plastic parts in a vat of liquid, heat-activated resin. I have seen some of the products that the local branch of the skunk works has made. The guy brought in two different S-3 variants (looking for decals) for the abortive CSA project for the Navy, the ASW variant and the AEW variant. These models were 1/72 single piece castings of what is basically a Viking rearranged, but the model had fan blades, antennae, windshield wipers, etc. Too bad this process costs about $2,000 per airplane! The best offshoot of this technology has been in the medical field where brain surgeons are able to use a CAT scan to model the skull of the patient and practice opening the skull before the surgery! There are other uses for this, but until the price comes down significantly, don't look for "vat kits" in the various catalogs. JZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Tom Detweiler Subject: Re: Sil Val hobbyshops Ned Barnett- Far and away the best plastic model shop and maybe the best in Silicon Valley entirely, is San Antonio Hobbies, in Mountain View. They are in a strip mall on El Camino, in downtown Mountain View. They seemed to have everything, from wargaming to railroad to AFV, to ships, classic/collector plastic, flying model, rockets, 1/1200 metal, plansets, everything-by all means check it out. Most of the smaller outfits have gone out of business since I lived in Silicon Valley but you'll be closest to that one, anyway! Visit and take your checkbook with you!! Tom Detweiler, ex-Sil-Val engineer guy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: "Clem Jensen" Subject: Re: Smit Rotterdam Hi I am building the Smit Nederland one of the Smit [Holland] company tugs. It is a Billings [Denmark] kit with a plastic hull about 33 inches long. It is quite a handful but a handsome looking boat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: Mike Settle Subject: Re: Model Ship Journal >> I would just like to echo Mr. Barnett's statement concerning the high quality of Model Ship Journal. Fantastic publication. << You guys quit taunting me. I have yet to receive mine. Mike Settle I am not agent #1908 of the non-existent Lumber Cartel (tinlc)tm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Good Starter Kit (Addenda) Having received several offlist responses to my (otherwise humorous) request, it's become apparent I ommitted an important factor. I haven't built a kit in a number of years now, so I'm way out of practice. What I'm looking for is a low budget starter cruiser kit that's at best quasi-accurate (a gem I don't expect). IOW, something I can use for practice to get my feet wet again, but that if I goon up, no great loss. Something (as some suggested last fall) that I can just build it for the fun of it, sans the worry/fret factor. Not necessary a slap-dasher, but a for the **** of it kit! A Revell Pittsburg/Helena comes to mind (but I haven't seen one in ages). Other possibilities I've considered include Matchbox's Indianapolis (where to find??), Tamiya's Kumano/Suzuya, or Airfix's Ajax/Belfast. However, I'm open to other suggestions. Go Navy! _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: Allan and Crystal Plumb Subject: Re: resin toxicity (and IPMS :-( ) >> But is there anyone out there who knows the truth of the matter? Or who knows someone who might? << (I tried to send this to Jon yesterday, but the mailer-daemon didn't like "ironship@usit.net"???) I showed my dad some of my (unbuilt, natch) resin kits. He was curious as to the chemical composition. When I saw Jon's article, I forwarded it to my dad (a new AOL user at age 74). My dad is a retired resin chemist. He worked from 1954 (just before I showed up) until about 1988 at "DeSoto Chemical Coatings" in Berkeley CA, latterly as the supervisor of the resin lab and even more latterly doubling as the (a?) safety supervisor. He replied: >> Diphenylmethane diisocyanate may not be hazardous for shipping but for animals it is carcinogenic, reactive with moisture and any other active hydrogen in or on the skin. We used it in various aircraft polymers for use in paints. It has very low volatility but workers in the plant working with large amounts still wore respirators which removed organic vapors. If you work with it and should get some on your skin, a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with 5% of household ammonia will immediately destroy the isocyanate reactivity. I even rubbed this mixture around my tightly closed eyes as a test. Doug Pruett once spilled a liquid isocyanate on his head, was taken to an industrial clinic and showered. The volatile isocyanate emptied the clinic. (reactivity with uncatalyzed water is very slow) This was before we made the above solution available to the plant. << I said "what about the cured resin"? He replied: >> After reaction the isocyanate become a urethane which is not carcinogenic. << I'd be sure to recheck and follow the MSDS on the isocyanate and of course be careful with resin dust for physical obstruction reasons if nothing else. He _also_ said: >> Congrats on the house. << Which leads me to my last point: Allan and Crystal (hmm, the only female on the list) probably will _not_ make it to the IPMS Nats. We just saw a house last weekend and have a verbal agreement to our buy offer. Short of something going wrong, we'll likely be closing and moving in mid-late July, thus making Dallas out of the question. Rats, I've been looking forward to this for a year now. Bad timing. :-( But hey, more room for modeling in the much bigger house. And more room to display the aforementioned resin kits... Allan Plumb -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: zwood@webtv.net (Zack Wood) Subject: Ethan Allen I've been re-reading The Hunt For Red October and was wondering if anyone knows what class the Ethan Allen was thanks alot Zachary N. Wood -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: Ned Barnett Subject: American Civil War Sesquicentennial is Approaching Given the lead time of model builders, it may not be too early to begin thinking about the Sesquicentennial of the U.S. Civil War (aka The War of Northern Aggression), which will begin in eleven years. When it does, I suspect that Americans will wake up to the desire to see static and RC models of Civil War naval vessels - there will be museum displays, re-enactments and all kinds of things - and a demand for historically-accurate models of Civil War men-o-war. I remember from my childhood the Civil War Centennial - it captured the nation's imagination for four years. I suspect that we can expect something similar this time - and I suspect that, for model builders who want to take part, it's not too soon to begin thinking about clunkly but unstoppable armored side-wheelers and sleek, daring blockade runners. Oh, and by the way - the media will be looking for distinctive ways of illustrating this historical event, and looking for historical experts, too. Begin thinking about your 15 minutes of fame, as naval warfare consultant to MSNBC or whatever ... seriously. There will be other events - we're now in the midst of the 60th anniversary of World War II - not as powerful as the 50th, but already generating model magazine specials - and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 will be occurring (and overwhelmed by) the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Right on the heels of the Sesquicentennial remembrance will be the Centennial of World War I - and while those in the U.S. won't count that until 2017 - giving us a two-year breathing space after the Civil War event, that won't apply to those who recall the war beginning for their country in 1914. All of these will afford opportunities for high-visibility model presentations. Just a thought ... Ned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: Ned Barnett Subject: USS North Carolina and USS Yorktown Reading about the USS Mass in Fall River, I recalled my many visits to the USS North Carolina in Wilmington. Located about three hours south of the outer banks, three hours north of Charleston and in one of the prettiest port cities around, it is well worth the trip. Virtually the whole ship is open; I've walked from the engine rooms to the bridge (which was off limits, but nobody was looking ) and got to get inside turrets, loading rooms, shell rooms, the mechanical gunfire computer room (awesome - our PCs probably have more computing power, but for what they did, they were superb) and the crew quarters (remarkably cramped). There are trainable 20 and 40 mm guns on the after deck, a Kingfisher on the catapult ... and a great gift shop for those who like books, kits, T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. Stretching my memory back two decades, I can also recommend the Yorktown at Patriot's Point, in Charleston. I understand there are several other ships (and a sub?) on display there; but the Yorktown is well worth the price of admission. They even have a model display with a couple of made-by-Ned models in it (but I won't say which ones, as the years have been kind to my skills ). Both sites are fairly short drives off I-95 (for those who go to Florida) and well worth the day-trips. Besides, both towns have restored waterfront areas filled with nice restaurants, boutiques, great antique shops (etc.) for those with significant others who want to do something more than walk through steel ships, and who can be bought off with a Visa and a bunch of shops ... Ned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: "Judy Graham" Subject: Re: Cage masts & Flowers On the fabrication of Cage-Masts for pre-war US Battleships, I've seen two articles in the past, one each, in Fine Scale Modeler, and Scale Ship Modeler had articles on scratch-building cage masts, using thin brass rod. The article in Fine Scale Modeler was for a plastic kit (?) reworking, while that in Scale Ship Modeler was for the refurbishing of a museum model of the USS LEXINGTON, as planned as a battlecruiser, and in 1/96th scale. The Fine Scale Modeler article was for the USS OREGON, by Glencoe (I think) and in plastic. In both cases, the results were very good. I'll look through my back issues of both magazines, and post them on SMML for everyone. If anyone wants copies of the articles, e-mail me (once I've found them, please). As for the Flower Class Corvette update sets, in addition to the pending release of 4 sets by DJ Parkins of "Great Little Ships", about 6 years ago, "Flightpath" in the U.K. produced a large photo-etched set with white metal depth charges, and 20mm Oerlikon mounts, for the Matchbox kit. I purchased a set and it goes a long way to making up the lack of detail in the kit. Also, if anyone is still pondering buying the WR Press book on Flower Class Corvettes, by John Lambert, don't wait. I just received mine today from WEM (thanks, Caroline), and it is excellent. You could scratchbuild a model from the fold-out drawings at the back of the book. Now, I'll go and look for those magazine articles on building Cage-masts. Cheers, Chris Preston. Victoria, B.C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35) From: John Subject: San Francisco Area Hobby Shops While looking at the posts last night, i see most of them referring to D& J and San Antonio Hobby Shops While both have there +'s & -'s. By far the most knowledgeable and helpful as far as model ships and boats has to be J&M Hobby House in San Carlos ( in Phone Book ) Cliff the owner has been a world of help and knowledge While mainly an R/C type Shop, he can help in most other aspects, San Antonio does have a fair selection of ship models but no accessories like photo etch and mod packages, D&J also has a nice selection of ship models and some photo etch, cliffs selection is limited and no photo etch at d&J so if into R/C go There if not try D&J Also defiantly check out the USS HORNET and the USS POMPINITO USS JERIMIA OBRIAN and the nice sailing ship just up the road a small piece from the O'brian nice 2 or 3 masted ship don't remember off hand John RedWood City -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36) From: "Martin Short" Subject: Toxicity of resin...... Michael, My 2c NZ worth,(@0.8cUS!!) on this subject. Rule number one: ALWAYS, ALWAYS read the MSDS for any material you are about to use. That of course doesn't necessarily help you as the end user!. Like most subjects, some is truth some is myth, and it also depends upon which era you are talking about. The Polyurethane resin casting systems available these days are as safe as houses provided the proper precautions are taken. In your order of Carcinogens, Fumes, Dust..., and relates to formulations that I have used over the years, and this refers to casting/moulding systems only, generally polyol/MDI based systems which aren't particularly hazardous. TDI based system are hazardous and outside my experience...never used them, or wanted to! To step back some 20 years, earlier PU casting systems used to incorporate a chemical the abbreviation for which was MOCA, (don't ask me what it stands for, or what it's function was, it all happened before my time, I can't remember the exact details, and all that info is under the house...... somewhere.....). which was discovered to be a carcinogen, and was the main cause of all the bad press towards PU resin systems back then. ( If I get the chance I'll contact some old workmates at Ciba/Ren plastics to straighten that out squarely!).This is the prime factor behind the 'carcinogen' perpetuation.. no longer relevant to good quality casting systems from reputable suppliers After that, PU resin systems became more refined, (healthier to use) and don't seem to have changed radically since. I use the CIBA Ureol 6426/36 casting system, and have done so for some 15 years nearly without any issues. On the subject of fumes, out gassing etc, most of that is Carbon Dioxide and with a cold cure resin, that is about all you'll get. Typically PU's take about 7 days to reach a full cure regardless of set speed, so by the time you get your resin goodies the material is well cured and stable. The fume issue is really more one for the 'Casters' themselves and again is dependent upon the resin system in use. (Most of the foul odour comes from the accelerator and catalyst systems used as cure additives, the amines and organotins). The PU reaction is exothermic, and with rapid cure systems the temperature can hit 180 - 200 C no trouble. Once the temperature exceeds about 130 - 135C you can get volatilisation of the traces of the free isocayante component in the system and it is this free isocyanate that can lead to the respiratory issues, bringing on something equivalent to an asthma attack, shortness of breath etc if you inhale the vapours, and the effect on people depends upon the person's sensitivity, but best avoided needless to say. ( I worked in a 'shop' producing integral skin PU, rigid PU, and RIM auto componentry for 3 and a half years, 18 hours a day, tools running at around 80C with rapid, like 30 second set time, exotherm peak about 220C, resin systems and plenty of outgassing ((integral skin uses blowing agents, another issue... not related to 'our' resins)). The NZ Health Department came in many times to try and detect free isocyanate in the working atmosphere, some crusade on the part of the local OSH nurse, but could never get anything to register on their detectors, and how they tried!! Hopefully that will put the fume issue to bed for you. As for dust, and this is the major issue for us modellers, yes this can cause respiratory problems as outlined above. The culprit is again that trace of free isocyanate, so wet or damp sanding is recommended. Dust in your lungs is bad news regardless of source, and I'm getting older, and a little bit wiser.... If you are cutting or shaving, no problem as no dust is generated. Typically it can be classified as an irritant, but in some cases can lead to sensitisation of the individual. Reputable Resin Casters do include 'dust' warnings as part of their instruction for good reason, and these should be heeded. Sorry about the lonnnngwinded waffle, but I happen to think PU is a great modelling medium, much underrated, and still subject to a bit of misinformation. Enjoy your resin, and don't forget that you are just as much at risk if you spray solvent based paints on your models and don't use the correct mask. cheers, Martin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37) From: BECJPARKER@aol.com Subject: Re: Trip to Falls River Besides the steel hull ships the replica of the Bounty is moored just north of the Mass. Also be sure to take a short walk south to the Falls River Maritime Museum. There are some outstanding models of the Steam Boat ear in it. As pointed out the USS Salem is only about a half hour north and well worth the time to visit. If you have the time there is also a small museum at the Navy War College about a half hour south in Newport and you can see the Iowa and Saratoga from the shore but they are not open to the public for viewing yet. One other neat thing is, you can take the sealink from next to the Salem to the USS Constitution in Boston and cut out the traffic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMMLcon Infomation & posts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John_Impenna@hyperion.com Subject: Re: CT/NY/NJ/PA SMML get together? Hi Jeff, I live about an hour and 20 away in Putnam County N.Y. I'd be very interested in a get together. What dates did you have in mind? Also, I might be able to help in getting it organized. John -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: SAMI ARIM Subject: SMML NorCal Hi All, IPMS USS Hornet's monthly meeting will be held on the ship on the 7th of July starting at 7 PM. All the parties who are interested to be part of a proposed SMML group in the Northern California, please join us on that evening. Should be a fun gathering. Best regards Sami Arim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Caroline Carter" Subject: White Ensign's Konig Photoetched brass detail set Hi Guys, Well, we're letting the cat outa de bag with the final list of parts for the Konig and Grosser Kurfurst kits: Peter Hall's just about finished putting together the finished product. I don't think you'll be disappointed ;¬)) 1. Normal tensioned railings in 2 and 3 bar format, Chain and Cable types. 2. Batterie Deck 2 bar chain railings drooping between stanchions 3. Breach Mechanisms for the 88s 4. Accommodation ladders and rigging 5. Inclined and vertical ladders 6. Boat Boom rigging 7. Main Boat Crane Rigging & Hooks 8. Torpedo net stowage davits 9. A Ships Wheel, Telegraph and Binnacle 10. Anchor Cable & Hold Backs 11. Funnel Cap Grills 12. Deadlights ( Loads of Em ) 13. Replacement Girders for boat cradle bases 14. Replacement Rudders, Props and Handrails for ships boats 15. Deck Hatches with Hold Open Frames 16. Oars for open boats 17. Pre Jutland Foremast yard and Aerial Spreaders. 18. Replacement for Frame parts J36 & 37 19. Shrouded rails for Searchlight Platforms 20. Circular Housing and Roof for Platform below Spotting Top 21. Support Brackets for Spotting Top 22. Bow Crests 23. Pre Jutland Foremast Lower Platform and supports 24. " " Mainmast Platform and Supports 25. Liferings 26. Deployed Torpedo Nets for Waterline Model 27. Doors Hatches and Skylight Covers Including Armoured Turret Doors 28. Capstan Handwheels One of the reason why we at WEM waited until we saw both kits side by side was to check exactly what you get .. the box contents are identical between Grosser Kurfurst and Konig! Both are "mongrels" in fact. NOTE: It is impossible to build an accurate Grosser Kurfurst as they do not provide the early masts, so..... AVAILABLE SOON!! White Metal Pre Jutland Masts from White Ensign Models. Remember that these are NOT provided in the kit for the early version (!!). Orders taken now! Price to be determined. Please note that the heavily illustrated instructions are also designed to address "accurising" these kits. The price of this etched brass detail set has been set at 18.68 Pounds (US $29.00) Post Free Worldwide For the U.K. and E.U. this is 21.95 Pounds, Post Free.. orders taken right now! Thanks! Caroline Carter http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models White Ensign Models, for a fine range of photoetched brass for 1/600, 1/700 and 1/350 scale kits, and THE finest warship kits and upgrades in the world! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Victor M. Baca" Subject: Model Ship Journal-September Issue The September issue of Model Ship Journal will follow on the heels of the very well received Issue Zero. Thanks to all of you who took a chance on us and subscribed when all you had to go on was a concept. I hope you enjoy your magazine. We carry on this next quarter by sticking to our office motto of "Each issue better than the last" by moving our deadline to two weeks prior to printing. This allows us more time to search and destroy all typos. This will also give enough time to forward article copies to contributors and ad copy for advertisers to check for errors or omissions. That makes the deadline for inclusion in the next issue August 15th, 2000. MSJ's September Issue will commemorate the "Perfect Storm" also called "The Storm Of The Century" of 31 October 1991. We will present plans and photos of USCGC Tamaroa (WMEC-66). She was was involved in the dramatic and risky rescue of the Air National Guard HH-60 crew downed during the storm. I think you will find that this burly little ex-USN ATF had a history that's a real eye opener. We'll also do a book review on the Air Force PJs who "train" for combat SAR by performing daring rescues around our coasts and mountain tops. For warship modelers, Loren Perry shows how to take Revell's kit of USS Arizona and make it into a showcase gem. You'll also find plans for the USS Asheville (PG-84) as our centerspread. Our deck walk will show the USS David R. Ray (DD-971) of the Spruance class as a multi-page photofeature. These crisp photos were shot on Memorial Day of this year and we've got the details you'll need to make your models stand out from the crowd. Historically speaking, watch for a six-photo spread on the long and short DEs of WWII: USS Otter (DE-210) and USS Reynolds (DE-42). These are official USN shots and compliment the plans drawn by Alan Chesley available through The Floating Drydock. We will also have a great article by Steve Wiper on the new ICM1/350 scale Konig kit, along with a survey of aftermarket goodies that should be readily available by the time we go to press. For ship modelers interested in non-warfighting ships, we'll run a nifty little set of plans of the USDA/Alaska Game Commission 58' wooden research and patrol boat, the Grizzly Bear circa 1934. She's a salty northwest design and the drawings are from the original pen and pencil plans by naval architect Harold Cornelius Hanson. In 1/1250th, check out the photos sent in by Canadian modeler Mike London showing his scratchbuilt expertise turned loose on ocean liner subjects. There's also an in-the-box review of Heller's neat little research ship Le Suroit in 1/200 scale. Expect to see this AND MUCH MORE in the September issue of Model Ship Journal. It's another ambitious project, so I'll get back to it. TTFN. Model Ship Journal is available in the United States for $30.00 per year (4 quarterly issues) and $58.00 for two years. Subscriptions outside U.S. are $45.00 per year, surface post. Foreign airmail (for those in a hurry) adds $25.00. We accept Master Card and Visa as well as personal checks. Call or write us at: Model Ship Journal P.O. Box 28516 Bellingham, WA 98228-0516 Toll Free: 877-371-0290 outside U.S. call: 360-371-0290 Victor Baca Editor & Publisher Model Ship Journal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: SantMin@aol.com Subject: Re: FSM Back Issues Shane, In most cases these are still full years, FSM was a bi-monthly, and then they changed their publishing months a couple of times. Anyway, here goes..... At present I have the following: 1985 - JUN 1986 - JAN/FEB, MAY/JUN, AUG, OCT 1987 - FEB, APR, JUN, AUG, OCT, DEC 1988 - FEB, APR, JUN. AUG, OCT. DEC 1989 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUL, SEP, NOV, DEC 1990 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUL, SEP, NOV, DEC 1991 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUN, SEP, NOV, DEC 1992 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUL, SEP, NOV, DEC 1993 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUL, SEP, NOV, DEC 1994 - JAN, FEB, MAR, MAY, JUL. SEP, NOV, DEC 1995 - JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, MAY, JUL, SEP, NOV. DEC 1996 WWII Special -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Bob Evans Subject: Re: San Francisco Hobby Shops & Museum Ships John, For anyone visiting SF (San Francisco) the SS JEREMIAH O'BRIEN is a must see, but if you can, you would want to come during the once a month session when they have the main engine running ... that is something to see! They will fire up one of the two boilers, and turn the engine over at a very slow speed for almost the entire day. As to Hobby Shops ... forget the rest, and visit the best ... and oldest Hobby Shop in SF ..... Franciscan Hobbies! 54 years in continuous service (In almost the same location!) to the ship modeler! We are open 7 days a week! Monday, Wensday, Friday 10 am to 9 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm We are located almost on the corner of Keystone and Ocean Ave. ... 1920A Ocean Ave. (Half-way between 19th Ave. and City College). Our Phone number is 415-584-3919 Fax is 415-584-9112 By the way .... I run the model ship Department .... my name is Bob ... Bob Evans http://www.trolleyville.com Thank You. Bob Evans -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Keith Butterley Subject: Shipping price correction Hi group, I was looking at the wrong page when I posted yesterday. The shipping rate for the AJ Press and Profile Morskie books is $3Cdn/$3US. Happy modeling (whatever that is) Keith Butterley http://www3.telus.net/warshipbooks/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: Models & Books For Sale Hi SMML, I have the following for sale: White Ensign 1/700 Iron Duke Classic Warships 1/700 German Destroyer Z-1 Roskill's "The War at Sea" Vol. II ("The Period of Balance") Kenneth Poolman's Ark Royal (1956) S.W.C. Pack's "Night Action off Cape Matapan" (1972) Donald Mitchell's "A History of Russian & Soviet Sea Power" (1974) The video (NTSC format) of the WWII color documentary "Fighting Lady" (about the USS Yorktown (CV-10), narrated by Robert Taylor) If interested, please contact me in the next two days for prices and other information. After that, I'm going to list them you-know-where. Thanks, Art Nicholson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for having SMML at your home, why not stop by our home at: http://www.smml.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume