Subject: SMML VOL 1161 Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 01:04:48 -0800 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: IJN Akagi 2: WW II special conversion LST to hospital ship 3: Closet Anoraks 4: Re: NS Savannah 5: Viva de Gaulle? 6: NS Savannah 7: Re: Anoraks 8: Re: anoraks 9: Re: NS Savannah 10: US Navy Warship series 11: Re: Battlecruiser Akagi 12: rather have a 1/350 Formidable than an Essex anyway 13: Pictures of 688I class submarine in drydock 14: NS Savannah 15: Resin Blobs 16: Re: Tashkent 17: Re: Miniature Ensigns 18: clearcoats 19: Re: Tashkient 20: Re: NS SAVANNAH 21: Re: HMCS HALIFAX class frigate... 22: Re: KGV refs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: Re: SMML site news 2: IPMS Nats/SMML Ship Theme -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: New Goods -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Gernot Hassenpflug Subject: IJN Akagi Akagi was converted on the stocks so to speak, I just yesterday bought secondhand Shizuo Fukui's photo collection of IJN ships, and there are a couple of the naming ceremony and a few foldouts of the carrier in1939, both sides. The battlecruiser hull is clearly visible, and I would say at first glance the hull is the same up to the main deck. I can't say whether all of the secondary batter deck is the same, or whether it was extended fore and aft. I will do some reading and get back on the weekend. Anyone else know offhand? As for the topic of...: I'll never be able to look at the sign "anorak for sale - cheap" at our university noticeboard the same way again. Gernot Hassenpflug, MSc.Eng -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: JRKutina@webtv.net (John Kutina) Subject: WW II special conversion LST to hospital ship LSTs were used for many special jobs, carry LCTs to battle areas, some were converted with a small runway to be able to launch small artillery spotter aircraft, but some hulls were converted to hospital ships. This is new to me; any of you know about this or can tell me where to find a photo? Thanks for your help. John Seattle -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Rod Dauteuil Subject: Closet Anoraks >> Unfortunately, we do have some people a bit like the train-spotter within the hobby, don't we. I don't count myself as obsessive, and if you look in my cupbord you'll only find about 6 kits waiting to be done, but some of the members of Glasgow IPMS have in excess of 1000 kits in their attics! They will never finish more than a tiny fraction of them. So they do have a bit of the "anorak" about them. << Yes, I guess I am a closet Anorak. I do enjoy chasing and photographing trains, and I do have a collection of 1,037 unbuilt model kits (sadly, only 166 are ships). But why is that unfortunate? I collect old, out of production kits, and whenever I want to build a certain model, it's right there in the collection. I wonder which other listmembers have collections of unbuilt models, and what the numbers are. Rod -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Dave Shirlaw Subject: Re: NS Savannah NS Savannah is laid up in the James River MARAD Reserve Fleet, Virginia. Dave Shirlaw Editor, Seawaves Magazine www.seawaves.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Ned Barnett" Subject: Viva de Gaulle? >> The news reported by Ned Barnett in SMML 1159 is pretty old news and was reported and to a certain extent refuted in previous issues of SMML several months ago. << John - The news I reported in 1159 was from the current issue of US News & World Report - I got it off their website the day before the issue hit the street (you can't get more current than that). Yes, we did discuss it some time ago - based on another article I posted, along with some other articles others posted - and the "refutation" is, IMO, in the mind of the advocates (pro or con) - and clearly, one highly-regarded US news media source thinks it's still news. Some antagonists see the ship as an unmitigated disaster - other advocates see the press coverage (negative) as an assault on La Belle France or an example that the media is part of the vast Left-wing anti-military conspiracy. All I know is you've got a ship that took 14 years to build, one that had to be rebuilt to accommodate the planes it presumably was built to house, and after all that building and rebuilding, it still doesn't work. We've had propellers since Fulton - the French even had some of the first Fulton propellers - so I presume they know how to make them (that suspicious fire is another matter - sounds more like the US Pentagon than France). Still, this just makes the ship more interesting to model - if you break a prop during assembly, you can make a diorama ... (along with a Russian submarine-rusting-at-the-dock diorama or a Los Angeles scoring the first US sub "kill" against the Japanese since August '45). Bad news for ships often makes for good modeling ... Ned -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: raisingirl@mindspring.com Subject: NS Savannah hello all.... Darren Scannell asked: >> So where is the NS Savannah these days? << James River Reserve Fleet, near Fort Eustis, Virginia. Patriots Point returned her in 1994. She's waiting there in limbo because, as I understand it, the funds aren't there to have her disposed of. You can read more on her at http://home.aol.com/nealelosge/savannah/index.html All this stuff regarding the "amour deck" just makes me hope and pray we don't start discussing the "poop deck".... jodie http://www.mindspring.com/~raisingirl/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: wem Subject: Re: Anoraks Anoraks (UK) = Foamers (US) John Snyder, TTY White Ensign Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: DJParkins@aol.com Subject: Re: anoraks Anoraks, Trainspotters and Rivet Counters - what is the difference?! We all ought to be a little careful before decrying anoraks and trainspotters too much! The general public would not see very much difference between trainspotters and modellers - and frankly, neither do I! We are both pursuing highly individualistic hobbies, except that trainspotters get out more. I've actually spoken to some of these people [they are far from all male] whilst out taking reference photographs for model railway kits. Now some trainspotters think we are sad people for sitting at home modelling weapons of war. In fact, my expression of interest in matters military has invoked quite a strong adverse reaction from one or two of them - nearly beaten up in Bolton! Perhaps the truth is that we are all 'anoraks'. Some modellers seem to be in a state of denial over the true nature of their hobby. How often does one hear the cry "of course I'm not a rivet counter"? My reaction to that is "well then you should be". If there are 41 rivets in a line on the real thing then you may just as well put 41 on your model AND if you cannot be bothered to count the rivets to check - then why bother to include them in the first place! Of course, a more benign verdict on both modellers and trainspotters would be that we are all just harmless people pursuing a hobby and in a world of turmoil, there are far worse things to worry about and criticise! David Parkins -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: James Corley Subject: Re: NS Savannah >>So where is the NS Savannah these days? << The Savannah was (OCT. 2000) on the James River ... I saw her as we made our route from Atlanta to JFK, nested in the same general area as many other reserve fleet assets. JZ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: US Navy Warship series I just received my copies of USNI's new US Navy Warship series: vol. 1 The Sailing Navy 1775-1854 and vol. 2 Civil War Navies 1855-1883. These are outstanding! They're produced in a format similar to the Ships & Aircraft of the US Fleet series. I haven't really had a chance to scan these volumes for accuracy, but the ease in locating information, the illustrations and format are just what I was hoping this series would be: a completion of Ships & Aircraft from the beginning. The hook in Civil War Navies is the first published photo of the raider Alabama. The only criticism I have so far is the paper quality. The paper stock isn't the same grade as that used in Conway's or Ships & Aircraft. A picky bit, but these books are liable to be well thumbed over time, and their longevity is a must. I hope this paper stock holds up. Even though these books are not of iron hulled steamers (except in the ACW book), the completists must have them on the shelf. Excellent resources, and reasonably priced--if you're a member and took advantage of the 30% off pre-pub price... (which is effective till June). s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Henry T Chen" Subject: Re: Battlecruiser Akagi Pavel wants to know about converting Akagi back to the original planned battlecruiser (that was never finished as)...Japanese magazine "Model Graphix" back in March of 1995 had pictures and an article by Mr. Kunitaka Imai covering this subject. He built Amagi (sister to Akagi) using 1/700 Hasegawa Akagi. Hope this will help!! Of course, this magazine might not be readily available outside Japan. So feel free to contact me off-line if interested..... Henry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: NEVENGER@aol.com Subject: rather have a 1/350 Formidable than an Essex anyway All I have to say to this comment made in SMML 1159 is. Heller already made a 1/400 HMS Illustrious which from my understanding was the sister of HMS Formidable (Yes I have this one). I am still waiting for some one to make a large size (1/400 or 1/350) type Essex carrier in a price range that I can afford which is under $150.00 bucks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Ives100@aol.com Subject: Pictures of 688I class submarine in drydock All- The following link will lead you to photographs of the USS Greeneville in drydock after her most unfortunate accident with the Japanese school boat. While this accident is most tragic, these photographs do offer a definitive look at a late model 688I class boat in drydock. Please note the hull colors, as well as the stern anhedral fin with countermeasure dispenser. The "hi-rez" shots offer a wealth of detail, such as the torpedo tube shutters. http://www.cpf.navy.mil/greenevilleimages.html Tom Dougherty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Norman C. Samish" Subject: NS Savannah Darren, Go to http://www.asme.org/history/roster/H087.html where it says the NS Savannah (1962) is an ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark (October 1983), currently in the US Navy James River Reserve Fleet, Ft. Eustis, VA and that visiting info is restricted. Notable for being the world's first nuclear-powered cargo-passenger ship. Personally, I'm impressed that it has but a single propeller which drive a 22,000-ton ship at 24 knots. It sounds like the French carrier Charles De Gaulle could take some lessons from this. The N.S. Savannah was the first nuclear-powered cargo-passenger ship, built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation at Camden, New Jersey. The 74 maximum-power thermal megawatt pressurized-water reactor was supplied by the Babcock & Wilcox Company. Nearly 600 feet long with 22,000-tons displacement, the ship at top speed surged along at 24 knots, with more than 22,300 shaft horsepower to a single propeller. A joint venture by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Atomic Energy Commission to the design of George G. Sharp Inc. of New York, the ship demonstrated the technical feasibility of nuclear propulsion for merchant ships and was not expected to be commercially competitive. Traveling first to major U.S. ports, beginning in 1962, the Savannah made several global voyages. In the fall of 1971, the historic ship was retired. Ship was rebuilt by Bethlehem Steel Shipbuilding Corp. at Sparrows Pt., Maryland. Norman Samish -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Devin J. Poore" Subject: Resin Blobs I'm starting on the ISW San Francisco kit. There are a lot of portholes in this kit, and about 1/3 of them have tiny "blobs" of resin in them - little balls of resin in the portholes and in some of the corners of the structures. Attempting to drill these out is either successful, or the ball of resin within kicks the drill bit (in a pin vise, doing this by hand)off center and I end up with an oblong porthole. I'm entertaining filling all of the portholes, sanding flush, and then marking and redrilling them all. If I had a drill press it'd be no problem, but I'm dreading all of that hand drilling, wondering if drilling through the putty or superglue I fill and sand with will crack all over the place, etc. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks, Devin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: CokerRE@aol.com Subject: Re: Tashkent For those interested in more on the Soviet Tashkent, there is a large model of her in the naval section of the Museum of Science in Milan, Italy. It looks like it may have been a builders model. She sits in a glass case in a somewhat darkened corner out of the way looking somewhat tired and uncared for. PC Coker/Charleston -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: Rick Heinbaugh Subject: Re: Miniature Ensigns Mike leonard wrote: >> Seeking a source for miniature (approx 12" x 8" or smaller) naval ensigns to dress up a display of WW1 warship models. Specifically, a Royal Navy white ensign and Imperial German naval standard. << You'll never find one. The Navy requires anybody to be at least 5' in height before they can be commissioned as an ensign. I imagine the Royal Navy and Imperial German Navy had similar standards. Best regards anyway, Rick -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "jmsr1990.in" Subject: clearcoats Hi gents; I have a question for all you pros out there. Do you put a clearcoat over your finished model or not? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Minadmiral@aol.com Subject: Re: Tashkient >> the Tashkient was not a light cruiser but a large destroyer, also called a flotilla leader. << Hi; I've seen it listed as flotilla leader or a light cruiser. Sizewise I'd call it a CL. Either way it's a beautiful ship, as are almost all Italian built ships.. Chuck Duggie WoodenWalls Listmeister Naval wargamer, amateur naval historian, and ship modeler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: stillmo@mb.sympatico.ca Subject: Re: NS SAVANNAH NS SAVANNAH is currently moored as part of the James River Reserve Fleet north of Newport News, VA. RD Bean -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: stillmo@mb.sympatico.ca Subject: Re: HMCS HALIFAX class frigate... Iron Shipwright currently produces/markets a gorgeous kit of FFH, modern Canadian Frigate HALIFAX. Comes with full photo etch fret and set of decals for all 12 units. I have extensive, and I mean extensive detail coverage photos of WINNIPEG, VANCOUVER, from bows to stern all aspects, if anyone needs some photosets, contact me off list. RD Bean Winnipeg, Canada -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: KGV refs >> BTW Can anyone give me some feedback on the Raven Book, Ensign 1 -KGV's - Is this the best reference work available? << I dont know about "Best Press" but a very extensive series of articles was put together in the hard bound "Warship" vol. #3, by Conway Pub. and Naval Institute Press, on the KG5's, including drawings as built, refits, alterations, and camo patterns. Steve Wiper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shane Subject: Re: SMML site news Hi gang, Last night I wrote the following: >> Rusty White adds to his already amazing page with photos of his build of the Bluejacket Shipcrafters kit of the carrier USS Gambier Bay. << Rusty has reminded me that it's actually built as the USS Salamoua. My apologies for this omission. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: IPMS Nats/SMML Ship Theme Darren asked about the SMML Ship Theme at this year's Nats. To my knowledge there is none. Two years ago at Orlando, the Fletcher-kit build fell flat on its face. There were only 5 Fletchers on the table - and I brought 2 of them. It wasn't persued last year in Dallas. There is no plan for this year in Chicago. That being said ... one of the theme awards this year is the Battle of the Atlantic. There is a real opportunity for a ship model to take this. Bring your U-Boat, bring your Bismarck, bring your Hood, bring your Flower, bring your DE, bring your Jeep Carrier, bring your Liberty Ship. I'm working on the USS ABINAKI, the fleet tug that rendezvoused with the Guadalcanal to bring the U-505 in to Bermuda after its capture. Unique? I hope so. This one is ours! Don't let it be taken by some Swordfish or Sunderland Flying Boat. Ed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: wem Subject: New Goods White Ensign Models is pleased to announce the availability of Snyder & Short Enterprises' Kriegsmarine Set 2 paint chips, 20 colours priced at 20.95 GBP (17.83 ex-VAT) ($25.60). We also have two new Profile Morskie books: CAIO DUILIO, and DE RUYTER, priced at 9.99 GBP ($14.38), and the Squadron/Signal "Heavy Cruisers in Action," at 7.99 GBP ($11.50). Finally, we have a re-stock on Monografie Morskie "HMS HOOD" at 10.99 GBP ($15.83). In kits, we have the Modelcraft 1:500 ORIANA kit at 17.01 GBP ($24.50), and the Dragon USS PELELIEU at 16.50 GBP (ex-VAT 14.04) ($20.00). ICM KONIG and GROSSER KURFURST are going out of stock soon, so buy now while you can: 46.80 GBP ($67.40). Buy either of these kits and get 10% off the following items: WEM PE 3517 1/350 KONIG-class battleship set (normally 18.68 GBP); WEM PRO 3503 1/350 pre-1917 KONIG-class foremast (normally 3.82 GBP); WEM PE 3520 1/350 waterline torpedo netting (normally 7.45 GBP). First come, first served. Four computers, no waiting.... Cheers, Caroline Carter Business Manager White Ensign Models http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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