Subject: SMML VOL 1232 Date: Wed, 02 May 2001 03:47:18 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Whats on,under and over the workbench 2: HMS York 3: Re: Wives (okay, girlfriend in my case) and the bench 4: On the (eclectic) workbench.... 5: Re: Wives 6: HMS Tiger 7: Re: On the workbench and a vote on what to do next 8: Re: Understanding Wife 9: Re: Whats on the bench,Reading and Wives 10: Rules of Acquisition -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: May Internet Modeler 2: What's new at ModelWarships.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Connor, Michael" Subject: Whats on,under and over the workbench Hi All, Well, I model in 1/600 and most are Airfix. UNDER THE WORKBENCH awaiting SURVEY are Warspite, Nelson, Victorious, Fearless, one Suffolk and Devonshire. They are all approaching forty years old and in various states of repair. ON THE WORKBENCH are Daring and Manxman. Both are UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Add to these Hood which is undergoing a ten year long "large repair". I believe this is what the Poms (British) call a major rebuild. She has a new supersructure taken from a second Warspite and at present is waiting for WEM's 4.5" guns. ABOVE THE BENCH on a shelf are the Hotspur, Cossack, USS Kittyhawk (Monagram), Belfast and Suffolk, all currently IN COMMISSION. On the same shelf waiting to be built are USS Nimitz (Monagram), a second Devonshire, Leander, Amazon, Ark Royal, USS Mansfield (either Aroura or Lindburg) and a second Cossack (A polish company). As there is a marked shortage of fleet destroyers on this scale the plan is to use the second Cossack to try and build a near to scale J, K or N class. It will not be perfect but will be near enough. If it works I have an old article from a book published by Airfix for converting a Trible to a Battle class. Again the scale will not be exact but will do. I will build it as either HMAS Tobruk or Anzac. I get the depressing feeling that I will never finish all these. I guess I can blame my understanding wife who was the one who twisted my arm to get out the old models and start the hobby again. Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Kevin Surjan" Subject: HMS York Hi all, I'm after the photo etched set for the HMS York. I know that Samek have a set in with their 1/700 resin ship but all I want is the photo etching not the ship. I've been in touch with Pacific Front Hobbies who told me to contact Samek direct which I did but with no luck. Any ideals? Thanks Kevin Surjan Perth Western Australia Hi Kevin, The PE set included wuth the Samak 1/700 York is made by Eduard, so you may want to try them. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Mike Connelley Subject: Re: Wives (okay, girlfriend in my case) and the bench Howdy: The issue is this. My girlfriend is quite supportive of my modeling. She thinks it's kind of a lonesome pastime and perhaps a bit silly (playing with toy boats and all), but she appreciates the fact that I enjoy it, so I'm very happy with that. Since she knows Japanese, she helps me read the books Duane gave me and I can tell her all about the Yamato and other ships with funny sounding names, and she actually looks interested! The down side is that with work, we're both very busy. Naturally we like to spend time together, so that coupled with work duties leaves zip for modeling time. One day I dream of getting back to the bench, since there are some interesting things sitting over there. For example, I'm working on a 1/700 Tone, Akagi and Fuso. There is also a 1/350 Yamato that's being backdated to 1943. Today I saw what Tom's Modelworks is putting into thier Yamato photoetch sets, and I'm a very happy camper (or sailor?) today. It's just about everything I could possibly want and then some. All my Yamato detailing dreams will soon come true. Anyway, so that's what's not happening on the bench. Cheers Mike Connelley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Les Dorr Jr." Subject: On the (eclectic) workbench.... Guess I'm a bit late in joining this thread, but here goes: 1/542 USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Complete except for a few PE railings and details yet to be added. Replaced the twin 3" gun barrels with plastic rod. One day in this century I'll get up the nerve to try resin casting a bunch of F2H Banshees from the old Forrestal kit to replace the F9F-8s in the FDR kit. AFAIK, FDR never operated Cougars while in the axial-deck configuration 1/700 R-G Perry-class FFG. Basic assembly is done. Used the DD/FFG details from GMM. Plan to finish the ship as the Puller once I get up the nerve to try putting the PE railings along those *&^%$#@ teeny-tiny mast platforms!!! :-\ 1/72 MPM FH-1 Phantom. Ready for the paint shop, will be finished as a VMF-122 bird 1/72 Revell N2S-2 Stearman. Just finished scratchbuilding the cockpits -- nonexistent in the kit -- and proceeding to basic assembly. Will be finished as an NAS Corpus Christi trainer circa 1943. Onward and upward! Les "Um Tut Sut? Sure, why not?." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: John_Impenna@hyperion.com Subject: Re: Wives Hi All, I am very lucky also. My wife and I have been married just about 2.5 years. She has never been anything but supportive. She also has her own hobbies(scrapbooking, knitting/crocheting) as well. She has done nothing but encourage me and only whines about "when am I going to see more stuff in that expensive display case you bought????" She cocks her head and roll's her eyes a little when another box of kits comes in(that is only because of the 700+ that are already "in stock") and she loudly proclaims "I truly hope we both live long enough for you to COMPLETE all of them!!!!" She hopes that when we buy our house that we can have a workshop big enough to accomodate both of us. Now, I am in the basement and she is in the spare bedroom on the second floor. The only time she ever complains is when she wants to spend some quiet time with just the two of us and asks "how about just us tonite". That one I can never refuse...... Regards, John -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Gernot Hassenpflug Subject: HMS Tiger Yes, yes, yes. Thank you Ken Hoolihan for bringing that issue up: I am astonished that no-one has released the kit before. I mean, we do have Lion. Let me tell you though, with the Joe World release of the 1915 Kongo we have something pretty close to Tiger as built (and who would want to build her as in 1922, yech!). If you can shell out 14500 yen for one of these resin kits, well, make a resing copy and build Tiger from that. I am considering it, although I have no idea what resin casting is going to set me back in Japan. The Kongo kit unfortunately does not include small parts that can come from the various equipment sets. That's why (tongue into cheek) they make it so expensive - so any other expenses become peanuts in comparison! What you do get though is the hull, main superstructure and funnels, turrets, turned brass main guns, and a small photo-etch fret (not very thin, but at least the searchlight supports are usable). Gernot Hassenpflug -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: On the workbench and a vote on what to do next For some reason I can only complete one or two models a year for myself. So I want to really make the time I spend for myself worthwhile. Right now I am about 80% complete with the 1/350 WEM Adams class DD. I hope to have it ready to go by the time SoonerCon (our local club modeling contest) starts on the 12th. Next in the dry-dock will be either the 1/350 WEM Knox (a GREAT kit), the 1/350 MB Models Gambier Bay (another GREAT kit) or the 1/350 MB Models Yorktown (yet another GREAT kit). Three great kits and I don't know which to build next. Help me out here! I can't decide. Should I decide by size? If so, the Knox would win for smallest and the Yorktown would win for largest. Should I decide by price? The most expensive is the Yorktown and the cheapest is the Knox. Should I decide by what doesn't fit in any of the above? The Gambier Bay would win that one. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. You can now pay using your Visa / MasterCard http://okclive.com/flagship/ "Yeah I want Cheesy Poofs!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "Ken Goldman" Subject: Re: Understanding Wife This coming anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, my wife and I will celebrate our 31st anniversary. My secret to happy modeling is to purchase models and research materials using, whenever possible, a credit card that gives frequent flyer miles. She loves to travel, a love that will, by the way, get me to the Musee de la Marine in Paris this year. Ken Goldman THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER unique wood sculpture and fine scale models www.walruscarpenter.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: CA139JOHNF@aol.com Subject: Re: Whats on the bench,Reading and Wives The bench is separated by 10 miles of Massachusetts countryside. Half is on the USS Salem and has on it a 14 foot long brass model of the USS Saint Paul in her last fit, undergoing restoration. The half at home has a 1/48 Flower Class for R/C which is the pride of my fleet. Also repairing the railings on a 1/96 DE. Space is alocated for the building of two Classic Warships USS Salems which is starting to look like a real rush job. (Steve,Help!!). On the reading table is Unresrticted Warfare and Abandon Ship, about the Indianapolis. Just to show that you never know it all, in reading this book I discovered the Capt. of the first ship on the scene (USS Cecil Doyle)to rescue Indy's survivors was none other than my Dad's best wartime buddy. I had some correspondence with him when planning my Buckley DE because he was the xo of it, then skipper before leaving for new construction. As for wives, the ex wouldn't have anything interfering with her prime mission in life which was spending money and having babies. When even working three jobs couldn't satisfy her (no time for baby making) she took off after someone else. Once the kids grew up I got back into modeling. Switching to ships from railroading, never looked back. Wife #2 was carefully screened before acceptance. Married her in the Admiral's in port cabin on the Salem. She knew what was getting into and encourages me in my pastimes. In return I always make time for her. Result the best of all worlds. John Frohock USNSM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Btbldr" Subject: Rules of Acquisition With all this talk of give and take and compromise, I thought I should submit for your perusal the following Modelers' Rules of Acquisition. With apologies to the unknown original author and also to the Ferengi (yeah right - as if they would dispute this!) 1. You want it therefore you need it. 2. You need it therefore you must buy it. 3. All other things you need, including food, shelter, clothing, car insurance, and lunch money, are incidental in comparison to what you need for modeling. 4. Never add up the total for what you have purchased for modeling. 5. If someone else says they have something, for whatever reason, and like it, then you have to buy it, even if you're not sure you should have it. 6. If you are compelled to calculate total dollars spent on modeling and related items, never count things that are not actual models. 7. Never include items that cannot be traced via the receipt, for example office supplies are office supplies, and tape is tape - never mind where it ends up in your house. 8. When writing checks from the joint checking account, always write "K.G." in the check register. You will know that this stands for "Killer Goodies" but your significant other will think it is Kroger Grocery when she scans the checkbook to see where you have been shopping. And she knows groceries are expensive, and you need lots of them. 9. If a member of your family discards an item that is usable for modeling, you may replace it. For example, you receive a shirt as a gift - if significant other throws the shirt pins and clear plastic collar tabs away you may purchase replacements. You do not have to replace them with identical articles. This applies to Nestlé Crunch candy bar wrappers that your kids throw away too, however they are not permitted to eat the replacement candy! 10. If everyone else wants it, then you must want it too, even if you don't know what it is. 11. If everyone else wants it, even if you don't know what it is, and you find it on sale, buy it all. (note: This phenomenon is widely known as the "sale" factor, and is the only situation in which the Modeler may completely ignore Rules of Acquisition #6 and #7, and announce gleefully how much money he has saved by purchasing said items. This suspending of the rules is dependent upon: a) the actual percentage off, b) the total dollar amount spent c) the projected reaction of partner/other interested party. For more detailed worksheet on Rule Suspension see Modelers' Rules of Acquisition Handbook - Chapter 9, Subsection C, Paragraph 14, and example on facing page.) 12. Never, ever let your significant other read the Modeler's Rules of Acquisition...for reasons obvious to the seasoned modeler. For those of you who are new to this hobby, does "the jig is up" mean anything to you? 13. Reconciling yourself early to the fact that every trip to the hobby shop costs a minimum of $40, even if your intentions were to buy just one decal sheet, will save you much anxiety and false guilt. 14. Grab bags must be purchased at they time they are advertised. 15. There very likely could be that one special model you cannot live without, and the others work for trades! If you don't order immediately, you may lose that special kit. 16. Keep everything, no matter how useless or ugly or small it may be. It will become absolutely essential for a model project some day. 17. When you buy something, use it before you read the directions (Acquisition reasoning -- if you mess it up or break it, you get to buy another one). 18. You can't take it with you applies only to money. Begin getting your loved ones accustomed to the fact that you intend to be buried with your models. 19. Plastic models are an inexpensive hobby. Applying male logic to your modeling purchases can prove this. For example, no hobby where the supplies usually cost under $10 can possibly be as expensive as the usual big-ticket male hobbies such as radio controlled airplanes, restoring vintage automobiles, pro-team season tickets, etc. This just makes sense. 20. Every modeler must own every type of glue that is on the market. However, he may restrict use to his favorites. 21. Whenever a new paint line is made available, you must immediately purchase every one of the colors in which it comes. 22. When getting a model for a particular project it is imperative that you buy the same type from a variety of companies (a minimum of 3 is recommended). Once you actually sit down to build the model you will find that it is much better that you have not limited your selection to just one option. 23. It is essential to have all possible tools even if you know you won't use anything but your X-Acto knife. You never know when having the Tri-Tool saw blade #TT-37X4a will be perfect! 24. Get all types of paint; don't limit your creativity to just Model Master and Aeromaster. Make sure you have a good selection of Floquil, Humbrol, Xtracolor, and even the cheap Testors you buy at Wally Mart! 25. The iron is not for clothes; it is for making "weighted and bulged" tires. Anyone who uses an iron for clothes is excommunicated from the Modeler's Union. (note: You may avoid excommunication by following subsection B pursuant to rule #23 which in layman's terms translates as "you may use an iron for its original perverted purpose only by purchasing an auxiliary iron. However, only the old iron may be used for household purposes. Aforementioned perverted purpose is not one that is condoned by the Modeler's Union and should be performed only by support staff personnel.) 26. Tissue paper is for making tarps and for hoarding. Never use it for packing material or for wrapping packages. 27. There is absolutely no such thing as too many modeling magazines of any kind. Disregard nasty comments about the twenty years worth of Scale Models stashed in the boxes at the back of the garage. Corollaries here are: a) the complete set of Scale Models is worth the $1500...they are actually priceless. b) it is perfectly acceptable to save not only anything remotely usable, but also all the junk no one else wants... c) everything is parts box fodder and should be purchased and/or saved. Especially any broken plastic or metal toys d) "Reference Material". If you think that you will ever build a model of this airplane/car/tank/ship you must buy the book now for reference because it will not be available when you really need it e) Decals! You can never have enough decals. So what if you need 150 F-4 kits or 238 Bf-109 kits to use all of them. HisAirDec and ABT decals are historical items and should be cherished. 28. If you think there is a ghost of a chance that you might use it in a future project, buy it now. Cause if you need it later, you can bet a) you won't be able to find it, b) no one will have heard of it and c) there won't be a substitute. 29. A modeler must purchase appropriate storage containers, shelves, bins, units, etc., for all modeling related purchases. A modeler has the right and responsibility to discard all previously purchased storage systems in order to purchase a new, more appropriate system at any time. 30. A corollary to number 19 above: Modeling actually saves money. Modeling promotes the do-it-yourself philosophy. This is evident in the activities of molding, carving, and casting your own parts, and making your own toys. 31. Modeling is your civic duty. Think globally, act locally. Purchasing models and supplies is politically correct for the following reasons: a) It supports a local business and reduces the number of unemployed; b) it promotes creativity and cottage industry; c) it supports minority owned businesses (if modelers aren't a minority, who is?); d) buying expensive, imported model kits stimulates the economies of developing nations; Thus purchasing models is your civic duty. It logically follows that the world would be a better place if everyone built models. Write your congressmen today to begin the process of passing legislation making it illegal not to build models. 32. If you happen upon a super model-related deal somewhere and you buy enough for you and all your friends, and your friends buy some from you--the money they give you is free to be used to purchase more model stuff, since it has been "laundered" and isn't, technically, coming out of your pocket! 33. You must subscribe to every modeler's magazine whether or not you ever have time to read any of them. The pictures are always nice to look at and give you ideas for more model purchases you need to make. 34. You must spend thousands of dollars on a home computer, a fast modem, and an internet account so you can get online to visit all the modeling websites and get the latest hobby information. Only then will know where you can save $1.50 on your next model acquisition. This will indeed justify the total cost of your computer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Bob Pearson" Subject: May Internet Modeler Greetings all, The May Internet Modeler is now online. For Naval topics we have another Flower (notice a theme here?), reviews of the Samek 1/700 Alaska, WR Press RN Camouflage II and some WEM PE. Regards, Bob Pearson Managing Editor / Internet Modeler http://www.internetmodeler.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Timothy Dike Subject: What's new at ModelWarships.com New reviews for May include: Skywave/Pitroad USS Curtis Wilbur an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer in 1/700 scale Skywave/Pitroad HMS Manchester Royal Navy Type 42 Destroyer in 1/700 scale Tamiya 1/350 USS New Jersey Modernized Battleship White Ensign Models 1/350 King George V Photo Etch set White Ensign Models Royal Navy Photo Etch set in 1/700 scale Classic Warships Warships Pictorial #3 USS Louisville CA-28 Classic Warships Warships Pictorial #4 USS Texas BB-35 Model Ship Journal Spring 2001 issue Some assorted decals from Micro Armour Decals, Command Decision, and Hostile Aircraft Decals for those misc. detail jobs Len Roberto gives us In the box previews of: Fujimi's 1/700 German Pocket Deutschland Airfix's 1/600 Battleship HMS Warspite Tamiya's 1/700 Japanese Cruiser Kumano Hasegawa's 1/700 Japanese Carrier Akagi Norm Koger does a comparative review of the Russian battleship Kniaz Suvorov in 1/700 Combrig vs. Modelkrak Part 1 and 2 of Bill Waldorf's 1/72 Scale Buildup Feature of the Gambier Bay Escort Carrier. New Gallery additions over the last month include: Michael Taylor's: JAG Collectives Gearing FRAM, Albany and McCloy. An Italian diorama with Regia Marina's Raimondo Montecuccioli and Delphis' Barletta. Andy Elwood's: 1/350 Blue Water Navy USS O'Bannon DD-450 Steve Brejnak's: 1/350 USS Hornet (Blue Water Navy) to the Gallery More to come so stay tuned! 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