Subject: SMML VOL 1006 Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 00:07:10 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Various 2: Re: Seeadler 3: My Big Project - progress report 4: SF Bay Area Fleet Week 5: Titanic 6: Wood models in IPMS competitions 7: Snowberry corvette 8: U.S. Spy Sub Said to Record Torpedo Blast Aboard Kursk 9: Alan Raven's New Royal Navy Camouflage Book 10: Naval Fiction/USS Hibiscus 11: Calling all IJN modelers 12: Graf Spee colors 13: Pac Front Hobbies, Hunley discovery, Naval History 14: IPMS/USA Sows Ear Award 15: Re: Naval History Magazine 16: USS Indianapolis 17: Re: Lindberg Stinkers 18: LST-325, New Jersey & Los Anheles book review 19: Lindberg Clevelands 20: HMS Shefffield 21: Re: Kursk 22: Re: Seeadler 23: HMS Illustrious & HMS Indomitable 24: Yamato turrets 25: non weathering below waterline 26: Re: Rocket Torpedo? 27: Re: 1/250 figures 28: About the box-art 29: London/GB 30: Principe de Asturias R-11 31: USS Helena aircrafts 32: French Pre-WWI Warships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: 4.5" Guns in 1/600 Scale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS Hi gang, Just a short reminder to all, esp the new subscribers, that Lorna & I are going on holidays for 20 days & that this Friday's edition will be the last issue before we leave. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Eric Hougland Subject: Re: Various From: David_L._Miller@ccmail.wiu.edu Subject: Brass 1/350 propellers >> I am building a 1/350 scale mode of the Coral Sea (CVA43) for a former crew member who now runs a small hardwood shop. He is furnishing various exotic woods for the model which will be displayed in his shop to show the wood varieties. My client wants brass propellers on the model. Does anyone know where I could get small (3/8-1/2 inch), four and five bladed brass props for this model? I thought this would be a standard item offered through any good model ship fitting supplier but I have searchedthe web with no luck... << Try: http://www.modelersboatyard.com/shipsnthings/index.html From: Ned Barnett Subject: Olympic and Titanic? >> Am I correct in thinking that these are sister ships? I've been doing some research into wartime conversions of liners, and the Olympic had several remarkable dazzle camo jobs - a refreshing change of pace for the Titanic kits that abound. << The Olympic was Titanic's older sister-- launched a year before Titanic and part of a three-ship set: Olympic, Titanic and Britannic. Olympic survived until the Cunard/White Star merger in 1935. The Britannic hit a mine while serving as a hospital ship and sank in the Aegean Sea in 1917 (I think). We all know what happened to Titanic. For modelling info go to: http://titanic-model.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: VONJERSEY@aol.com Subject: Re: Seeadler My thanks to all about raising the subject of the Seeadler, especially Bob O'Donovan who reminded me of the Windjammer volume of the Time-Life Seafarers series. This is a great book and is available in many used bookstores. Not only does it tell the Seeadler saga well, but it has many great photos, that capture the life of men at sea in the last days of sail. My favorite part is an essay on the artwork of Anton Otto Fisher, whose paintings recount his youth as a sailor on a windjammer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Poutre, Joseph A" Subject: My Big Project - progress report I just had to tell someone, so I'm inflicting this on all of you. Plus this actually has to do with modelling, not China or the Olympics or whether IPMS judges should be omniscient. My personal big project, nine ships in 1/700 representing a BBSAG centered around USS New Jersey, is coming along well. I have completed 5 models, including some pretty impressive little helicopters, if I say so myself, especially the SH-2F for the USS Stein. I am now embarking on the more difficult projects: 1. Converting a Skywave Spruance to an early model Kidd-class, USS Chandler. I have the article from Fine Scale Modeler, but found that in 1986 the Chandler was noticably different from the 1996 version, so I've had to do my own research (GASP!) and am now confident I'll at least come close enough in 1/700 scale. 2. Converting a Corsair Armada Garcia to a Brooke class FFG. I plan to take photos and write up an article on this conversion. It turns out to be much more than substituting the aft 5" mount with a Mk 13 launcher and adding fire control radar. Mike Czibovic gave me some pointers, and I've furthered his research. Hopefully the article will be of interest to others of you. I'll be spending much of Labo(u)r Day weekend on this, if my wife doesn't make me drive her around in circles through strange towns again. (Off topic: We're looking for a house to buy in a _most_ haphazard fashion.) 3. Upgrading a Revell 1/720 modern New Jersey to something reasonably close to the real thing. So far I've gathered parts from Skywave detail sets, Loose Cannon 5"/38 twins, GMM _and_ Flagship PE sets, and replacement main guns from Clipper Models via Pacific Front. I think I'm ready, but it will take some time. Fortunately, I got aboard the real thing recently, and took useful reference photos that should help me a great deal. Perhaps too much; I may have so much detail I'll be tempted to work on getting it right FOREVER! 8-O 4. Scratchbuilding an AOR. This will be my first scratchbuild from the keel (or waterline) up, and I'm praying that someone out there will save me and create a 1/700 Wichita class AOR. PLEASE?! Otherwise I fear my diorama will consist of 7 pretty good models, one amazing BB in the middle, and a sad-looking blob of plastic with some pointy things sticking up in the middle, and a pretty good helo on the after end. Yes, yes, I know AORs are actually quite simple - the hull's a pointy box, and the two pieces of superstructure are simple boxes, but those bits in-between, EEK! All those support trusses and cables and hoses and deck furniture. That's my latest report. Further updates will be posted when something of interest happens, or I feel like boasting again. (I've finished _FIVE_ models this summer! :-) Joe Poutre Co-webmaster, Battleship New Jersey Historical Museum Society http://www.bb62museum.org/ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: SF Bay Area Fleet Week for those in the SF Bay Area and those who might be travelling here, here is a tentative list of the US ships who will be visiting during our Fleet Week this year: Coronado (AGF11), Constellation (CV64), Boxer (LHD4), Harpers Ferry (LSD49), Kinkaid (DD965), Thach (FFG43), Elliott (DD967), O'Kane (DDG77), Cleveland (LPD7) According to my schedule, the Parade of Ships, which usually is on Saturday, will be on Friday October 6 this year, with the ships departing on Tuesday Oct. 10. this means that they'll be open for tours only Sat/Sun/Mon, meaning that there'll be long lines to get aboard on all three days. Also, as a word of warning, Monday in SF is a holiday, and the Columbus Day parade is on Sunday, so don't plan on trying to drive to the Embarcadero, or even take a bus that day. combining the air show with a parade makes for a traffic nightmare, and you're better off walking from the Ferry Bldg. For those unfamiliar with a fleet week, bring lots of cash, the ships all have a version of their store somewhere aboard and they only take cash, no credit cards. the 'gators' and carriers have the added bonus of individual stores for each squadron or MARDET embarked, so long as the supply guy isn't off on liberty somewhere. Additionally, rumor has it that Pier 3 at Alameda NAS might play host to a couple submarines and/or a destroyer, provided the LASH ship (Cape Fear) that currently occupies the space is moved. While you're at it, stop by and visit Hornet, which is also at Pier 3. s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Jean-Pierre Coddron" Subject: Titanic Hourrah. We already have Titanic models in 1/1,3, 1/350, 1/400, 1/1200(?). Coming soon, one in 1/200, and in the meantime, one in 1/600. What's next? When will a manufacturer offer a model of the most beautiful liners of all times, the 'Normandie' of 1935. The most popular will no doubt be 1/350 by Academy. And I understand there are now a lot of superdetailing sets for this kit. One thing which I find awfully frustrating about this model is the aspect of the hull, of the hugely overscale plating, which cannot be filed down, as you would destroy the rest of the detail. Has anyone there found a solution to this? Thanks in advance. JP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Jean-Pierre Coddron" Subject: Wood models in IPMS competitions Hello everyone. I have been a member of IPMS for 31 years now and have built ships exclusively during that very long time. I currently organise local model competitions and judge ships as well. I recently built 2 wood ship models. The rule in this country (Belgium) is that at least 70% of all entered models should be made out of plastic. I have always found that rule to be rather vague as far as ships are concerned. Do these 70% refer to volume, to weight or to number of pieces? If 70% of all pieces are to be plastic ones, then, for instance, sailing ships with cord rigging and fabric sails should be eliminated because the rigging takes a lot of little bits. It obviously should not be so. If the weight is considered, then a wooden model with a resin hull (for example the Amati J-class yachts, might surely be entered, which again is not the idea of the rule. If now the volume should be considered, then most kits of sailing vessels with a fibreglass hull could be entered. This is probably the reason why is is now considered that wooden models could be entered at IPMS competitions. Another point is that the various branches of out hobby have their traditions. Soldiers and figures are traditionally made of metal. But then a french maker, Historex, started a line of Napoleonics, the quality of which was better than the metal ones in general. So figures were also entered in IPMS competitions. But as modellers in this branch are often of an outstanding level, and tend to build figures both in plastic and in metal, it was at a given time accepted than metal figures be entered at IPMS competitions. Ship models have always (generally) been made of wood, and ship models have very often been used as decorative items. This still has an influence on modern static ship modelling. Many wood ship modellers will not consider plastic models as a worthwhile alternative to wooden models. Their arguments are: -that plastic has a limited life -that plastic models are always made in large series which affects their value -that the work involved into plastic models is only a fraction of the work involved into wooden models. On the other hand, plastic modellers usually put more research into their models, and try to make models that look exactly like the original (they will prefer careful painting and weathering a hull, rather than showing precious varnished wood. All this to say that in my opinion, IPMS should go on promoting plastic ship modelling. After all, this is why IPMS was created, I remember: to prove to the world that plastic modelling can be a serious and rewarding hobby. Another point to consider, is that the quantity of work involved into a model should not be considered in a competition. The quality of the result should only be considered. A bad kit is not an excuse for a bad model. And this will be my last remark: Do not expect the judges at a competition to know everything about every model (their background, the refits of the original, the quality of the kit. It will be for the competitor to prove any abnormal feature on his model. Example: I remember a motorcycle that had the 2 weels at an angle. The builder argued that the original was like that. He should have brought evidence. Another example: a german model builder who had made a 1/100 scale model of Bismark told me that he had heard from a survivor of the ship that shortly after Hitler's visit to the ship and befor her leave to Norway, A sailor accidentally threw over a pot of grey paint on tha main deck. An officer therefore decided to have the whole main deck painted in gray. This colour seemed yet to have been removed when the camouflage pattern was removed. But I imagine that a wooden deck which has been painted once, will not recover its full wooden colour within a couple of days of work. The main deck will then have retained a greyish colour during her Atlantic breakout. Now a Bismark competition model which would show the grey main deck should have a notice explaining why the deck was painted. Conclusion: do not take competition too seriously, and never argue with judges about the judging: you will be disappointed (either about yourself, or your model, or the judge). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Jean-Pierre Coddron" Subject: Snowberry corvette I waas very interested in all the message about this fantastic model, which I built (18 months of work - 3500 bits of anything, even some kit parts). The model is very impressive and earned best of show at the Belgian natioonals some time ago. As I put a lot of time, research, and money into this project, I think some readers may be intersted in some remarks. Interest into flower class corvettes started with the release in the seventies of a 1/96 corvette made by the gentleman who now runs Flightpath. This model was made of fiberglass, resin, white metal and brass, including photoetch parts. It was not a real succes, I assume, because of the high cost of the kit and its sheer difficulty. But I think it was this company that gave Matchbox the idea to release one at 1/72 scale. I remember I was very enthousiastic about this huge model, and was equally disappointed when I saw the first pictures of it. Yet I bought one but waited several years to get documentation about the original and to figur out how to improve the model. The model. The Matchbox -later Revell- though 'Matchbox' is still embossed in the hull is based on the Bluebell corvette. As alternatives, Snowberry and Saucy were proposed with alternative parts, but I think this was more a marketing idea. Yet the Bluebeel was close enough to the other ships. The details of the kit, however, are what may nowadays be expected on a good model in 1/350 scale. Parts, as was rather usual with Matchbox, do not have sharp edges, detail are fairly crude (probably to keep the cost at a reasonable level. But it can be enhanced to a museum model if you take your time. Of course, you should buy John Lambert's book which has been reissued. I did find a sample of the original book which contains enough general views of Snowberry (in rather pristine conditions). I also found a book on Canadian Corvettes, in which there was a small picture of Snowberry taken some months later and shows very dirty sides, and another type of crane on the main deck. This book gives a couple a detail views of the wheelhouse, the bridge, and the hedgehog control pannel. Last but not least, try to buy (if still available), in the Anatomy of the Ship series, Flower Class Corvette Agassiz. This excellent book refers to a former, open type corvette, but has numerous detail photos and drawing of equipment which will prove invaluable if you want to superdetail your model. Of course, this book came out when most of the detail had already been added to my model, but it helped me a lot for instance to get the grenades racks right. To superdetail my kit, I plunged deep into my wallet and bought the PE - white metal package of Flightpath. Excellent, but again, made for Bluebell. Some parts I did not use: the round floor for the gun, which looked excellent... for Bluebell, but which the pictures in Lambert's book show to be completely different. Also I did not use the etched railing, because I feel etched railing always look flat or square in section, which is no problem with smaller scales, but does not look right in 1/72, where bars should be rounded. So for stanchions, ladders and stairs, I used the excellent stuff and service of James Lane Display Models, 30 The Broadway, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 2PP, UK. Have a look at his catalogue/price list. Also, I used all the bridge detail, armament, carley floats of Sirmar. Well, when I bought them, they were not of the best quality, but could be used and were a large improvement on the kit's offering. The windlass was thrown away. Not only was itr warped beyond repair, but it was also of a different type than that of Snowberry (the correct type is fully illustrated in 'Agassiz'). Now well equipped with your documentation and superdetailing sets, what should be looked after. Hull: The stem shoul be pointed, not square, and the cut corner (right for Bluebell) should be filled in. The false keel along the whole length of the bottom may be sawn off. The pannels should be reduced in height. The 2 squares amidships are for Bluebell and should be filed off. Finally, try to simulate the rivetting. I did it withe a toothed wheels. Admittedly this makes holes rather than rivet bubbles, but when handpainting the hull, these holes retain a little more paint and form like a crater, which for me looked satisfactory. By the way this is a model that will definitely look better handpainted than brushainted! Deck. The decks should have some sheer, aand the main deck was only planked in a few places. Deck beams of 1/2" square wood were filed on both sides to show this curve and epoxy glued at intervals under the decjk position. The deck was forced onto these beams which gave the requested curve. OK this is already a good start for those starting on this fantaastic subject. By the way, the radio cabin probably is too narrrow in thee kit. Have a look at the port picture of the ship in J. Lambert's book before it's too late (for me it was). Good modelling. JP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: JRKutina@webtv.net (John Kutina) Subject: U.S. Spy Sub Said to Record Torpedo Blast Aboard Kursk http://www.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/082900russia-sub.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Dimi Apostolopoulos Subject: Alan Raven's New Royal Navy Camouflage Book I have just received Alan's new camouflage book. In short, it is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! This is one for the ages and should be in the collection of any person who is interested in naval camouflage and the Royal Navy. Dimi -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: Naval Fiction/USS Hibiscus >> Following on from the discussion on the naval fiction of Douglas Reeman one of his books features the actions of the USS Hibiscus. An ex WWll submarine schaser which following the Vietnam war was aboutto be sold off this book gives an excellant picture of life in the post Vietnam US Navy. Although Reeman is ex-RN his accounts are really authentic. A book well worth reading is is caaled "PATH of THE STORM" (UK £5.99 / Canada $10.99) This is the 33rd novel of modern naval fiction. His next one (not yet published) is called "For Valour" and refers to a Tribal Class Destroyer on the Russian Convoys. << I find this interesting, because I'm sure I read Douglas Reeman's obituary some years ago... is he writing posthumously like L. Ron Hubbard? s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Mike Connelley Subject: Calling all IJN modelers Howdy: On the J-aircraft page, they're trying to coordinate a 2001 Nats project like they did for this past convention. This year the "theme" is the Pearl Harbor Task Force. The planes are going to be mainly 1/72 and ships 1/700. So far there are only 3 ship guys and over 30 naval combatants! Of course all the ships and subs can't be done, but at least getting the 6 CVs, the two Tone class heavy cruisers and two Kongo class battlecruisers and a few others would be nice. I personally have the Soryu and Akagi on the shelf that I could build. Anyone out there interested....especially if they're planning on going to the next Nats? I may not be able to go. Cheers Mike Connelley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Jeff Herne" Subject: Graf Spee colors Keith, Black, White, and Gray...as all the prewar photos suggest...now, if you had color photos, that'd be a different story... That was some hull design in NYC, huh? Jeff (crawling back into the depths) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Burl Burlingame / Pacific Monograph Subject: Pac Front Hobbies, Hunley discovery, Naval History All I believe Bill Gruner is away for a week. It's literally a one-man shop, so give him a break! Is it true that while cleaning the Hunley, they've discovered a "Reelect Strom Thurmond" bumper sticker? Naval History -- I haven't been too happy with them since they lifted material from a book I wrote, even to the extent of tracing my graphics. Burl Pacific Monograph, 1124 Kahili Street, Kailua HI 96734 808-263-6087 buzz@aloha.net A historical interpretation company. Visit our web sites at http://www.PacificHistory.com/ and http://www.PacificHistory.net "He's supposed to be dead. This is vexing. I am terribly vexed." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: IPMS/USA Sows Ear Award We had a special category at our regional convention a while back called the Sows Ear Award. Obviously, the award was meant to go to the best model from the worst stinko kit in the room. There was quite a fight for it as I recall, and the entries were a welcome site to see. As I recall, someone got the award for an old Lindberg Yamato (?) I believe. It was a true work of art considering what the modeler had to start with. I am going to suggest to the Contest Committee Chairman if such a category could be tried out in Chicago next year. I think it would be interesting to see what silk purses the modeler come up with. How does everyone feel about such an award? Good idea, bad idea? Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" Hi Rusty, Sounds like a great idea. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: URUDOFSKY@aol.com Subject: Re: Naval History Magazine I was not going to say anything about this in public, but I have to agree with others that the last issue of NAVAL HISTORY is disappointing and it does seem to have an odd cover story for this type of publication. The magazine has of late suffered from a touch of TIME/USA TODAY journalistic impotence, but has an urge to entertain us somehow. You have to take the good with the bad and hope that the situation is correctable in the near future to some degree. Most of the reports are still very well done. Ulrich H. Rudofsky -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: SMAtouche@aol.com Subject: USS Indianapolis Hi All. If you have interest in the history of the USS Indianapolis and the current efforts to clear Captain McVay's name, and new information on the amendments before the Congress and the Senate of the US. Then log on to www.ussindianapolis.org. it's a great site, with many pages of the history of the ship, the crew, the survivor's story and links to other items regarding the Indy. The Survivors and a group called The Second Watch are working to clear Captain McVey's name and to set the record straight. The legislation before the Congress and the Senate are if particular interest to US citizens and they need your comments. Paul Shay Shane and Lorna, have a great vacation, but I gota say we are going to miss you while you two are gone. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: Re: Lindberg Stinkers Hi Guys Concerning the Lindberg 1/1000 kit of a Cleveland .Lindberg used to produce a series of ships in the following scales :1/1550 -BB Iowa and CV Valley Forge, 1/1050 CL Birmingham,1/535 DE Charles J. Kimmel. I have a four pack set made back in 1991. These went for a dollar or dollar and half back in the late 60's. These used different decals for other ships but they did exist. Craig Bennett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: CBNJBB62@aol.com Subject: LST-325, New Jersey & Los Anheles book review Hi Guys I have some news to share the former USS LST-325 which has been operated by the Greek Navy is currently being returned to the USA to become a museum in New Orleans, LA and she's traveling on her own engines manned by members of the US LSAT Association. Also the USS New Jersey BB-62 has begun her restoration work. They announced 4 job openings for the memorial such as project manager, security chief,maintence and environmental cooridator,and an office secretary. Recently I have received the book USS Los Angles CA-135 The Cold War Sentient it's good not as modeler detailed as Classic warshipbooks but it's filled with photos and a good account of the ships history including the unusual and I mean unusual. I got it thru Pacific front hobbies. Craig Bennett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Lindberg Clevelands David, I had the 1:600 Lindberg USS Manchester in high school, so I was looking for one as a nostalga kit. No, it doesn't hold a birthday candle to the 1:700 Skywave Miami, but it was somewhat workable (sledge hammers count as a modeling tool, don't they?) The smaller kit I got in December was advertised as 1"-87' (I believe). It's not on the box, but I've seen others on eBay where this was shown on the box. If my math is right, that runs close to 1:1000. This is apparently the same kit they also used in their "US Navy Cruiser in a bottle" kit. If you thought the 1:600 kit stinks, you oughta see this one. _|_o_|_ Derek "Tiger" (/\)akefield /---(.](o)[.)---\ iscandar2@chatter.com o oo O oo o http://www.iscandar-66.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: jjt@reach.net Subject: HMS Shefffield As a WW11 naval veteran and sometimes model builder I am anxious to fund the camouflage colours used by the town class cruiser HMS Sheffield both in the North Atlantic and the Mediteranen. Any information as to sources of such information etc. would be appreciated. John J. Trafford, Belleville, Ontario, Canada ex RCNVR 1939-45. Hi John, Well, I'd recommend the camouflage series in Plastic Ship Modeller that ran a few years ago by Alan Raven. That dealt with with camouflage of the major navies & ran for a few issues. I'd also suggest you check out the new RN Camouflage book by Alan Raven. Although I have yet to see it, by reports that are coming in, it's well worth the money. Also, check out the backissue archive of SMML at the SMML website (url at the bottom), I'm fairly certain we covered this in the past. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Kursk >> Ain't no such animal as a torpedo that can do 300 knots in the water. << The weapon is called Skval, and is a super-cavitation torpedo and was revealed to the world nearly 5 or more years ago in Janes Defence Weekly. At the time, the point which was made was that it was always going to be a fairly short-range weapon, primarily designed for harbour defence, purely because the torpedo was going to be limited to about half the fuel a normal one would carry (utilising the other half of its volume for the fuel required to produce the super-cavitation effect. Skval has a top speed of 200kts - around 230mph, or 370km/h. However, the weapon doesn't run up to full speed directly - it exits the tube slowly, performs initial course changes, then accelerates to full speed. Article on supercavitation and supercavitating torpedoes is at: http://www.newscientist.com/features/features.jsp?id=ns224813 and: >> An exploding Mk 16 fuel tank is one of the possible causes of the loss of USS SCORPION. One of these tanks going off could detonate a warhead. << Actually the leading theory is it was a Mk 37 battery malfunction leading to a warhead cookoff. The reason that only the Mk 48 survives today is the switch from analog fire control on Permits and Sturgeons to all digital on the Los Angeles (Mk 117 and BSY-1) and later subs (BSY-2). Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: RhinoBones@aol.com Subject: Re: Seeadler >> All this talk of the Revell Seeadler reminds me that I've got one in my closet that I'm probably never going to build. I'm willing to sell it for $15 (US) or best offer.... Please contact me off-list. << The Seeadler kit on e-Bay finally sold for $41 . . . considering that it is a 1967 vintage of questionable quality and accuracy (so I've heard from others who have written to me) you may or may not be giving someone a pretty good deal. Depends on their need. If there weren't so many other good turn of the century kits available I would make an effort in acquiring a copy of the Seeadler. Maybe one of the current manufacturing houses will make us a state-of-the-art version. Now that would be worth a bit more than $41 . . . especially if it is in the "full hull" configuration. Mike L., Fred K., et al, thanks for all the input on this topic. Regards, RhinoBones P.S. fyi: e-Bay just listed a number of hard to find 1890-1910 era Kombrig kits. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "Peter K. H. Mispelkamp" Subject: HMS Illustrious & HMS Indomitable Does anyone out here in SMML land know how easy it would be to build (convert?) Heller's 1/400 scale Illustrious into any of her sisters? To date I have enough kits kits to build the Illustrious, Formidable and Victorious. Now I am wondering about the Indomitable. I know the last two near sisters [Implacable and Indefatigable - don't you just love those names:))] would require a major conversion effort, but am not sure about the effort required to make a passable Indomitable out of the Illustrious. Any ideas? TIA and happy modeling. Sincerely Peter K. H. Mispelkamp -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Mike C" Subject: Yamato turrets I recall mention that two members of this list were working on scratchbuilt turrets for the 1/200 Yamato- Mike Connelly (main turrets) & Duane Fowler (secondaries)- with the intent of casting copies. Does anyone know of their progress? I think I may have recruited another inmate into the asylum and need two sets. Any news would be appreciated. Thanks. Mike Czibovic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Rod Millard" Subject: non weathering below waterline I've noticed in alot of photographs that modelers do a great job of weathering above the waterline on full hull models. But below don"t do much. The props are left bright brass the bottom of the hull is usually a perfect red. Just wondering why the whole model isn't made to look like its been in service. Rod Millard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: Rocket Torpedo? Jim Roberts writes >> Ain't no such animal as a torpedo that can do 300 knots in the water. To produce the kind of energy required to drive a 21 inch diameter (or a 26 inch diameter), 21 foot long weapon at that speed through water would require the kind of power put out by a fusion reactor. If you could do it, how would you control it??!!?? << The VA-111 Shkval was reported to enter service in 1977 and withdrawn in 1991. If you believe the reports, it bled off some of the rocket motor exhaust to form a supercaviating bubble around the unit while it was underway, which reduced friction dramatically. Supposedly, they Russians are working on an export version, the Shkval-E that is even offered for export. >> I'd bet that A.D. Baker II, "A Naval Expert" has never even been in a submarine torpedo room. << You would lose that bet. He was a naval officer, and then civilian employee of the Department of the Navy before he became a writer and illustrator, with over 50 books to his credit. He has served on a Presidential Commission, and won a distinguished Civilian Service award. He has been editor of Combat Fleets of the World for years, a respected reference work. >> The only US torpedo in service is the Mk 48 ADCAP. The weapon is powered by a self contained stirling (piston) engine using a stable fuel containing its own oxidizer. It is capable of 60 knots and that's plenty fast enough. << Actually, there is a Mk 50 and Mk 46 as well. And a Mk 54, but that is just an administrative title for a hybrid. Also Mk 48 1/3/4 are still in the inventory, not just the Mk 48/5/6 ADCAP. Hope this helps. Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography http://warshipphotos.com Warship Models Underway http://members.aol.com/wmunderway/home.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: GKingzett@aol.com Subject: Re: 1/250 figures Matt, Preiser makes a large assortment of Z scale model railroad figures (1:220) both decorated and undecorated. At that scale they would be about 1/32" too large for 1/250. In any event, you would have to do some modifications of them to make them look like sailors and you could easily remove a little height at the same time. Any railroad hobby shop will have them or can order them for you from Walthers. Good Luck, Gary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "VIDEOPAL S.L." Subject: About the box-art Hello I live in Spain, and I have dificults to buy books about the IJN ships ( example: Grand Prix Books is unknows in bookshops at Madrid and Barcelona). In several times, I used the box-art of the kit as reference for any detalling. Generally spoken, how correct are this drawings ?. Thanks Francisco Ronco Cádiz, Spain -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: DUCISFAST@aol.com Subject: London/GB Hello and best wishes to all shipmodellbuilders around the world. I am on a business trip to Londen GB. Are there any good bookstores and shipmodelstores in London? Greetings Wolfgang -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: Cataldo Torelli Subject: Principe de Asturias R-11 Hello SMMLiers, I'm looking for info (photos, plans, refits, colors, etc) about the Spanish Navy (Armada Española) light carrier Principe de Asturias (R-11) for a scratchbuilding project in 1/700. Any help ? Thanks in advance, Cataldo Torelli. Madrid, Spain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: Cataldo Torelli Subject: USS Helena aircrafts Hello SMMLiers, I've just begun my first resin kit: the 1/700 Classic Warship USS Helena (CL-50) and I'm very excited with this beauty ! But I've got a doubt (well, just now !): Colors and markings of her aircrafts in the Kula Gulf period. Any advice ? Thanks in advance, Cataldo Torelli. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: "larsenal" Subject: French Pre-WWI Warships Hello! I saw in a recent posting that someone has a strong interest for those ugly Frenh pre-Dreadnought warships. Some good plans and publications are available over here: Plans from le Musée de la Marine Plans from the French magazine Le Modèle Réduit de Bateaux (Foudre 1895, Henri IV 1899, Bouvet 1896, Charlemagne 1895, Démocratie 1904) There is also some very good books Le cuirassé Bouvet by Luc Féron Les cuirassés of the 1872 program from Marine Editions. There are also numerous articles in the review Marines. All the items mentioned above are quite easily available in France. Best regards, Jacques Druel L'Arsenal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: drwells@hogpb.mt.att.com (David R Wells) Subject: 4.5" Guns in 1/600 Scale Fellow SMMLies, Chris Burton and I have commissioned White Ensign Models to make a set of British 4.5" twin mounts in 1/600 scale, suitable for Illustrious class CVs, HMS Valiant, HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Renown, or any number of other WWII era projects. Caroline tells us that if we're lucky, we may get these sooner than our original projected date of Summer 2001. The mounts will come in packages of three, so please order in multiples of three. Those who have pre-ordered, please confirm with White Ensign Models at wem@onetel.net.uk. Those who want to join us in ordering, should also contact White Ensign Models. Thanks to White Ensign Models and all who pre-ordered for making this project possible! 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 | http://home.att.net/~WellsBrothers/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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