Subject: SMML VOL 1056 Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2000 22:58:06 +1100 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Cole-photos 2: USCG Hamilton class Cutters 3: Re: Celebs 4: Italian Navy Archives 5: Seattle-area hobby shops 6: Celeb Veterans 7: Re: Mk 48 ADCAPS 8: painting resin info needed 9: Re: Haunted Hornet 10: Re: Celebrity Models 11: Seattle Area Hobby Shops 12: Re: celebs 13: Measure 14 Camouflage 14: Re: who is Paul Harvey? 15: Re: Celebrity ship modelers 16: Re: Haunted Hornet??? 17: Re: Celebs 18: 8 barrelled pom poms 19: Re: Who is the baddest BB 20: Which is the Baddest BB 21: Re: Celebs and ship models 22: Re: 8 Pounder pompom drawings, etc 23: Re: Ship's Flags 24: What Did You Do In The War Daddy? 25: Re: Celebs... 26: Celebs in the service 27: More on Spruance RAM 28: Help please! 29: Re: Ship's flags 30: BBC Seeking Sources 31: RAM on Spruance Class 32: Re: RAM mounts on Spruance Class 33: National World War II Memorial 34: Celebrity service members/Skywave Fletcher 35: Kemp Tolley 36: Paul Harvey and "the rest of the story" 37: Haida Status 38: Ozmods Vampire 39: Re: Haunted Hornet 40: 1/300 Shinano by Nichimo 41: Re: What did you do in the war, Daddy? 42: ship flags 43: haunted hornet 44: Re: Celebs 45: combat fleets 46: What did you do in the war, Daddy? 47: Re: celebs 48: Re: US Civil War models 49: Re: AMTRACKS and Pre WWI kits 50: DEM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Ship Reviews list updated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Bergschöld Pelle Subject: Cole-photos I can now see that my latest post was not quite as clear as it should have. It was meant to be a reply to Mr RhinoBones very kind offer (btw thank you, I got it) and not an offer to relay them. So Kelvin, Bob Evans, Ralph B and you all who has mailed me: turn to the source and you will most definitely be well taken care of. Best regards Pelle SWE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Bill & Kaja Michaels" Subject: USCG Hamilton class Cutters JAG Collective has a pari of 1/350 scale US Coast Guard Hamilton class High Endurance Cutters, in resin. They have them in both pre- and post-FRAM configuration. (The entire class was extensively updated by the FRAM program, in the late 80's/early 90s. (I haven't added thes models to my list, but I will update it soon.) Check out my US Coast Guard subjects model list at: http://www.tiac.net/users/billkaja/kitlist.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Peter Chant" Subject: Re: Celebs Talking of stars in service don't forget that Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson and Kenneth More were all in the Fleet Air Arm. Although, from memory, only More saw action, as a Seafire pilot in the Pacific. Peter Chant Plymouth UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Bonini S.r.l." Subject: Italian Navy Archives For Chris Langtree : Hi, Chris ! Yes, there is the "Ufficio Storico della Marina Militare", in Rome, with General Archives, Editorial Section, Photographic Section, Sales Office, etc. For any information, you may contact Dr.Ms.Ester Pennella from General Archives (+39-06-331.844.74). For giving a look, go to: www.marina.difesa.it/default.htm After entering,on the right side of the "menu" page, in the section "Storia della Marina", click on "Ufficio Storico", and you should find all the indications you are looking for. If you will have any difficulties in contacting and will need any help, please contact me off list at: bonini@bonini.com or giusto.gallas@bonini.com Best greetings from Italy, Giusto Gallas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Loren Perry Subject: Seattle-area hobby shops The best Seattle-area hobby shop for ship modelers is Galaxy Hobbies in the James Plaza on Highway 99, just a couple of miles away from the Alderwood Mall. Its mailing address is 19332 60th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036. Phone is (425) 670-0454. Galaxy is run by Bob Jacobsen, a talented scale R/C ship modeler (among many other interests) and the store has a very large selection of plastic and wooden model ship products, both for display and R/C. Their plastic ship range is very comprehensive although resin kits are not to be found their other than R/C scale resin warship fittings. They also sell fiberglass hulls and fittings from The Scale Shipyard including submarine equipment. Also worth a visit would be Hobbytown USA a couple of miles from Galaxy Hobbies at Alderwood Plaza (across from the mall) Mailing address is 18500 33rd Ave. West, Lynnwood, WA 98036. Phone number is (425) 774-0819. Their collection of ship products is smaller but still pretty well-rounded and includes R/C and static display types. They also have some small scale metal wargaming ships. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: Celeb Veterans Hi Folks, Well if you consider athletes as celebrities, I can think of a few baseball players that served during WW2. I know that Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams (who is currently very ill apparently) served as a pilot during WW2 and later in Korea. Yankee shortstop (later announcer for games on TV) Phil Rizzuto served in the Navy as did catcher Yogi Berra. I know that many ball players served, but these are the ones that came off the top of my head. Oh, I am not sure if he was metioned, but didn't Jimmy Stewart serve as a pilot as well? Regards, Felix Bustelo International Maritime Modeling URL: http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Re: Mk 48 ADCAPS In SMML 1055 Dave Lueck wrote: >> ... Also, I read that the boomers never carried ADCAPs; that the better torps were reserved for the attack boats, any truth to this? << I worked on the simulation of the Defensive Weapons System for the Ohio-class submarine trainers that have been installed in the training facilities at both Bangor, WA and King's Bay, GA. The simulation includes the MK48 Mod1/3, MK48 Mod4, and ADCAP. The Ohio-class submarines are considered High Value Units, and as such they will get the appropriate defensive weapons. I cannot speak to the actual load-out or mix of weapons carried. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: rolie muise Subject: painting resin info needed I am getting ready to paint my Ultracast model of HMCS Haida.I have modified the waterline model to a full hull and have changed the kit to represent her as she was just prior to decommisioning. Now I am ready to paint. Are acrylics proper for resin,is oil better? Is priming needed? How should the resin/PE be cleaned? I have never painted resin before so it is all new to me. Any and all tips,info, sites are greatly appreceiated. Rolie in Nova Scotia,home of HMCS Sackville and the Bluenose -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: WVeigele@aol.com Subject: Re: Haunted Hornet For an article on this subject see: Lili Iona MacKenzie, "Hornet Redefines Presence," Naval History, Pg. 38, Vol 14, No. 6, Decermber 2000. It is hard to believe that ghosts exist, but some people are convinced. Bill Veigele -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: HPolvi@kgp.cclcustom.com Subject: Re: Celebrity Models >> Trying not to sound like that judge back in the 60's who enquired "who are the Beatles?" I have to ask "who is Paul Harvey?" << Paul Harvey is 82 yrs old and recently signed a 10 yr extension (!) to his contract. He does a daily syndicated radio spot in North America where he relays some true life story with a twist. One I recall from a few yrs ago was the story of a young American army officer honeymooning in Northern France in the 20s (or earlier?). The officer apparently had a noticeable feeling of deja vu at the time, that he'd been there before, etc., significant enough to record it in diaries. And this person was...(dramatic pause) George Patton....[cue the theme from "Twilight Zone"...] Henry Polvi Thronhill, ON -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Victor M. Baca" Subject: Seattle Area Hobby Shops Regarding hobby shops in the Seattle, WA area catering to ship modelers--Go to Galaxy Hobbies and hang on to your wallet. Galaxy caters to ship modelers and hosts monthly model ship club meetings as well. The store is clean, professionally operated and a pleasant palce to browse. I know of few other shops where you can find the latest kits and hulls in one place. As you enter the store, there is a prominent display of ship kits of all types (not much in the way of resin, though) on your left and it runs to the back of the store, where you're very likely to find more than a few ship books and magazines on the racks (including MSJ!). Except for a defunct model shop in Los Angeles back in the '80s, I have never seen such a comprehensive display of Lee Upshaw's Scale Shipyard hulls. It's fiberglass heaven located at the rear center portion of the store, just behind the RC boat fittings. If you're ever in Seattle on vacation, business or need to travel to get a good cuppa coffee, make the drive north to Lynnwood: Galaxy Hobby 19332 60th Ave. W. Lynnwood, WA 98036 (425) 670-0454 These guys mean it when they say, "We take your fun seriously!" May your models gather no dust, Victor Baca MODEL SHIP JOURNAL PS: An even better location for Galaxy Hobbies is to take HWY-99 and go to 196th Street in Lynnwood, WA. Galaxy Hobbies is located in the James Village shopping center. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: HPolvi@kgp.cclcustom.com Subject: Re: celebs >> For Celebs, the nasty guy who said "See Captain" was Neville Brand. << No doubt there are many others.... What about opposites? I understand that the Duke himself (who? John Wayne..) himself was kind of sneered upon by many WW2 vets because he never did serve yet seemed to be front and centre as Mr. American Hero in all kinds of movies (Sands of Iwo Jima, etc.) I think I read that in "The Last Good War" a series of first person anecdotes, written by that newspaper guy in Chicago... Jimmy Stewart (who?, never mind) on the other hand was a bomber pilot. Ted Williams (baseball) flew fighters in Korea. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Kerry L. Jang" Subject: Measure 14 Camouflage Hi All, I have recently obtained the BWN Gambier Bay kit in 1:350. Its pretty nice! As I have to be different, one of the schemes she carried was Measure 14. Its listed as overall Ocean Grey. Now, knowing nothing about USN camouflage, would I still paint the decks Deck Blue and the flight deck the Blue Stain colour, or does overall greay mean overall grey -- horizontal and vertical surfaces? Also, where can I get some 1:350 aircraft decals? I see BWN has a nice sheet but its all largely early war insignia, not the 1944 blue and white stars and bars. Thanks! Kerry Jang -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: who is Paul Harvey? >> I have to ask "who is Paul Harvey?" << I'm sorry. I keep forgetting when posting on the Internet that I'm speaking to people all over the world. Paul Harvey is a well known and famous political commentator here in the US. He made his fame and fortune by writing syndicated columns for newspapers with a real "down home" or "man of the people" twist to his moral and political viewpoint. For a while some time ago he had a 30 minute TV show. Today he still writes his syndicated column for newspapers as well as having a daily syndicated radio program here all over the country with the same "down home" style he has become so well known for. And he's from Oklahoma, which says a lot for him in my book (I'm from Oklahoma). Like Paul always says at the end of the program with his irreverent style, "Good day." Rusty White Flagship Models - Photo Etched Details for Warships http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ Order online with Visa & Master card (US only) "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Celebrity ship modelers >> And here's another thought for a thread--can you name any famous people who were or are into scale ship modeling? << Until his death, Barry Goldwater (a well known somewhat right-wing politician for those outside the US) bought Flagship Models products on a regular basis. Since he bought so much of my stuff, I can only assume he was a ship modeler. Rusty White Flagship Models - Photo Etched Details for Warships http://www.okclive.com/flagship/ Order online with Visa & Master card (US only) "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: NAVYDAZE@aol.com Subject: Re: Haunted Hornet??? There is also a video tape about it that is being sold aboard the HORNET - I have talked to a lot of people about it and they are firm in that they believe they have seen something. I usually think things like this are for hype only. However, when the HORNET was tied up at Hunters Point ex-NSY, I was given the opportunity to go aboard and take as many photos as I wanted before she was to be cut up for scrap the next day. Some of the places were very dark so we would just use our flash cameras and then see what developed (no pun intended). On one of the photos I have it shows a shadow of a face that you can see thru - I cannot quite make it out as it could either be a person from the flight deck with goggles on or it almost looks like a surgeon with a mask over his mouth and cover on his head. So with that I have become less critical of what I hear - did I see anything my self, NO - did I feel anything YES. To be one of only three people on board a ship of that size, all along, you bet I felt something. So I figure part of it is real and the rest is hype or someone wanting to be part of the spotlight. My objection to the whole thing is that it takes away from this historical aspect of the HORNET and she is only be publicized because of the "ghosts". Mike Donegan Navydaze, Naval & Aviation Art. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: JRuotsala@aol.com Subject: Re: Celebs Neville Brand was the fourth highest decorated veteran of World War II. He fought in Europe and received the Silver Star. Cheers, Jim -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "chenyangzhang" Subject: 8 barrelled pom poms Hi EJ Try John Lambert who does excellent drawings of all the items you mentioned and subscribes to this list. Chris Langtree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Jonathan Parshall Subject: Re: Who is the baddest BB >> Actually its not as accurate as you think. The best discussion on battleships anywhere appears in the books written by D K Brown. (The Grand Fleet and From Nelson to Vanguard) The combined fleet stuff is more to do with 'you can prove anything you want with statistics' (Hi Jon) and relies on dubious research - sorry. << Hi Chris! Chris is entitled to his opinion, of course. I personally think that constructing an analytic model of a domain space as complex as a battleship design is pretty damned tough to do. As a business analyst by trade, I am *keenly* aware that one can get carried away with one's models and devolve into "spreadsheet masturbation." Nevertheless, with a complex problem like this, where *everyone* has their favorite pet battleship, I think it's important to try and keep things as quantifiable and objective as possible. A numeric rating system is the best way I know how to do that. Bottom Line: I know my model isn't perfect, but I did the best job I was able to do, and it at least provides a basis for people to begin developing their own opinions. And frankly, if I have people like William Garzke, as well as the assembled folks on the fire-control discussion group I belong to (Nathan Okun, Jim O'Neil, Bill Schliehauf, Mike Ley, et. al., all of whom are acknowledged experts in their respective fields), telling me that they think it's basically a pretty fair, objective model, then that's about as high a praise as I could hope for. If you don't like my exercise, then you need to come up with something better, Chris. Cheers, jon parshall- Imperial Japanese Navy Page http://www.combinedfleet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Joel Labow Subject: Which is the Baddest BB Hi Chris, Research with which one disagrees is ALWAYS 'dubious' and my sources are ALWAYS superior in every way to your sources! If this bedrock principle were not so most institutions of higher learning and their associated publishing houses would immediately close their doors! I persist in my naive and untutored way in finding the site entertaining and instructive. The intense fascination with the battleship is truly remarkable.....in my early days I served in DDs and DEs and to my knowledge have never seen any discussions as to which of those breeds were 'baddest!' Best regards, Joel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: Celebs and ship models The only celeb I know of was Ronald Radd. Who was Ronald Radd I hear you ask? Well if you saw "My Fair Lady" on Broadway he played the role of Eliza's father Doolittle. We wrote to me about 1:1200 ship models which he collected and had read some of my articles in Model Boats. My wife and I went to see the musical version of "Great Expectations" in 1976 in Hamilton, Ontario and there was his name on the program playing the lawyer Jaggers. John Mills was also in the cast playing Bargery, the blacksmith. I sent a note to the theater suggesting that since they were playing Toronto in a few days he might care to come to us for lunch and I received a phone call in reply accepting for the following Sunday (he was also bringing another cast member with him). On the Friday I received a phone call from that other member saying they would not be able to come after all as Ronald was in hospital. Apparently the night before he had just finished his last line and was walking into the wings with John Mills when he collapsed with a brain haemorrhage. Next day there was an item on the news that he had died. So I never did get to meet him after all. I have since seen him in some movies but he never did achieve super star status. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: AandMBlevins@gateway.net Subject: Re: 8 Pounder pompom drawings, etc Try: http://www.warships1.com/ Click on Weapons of the World and be prepared to be amazed. Most of the weapons, photos, drawings, and information you want, all sorted by country and type of ship. It is an amazing site. Al Blevins -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: AandMBlevins@gateway.net Subject: Re: Ship's Flags Hello Bob, The shape, color and method of display bring to my mind a commodore's pennant. Regards, Al Blevins -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Victor M. Baca" Subject: What Did You Do In The War Daddy? Interesting thread. I asked my father "that" question once--and only once. I will never forget Papa's graphic lesson in jungle warfare. Papa taught me about war when I was only 7 years old. He was in the U.S. Marines, a WWII sergeant who was seriously wounded by a hand grenade's shrapnel on Bougainville. He very solemnly made serious eye contact before speaking. "Listen to what I have to say, Victor, and don't ever ask me again... " My dad was a strong man, built like a big oak barrel and tough as steel nails. His eyes swelled with salt water as he described in horrific detail the animal fury of two men locked in face-to-face slaughter. My father's Ka-Bar knife saved his life. In my mind, I saw the enemy's shocked agony under my father's powerful hands, realizing this was the end. After the battle, seeing the contents of his enemy's uniform pockets changed Papa. The young man he just killed was exactly like him. The "Jap" became for my father a brother-in-combat and he never used the slur again--this warrior was a Japanese Man. He carried pictures of a happy child and a pretty wife and his life ended in vicious hand-to-hand combat with a U.S. Marine. My father's personal story made me listen closely in history classes when many of the other students were dozing, staring out the window or "ooohing and ahhhing" over the flickering movie projector footage as planes went down in flames and ships exploded. I never forgot that the "neat" images on those old flickering projectors were not scenes from some glorious movie, but real men and boys fighting and dying and scared as hell. Veterans Day isn't a time to remember the dead, that's why we remember them on their day--Memorial Day. Veterans Day is a time to reflect on those who survived and still carry the memories of war's ghastly images and deeds deep inside them. These are the men and women who, for a time, gave up many of the rights we take for granted; to have the right to protect us from evil. Guys like my father fought and lived so their sons wouldn't have to tell their sons what they did in the war. Victor Baca Hi, Because of the international nature of this list, we must remember that the 11th day of the 11th month is observed differently all around the world. While the USA has a difference between Memorial Day & Veterans Day, (which iirc also covers the "civilian" forces of Police, Ambulance, Fire Fighters, etc), in many countires this is not the case. For Australia and other Commonwealth countries at least (not sure on other countries), the 11th of November is Remembrance Day. We remember and are grateful to those who served in order to secure our futures throughout the year but especially on Remembrance Day. Regards, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Chris Hughes" Subject: Re: Celebs... From the eastern shore of the Pond... Mr Ian Smith, one-time Leader of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was a fighter pilot. Shot down in and crash-landed a Spitfire, during which his face came into contact - non too gently - with the gunsight, which resulted in some facial paralysis - so he hasn't really got a "stiff upper lip"!! David Niven, Hollywood actor, who was commissioned in the Highland Light Infantry before going to Hollywood. Came back to "do his bit" and served as a Commando officer - a "real" swashbuckler. Richard Todd, similar, I believe he was a Para? Dirk Bogarde, a Photo Interpreter based at RAF Medmenham - some wag commissioned him into the "Queens' Regiment"... Sarah Oliver (nee Churchill), daughter of Winston Churchill and another Photo Interpreter, as was... Lady Charlotte Bonham Carter, grandmother of the actress Helena Bonham Carter. Sir Peter Scott, son of Scott of the Antarctic and a famous naturalist and artist in his own right - commanded HMS Grey Goose, motor gun boat (remember the John Piper kit?) I'm sure there must be many, many more... Chris -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: tom dean Subject: Celebs in the service Hi Gang: One name that I notice that has been omitted from the list of celebs who served is that of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Although if the following story is typical of his service record, it would seem it would have been hushed up rather used for publicity. In the Med, Sept of 43, a young Canadian L/Cdr Maitland commanded MGB657, and at the time 567 MGB/MTB Flotilla RCN. To make a rather long story short, he was detailed off to transport a group of special forces to "take" the island of Ischia. Commanding the group was L/Cdr D. Fairbanks Jr., L/Cdr Henry North (Of the owners of Ringling Brothers Circus) as well as the noted war correspondents of the time, Joseph Knickerbocker and John Steinbeck! The group was to have been supported by the destroyer USS Knight, but it was withdrawn because of the area waters being too enclose for it to operate in safety. Making the long, stealthy approach to island, Maitland was surprised to hear the correspondents dictating into a machine things that weren't even happening, such as "an enemy battleship off the bow, and the captain of the boat deciding to continue anyway". Maitland became suspicious at this point but continued on. Having made their passage without incident they approached the island. They silently entered the harbour and pulled up alongside. Low and behold the entire population of the island was there waiting for them, along with a host of camera men and reporters. Fairbanks stepped ashore and accepted the surrender from the mayor. It had all been arranged and the Canadians had not been let in on the secret! Needless to say they were furious. Mailtland had his boats turned around and readied for sea. He went of in search of the now missing Fairbanks. Finding him drinking with the locals he told him that he was taking his boats out of there in 10 mins with or without him. Fairbanks, ever the gentleman, agreed. On the way back he and other American officers helped themselves to the boats supply of spirits and arrived back in port well in the cups. (pissed as we say now). Apparently, the Chief Bosun of the USS Knight witnessed the incident in harbour. He later approached Maitland, snapped to attention, saluted, and formally apologized for the conduct of his countrymen. Maitland later was heard to say about the Chief "This was a PROFESSIONAL sailor talking"! Rather gives a whole new meaning to "In Which We Serve" eh. Though you would all enjoy this little story. It is taken, loosely, from a wonderful book called the "Champagne Navy", about the ops of RCN small boats during WWII. Tom Dean -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: LUCASNER@aol.com Subject: More on Spruance RAM The Greyhound Navy site says that the USS David Ray was used for RAM testing. I received a reply that earlier this year the Ray was photographed without a RAM launcher. Does this mean that the launcher was tested on this ship and then removed? The plot thickens!!! PS look at the latest 'Strike Warfare' Spruance and think back 10 to 20 years ago when the critics said how under-armed this modular design with such massive growth potential was. Man, oh man, you just gotta be patient, don't you? Watch, Congress will make us scrap all of them within a year!! Thanks Dave Lueck -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: "John Lambert" Subject: Help please! H. M. Trawler "Lady Shirley" built in 1937, of 477 tons displacement was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1939. First as an armed patrol vessel, then as an anti-submarine trawler. She sank a U-boat by gun and depthcharge 4/10/41 off Madera. She was sunk herself by U-374 on 11/12/41 off Gibraltar. Can anyone provide me with her pennant number please. I have drawn a blank in my library files. Thank you to all those that replied about my thoughts on plan profiles. I will make further enquiries as to costs. Oh for more hours in the day! Yours "Aye" John Lambert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: Douglas Subject: Re: Ship's flags Could this mysterious pennant flown from Maine's port fore yard possibly be the Captain's absentee pennant (flown when the Old Man was ashore)? I'm not sure when USN vessels began displaying this flag; plus, I remember it as being a white-black-white horizontally striped pennant..... Doug Bauer Poway, CA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: BBC Seeking Sources Forwarded by the Naval Reserve Association - The BBC has commissioned a 'landmark series' on the vital and decisive Battle of the Atlantic. It will consist of three fifty-minute programs and will be broadcast in primetime on BBC 1. There is a recognition that now is the time to take a comprehensive look at this extraordinary campaign, as it is perhaps the final opportunity to capture on film the testimony of those who were involved. The BBC to trying to make contact with people who fall into the following categories: 1) Survivors of the sinking of USS Rueben James 2) Those on the staff of Ernest King or Adolphus Andrews (however junior or senior) 3) Those involved in naval intelligence relating to the U-boat war 4) Men who served onboard USS Icarus (sank U-352) 5) Any naval attaches posted to Great Britain 6) Any scientists involved in development of technology for the Battle of the Atlantic 7) Those who served on Liberty ships 8) Those involved in the design and construction of Liberty ships 9) Anyone who has a tale to tell relating to the Battle of the Atlantic 10) Survivors from the Gulfamerica, the Atlas, the Byron T. Benson (tankers) If you or family members were involved contact: Dominic Sutherland British Broadcasting Corporation Room 5433 White City 201 Wood Lane London W12 7TS United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)208 752 6532 Fax: +44 (0)208 752 6336 Email: dominic.sutherland@bbc.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31) From: Dave Shirlaw Subject: RAM on Spruance Class Only the ships being retained carry the RAM launcher at the stern. They should be: DD 963 Spruance DD 965 Kinkaid DD 967 Elliot DD 968 Arthur W. Radford DD 969 Peterson DD 972 Oldendorf DD 977 Briscoe DD 982 Nicholson DD 985 Cushing DD 988 Thorn DD 989 Deyo DD 991 Fife DD 992 Fletcher Dave Shirlaw Editor, Seawaves Magazine www.seawaves.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32) From: Craig R Bennett Subject: Re: RAM mounts on Spruance Class Hi Guys Concerning Dave Lueck's comments on the RAM mounts on the Spruance class DD's. On Nov 4-5,2000 the USS Nicholson DD-982 was in Camden NJ for port of call. I learned that while I don't know how ships have it any ships that recieve it will remain in service for 5 more years. They are being phased out and replaced with the Burke class DD's. Craig -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33) From: "Robert Fish" Subject: National World War II Memorial Shane I believe this needs the attention of some of our senior, model builders of WWII and there kids, or better yet all former {combat only} service personal this hopefully will be on the scale of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. http://www.wwiimemorial.com/ Also PBS will air {check your local listing} about Hitler submarine fleet, and the sinking of the same, with-in a 100 miles of the east coast, before WW11 even started, plus the divers insight, about diving at killer depths, over safe limits, its history in the making, for all you submarine modelers. happy trails Bruce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34) From: Jodie Peeler Subject: Celebrity service members/Skywave Fletcher hello all.... Regarding the "celebrities in the service" thread, don't forget that Humphrey Bogart served aboard the troopship USS Leviathan (the former Ballin liner Vaterland, and after the war flagship of United States Lines) during World War I. The story goes that during a gunnery drill one day a splinter of wood flew off one of the ship's railings and pierced his lip, and that's how Bogie got his famous lisp. Dunno if that story is the gospel truth or not, but Frank Braynard mentions it in his six-volume Leviathan history. About Jason Robards, I remember him mentioning in one of the Pearl Harbor documentaries that he narrated that in December 1941, he was a radioman aboard the USS Honolulu. I've not heard more about his navy service, which is a shame since he is one of my favorite actors. Also, don't forget that Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," served in the Coast Guard during WWII. n 1991 he wrote a story on the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor that appeared in "Parade" magazine, about how he was at sea that day and what happened when the news came. I have this copy of "Parade," but it's back home in South Carolina, alas. Other famous folks who come to mind as having served in the Navy include Tony Curtis (who, I believe, was a submariner, for he has done lots of charity work for Silent Service organizations). Somewhat obscure, but George Earnshaw, a great pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics back in the 1930s, was a gunnery chief aboard the "new" Yorktown from 1943-45. More famous is Bob Feller, the great pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, who was a gunner aboard the USS Alabama (I think he ended up being a turret captain, but can't say for sure). I think the Alabama museum has a Bob Feller exhibit on board. Of course, we all know that the great Ted Williams was a Marine pilot in WWII and Korea (and in Korea one of his wingmen was John Glenn). On the political front, H. Ross Perot (billionaire and occasional Presidential candidate) served aboard the carrier USS Leyte in the 1950s. Of course, it's fairly well known that Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush served aboard the CVLs Monterey and San Jacinto in WWII, and that Jimmy Carter served aboard the USS Seawolf as a Rickover protege in the 1950s (and would have made a career of the Navy had he not had to come home and tend the family farm). (And in response to John Collins' request about servicemen in our own families: my father's father was an AAF mechanic in WWII; my mother's father was a plankowner of LST-174, and still remembers riding her down the Mississippi to fitting-out in New Orleans.) I wish I knew of some celebrities who build models. Alas, the only one I know of is Barry Goldwater, who was an aviation buff and continued to build them into his retirement. I wish that some of them out there would "out" themselves for us. I know that Tom Hanks' stock went way up with me when I found out how much of a space nut he is.... :) Now (said she, struggling to keep this message related to ship modeling), let's see what Robert Brown wrote about the SkyWave Fletcher: >> The Skywave Fletcher kit has a molded in breakwater around the forward 5" mount. I haven't seen this in any photos, is the kit just incorrect? Neither the Tamiya nor Matchbox versions have it. << It's incorrect. I've seen it there myself and have been puzzled, because everything else about that kit is just so good. Shave it off (carefully, for you don't want to mess up any of the rest of that delicate detail) and paint over where it was. The USS Callaghan release of that kit is one of my most favorite ship model kits, especially since it has so many nifty spare parts. If you're imaginative you can build most any ship of the class from that kit, and not just in WWII configuration.... jodie http://www.mindspring.com/~raisingirl/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Kemp Tolley Kemp Tolley, 92, a retired Navy rear admiral who wrote scores of articles and three books concerning history and naval affairs, died Oct. 28 at his home in Baltimore County, Md., after a stroke. http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/metro/obituaries/A21413-2000Nov6.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36) From: "JAmes McCormick" Subject: Paul Harvey and "the rest of the story" Malcolm, Well, I can't see as I blame you for not knowing Paul Harvey, he is surely not in league w/ John, Paul, Geo, and Ringo. Paul is a radio announcer/commentator here in N. America. He has been on the air for a long time, and is well know for his little informative stories. What he does is to give a brief story on a subject, and trace it back to it's origins. One such was sleeve buttons on jackets, Paul would explain is a light, amusing manner how they came about as a result of Napolean not liking to see his men wipe their noses on their sleeves, hence, the addition of buttons to make them stop. Paul ALWAYS ends his little stories with his trademark anecdote, "now, you know the REST of the story". And now, Malcolm, you know the REST of the story! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: Haida Status I enjoyed the Warship Walkaround that Bob Pearson did on Internet Modeler for HMCS HAIDA, but he said the ship was closed to the public. Anyone know the circumstances (not that I'll be in the Toronto area anytime soon)? Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38) From: "O'Connor" Subject: Ozmods Vampire SMMLies, I just recieved a 1/700 scale Ozmod kit of HMAS Vampire. The painting instructions show to paint the decks the same color as the hull and superstructure. Anyone out there got a better idea??/ Is this accurate, or is there a "better way"?? Thamks, Bob O'Connor, voting Republican tomorrow (today halfway around the world)... Hi Bob, After a quick check of my RAN refs the answer looks to be "depends" :-(. I have pictures of RAN ship decks ranging from green to dk grey - to a blackish colour on Vamp's last day in commission. So, I'm in the same boat at the moment with my Vampire (Shhh Mr Rule) However, I can recommend Humbrol 31 for the RAN Grey/Green. It's basically the same as RAN chips published in the APMA magazine (BLATENT plug No 1 ;-) ) & doesn't need mixing unless you're going for scale effect. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39) From: "Glenn and Kelly Neklason" Subject: Re: Haunted Hornet Mark, Grab the latest issue of Naval History magazine. There's an excellent article about the Hornet being haunted, several sightings of officers and other mysterious happenings. Glenn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40) From: "Hub & Diane Plott" Subject: 1/300 Shinano by Nichimo Anyone know where I can find this kit? I am willing to consider a started kit. Thanks for the help. Herbert Plott -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41) From: Kenneth Hagerup Subject: Re: What did you do in the war, Daddy? My father was a teenager during the war, but did endure the German occupation of Norway. He lived in Tromso and witnessed the sinking of the Tirpitz. He later served in the Norwegian Navy aboard the submarine Ula (ex-HMS Varne). Regards, Kenneth Hagerup LCDR, USN (Ret.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42) From: AOANJLLAN@aol.com Subject: ship flags Usually the ship may fly their international call sign in flags. They are usually 4 flags in todays Navy. Not sure about back then. A good signalman might know more than a xradioman. Allan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43) From: "S Sachsen" Subject: haunted hornet >> I didn't catch the whole thing but one of the shows on the History Channel last week was talking about a ghost aboard the Hornet. Seems that some W.W.II or soon after the war Admiral has taken up residence aboard her and is seen from time to time by visitors and docents? What's the real scoop? << oh god.... here it comes.... and before everyone starts asking, there was indeed another article in Naval History on the same subject, which just confirms to me what everyone has been saying: the magazine is going down the drain to have published such drivel (a lot of it erroneous and out of date). I haven't seen the History Channel program, but I am familiar with some of the more 'standard' ghost stories as told at our Live-Aboards, so here goes: anyway, no, it's not some admiral who has taken up residence. he is just called 'the khaki guy' because we're not sure who he is, or if there are more than one. my boss has seen him on the Flag Bridge in broad daylight and still doesn't believe it, so I therefore consider this sighting credible. other sightings and experiences have occured to several people and they are reasonably credible too. yes. Hornet is haunted, but you'd be too if you'd been through WWII... Hornet is a lot of other things, too, but unfortunately the haunted aspect is all anyone hears about. Personally, I have not seen or heard anything other than a sense of belonging and comfort when by myself wandering the decks or working in my spaces on the 4th deck--alone I might add--but I do stay out of the port side of the focsle--too many have felt too much in that passage and I am respecting it by not intruding. yes, the ship 'talks' when straining against mooring lines and when loose gear rattles on the hull or major equipment movements are occuring on the hangar deck. The first night I spent aboard, I was a bit nervous, but when snug in my rack under a sponson on the 2nd deck, hearing rain on the 'roof', these feelings disappeared. what does concern me is a herd of pseudo-psychics running around loose 'disturbing' our relatively innocuous spirits. and no, these spirits do not appear on demand, there are no vapourous ectoplasms drifting about (though sometimes on the gallery deck I think I might capture some on film), and no green slim on the bulkheads that isn't leaking hydraulic fluid. but yes, we have it all otherwise: solid tangible 'people' in khaki who aren't really there, sounds and voices like hearing sailors at work in the hangar bays, sensations of people looking over your shoulder, visions of sailors going about their business, and 'feelings' of cataclysmic events (war, accidental injuries, suicide...). regardless of what you might think of wanting to actually witness some of these events, or meet the khaki guy, I doubt that you really want to. having seen and heard the reactions of people who have had encounters, it is very disturbing and upsetting. never has anyone come up to me saying, it was really cool, some vision occured and I talked to it! some people won't go certain places anymore (like me on the port side focsle), or won't go there alone. as for the Naval History article, other than bad writing, and making our staff seem like ghost hunting lunatics, there is very little to redeem it. Hornet was not the Gray Ghost as a radio call sign. as far as we can tell, she was never called that until folks in Bremerton tried to save her and did a take off on the Lexington's Blue Ghost moniker. unfortunately, the Gray Ghost name has stuck. some of the stories in this article were unknown to me--and this is after 2 years of hearing just about every story aboard. I'm especially curious about the alleged sighting of Torpedo 8... CV12 isn't CV8 and something this spectacular would have spread through the ship like wildfire. I'd not heard it until its appearance in the article. And some of the best stories weren't told--though they are in the video. anyway, I know I've merely piqued the interest of you, dear readers, so if you want to hear more, ask away... :-) s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Re: Celebs >> I have to ask "who is Paul Harvey?" << Who...................is Paul Harvey?? He's an American newsman who has been around for many years with a widely syndicated radio show. He has a *MOST* distinctive cadence to his voice.... Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45) From: "S Sachsen" Subject: combat fleets >> I may be opening up a can of worms here, but I firmly believe that Combat Fleets Of The World long ago passed up Jane's Fighting Ships as an authorative reference and it is reasonably priced in comparison. I only wish they'd publish Combat Fleets on higher quality paper. << I wholeheartedly agree. Combat Fleets is superior to Jane's. personally, though, I prefer the paper Combat Fleets is printed on. that clay coated stuff Jane's uses deteriorates over the years like old National Geographics--and is prone to mildew if not stored in an environmentally safe space. as for the pricing on both--Jane's, I guess, has name recognition going for it and therefore gets away with it, but I overcome both pricing issues by merely waiting for superceded editions at deep discounts since I don't really need up to the minute information on the world's fleets. the other advantage of Combat Fleets is its sheer size: it can double as a flower press :-) s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46) From: Jack Brown Subject: What did you do in the war, Daddy? From: TechnoInfidel@webtv.net (John Collins) >> I enjoyed the thread about celebrities in the war. But, personally, I would be more interested in those of our group who served or had relatives who served in the various navies (or other military services) of WWII. << Great idea. My father, Jack Brown, whom I am named after, flew for the 8th Air Force. He flew B24s, P47s and P51s over Europe. (Two tours.) He went on to a career in the Air Force with a tour in P51s in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. I think both the latter were F105s. My uncle Wenton Tennant was in the Army in Europe. Unfortunately, he lived in California until his death a few years ago and I didn't get to know him well. My mother said that he was one of the first men into, I think, Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. My uncle Mason Tennant was in the Navy in the Pacific. He was on a DD. He passed away when I was about ten and lived in Kansas, so I didn't get to know him well either. Jack Brown = jbrown@oz.net = http://www.oz.net/~jbrown/ "If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George S. Patton -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47) From: Jowfx@cs.com Subject: Re: celebs Here are a few more: Tony Curtis, served aboard the sub USS Dragonette, Yogi Berra, served as a gunner aboard the USS Bayfield at Normandy, Mel Brooks, US Army combat engineer at Battle of the Bulge, Art Carney, US Army, wounded in leg on Omaha Beach, Kirk Douglas USN communication officer for an ASW unit in the Pacific, Buddy Ebson, USCG aboard USS Pocatello, Peter Falk, enlisted in USMC, but couldn't pass the physical because he lost his right eye, became a cook in the Merchant Marine, Ed McMahon, USMC fighter pilot aboard USS Guadalcanal, Paul Newman USN, radio operator/gunner on torpedo planes in S. Pacific. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: US Civil War models > Re C.S.S. Hunley thread - there is a "cottage industry" specifically making Civil War vessels and siege guns: Military Mites Box 2324 Rockville, Maryland 20847-2324 E-mail: RAY8017@aol.com Send for their catalog. They do not specify resin or injection molding. Prices seem to be fair. They have two models of the Hunley. One , @ $89.95 + 1/32 scale - full vessel The other, @ at $110.95, sae scale, is a cutaway with complete interior. They offer 7 guns and 6 ships. I have not actually seen these products so I cannot comment on the quality. << I believe that this guy is a dealer carrying the Wm Blackmore's Cottage Industries Models line. They are a series of larger scale multimedia (primarily resin) kits, and to put it mildly are fantastic. William has pictures of his Hunley, CSS David, CSS Palmetto State and USS Keokuk as well as his Bushnel's Turtle on the warship website. He also has a line of 5-6 ACW guns, both naval and field type, and has recently released a solid hull model of the CSS Pioneer, the precurser to the Hunley. His kits build up very nicely into highly detailed models, most with either full interiors or partial interior detail (the gun turrets in the Keokuk) and are well worth the price. Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: AMTRACKS and Pre WWI kits >> Besides the Airfix Water Buffalo in 1/76, are there any kits out there of tracked amphibian landing craft (preferably a larger scale) - I'm not asking about antediluvian kits no longer available, but stuff I might actually be able to buy and build. << Yes, HobbyFan (AFAIR) makes a ltv5 and also an interior set that is more expensive than the hull kit itself. There is also a 1/35 scale Buffalo in resin. I'll try to dig it out and post the name As to pre WW I subjects there is the USS Maine kit from Commanders/ISW both in 1/350 and perhaps one or two left in 1/192 Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50) From: Donald Bridge Subject: DEM DEM = Deutsche Mark Currently about 2.2 to the USD, 3.3 to the GBP Don Bridge -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Poutre, Joseph A" Subject: Ship Reviews list updated We've updated the List of Plastic Ship Reviews, found at: http://www.quuxuum.org/rajens_list/shiprevs.html The Pyro, Lindberg and Heller sections have been rebuilt and expanded, a section for the new company Seals added, and reviews added from several people. Please use the list to find out about what models are out there, and what fellow modelers think of them. Please also take a moment to let us know what we're missing, and especially to write up short reviews of models you've built. We don't pay for the reviews, but then we don't charge, either. Joe Poutre, Maintainer of the List -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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