Subject: SMML VOL 1120 Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 23:28:39 -0800 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Arii 1/400 scale Iowa class ships 2: Chogei aircraft 3: Re: Visit London - Come to Newcastle! 4: Re: aircraft carrier deck vehicles 5: Re: Hartlepool and Visiting the UK 6: Higgins 7: Re: Higgins 78ft. PT boats 8: Higgins Boat Armament 9: Going to UK 10: HP Models 1/700 HMS Invincible 1909 11: Andrea Gail Model 12: Aircraft carrier deck vehicles 13: Re: Submarine reference 14: Crew of Elderly Veterans Sails a World War II Vessel Home 15: USSR Destroyer 16: New Hasegawa IJN CAs? 17: Which white paint? 18: Crossing the Line -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: New web address for Classic Warships 2: ModelWarships.com January update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Reyna, Joe" Subject: Re: Arii 1/400 scale Iowa class ships >> Did you ever get your Arii Missouri/New Jersey? What can you tell me about them? Are they in a WWII or modern fit? << Peter (and all SMML-liedom), I've just received the ARII 1/400 scale NEW JERSEY (modern fit) and MISSOURI (WW2 fit) kits. They're quite impressive, and based on the arrangement of kit parts and detail, look very, very similar to the Tamiya 1/350 scale models. What I'm curious about is whether these kits come from downscaled and remastered designs from an AUTOCAD or similar medium, or whether these intrepid manufacturers are "reverse engineering" a kit to re-scale and reproduce it. I haven't measured it out to confirm it is indeed 1/400 scale, but I checked the hull length, and that at least looks right, and if the kit is indeed a downscaling of the Tamiya kit, I would imagine all the other parts are appropriately scaled. These kits for me are the answer to a long-held prayer, to have IOWAs to build and display next to the very beautiful Heller JEAN BART and RICHELIEU battleships, along with their German and British bretheren. As much as I'd love to see a 1/400 ESSEX carrier (WW2 and/or modern fit), I would hope a manufacturer would not rescale a 1/700 scale kit, as much detail would need to be added to make it of similar quality to these ARII kits. My fondest hope is that, once these ARII kits are distributed, sufficient demand will result that will encourage either some new kit design, or if a 1/700 ESSEX were rescaled to 1/400, additional details could be engineered into the moldmaster that would make her a worthy addition. Also, anybody remember the MARUSAN/UPC 1/400 SHINANO? Wouldn't we like to see THAT beast reissued? Joe PS - Holding on to my TONE, but hoping someone reissues that kit also. Actually, I wish all of my "collectible" kits would be reissued, even if it reduces the original's value, because I collect kits to build, not to invest in! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Reynaga, Tim@EDD" Subject: Chogei aircraft >> I search for the aircraft (type, further info) that served aboard the Japanese tender Chogai = Chogei = Tyogei of 1923. Who can help me? << According to Jung, Jenschura, and Mickel's Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, Chogei carried a Kawanishi "Alf" seaplane. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: Visit London - Come to Newcastle! Newcastle would be an interesting place to visit particularly for anyone from Australia. The Tyne bridge was the prototype for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and should make Aussies feel quite at home. They may need an interpreter, though, as the Tyneside Brogue is quite unique. The railway distance is 296 miles and the last time I travelled by that route it took exactly three hours. By road you would take the M1 all the way. While in that area visit the Beamish Museum in County Durham, a throwback to the 19th Century. Also of interest are the various bridges over the Tyne. Apart from the Tyne Bridge is the High Level Bridge built by Stephenson of railway fame, the Swing Bridge, and the new Gateshead Pedestrian Bridge. This place is arguably the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Railways started here in the collieries, the Tyne was one of the great shipbuilding centres in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, and coal was shipped from here (hence the saying "carrying coals to Newcastle" meaning an unnecessary endeavour). And, yes, there are the excellent museums for ship lovers. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Re: aircraft carrier deck vehicles Pablo DML/Dragon has a line of 1/144 US Navy aircraft that includes a carrier deck section, a few deck crewmen, and a piece of yellow gear. IIRC, the Hornet kit includes a tug tractor and the Tomcat includes a fire vehicle. Ed Mansfield, TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: Hartlepool and Visiting the UK >> But if you do go, put the above on your list, as well as Hartlepool (where they are currently restoring an old ship - Caroline @ WEM has more info on her).. << That would be the already-restored HMS TRINCOMALEE, a minor British frigate. ;^) She owes her continued existence to the fact that she had the good fortune never to have met up with USS CONSTITUTION. Actually, she wasn't completed until 1816, so the War of 1812 was past. The reason she completed then and not earlier, according to either Caroline or Peter Hall, was that the ship carrying her plans to India where she was to be built WAS taken as a prize by USS CONSTITUTION.... Anyway, winding up Brits aside, she is a good visit, as is historic Hartlepool itself, with its nautically-related shops and exhibits. >> I hope you have fun, finish your studies, and remember, they drive on the wrong side of the road. << Funny how quickly one gets used to that, though. After I'd been there awhile on one of my trips, Caroline pulled onto a one-way street (which I didn't realize) and shifted over to the right-hand lane. I sat bolt upright and shouted something like, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING??", expecting a head-on any moment. And to think that I'll be shipping my left-hand drive MX-5 Miata over there.... John Snyder Snyder & Short Enterprises and White Ensign Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Ned Barnett" Subject: Higgins >> I have a drawing of "Higgins 78ft PT-boat", but I don't know which. It could be the 71, 197, 265, 450, 625, 791 series. My boat shows a 40mm aft, 2x20mm; 2 MG; 4 torpedoes without tubes and radar. Any ideas, photos for me to compare... I can't send it around, because I have no scanner. << Not enough information - it could be any of the latter versions, from about '43 on - and some earlier boats were retrofitted with heavier armaments - (also, you mean 2 dual .50 MG mounts, don't you?) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: PT191@aol.com Subject: Re: Higgins 78ft. PT boats Friedrich: It could be a PT-200 subclass OR a PT-625 series. But where are the turrets located? On the earlier boats, they were located forward on the cockpit and further back on the later boats. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Victor M. Baca" Subject: Higgins Boat Armament >> I have a drawing of "Higgins 78ft PT-boat", but I donīt know which. It could be the 71, 197, 265, 450, 625, 791 series. My boat shows a 40mm aft, 2x20mm; 2 MG; 4 torpedos without tubes and radar. << Hi Friedrich: I believe this armament fitting was standard on many of the 78 footers by 1944. Friedman's "U.S. Small Combatants" shows the PT-77 on Page 158 in this configuration. Although the aft torpedos are not fitted, the doubler for these is plainly evident in the photo. He provides a starboard 3/4 portrait as well as a starboard quarter shot of the PT-77 underway, showing both the armament and camo scheme very well. The MGs appear to be canvas covered .50 cal. Brownings mounted on pipe tripods amidships. Johnson's "United States PT Boats of World War II" also shows many fine shots of PTs and has a series showing the conning station's equipment which would be helpful for the modeler. By all accounts the 78 footers were excellent boats with fine handling qualities. BTW, what type of drawings are these? Are they commercially drafted or official plans and is there any dated identification on them in the way of draftsman's info in the title block etc? Regards, Victor Baca -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "FCR" Subject: Going to UK Hello to all Thanks to all who have contributed with info about the places and other things to visit in the UK. I will depart Saturday and probably Sunday or Monday I will give news to everyone. By the way, I decided myself to go to the Fleet Air Arm Festival in the 17th of February. Andy Jones, I will speak with you as soon I can when I arrive at the UK. Until then SMMLies. I hope to see many of you in the Festival Regards. Filipe C. Ramires (Still in Portugal and making bags) P.S.: I hope it isn't much cold in there. Here in Portugal is already cold enough for me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Jana & Pavel" Subject: HP Models 1/700 HMS Invincible 1909 Dear SMML'ies, I promised a review of the HP Models 1/700 H.M.S. Invincible Battlecruiser, 1909. The box is of grey cardboard, with a photo reproduction picture on top. Dimensions are 285mm x 85mm x 45mm. On opening the parts were all wrapped up in plastic bags and bubblewrap. None of the parts were damaged in transit. The Hull: Dimensions are right according to my references. Length 246 mm x Width 33.7mm, a touch under from 34.1 mm. A 0.4 mm inaccuracy for those who will want to measure with vernier. The hull has no superstructure on it, just the barbettes for the 12 inch guns as well as the break-water, anchor chains, anchors and hatches. Portholes are shallow, and may have to be drilled out. however they are straight and accurate. Also present is the "plate" running down from the midship barbettes. Planks on the deck are represented. Superstructure: Cast on a thin film as is the usual practice, well detailed and quite thin. Two large sections and 11 other parts for the bridge and "Fighting Tops". Main Guns: Look right, one has a tiny air hole, also cast on a film with barrels. Funnels: Represent the ship as built, i.e.: fore funnel has not been raised. They do have the grill work molded on. There are still a number of parts, 4" guns, searchlights, ships boats, masts ete. These all look fair. Thin casting and detailed. Also this kit has a small flag sheet of what feels like paper. I think they are peel and stick. Plans consist of three sheets, One being a side and top view, second has the assembly instructions and the third has some written instructions in German. This review is my personal opinion as to this model at a first look. I am pleased with what I received for my money. I think that the casting and detail compare well with other manufactures. I hope that this helps, I also received the NNT 1/700 Battlecruiser Mackensen and should anyone like, I could post a review on it. Regards Pavel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: Felix Bustelo Subject: Andrea Gail Model Hi Folks, Someone asked me if there is a model kit of the fishing ship Andrea Gail from the movie "The Perfect Storm"? No scale or medium preference was mentioned. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Felix Bustelo International Maritime Modeling URL: http://members.tripod.com/~Febus65/imm.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: James Corley Subject: Aircraft carrier deck vehicles >> Can anyone point me to where I can find details on the various vehicles (mules? tractors?) used in modern aircraft/helo carriers?; I'm doing research so that I can start modelling a 1/144 scale LHA or LHD...or maybe even something based on the british CVF design. << There were two cars in the DML sets, IIRC, a tractor and a fire tractor. I have seen resin kits in the past, but they were mostly lumps! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: James Corley Subject: Re: Submarine reference >> I've done some searching on the web and have been attracted to three books written by Anthony Preston. I also have his volumes on "Battleships and Battlecruisers," "Cruisers," and "Destroyers." These are all good general backgrounders on their various subjects that are easy to read and informative. >> Something from Mr. Preston will certainly satisfy my submarine curiosity. I can always get more specific later. Anyway, here are the three books I've found. Would those of you who have these or who have paged through them at the book store, please give me your opinions? << Barnes & Noble (and their subsidiaries) are now selling two interesting books for general references: Submarines, Leviathans of the Deep. T.L.Francis, C1997, 2000, Metrobooks. Aircraft Carriers. Green and Green, C1999, 2000, Metrobooks. I paid $20 each, they listed for $35, and I have now seen them at $15. Both books are glossy prints with some rarely seen photos. These don't simply repeat the same photos found in every other mass market book on these subjects. JZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) To: JRKutina@webtv.net Subject: Crew of Elderly Veterans Sails a World War II Vessel Home http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/11/national/11SHIP.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Mike Leonard" Subject: USSR Destroyer Trumpeter (from China) makes a 1/200 WW2 Soviet navy destroyer. Kit dimensions are 22 inches (562mm) in length with a two inch beam. The box description reads "Former Soviet COURAGEOUS Destoryer [sic] with Fish Torpedo". (Hope Greenpeace doesn't find out about those!) According to M. J. Whitleys "Destroyers of Word War Two: An International Encyclopedia", four of these Type 7 ships were turned over to the Chinese in 1954-55. The Russian names were RAZYASHTSCHI, RESHITELNY, RETIVY, and REZKI. This is an extremely impressive looking kit. It comes with a hard-wired motor -- for those who'd care to build an R/C version -- but the level of detail is just amazing. The six sprues contain more than two hundred parts. Even the torpedoes are molded separately, as are the cleats and bitts. The quality is every bit as good as a Tamiya product. If this were a more "mainstream" subject -- like an American FLETCHER or British TRIBAL class ship -- Trumpeter would be selling them faster than they could make them. Even though a rather obscure subject, this one is worth researching and I'm compiling as much material on the WW2 Soviet destroyers as I can locate. Highly recommended as "something different". Mike Alexandria, VA USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: "Franz Aigner GmbH" Subject: New Hasegawa IJN CAs? Hobby Link Japan lists "IJN CA Myoko New Ver Water LineSeries WL333". Is this actually a new kit, from new molds? Curious, Richard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "David's Mail" Subject: Which white paint? Most brands of white model paint are transparent. As are some other types of paint. I refinish cars etc for a living and long ago began using grey as a base, however I have found that silver and white 80/20 mixes give far better coverage. This will also highlight surface problems. And one even coat is heaps. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Crossing the Line A friend sent me this, and I need to get him some feedback ASAP. >> My question is: Is there Naval precedent when, due to a semi-battle situation, for the Captain of a ship to delay the traditional visit of Neptunus Rex (and all the fun surrounding it) for a later point when it wouldn't be a danger to the ship or crew? << I can't cite any examples where this may be the case because I'm not familar enough with the combat records of all that many ships. However, my thought is there are probably a multitude of times when this would've been the case during wartime. Derek Wakefield -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: New web address for Classic Warships Classic Warships has a new web address. www.classicwarships.com Thanks, Steve Wiper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Cadman Subject: ModelWarships.com January update I didn't send an announcement during the SMML crash, so here is the latest rundown on what's happening on ModelWarships.com; New Reviews for the January issue of ModelWarships.com include; Hasegawa 1/700 USS Ticonderoga an Essex Class Carrier Trumpeter 1/350 RN Pola Heavy Cruiser White Ensign Models 1/700 Airstrike 700 Series Sikorsky S-58 White Ensign Models 1/700 Airstrike 700 Series S2F Tracker White Ensign Models 1/700 Airstrike 700 Series Douglas Devastator Tom's Modelworks 1/700 DKM Bismarck photo etch set. Tom's ModelWorks 1/700 IJN Battleship set #2 ISE, Fuso, & Nagato White Ensign Models Moskva/Leningrad set in 1/600 scale by Rusty White Squadron Signal Essex Class Carriers in Action Merchant & Military Vessels of World War Two Reviewed Vol. I on CD-ROM In addition to the reviews there have been quite a few Gallery additions over the last month, they include; 1/150 scale Type IX-B U-Boat (Academy/Minicraft) by Wm. (Bill) Burns 1/600 DKM Bismarck by Wm. Burns (Airfix) 1/700 Battle Damaged HMS Sheffield John Wilkes Andy Elwood's 1/350 DKM Bismarck (Yellow turret tops and all!) Lester Abbey's 1/700 Scale USS Helena CL-50 Ron Smith's 1/350 USS Fletcher (Tamiya plastic kit) David Fisher's 1/16" Scale HMS Hood (scratch built) Also since the last notice we have added the following Features; Part 1 of a new multi part feature on building Tamiya's 1/350 USS Fletcher by Hague AKA Steven Spach Part 2 and 3 of the Konig Full Buildup review by Andy Elwood The IJN Task Force that attacked Pearl Harbor Stay tuned I have allot more to add in the coming weeks. Timothy Dike Webmaster and Editor ModelWarships.com http://www.modelwarships.com/index1.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for the List Rules, 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