Subject: SMML VOL 985 Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 00:21:57 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: New Australian naval magazine issues 2: Re: Sea Blue 3: Re: Q and R class destroyers 4: Roebuck? 5: Raising CSS HL Hunley 6: Re: Getting Into Resin - U-35 questions 7: Re: Newport class 8: Re: Mauritania 9: Naval Aviator Pranks 10: Re: Arsenal Ship 11: Mike and revisionist history 12: Re: Mauretania 13: Photos of USS Langley as AV-3 14: Re: Mauritania 15: Re: Coastal Command Question??? 16: Buckley DE book 17: RN DD's Edgar March 18: Brooklyn Bridge 19: French Colours 20: 1/2400 HMS Canada 21: Thanks to all 22: Re: snipe hunts & Green Anti fouling Paint 23: Re: IPMS/Nats ship photos anywhere? / The case rule 24: Resin Kits 25: Mauretania 26: Misnamed Ships 27: Re: HOOD's Large Repair 28: Newport Class LST 29: Fujimi instructions & Flight 19 30: Re: Lonestar models 31: Florida Holiday Info 32: Chilean Navy Camouflage 33: Coastal Command Mossie's 34: News (x2) and Comments (x2) 35: Coastal Command Mosquitoes 36: USS Princeton 37: Re: MAURETANIA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: APMA auction 2: August Internet Modeler 3: Free subscriptions 4: Warship Perspectives Update 5: Warship Books Announcement 6: Announcement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shane Subject: New Australian naval magazine issues Hi, The latest issues of the magazines "The Navy" & "Australian Naval review" have arrived here, well they've both arrived over the past few weeks anyway ;-). First of the rank, "The Navy" Vol 62/3 July-Sept 2000. This is put out by the Navy League of Australia and retails over here for approx AUD$5.50. It is in A4 format & has 34 pages. This issue contains the following articles: How not to defend the Inner Arc TBMD & the RAN Submarines in Britain's Defence Mission Maritime Airpower for Australia Pt 2 Plus the usual editorials, book reviews(in this case a video review), latest news etc This is an excellant issue with articles that are thought provoking & in some cases downright frightening as in the TBMD (Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence) article & the inner arc defence article. The article on the UK submarines was very enlightening & I look forward to future developments in that area. While the Maritime airpower article was well written & reflects which type of carrier would be the best choice for Australia. I look forward to Part 3 where they'll be showcasing an Australian design - The Littoral Support Ship. Check out their website for a taste of the magazine at: http://www.netspace.net.au/~navyleag/ Onto the next magazine - "Australian Warship Review" Vol 6 (not 6/2000 as they've put on the cover). This is a quarterly magazine published by Topmill Press, which retails for AUD$9.95. It is in A4 format & has 64 pages The issue contains the following articles: HMAS Manoora (Ex Newport News class) Sea trails Seasprite down under (RNZN service) Royal Navy & Eoropean focus HMAS Bungaree - WW2 minelayer USN San Antonio class LPD - From Combat Fleets (edited by AD Baker III) HMAS Albatross 1928-1954 USS Marlin SST-2 Supermarine Seagull V RN Fleet chart HMS Ark Royal IV (post war) pictorial HMAS Tarakan explosion 1950 Malaysian Naval Review HMNZS Resolution (Ex USNS Tenacious - SURTASS craft) Plus the usual depts, editorials reviews, news etc This magazine is a pretty good read, with plenty of pictures for the modeller of RAN & other subjects. This is the second issue since Ross Gillett (know to many here as a notable Australian naval historian & author) took over the editorial reins & his influence is showing thru. The articles are well balanced & will appeal to cross section of readers, the Ark Royal pictorial is of particular interest to anyone modelling her. While AWR does have a different approach to "The Navy", the two magazines compliment each other quite nicely. With the latter being a bit more of a "serious read" & the former mixing historical articles with present day articles. They both cover the RAN past & present with AWR nudging in front because it uses more colour and has more pages, but this is also reflected in the cost of the magazines. All in all, both magazines are very worthwhile & I highly recommend both. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: Re: Sea Blue Color of the San Diego as completed; made a mistake, I should have written; San Juan. Observations of camouflage schemes and colors by an American submarine off the New England coast in Febuary/March 1942. San Juan mentioned BY NAME. Color named as SEA BLUE! Observations of several other ships camouflage including four British Flower Class Corvettes , described as being in DARK BLUE and WHITE! Photos seen at the US archives taken of the San Juan as delivered from the builders in late febuary 1942 show that the darkest color was nowhere near Navy Blue in tone, and just about correct for Sea Blue. Not just one photo but based on several views taken from several angles. The photos themselves are unfortunately muddy, but there is no mistake as to the colors, ie Sea Blue, Ocean Grey and Haze Grey. The above mentioned photos were taken during first trials and show the ship in a pre-war rig without radar. Photos taken later in the year (June 1942) show that she was still wearing the same colors and pattern as in Febuary/March 1942 . I rest my case. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: Re: Q and R class destroyers Do you have any photos dated at around the time in question? What are the dates of the photos that you have? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Tom Detweiler Subject: Roebuck? Chris Drage: Ummm... HMS Roebuck - is that like, Sears Roebuck?? :-) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Ken Goldman" Subject: Raising CSS HL Hunley The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley completed her 136-year voyage this morning. Go to this URL to see photos: http://www.wcsc.com/hunley/gallery.htm Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER www.walruscarpenter.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Re: Getting Into Resin - U-35 questions Ned: I'm not sure that you're going to need any additional etched brass to complete either the U-35 or the DD-1 Bainbridge. I have not seen the U-35, but BWN kits are provided with etched brass. I have the Gulfstream Bainbridge - and it comes with a full sheet of brass. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Re: Newport class Stuart: JAG Collective had a Newport LST in their proposed product list. According to what was told me at the Nats, this kit seems to have left along with Joe Damato's departure from JAG. Keep an eye on Joe's new product-line. I'm sure it will reappear there soon. Ed Cool. Now, all we need is a conversion set for the RAN versions ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: dlfowler@apple.com Subject: Re: Mauritania Hello Ned, The RMS Mauritania was an HMTS (His Majesty's Transport Ship) and HMHS (His Majesty's Hospital Ship) during WWI and sported a dazzle camouflage for the troop ship role and white with a green stripe and red cross' for the hospital ship role. Interestingly, rather than having the green stripe go around the stern like most ships, the Mauritania's was pinched off near the stern. Regards, Duane Fowler Hi, Dan Jones also did an article on the Mauretania in PSM 1997/4, including plans for the WW1 camo & civil version. IIRC, that's the only magazine article I've seen on her. Also, the book "Liners in Battledress" may be a good place to look, but since I've yet to get it, I can't comment on it :-(. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: kenneth hagerup Subject: Naval Aviator Pranks A popular joke to play on naval flight officers (pilots didn't seem to fall for it) on their first trip to the boat was to schedule them for a Weapons Systems Trainer (WST) before their first cat shot. They were to report to the WST, preferably some engineering compartment well below the hangar deck where aviators never ventured, or the compartment number for the Flag bridge, suited up in full flight gear. Usually only worked with one or two per CQ det... Ken Hagerup VAQ-138, VAQ-129, VAQ-139 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Matthew Prager" Subject: Re: Arsenal Ship Ned Barnett wrote: >> I saw Jim Shirley's Arsenal Ship kit on my hobby shop shelf; but I don't have a clue. Is this the new DD-21 Zumwalt, or another concept altogether? Who knows anything about it who can help me out? << The Arsenal Ship was a U.S. Navy Project, since cancelled, that proposed the construction of a stealthy hull, armed with a maximum amount of missiles (vertical launch system) and manned with a very minimal amount of personnel. The concept outlined a heavily automated ship whose strike capability was controlled from a remote command center. I never thought that any shooter worth his salt would ever want to be assigned to a ship he wasn't allowed to fight himself, I wouldn't want to be in the thick of things with someone controlling my ship/weapons who is sitting comfortably a few hundred miles away. Matt Prager -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "JAmes McCormick" Subject: Mike and revisionist history Before he went off the air, Art Bell warned us about you nay sayer types. We know the men in black have gone and hip mo tized you! ;-) Btw, is that bridge steel, concrete, or vapor? I've been looking for one! btw, I don't know if you recall meeting me(the other smml'er at MFCA, sold you that posiden kit? Been at that kit yet? Just wondering. Jim McCormick -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: Mauretania I assume Ned Barnett is referring to the famous four-stacker which held the Blue Riband from 1909 to 1929. She did indeed see war service, unlike her sister Lusitania which was retained on commercial service until her sinking in May 1915. Mauretania (note spelt with an 'e' in the middle, not an 'i') was used as a troop transport from Jun 1915 to the end of the war with a short spell as a hospital ship in 1915-16. For a time she was painted in a wild geometric splinter camouflage but exact colors are unclear. A neighbour of ours (now deceased) remembers how he, as a young boy, was sick in bed on the day she was launched but his bedroom window overlooked the slipway from the other side of the Tyne so he was able to enjoy a grandstand view of the launch of what has been described as the most famous express steamer of all time. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Kevin W. Woodruff" Subject: Photos of USS Langley as AV-3 Bruce: Some links to photos of the USS Langley as a seaplane carrier after her 1937 refit http://warship.simplenet.com/images/NHC/Langley/h63547.jpg http://warship.simplenet.com/images/NHC/Langley/lang-av3.jpg http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/images/usa/av3-1.jpg http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/images/usa/av3-2.jpg http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/images/usa/av3-3.jpg http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h63000/h63547.jpg http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h92000/h92472t.jpg Kevin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: VONJERSEY@aol.com Subject: Re: Mauritania to: Ned Barnett Mauritania 1907-1935 did serve as a trooper in world war 1, I can't find any pictures of her in that role, if I had to guess though, I bet she was painted in the same "dazzle" camo scheme as the Olympic...... airfix's model is great but doesn't provide for upright supports for the decks and the etched brass kits don't seem to cover this very prominant feature Any ideas? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Bob Pearson" Subject: Re: Coastal Command Question??? NE*D, Check out http://members.xoom.com/profileart and got to the 2nd Quarter page I profiled this very Mossie for an Internet Modeler article last year. IIRC Tom Cleaver also built one of his models as such. I think the article is in the February 1999 issue (or was it March) .. http://www.internetmodeler.com/feb99/contents.htm or http://www.internetmodeler.com/mar99/contents.htm Regards, Bob Pearson For the CBR/RNP Profile page visit http://members.xoom.com/profileart/ Managing Editor / Internet Modeler http://www.internetmodeler.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "Fernando, Yohan" Subject: Buckley DE book Hi, Glad that SMML is back online! Does anyone have the book "The Buckley Class Destroyer Escorts" by Bruce Hampton Franklin? I read the reviews of it on amazon.com and it sounds like a great resource. I'm especially interested in knowing if it includes detailed information on the conversion of several vessels into high speed transports. Is there enough info on the conversions for me to be able to model one using the Skywave 1/700 kit as a starting point? Especially useful would be clear photos or plans. Thanks, Yohan Fernando -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Malcolm N. Waite" Subject: RN DD's Edgar March Mike Your note the other day, I quite agree Edgar March's book on RN DD's is quite outstanding. Considering some Man at War/Ensign books are now fetching £40plus if you can get a copy for $150 I would grab it. They republished it's sister book on RN Battleships by Oscar Parkes a few years back but as far as I am aware they have never republished March's book. Regards Malcolm Waite Liverpool UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "John Rule" Subject: Brooklyn Bridge >> I own a large bridge in a certain borough of NYC that I'm interested in selling, if anybody who fell for "Day of Deceit" is in the market. << It is very easy to poo poo theories that don't fit into your ingrained views. However, I remember reading a book several years ago that the spy Richard Sorge passed on information about the impending Pearl Harbour attack which is believed to have reached Churchill who may or may not have confided it to FDR. The bottom line is things are seldom what they seem. Unfortunately, as in the case say of the Kennedy assassination, are you ever likely to know the truth. And even if you do are you ever likely to know it is the right truth. Sincerely John (the shovel is for repelling boarders not for digging up the truth) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: TechnoInfidel@webtv.net (John Collins) Subject: French Colours Greetings SMMLmates: I am working on WSW's Strausbourg. The kit's instructions calls out "light grey with a drop of blue" for the hull; light grey for the superstructure; and, medium grey for steel decks, turrets of main and heavy AA guns. Would anyone care to hazard a guess as what colours these might be? My references on the French Navy are skimpy at best. Photos in Whitley's "Battleships" do not show much of a colour differentiation, if any, between between hull, turrets and superstructure. I can only suppose that the reference to medium on the turrets concerns the turret roofs. The kit is fabulous, by-the-way. The casting is up to WSW's usual standards. The wooden decks are very petitely scribed--a concern voiced in a past issue--a considerable improvement over some of their past efforts. But the steel deck are truly amazing--plates and welds are nicely indicated. It is a superior kit of an attractive ship. Thanks, John Collins Atlanta, GA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Sanartjam@aol.com Subject: 1/2400 HMS Canada Hi SMML, I know this is an unusual request for SMML, but does anyone know where someone can find a 1/2400 model of the battleship HMS Canada? I understand Viking Forge once made one. A local wargamer would like to find one. Thanks, Art Nicholson Hi gang, While the above may be a unusual question, it is well within the purview of SMML. Esp, since I have a few modern 1/2400 ships around somewhere ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Robert Fish" Subject: Thanks to all As a scale modeler, slash Photographer, I just wanted to say thank you,for those of you that sent e-mail, with loads of Information regarding the Carrier Langley, and you all know who you are, thank you very much, It nice to know there's real help out their when you really need it. SOS still Works. regrads Bruce Fish Long Beach -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: RhinoBones@aol.com Subject: Re: snipe hunts & Green Anti fouling Paint >> But her "buddahstat" reminds me of some similar "snipe hunts" that U.S. Navy guys liked to play on the new rookies just reporting from boot camp. Does anyone here remember: << We had a few snipe hunts in the Marine Corps such as: a) The metric hammer and metric adjustable wrench. b) The USMC identifies batteries with the prefix "BA" followed by a number designation, BA 087 as an example. A few rookies were sent to the supply room for BA Eleven Hundred Novembers and were provided with a small box containing balloons. c) In the TRC-75 radio is a large glass capacitor (about the size of a soft ball) which is used to match the impedance between the antenna and the final stage of the power amplifier. Although it was a capacitor and not a tube at all, it was commonly refered to as the Fallopian Tube. New guys were regularly dispatched to the supply room to find Fallopian Tubes. d) From civilian life you might remember Carburetor Brushes and Muffler Bearings. I always that they were rather cute sayings. This might also be a snipe hunt of sorts . . . but I've seen a number of pictures (drawn & painted, not photographic) of Russian ships which have a green colored anti fouling paint instead of the common red variety. Have seen it pictured on the cruisers Ochakov and Aurora. Anyone know if this is a real color or are the artists playing with us just a bit? Regards, RhinoBones -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Bruce Burden Subject: Re: IPMS/Nats ship photos anywhere? / The case rule >> Boy, it's good to have SMML back! I was starting to get the intellectual bends pouring over the RMS site for nautical information. << That is what you deserve arguing with troll-boy. :-) >> In short, cases will be allowed to remain on models that HAVE SPECIFIC PERMISSION FROM THE CATEGORY HEAD JUDGE. << This seems to be a reasonable compromise. Certainly the case for the unrep dio was in serious jeopardy off of the diorama, due to its size. What was the deal with Mike McFadden's (sp?) U-boat diorama/shadow box/whatever it was? Certainly the (relatively) small viewing slit would have made judging difficult. Was it ruled as "must be off"? Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Resin Kits Ned said - >> I have decided to take the Resin plunge with Blue Water Navy's 1/350th U-35, a World War I sub. It seemed like a good place to start, even though I don't have any good references (yet) on these boats. Any suggestions? << Don't know if the BWN kit is currently available. Do you already have it? ModelExpo may carry it. There isn't much in the way of reference material. Ken Goldman did a very nice review that's posted on the Warship web site, where he fixed some mistakes to accurately do U-35. >> Also, any PE sheets out there to enhance this sub? << The stuff it comes with is adequate. Requires a bit of rigging, too. >> I'm thinking that the USS Bainbridge - DD1 - would make a good companion piece - I know they didn't face each other, and I'm not thinking diorama. I know the DD1 is about one generation earlier, but still ... they were each damn-near the first of their kind. << Another BWN kit. (Availability???) A good one for getting your feet wet. >> Any references or PE kits for the original Bainbridge you can offer? << References are slim. The PE in the kit is quite good and provides everything you'd need. Oh, and the "Arsenal Ship" was an abortive scheme to carry a lot of cruise missiles in a single hull with minimal maintenance and manpower. Admiral Boorda was the driving force behind it and the project was shelved after his death. I think the DD-21 concept is more related to shore gunfire support. But they look a lot alike -- UGLY! Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Mauretania Ned - Try getting a copy of "Liners in Battledress" for troop ship information on RMS Mauretania. MWL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Misnamed Ships From Edgar J. March's superb volume on Royal Navy destroyers: HMS Broke A WW1 four stacker originally intended for Chile. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: YHSAIO@aol.com Subject: Re: HOOD's Large Repair Saw those Hood photos. Rather interesting, but not quite the conversion I was thinking of. Looks like the bridge is from a Rodney/Nelson and the disposition of the 5.25 inch turrets aren't quite optimal (only 4 5.25" turrets? Rather underarmed, isn't she?). The firing arcs are poor with the fore and aft superstructures blocking them. Also, there doesn't look to be much in the way of light AA armament. Finally, where is the distinctive Hood clipper bow? Of course, what was built was a fictional model and everybody can afford to take some modeler's license, but realistically, that ship, if built would have lasted about 30 minutes when faced with a determined dive-bombing attack. Still it's an interesting subject nonetheless and with an extra bridge superstructure from WEM's Warspite, maybe somebody can do a more accuate job (accuarate being a figure of speech here when dealing with a 'what if' subject). Maybe Caroline could consider selling some parts for someone brave enough to do a modernized Hood (with 16 5.25" guns or 20 4.5" guns a la Renown). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: Newport Class LST Jaguar Models was supposed to come out with it 4 mos. ago. Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies The Store for The Model Ship Builder www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: Fujimi instructions & Flight 19 Hi Guys Can any one email me a copy of the aircraft instructions for building the planes of the 1965 era Kitty Hawk kit 1/700 scale by Fujimi. I recently purchased set #2 which covers the Vietnam war and it doesn't have any instructions with it other than it tells you to read the manual first.I can guess at it but with the decals I don't what goes where. Nice detail in them. Lastly back in 1945 just after W.W.II ended 5 Avenger torpedo bombers flew out of Fort Lauderdale Florida on training mission. Called flight 19 it became famous as it added to the list of lost ships and planes in the Bermuda Triangle. So what squadron did they belong to and what markings did the planes wear. I have 1/48 MonogramAvenger kit and maybe this winter I'll build it as one. I do know that they were painted in Gloss Sea Blue overall. Any help would be appreciated. Sincerely Craig Bennett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: "chisum" Subject: Re: Lonestar models Gordo, A retailer here in Texas (Austin) called Village Hobbies carries their stuff on a regular basis. I don't have a phone number available but try the yellow pages on your search engine. Randy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: "Jana & Pavel" Subject: Florida Holiday Info Dear SMML'ies, Thank you to all of you that responded to my enquiry. As time is short, I am unable to respond to everyone individually as you deserve. I will certainly do so when we get back. You are all great! Again, thank you all. Regards Jana & Pavel Who are looking forward to a REAL holiday! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: "Pletscher-Lenz-Schneider" Subject: Chilean Navy Camouflage Hi all While researching some subjects, I came upon a photo of the Chilean cruiser O'HIGGINS in Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947-1995, p. 50, resp. 1947-1982, p. 408. It shows the starboard side with a 3-color camouflage paint and is dated 1981. Can anybody help with more photos and more informations on the colors? I also read that other Chilean warships were camouflaged in the early 1980s. Any information would be appreciataed. Thanks in advance Falk Pletscher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: "Martin Short" Subject: Coastal Command Mossie's NE*D, I'd be very wary of the painting on the cover of Mossie in action II, especially as there is a B/W photo of this particular aircraft in Mosquito at War which shows that it almost 100% guaranteed to be finished in the later coastal command scheme of Extra Dark Sea grey over Sky. This particular mossie belonged to 143 sqn, which used yellow on the spinners, and NE*D has what is probably a white circumfrential stripe half way. If you need more info, contact me off list. However, you have me a bit perplexed, because for sure the New Zealand issues of both the 1/72nd and 1/48th Tamiya FBIV, which I have in front of me, contain the markings for NE*D, RS625. Perhaps the US? release was different?. Which scale kit do you have? The 'target' appears to be a representation of a Type 1924 Torpedo boat, for what it is worth. Lorna, Shane, nice to have you back, SMML Cold turkey is not a pleasant experience!! regards, Martin PS: It pays to check all your ref's before opening mouth to get both feet in. The Squadron book Mossie I.A. pt2 has two nice pic's of NE*D, (page 23), one of which is the same as in the mossie at war. So, Ned, if you have the cover, you must have the rest of the pages? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: "Gollin, Phil" Subject: News (x2) and Comments (x2) 1: NEWS 1: According to this week's Flight International Magazine, Brazil will acquire the French Aircraft Carrier "Foch" and operate a mixed air group, based around A4 Skyhawks, with Helicopters and possibly re-furbished Trackers. There is a very slight chance that the Brazilian carrier will "cascade" down to Argentina. 2: NEWS 2: According to this month's Aeroplane Magazine, filming for the "Pearl Harbour" film has completed in Hawaii, with future aerial unit work in Britain for the "Battle of Britain sequence" and Chino and then Tustin for part of the "Doolittle Raid" sequence. There might also be "touch and go" landings of Zeros on USS Lexington, which will be cut into the film as the take-off and landings for the Pearl Harbour Raid. Hooray, looks like the film will be truly awful - with some wonderful square-jawed (or possibly baby-faced) hero winning the war single-handed. 3: COMMENT 1: (Trying not to flame) - Chris Langtree is essentially correct about the Italian Navy in WW2. Whilst the advantage of code-breaking is important, that too is part of the war effort, as is better technology, better training and better morale. In addition, it is possible to read the British official histories of WW2 with an educated eye, and see the references to "special sources", etc......, of course historians are still arguing about the impact of "Ultra", but that will go on for decades. A simple look at such actions as the "Second Battle of Sirte" (I'm biased here as this is my favourite engagement of WW2) show that the Italians had an unfortunate tendency to throw away victories. Chris's views regarding the Germans assistance if anything underestimates the effect their, relatively, few U-Boats and aircraft had. The inability to take Malta (as well, it must be said for the Germans inability to take Gibraltar) shows a total lack of strategic thinking. 4: COMMENT 2: (Again trying not to flame) - "Revisionist" has got a connotation in the USA much like "Liberal", both words to which many people will give a "knee-jerk" reaction. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with people (hopefully academically and intellectually properly equipped) re-examining past events, ideas and conclusions. There are people in all countries that think that "their" version of history is correct and any attempt to change it is "obviously" wrong, this is of course palpable nonsense. Any history can and should be re-examined, as long as the examination is though, intellectually rigorous and open. As far as "Pearl Harbour" is concerned, whether FDR "knew" it was coming or not has not been proved, nor has he even heavily implicated - by fact. However, items such as: What did "they" expect Japan to do once the Oil Embargo was in place? What was Japan's history in terms of commencing hostilities? What monitoring of Japanese fleet movements took place? and, of course, What intelligence were "they" gathering? all conspire to make the questions valid. Whether the answers given to these questions by the various parties who make up the ubiquitous "they" convince or not is a valid cause for impartial and balanced examination. Please don't think just because people are asking questions that "they" are wrong Regards, Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35) From: "Jens Haakon Brandal," Subject: Coastal Command Mosquitoes Hi NE*D, The markings for RS625 should be included in the Tamiya kit of this most attractive aircraft. As an alternative, I think Aeromaster have made decals for this aircraft as well. One problem with the Squadron Signal "in action" books is that the colour profiles and cover drawing are interpretations, and they do sometimes get it wrong. At this stage in the war, the Coastal Command should paint their aircraft Extra Dark Sea Grey over Sky (both colours are available from Xtracolour - my favourite brand of paints for aircraft and fine airbrushing). Yet photos of this aircraft show a sort of two colour camoflage. This is most likely freshly painted EDSG over faded EDSG rather than a deliberate attempt at producing a camouflage pattern. Recreating this patchwork will give a camouflage effect though. There has been some debate whether NE*D was camouflaged with Dark Slate Grey or not, but I think the conclusion has been that it was EDSG over the top surfaces. There's an article on the Tamiya Mosquito in Internet Modeler or the IPMS New Mexico home pages where Michael Benolkin made that particular plane from the Tamiya kit, and he made some comments on the colours too based on the artwork on the "in action" book you mentioned. Hope this answers your questions - although the Mossie is one of my favourite aircraft, I don't claim to be an all-knowing expert on it. Jenzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36) From: Shane Subject: USS Princeton Hi, Have been asked by a WW1 modeller (from that other list ;-) ) about kit recommendations for the AEGIS class cruiser in 1/700 & avaialability. He would like to build one for a friend of his who is a Plank Owner & was onboard when she struck a mine (In Desert storm I suppose??). Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37) From: VONJERSEY@aol.com Subject: Re: MAURETANIA My copy of "Picture History of the Cunard Line 1840-1990" has peace time pictures of the Mauretania and one shot of her in her dazzle camouflage. This particular pattern is unusual and sort of defies description, especially since the picture is in black and white. But, if anything, the front half of the ship (the photo is a bow view) is harlequin inspired. Quite a challenge to replicate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shane Subject: APMA auction Hi, This Saturday sees the Annual APMA Auction take place. Doors open at 1230 Anyone who is visiting Sydney (or even live there ;-) ) is welcome to attend & bid. Only club members can sell kits. For more details, check out the APMA website. Regards, Shane APMA VP http://www.tac.com.au/~sljenkins/apma.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Bob Pearson" Subject: August Internet Modeler Greetings all, The August Internet Modeler is posted and OT content consists of - 1/700 USS O'Brian build by SMMLie Richard Eaton - 1/350 USS Detroit build First-looks at - ICM 1/350 Grosser Kurfurst - Modelkrak 1/700 Akitsushima Book review of a 1/48 working model of HMS Warrior by Mike Dunn Plus those things with wings ... Regards, Bob Pearson Managing Editor / Internet Modeler http://www.internetmodeler.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Dave Shirlaw Subject: Free subscriptions Members of the SMML list are invited to receive a free subscription to Seawaves Magazine, a naval related newsletter mailed out every weekday. To subscribe, send a message to: subscribe@seawaves.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Growlrr@aol.com Subject: Warship Perspectives Update I have just sent off the final "blues" as they say in the printing industry to our beloved printer for the fourth Warship Perspectives book - Camouflage in WWII Two Vol One - Royal Navy 1939-1941...There are 150 camoflage design depicted includeing some two dozen in full color....Since the auther is none other than Alan Raven, text has been blissfully kept to a minimum (who the hell spells color with a "u" anyway - gave my spell-checker fits!) This volume is a little different in format as well - Same size pages, but there will be only 57 pages in this volume and it will be saddle stitched as opposed to perfect bound....There are a couple of reasons for the change - 1) The subject is huge - look for three or four volumes will be needed to do a complete job... 2) By reducing the number of pages, we were able to make cleaner breaks in the cronology of the subject. 3) Saddle stitching the smaller volumes alows the smaller book to be opened fully easier 4) Its less expensive and the savings will be reflected in the new volume... Volume two is under way and I believe volume three is getting some attention from Mr. Raven as well... Future "class" volumes will remain in the format you are used to - 80 pages, perfect bound with color in the middle and pull outs and all sorts of fun stuff....We currently have two "class" titles well under way as well - with about a dozen subjects still waiting in the wings..... I expect to be off press with 10-12 days latest - Feel free to start pestering WR Press any time now..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Keith Butterley Subject: Warship Books Announcement Hi group New Profile Morskie book now available: HMS Queen Elizabeth $21Cdn/$14US + $3Cdn/$3US shipping Happy modeling Keith http://www3.telus.net/warshipbooks/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Ken Goldman" Subject: Announcement The "Doodlebug Down" build article is by yours truly. In the next issue of Airandseamodels.com: http://www.airandseamodels.com HISTORY: - THE WAR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN - PART V - PHOTO HISTORY (AIR) - THE USAAF IN AFRICA - PHOTO HISTORY (SHIP) - OPERATION TORCH - TASK FORCES - OPERATION CORKSCREW WALK-AROUNDS: - REPUBLIC F-84C THUNDERJET - HAMILTON-CLASS USCG HIGH ENDURANCE CUTTER MODEL-BUILDING: - F-117A DOUBLE FEATURE - IN 1/48 AND 1/72 - HORNET'S STING - ZG 76 ME 410 IN 1/48 - DOODLEBUG DOWN! - METEOR F.1/V-1 DIORAMA IN 1/48 - IJA'S ARROW: KI-64 "ROB" IN 1/72 - GATE GUARDIAN: USS WARD IN 1/350 - MED WORKHORSE: HMS SIRIUS IN 1/700 - FLOATING SAUCER: COASTAL BATTLESHIP NOVGOROD IN 1/700 - ROYAL NAVY'S STEALTHY SWORD: HMS TRENCHANT IN 1/350 - MODEL GALLERY: 1/72 CURTISS F-1 * 1/48 MIG-25 FOXBAT * 1/72 BF 109G-14 * 1/48 F-16C * 1/350 USS WEST VIRGINIA * 1/96 USS SKIPJACK SSN 585 * 1/700 IJN JUNYO * 1/700 IJN IBUKI - VIRTUAL REALITY MODELS: 1/48 F3F-1 * USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN CG-57 - ON THE MARKET: DOZENS OF PRODUCT REVIEWS, KITS, DETAIL SETS, DECALS, AFTERMARKET ITEMS, BOOKS ETC - NEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY OTHER: - BOOK REVIEWS - VIRTUAL PLACES - IL-2 STURMOVIK AND F.COMMAND WDP - LETTERS - BULLETIN BOARD GAMES: - MYSTERY PHOTO - AIRCRAFT - MYSTERY PHOTO - SHIP - TRIVIA QUIZ Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER unique wood sculpture and fine scale models www.walruscarpenter.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for backissues, Member's models & reference pictures at: http://www.smml.org.uk Check out the APMA site for an index of ship articles in the Reference section at: http://www.tac.com.au/~sljenkins/apma.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume