Subject: SMML VOL 1176 Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2001 23:46:34 -0800 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: uss new mexico 1/350 scale from commanders ironshipwright 2: Re: Tools thread 3: Re: Help: Does Anyone has this FALKLANDS book? 4: Re: CAM Ships 5: Re: tool thread 6: Re: A.J.Owens' daughter 7: Re: Proposed Upgrade/Conversion Kits 8: HMVS Cerbreus (1869) 9: LEE Model Warship 10: HMS Campbeltown Kit 11: Re: Tools Advice 12: Re: U.S.S. Cabot 13: proposed future conversions 14: French Warship names 15: Profile Morskie Series 16: April Fools 17: Profile Morskie and all that jazz.... 18: N. S. SAVANNAH 19: TOOLS 20: Re: M Eisenstadt's call for conversion kits 21: RhinoBones Calling Mike From Carson Sales 22: Tools 23: Further on Tools 24: Laser Airbrush 25: Proposed Upgrade/Conversion Kits 26: Re: Laser Airbrush -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: Mary's great pics 2: Insurance? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Warship Books announcement 2: SMML Special Offer from Nauticus Models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Billgior@aol.com Subject: uss new mexico 1/350 scale from commanders ironshipwright i would like to tell everyone i just received the new kit of the uss new mexico 1/350 kit from commanders ironshipright. what an excellent job they did the quality of the kit is quite good. the small detail parts are well done also. the uss new mexico has been a long forgotten subject and it is about time some one did a kit of these beautiful ships. my hats off to ted paris and john warneke for putting out a nice kit. keep up the good work. sincerely bill from rider's hobbies -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: Tools thread We all have favorite tools when it comes to building models. Mine include X-Acto "Helping Hands", a pair of spring loaded clips on an eclectic system of arms and mounted on a heavy base. Useful, for example, for holding yardarms or other parts in place while glue sets. Also, for cutting thin wire, I use nail clippers. Much better than shears or scissors as they are unlikely to twist or distort the wire, and they are cheap enough to replace when they become blunt. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: Help: Does Anyone has this FALKLANDS book? >> I am looking for someone on this list who has this Falklands war book. The book -- FALKLAND Task Force Portfolio" is in large format with 112 pages containing 200 photos. << I have it. What is the question? Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: CAM Ships If you are looking for plans of one of these ships try MODEL BOATS site http://www.modelboats.co.uk/. Look under Plans and select the Warships category. There you will find EMPIRE JUBILEE. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Fkbrown90@aol.com Subject: Re: tool thread This may sound primitive to experienced modelers, but one of the biggest "discoveries" I have made as a stictly amateur modeler was the cross-over tweezer. As I mentioned in an earlier SMML, I started my first model in 1934 and am still working on it. A pro took pity on me and introduced me to the crossover, and it quickly advanced to being among the most useful handtools I have. For those who have not yet met this little gem, it is like a tweezer, which is "open" and you squeeze it to clamp onto something (sort of like pliers), but instead of squeezing it to clamp, the crossover is "closed" and you squeeze it to open it. Thus you can clamp something in the crossover without having to keep constant pressure on the tool (as you would with a tweezer) until the something is in place, at which time you squeeze the crossover to release. I had been using a hemostat, but the crossover is much handier. It can be used as a small clamp to hold glued parts until the glue sets, etc. Try it, you will like it, but get the smaller one first. I have two, but rarely use the larger one. Franklyn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Fkbrown90@aol.com Subject: Re: A.J.Owens' daughter Now that's my kind of kid! Believe thee me, savor every chance you get to devote all the time you can with her. Having just run out of young grandchildren, If A.J.Owens can arrange for a clone of his Mary, I herewith place my order, provided she wouldn't mind sleeping with a large wooly kid-loving dog. Franklyn -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Cataldo Torelli Subject: Re: Proposed Upgrade/Conversion Kits Michael wrote: >> 1) to convert the Tamiya CV-6 USS Enterprise to her late-war appearance. This might entail resin bulges for the hull, additional AAA tubs/sponsons, and conversion parts for the bridge/island. << Yes, PLEASE, PLEASE. Well I've just scratched the bulges but I would like to have such a conversion. Regards, Cataldo Torelli. Madrid, Spain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: HMVS Cerbreus (1869) Hello Shane - and the rest of the SMMLies I found the following website featuring a downloadable card model of HMVS Cerberus of 1869. http://www.papershipwright.freeserve.co.uk/ps02.htm The Cerberus was a Breastwork Monitor designed for coastal operations. She was built for pre-Federation Australia. What is the meaning of the HMVS designation of her name? Ed Mansfield, TX Hi Ed, HMVS = His/Her Majesty's ictorian Ship. Cerebus is now used as a breakwater :-( Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Lionel Ng" Subject: LEE Model Warship Hi, I saw some LEE (brand) model warship. Any comments on the quality and build of its product. lionel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Dimi Apostolopoulos Subject: HMS Campbeltown Kit Folks, I am looking for a Tom's Modelworks kit of HMS Campbeltown in 1:350. Any ideas where I may find one? I know that ICS is planning to re-release it in the future, but I was looking for a kit I can purchase right away. Thanks, Dimi -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: Tools Advice The power sander offered by Micromark is OK - I got one, and it works as advertised. My application was tight spaces inside bridge wings and gun tubs. I build in 1/96 scale, so there are a lot of those! Operating models have to be repainted and touched up from time to time, so it is a useful tool for that. It does vibrate a bit more than I would like, and the sandpaper clogs fairly rapidly when sanding paint, but these are not insurmountable problems. At $ 65 a good, but not indispensable tool. The Chopper is very, very useful. I use mine during almost every modeling session, particularly when scratchbuilding detail parts. If you need styrene strip stock (say that three times quickly ) cut to precise lengths, it is a fine tool. A useful accessory is the stick on tape measure. I would recommend this tool to any scratch builder. The True Sander is OK, does the job, but is a bit awkward in use. I usually use a power disc sander, Micro Mark part number 14172 to do most of this type of sanding. You will need to slow it down with a speed control for plastics. What I really would like to see if a wet wheel, slow disc sander for this application - might have to cobble one up someday to see if it would be as useful as I suspect. Another great tool is the power miter saw, Micro Mark # 15218. If you cut a lot of brass tubing, this is the machine to get. Fast, precise and a joy to use. On a far cheaper level, let us celebrate the humble # 11 blade. Of course, you can use it for cutting out of the package, but I also have modified the blade in a variety of ways to make scrapers, special application knives, even lathe cutting tools. You have to be very, very careful when grinding a knife blade, of course, but the result is a very useful collection of small tools I keep in a rack on my bench. A dollop of paint on the end of each handle lets me identify the tool for quick use. Another very useful tool, if you want to call it that, is the Optivisor. I have yet to find an inexpensive alternative that works better (surgical magnifiers seem a bit excessive for modeling work, though they might be fantastic - I just don't want to know ). Once you get used to having them on, the difference can be incredible - you will do better work by seeing your project in greater detail. Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography http://warshipphotos.com Warship Models Underway http://warshipmodelsunderway.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "pxs98" Subject: Re: U.S.S. Cabot John wrote: >> If you are interested have photographs I took of her during the late 1970s while I was in Spain and she was part of the Spanish Navy. << John, I too am interested in those pictures. please contact me offlist on how to get them. I tried to get to the Cabot's scrapping site last week, but ran out of time as the aishow I had planned to attend on Sunday started late and by the time it was done, I had to start for home. I'll try to do it on my next trip in April. Best regards, Pablo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: rweilach@mindspring.com Subject: proposed future conversions The last SMML had the following an idea I liked: >> 2) to accurize the Hasegawa USS Essex/Yorktown kit IAW the ideas presented in the article that Larry Gertner wrote for IPMS Quarterly years ago. This might include a new resin island, a correct laser-etched flight deck (as in the Tom's Casablanca kit), correct resin catwalks/AAA gun tubs, etc. << In addition, how about a way to accurize the Hasegawa South Dakota Class BB's, Aoshima North Carolina BB's, and Fujimi Iowa Class BB's? I would be very interested in those. Rob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Jens H. Brandal" Subject: French Warship names From: "larsenal" snip >> -The Aviso A-69 series is named afer heros of the French Resistance of WWII << Good moaning. They even have a "René Artois"? For someone who takes evening classes in French language I found your post interesting, yet confusing, but nothing more so than the occasional grammar:) Jens Now, Jens you have to listen verrrrrry carefully, he shall say this only once ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "John" Subject: Profile Morskie Series >> Not surprised that Morske's Ajax book has blatant errors. I found the same problems in other Morske books. The careful observer will notice that sometimes even their own overhead and side view plans contradict themselves. They will also notice that photos in their books are usually lifted from other publications, and are poorly reproduced. I suspect a lack of academic skill and integrity is endemic to the entire series, meaning the accuracy of the plans in the books depends entirely on the accuracy of the undisclosed plans their draftsman copied. Perhaps some are good, though I have not seen any. The crisp drawings and moderate price, which probably accounts for the series undeserved popularity, do make a nice first impression so BUYER BEWARE. << Mr GrafSpee34 While that maybe the case with the book on the Ajax, I have not found this to be the case with the other books that I have from them, it seem to me the only problem with the books is that they are all written in polish and in an American market that hurt a little bit, but how do you know that they are lifting there photos from other books could it not be the other way around, And again I believe sir the statement made is sour grapes lack of academic skills and integrity, that sounds like you got burned once and cant get over it, instead of blasting a book and company be thankful that atleast someone out there is making an attempt at providing you and me the information we need, it has never seemed to amaze me, with my fellow modelers both static and radio controlled, that every time someone brings a book, model, or something to a show or the lake that someone has to started immediately start tearing the effort apart, and degrading it to the point of discarding the modelers or publishers efforts, ok so we get a model that is not 100% accurate, hell the real ships don't even follow there own plans. with mods here and there, ok well deal with it make the adjustments to the kit, or notation in the books sometimes we take our hobby to serious and then it stops be a hobby and becomes WORK, and even if it is work to some, if you cant say something nice about a product don't say anything at all, enjoy the effort enjoy the model, and above all ENJOY and ill sign my name to it John Anderson West Coast 1/72nd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: darsamr@supanet.com Subject: April Fools Hey Shane! The Aussies are going to retain the Ashes!! Nah, an obvious April Fools joke. Sorry mate, Dave. Hi Dave, Tis funny how many a true word is often spoken in jest ;-þ Unless of course you did mean it the other way around ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "D.Przezdziecki" Subject: Profile Morskie and all that jazz.... While not defending Profile Morskie in any way I would to invite all of their critics for a little reality check. With the possible exception of offical plans from ship builders archives (and even they need to be treated with caution), there are very few, if any, reference works which deal with their subject comprehensively and flawlessly. I for one would never trust any single book or profile without crosschecking with other sources available. When I first bought R.A.Burt's "British Battleships of WW I" I thought -at last a definitve work on the subject!! And than I have discovered mistakes and errors. One of the great strenghts of lists like SMML and internet as a whole is that much greater amount of reference works and sources can be compared and omissons and mistakes weeded out. Profile Morskie were never ment to be an "Anatomy of..." sort of publications,they are a brochures written for people with an interest in the subject by authors whose access to source materials was, not suprisingly, limited. But than their price is also a fraction of the one demanded for "The Only Book You Will Ever Need About....." types of publications. Once the mistakes are identified and corrected,the plans included in Profiles form a perfect basis for a good model so for all those "Thumbs Down" types out there I say -show me better references at comparable prices and I will shut up!!! Regards D.P -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "DUCKMAN" Subject: N. S. SAVANNAH I HAVE A COUPLE SHOTS OF THE SHIP IN AN OLD BROCHURE FROM PATRIOT'S POINT. IF INTERESTED I CAN SCAN AND SEND. DAVID -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: "DUCKMAN" Subject: TOOLS ONE OF THE HANDIEST TOOL I HAVE IS THE FLEX-I-FILE. IF YOU DON'T OWN ONE, CHECK IT OUT AT MICRO-MARK. DAVID -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: HAZEGRAYADM@aol.com Subject: Re: M Eisenstadt's call for conversion kits I suggested a conversion kit for the Hasegawa Essex class kits to Tom (Tom's Modelworks) myself some time ago before he decided to decisively curtail his output of resin. He said, "Fine; show me the patterns & let's see what's involved". When I came up with the whole box of stuff & showed him the articles (Fall 1982 IPMS Journal & 1988 Detail & Scale's profile on CV-16) his jaw dropped. He felt it would be better to make a new kit. And he's right. I will be talking about the, "Bldg a better Essex" at the SMML / CV Hornet conv. in April w/ a few samples of what & what not to do. When you see what's involved, you'll understand why I suggest we all write to Hasegawa & ask them to redo their Essex kits the way they did the Myoko class. I've done the work & am still doing it because I'm really hooked on the CV-9 class but it may be a bit much for most modelers to try, even if its the only game in town in 1/700 scale. Any venture in after market work is tougher than it seems to those who haven't tried it. Better we gently attack the manufacturers with requests for reengineering like Tamiya & Hasegawa have done so far. If you do, offer all the help they will need, particularly good drawings (From Floating Drydock to name just one). something that Hasegawa probably had no access to when they did their Essex. Bert McDowell -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: RhinoBones@aol.com Subject: RhinoBones Calling Mike From Carson Sales Mike D. (of "Midway" project fame) I need your e-mail address. I have a few pictures of a completed Zhengdefu cruiser for you. Regards, RhinoBones -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: "denis keegan" Subject: Tools I have both the Chopper and the True Sander. The Chopper is OK within very narrow limits. If you want to cut thin (Less than 30th) sheet or strip then it works. For anything over that it is not suitable - as it says in the Instructions. The angle markings are too broad for real accuracy and it is very easy to shave off the edges of the plastic guides. Pre mark the angle guides with the saw blade Before starting to use the tool and you will not lose the reference markings. The True Sander is a good tool but a little expensive. It would not be difficult to make an acceptable item oneself which would be just as effective and a LOT cheaper. Nevertheless it DOES do the job as advertised. Hint #1 - mount a strip of 1/4" square wood or Evergreen strip on the underside parallel to the front edge and this will stop the thing sliding all over the work bench if you then hook this over the edge of the bench. Hint #2 - coat the surface of the area on which the sanding block slides with Graphite dust or some other low friction substitute to help ease the movement. Hint#3 - round off the tips of the Aluminum Sanding block. This will stop it digging into the Hardboard surface if you inadvertantly press too hard. Summary - Make your own Sander and buy the Chopper if you are prepared to accept it's limitations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: "denis keegan" Subject: Further on Tools I use Surgical Scalpels in preference to Xacto Knives. They are cheaper and the blades are of MUCH better quality. The blades are also MUCH cheaper. The scalpels do not roll off the Bench to launch themselves into your foot and they are virtualy indestructable. There is no screw lock to sieze up and the blades are aesily replaced. A word of caution - ALWAYS use a pair of fine nosed pliers to replace the blades. These things are SHARP. I sell both items BTW Scalpels - $5.00 Ea Blades - $38.oo per100 (about 1/2 Squdrons price) All prices are in $CDN multiply by .68 for $US Denis K -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Timothy Dike" Subject: Laser Airbrush >> FSM does an Aprils Fools article every year. << Well I guess us Starsky and Hutch fans will never be taken seriously now! Even worse I notice the author was wearing a RUSH - "Roll the Bones" tour tee shirt. I would say that the real author of that story has been reading too many "what do you listen to while modeling" RMS threads! Now I'M going to have to be careful about wearing mine in public! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Timothy Dike" Subject: Proposed Upgrade/Conversion Kits >> 1) to convert the Tamiya CV-6 USS Enterprise to her late-war appearance. This might entail resin bulges for the hull, additional AAA tubs/sponsons, and conversion parts for the bridge/island. << With a Skywave weapons set, some sheet styrene, and Classic Warships new Yorktown class book this should be a pretty simple conversion. http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ >> 2) to accurize the Hasegawa USS Essex/Yorktown kit IAW the ideas presented in the article that Larry Gertner wrote for IPMS Quarterly years ago. This might include a new resin island, a correct laser-etched flight deck (as in the Tom's Casablanca kit), correct resin catwalks/AAA gun tubs, etc. << Here here! Long overdue! I'm currently working on a 56 build of the USS Boxer, and wish some of these things were available. I would love to see some angled flight deck kits, and SCB type Island conversion parts made available. >> 4) to backdate the Tamiya USS Indianapolis kit to her 1943-44 (?) appearance when she wore that appealing dazzle camo scheme. << That one shouldn't be too hard, with either of the Classic Warships Indianapolis books. http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ Regards, Timothy Dike Webmaster and Editor ModelWarships.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Shane Weier Subject: Re: Laser Airbrush Shane the Younger comments: >> Another was about a group of enthusiasts building a model of the longest straight piece of railroad in the world, which crosses the Koolgardi Plain (help me here Shane) (It's in Western Australia, near Kalgoorlie: Shane) << It is *partly* in WA. And it's on the *Nullarbor* Plain. Coolgardie (a town, not a plain) is about 40km south west of Kalgoorlie. Both are several hundred kilometres west of the long straight stretch. This is what happens when a shippie comes ashore - no idea of relative geography when moving from charts to maps ;-) Shane (the older) Hey give me a break, I've yet to venture into "Sandgroper" territory yet ;-). Too busy on the Eastern Seaboard telling "Canetoads" what to do ;-þ StY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Mistress Lorna Subject: Mary's great pics Hi, For eveyone who has been keen to see pictures of Mary's model, you can now see them at http://www.smml.org.uk/references/models/members_models.html Again, great job Mary!! Mistress Lorna -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "brad" Subject: Insurance? Hi Ed, As you saw in the newsletter I asked for info about insurance, got a reply from the CT club about the International Plastic etc. group. Their web site is: www.ipmsusa.org By joining we get ins. for about $150.00. Will XROX the stuff and pass it on to Tony. Have a good weekend. Brad. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Keith Butterley Subject: Warship Books announcement Hi all, New books from Poland. BS Publishing (Profile Morskie) De Ruyter, Small format 7" x 10" , soft cover, 56 pages, 45b/w photos, 24 detail drawings in 1/200 scale, Polish text Canada: $27Cdn + shipping USA/Int'l: $18US + shipping UK: 13.50GBP + shipping Caio Diulio, Small format 7" x 10" , soft cover, 56 pages, 45b/w photos, 24 detail drawings in 1/200 scale, Polish text Canada: $27Cdn + shipping USA/Int'l: $18US + shipping UK: 13.50GBP + shipping Wydanictwo Militaria Japanese Aircraft Carriers, Soft cover, 280 pages illustrated with 120 photographs, 57 drawings, 21 maps Polish text with English captions Canada: $31Cdn + shipping USA/Int'l: $21US + shipping UK: 15.50GBP + shipping Warships of the World Repulse, Soft cover, 56 pages, 55 b/w photos, 1/400 scale drawings, Polish text. Canada: $30Cdn + shipping USA/Int'l: $20US + shipping UK: 15.50GBP + shipping Regards Keith Butterley http://www.warshipbooks.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Christopher Decker Subject: SMML Special Offer from Nauticus Models Once again Nauticus Models is pleased to offer some special prices for those on the SMML mailing list. I think some of you will find these most attractive. 1. Skywave SWW54 Heavy Cruiser TAKAO - we have a limited supply, but can offer them up first come, first served for $27.00. Retail is reported as either $49.98 or $39.98, depends on who you talk to. 2. Skywave SWW55 Heavy Cruiser ATAGO - Well, if you have one, why not the other. Again a limited supply, but at 27.00, who can complain. Also for SMML members, order over $100, and shipping to North America is on us, including Canada. Otherwise shipping is $5.00. Overseas, well, we'll work out a deal where we cover the first $10 in shipping, you pay the rest. Check out our web site for more models. Bear with us, we are currently updating and it should be more impressive in the coming weeks. And as always, if you don't see something you want, drop me aline, I bet we can find it for you. http://www.nauticusmodels.com Happy Modeling Chris Decker President Nauticus 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