Subject: SMML VOL 1198 Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2001 00:10:01 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Hood price 2: Re: PT Boat upgrade 3: Re: THE ICM HOOD IS HERE!!!!! 4: Re: Cleaning the Future 5: BB-16 ANCHOR CHAIN 6: Jag 1/350 Fram Gearing 7: Rain in Seattle 8: Re: model shops in Taipei 9: ICM kits 10: Easier Original Research and all that 11: Origin of the term WOG 12: Can Anyone Identify This Man??? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: SMML site update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Kits and books for sale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: BECJPARKER@aol.com Subject: Re: Hood price If I'm not mistaken the Konig was first advertised at $39.95, then wound up selling for $89.95 from most of the dealers. Now the price of the Hood is going to be $200 retail. The retail mark up on plastic kits runs around 55 to 65% for most stuff produced in the west. Stiff coming out of the old east block has a higher mark up 55 to 75%. That means the ICM Hood will sell to the wholesaler for between $50 to $70 US. When the dealers get tired of holding the stock they have and need cash flow they will drop the prices to a reasonable level. If you don't have to have it right now just wait and the price will come down. The best example of this is the prices on the Tamiya 350th kits that you can get for around $30-40 now. Also remember that the wholesale cost has the profit for the manufacture in it not the retail so the maker is making his profit out of that price which after all his expenses is only going to be around 15 to 25% of that price, $10 to 12 dollars on the Konig and $20 to 25 on a $200 Hood. Not a big profit for the maker. Also in the big scheme of things $5 to 10 bucks to go to a movie per person, $15 to 20 if you buy anything like a drink and popcorn, figure that out in entertainment buy the hour verses a $200 Hood. $3.50 to $4.50 for a beer out, $2.50 for coffee at Starbucks all in all modeling is a cheap hobby even at $200 for a kit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: PT Boat upgrade >> One other thought for manufacturers or after-market builders. PTs were standardized beginning early in WW II & to the end. The Elco 80' & the Higgins 78" were the standards; however, some details changed over that time, as would be expected. In particular, the torpedo tubes in use early on [e.g., PT 117] were replaced by launch racks when the smaller aircraft torpedoes became the standard. The PTs also packed more firepower over time [e.g., 40 mm aft in later boats]. Further evolutions included, different mast on later Elco boats, most later PTs carried both a life raft & a dinghy, camo paint, etc. In short, a box of alternative parts & some decals together w/authentic paint schemes could turn the PT 117 kit into representatives of all the Elco '80 PTs from '42 to the end of WW II. << Actually that's not a bad idea Are you listening Ted?? Steve?? Mike B.?? A set of alternate parts to do a series of different fitouts and generations of Elcos. Now if someone would just do a Higgins in the same scale!! Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Mike Settle Subject: Re: THE ICM HOOD IS HERE!!!!! >> I just picked up the ICM HOOD kit from my local hobby shop and it is a beauty! The price is $99US ( I paid $156CDN which converts to $99US). It came from the supplier today and he only got 2 kits as they are being spread very thinly. The supplier said that Canada only got 3 boxes of six for the whole country!!! << Darren, Please tell me that this post does not have any connection to the fact that today is April 1. :-0 Mike Settle I am not agent #1908 of the non-existent Lumber Cartel (tinlc)tm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Mike Settle Subject: Re: Cleaning the Future >> Any recommendations on the best stuff to clean Future out of the airbrush? (immediately after - not ten days later) And the same for Polly Scale Acrylics... << Use a glass cleaner with ammonia. I prefer Windex. Mike Settle I am not agent #1908 of the non-existent Lumber Cartel (tinlc)tm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "DUCKMAN" Subject: BB-16 ANCHOR CHAIN HAVING VISITED THE U.S.S. ALABAMA IN MOBILE, PERHAPS I CAN BE OF SOME HELP ON CHAIN SIZE. YA'LL GOTTA BELIEVE ME, IT IS MIGHTY DAMN BIG!! DAVID -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Paul Reyes Subject: Jag 1/350 Fram Gearing Hello all, Caroline Carter from White Ensign Models stated that Jag is coming out with a 1/350 Gearing Fram. Does anyone know when this is going to happen? Are they taking orders for them yet? Also as I remember from my years on Destroyers the only wog I knew of was a poly wog as in a non-shellback. For those of you that did not serve in the Navy you are a poly wog until you cross the equator and kiss King Neptunes belly. A true site to behold. Sigs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Duane Fowler Subject: Rain in Seattle I heard that people in Seattle don't tan - they just rust. Also that ten billion slugs loved Seattle, why shouldn't you? Best regards, Duane (it's sunny and 75 degrees F at the beach today) Fowler -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Henry T Chen" Subject: Re: model shops in Taipei Hi all, Thank you too all of you that responded to my inquiry on where to visit in Taipei. Now I'm looking forward to bring home a few more ships to add to my fleet..SMML's great!!!! Henry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Henry T Chen" Subject: ICM kits Dear SMML, So much has been said lately about the Hood (don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading every bit of each writing). I just want to say, while a lot of you think it was a mistake for ICM to put out SMS Konig, and Grosser Kurfurst (may be so true financially for ICM), I fully appreciate their efforts. I'm a German High Seas Fleet enthusiast, and was so glad to see these 2 kits became available....Bt the way, I recently received SMS Baden and Blucher by WSW. They are very detailed fantastic kits. Henry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Subject: Easier Original Research and all that Fellow Smellies. Just last week a brand spanking new, all singing all dancing, state of the art, Naval Armament Museum opened in Gosport Hampshire. I have been undertaking research at Priddy's Hard since the late 1960s. Priddy's Hard dates from around 1771 when the original powder magazine was constructed, and remained an armament depot for over 200 years. My interest was the naval weapons on display there, and in my early visits the numerous gunnery manuals (BRs) held in store. What was of particular interest were the collection of WWII weapons on display, both inside, and unfortunately outside, and open to the weather, with a gradual reduction in their condition. Such items as a Twin 4" Mark XIX, and single 4.5", 4.7" ex-destroyer mountings, as well as a 12 Pounder H/A and 40 mm Bofors Mark III. I have remained in touch and for the past 5 years or so the site has been closed down for refurbishment. I visited last year and new roads and car parks were under construction. I had seen some of the efforts put in by a willing band of volunteer workers to prepare exhibits for display. Indeed I had photographed and measured such gems as their 2 Pounder Mark VIII Gun, (The Pom Pom) and the Mark II Depth Charge Thrower up to three years ago. Last Thursday I visited "Explosion" the Museum of Naval Firepower with a fellow Smellie. It is fair to say that I was not disappointed. Apart from teething troubles with site directions. What a change, a transformation. Whole halls displaying, Mines, Torpedoes, air delivery weapons, missiles, guns, mountings, and ammunition. Specifically exhibits include a 15" gun breach, 6", 5.25", 4.7", 4.5", 4", 2 Pounder, 12 Pounder, 40mm, and 20mm Guns. 2" rockets. A whole Seacat missile system. (A new one for me). Exocet missile, Sea Slug, Atomic bomb and the Schwartzkopff torpedo. More displays, a single 4.5" Mark V destroyer mounting, probably from one of our post war Tribal class frigates. Single 40 mm Bofors Mark VII, Single 20 mm Oerlikon Mark VII, a 4" Mark XXII S2 Submarine mounting. A mass of torpedoes dating from WWI through WWII and post war. The wartime Mark II, IV and V depth charge throwers and squid Mark IV, as well as a collection of muskets, pistols and rifles. The huge original brick-vaulted Grand Magazine has been restored and holds a most interesting series of large screens with audio video sound effects showing the long history of the site and the issue of ammunition and explosive to all the major and minor conflicts. Elsewhere, in fact in every corner, are more interesting facts and exhibits. The issue of clothing to the workers, (mostly women), for filling shells in the various workshops from the battle of Trafalgar to the Gulf War. What I particularly liked was the fact that all the exhibits had been stripped down to their component parts, cleaned and repainted. They look as good as when originally issued. Added to the exhibits are state of the art touch displays to each major exhibit, firing the guns, torpedoes etc. The youngsters are catered for in trials for gun loading and what ship movement was like at sea, where they are "hands on". Such is the amount on display that a good three hours are needed. The twin 4" and a few other items are not on display at this time, but I was informed that they are part of the reserve collection being prepared for exhibit later. Among those are the H/A 12 Pounder Mark IX, an "A" class submarine 21" Torpedo Tube, and not one, but two, ahead throwing Limbos. We had attended on a Thursday, and it was nice to see that the patrons were mainly Middle aged (like me) with their wives. There is also a small bookshop and restaurant. An added bonus is the fact that the site is right by the harbour overlooking what was the area where the Reserve Fleet was moored. Coach parties and mass visits are very welcome. Close by is the Submarine Museum and HMS/M Alliance. Further information from Explosion, Priddy's Hard, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4LE. Tel: 023 9258 6500 Fax: 023 9258 6282 and www.explosion.org.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Chant, Peter" Subject: Origin of the term WOG All Sorry to add more confusion to the thread but I well remember a Commander in the Sri Lankan Navy who called himself a WOG. He said it was definitely "Worthy Oriental Gentleman" and used it with pride to distinguish himself from his uneducated compatriots. Peter Chant Plymouth UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Don Carner" Subject: Can Anyone Identify This Man??? Hello! I realize that binaries usually are not part of the routine here. However, I have an interesting photo that has been driving my Dad nutz! This was taken aboard CA-38, San Fran and obviously is an officer!?! Anyone out there have a clue? Thanks, Don Carner Hi all, The picture is at the following url: http://www.smml.btinternet.co.uk/references/CA-38model.JPG Regards, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shane Subject: SMML site update Hi all, Well the site has been updated again & the archives are up to date. In this update we have added the following to the "Mainbrace" section: Bill Code's new page shows us his magnificent sailing ships, USS Cochrane & some German WW2 subjects John Currie adds to his page a very nice Airfix 1/600 HMS Warspite John has also sent in some photos of HMS Belfast during her recent dry-docking in Portsmouth for the ship walkaround page. Stay tuned for more in the coming days. Regards, Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Chris.Evenden@agso.gov.au Subject: Kits and books for sale Tom's Modelworks Photoetch 1/700 701 US Destroyer $8 707 US Escort Carrier $8 709 Axis Submarines $10 1/350 3510 US Fast Battleship $20 Gold Medal Models 1/700 Modern USSR Ship $10 Tamiya 1/350 Fletcher Class Destroyer with Tom's Modelworks photoetch set and square bridge conversion $65 White Ensign Models 1/700 HMS Invincible (Falklands) $60 Skywave USN WW2 Equipment set 1 $10 Ticonderoga Class Cruiser $10 (no box) BOOKS Sumner - Gearing Class Destroyers: Design, weapons and equipment. By Robert F. Sumrall, Conway Press 1995 $65 Photos, plans, colour profiles, colour renderings of weapons etc. The Eclipse of the Big Gun (Conway history of the ship series) $40 All prices in Australian dollars. Postage is not included. Overseas orders welcome. Thanks, Chris -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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