Subject: SMML VOL 1278 Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2001 16:20:29 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: deck edge antennas on US carriers 2: RG South Goodwin Lightship 3: Benson/Gleaves Kit 4: Re: Scharnhorst Documentary 5: Re: Liberty ships 6: Re: Konig decals 7: Re: eBay and saps 8: Re: Liberty ships 9: Re: deck edge antennas 10: new questions 11: Re: PH and Merchandising 12: Arizona - True/False 13: parts wanted 14: Large Card Model Bismarck 15: Re: ICM Koenig Decals - suggestion 16: Liberty ships 17: Re: JMSDF ships 18: My Pearl Harbor experience 19: Re: ICM Koenig Decals - suggestion 20: Re: Scharnhorst 21: U-505 & Scharnhorst 22: Re: Liberty Ships 23: Re: Ebay 24: Re: Trumpeter Arizona? 25: Re: For John Snyder 26: Re: Liberty Ship -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: SMML site update 2: SMMLCON 2000 Attendee List -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Lex book, Kongo book, RN Camo Vol.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Shirley Sachsen Subject: Re: deck edge antennas on US carriers To continue the discussion on these antennas.... at least on the late model Essexes (60s-70s) they were raised and lowered manually. I have a photo from one of the cruisebooks showing a sailor doing so--it looks like a fairly precarious procedure... each antenna was mounted on a bracket with a counterweight--with enough of a stub protruding from the weight to act as a handle for raising and lowering. Hornet being tied up to the pier, and having these antennas in the 'down' position has given rise to the joke that these aren't really antennas, but 'curb feelers'. with all the discussion lately about history and the general public's ignorance of same, it shouldn't be surprising that some folks think we're serious when we tell them that.... s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Skidmore, Jonathan" Subject: RG South Goodwin Lightship Hello. I am almost completed with this model. What is left is a coat of dull paint and the rigging. The model is beautiful when together. The RG kit has a lot of flash and they placed an apology in the kit stating the same. The decals are thin. The large decal on the sides is 9" long. I held may breath. I have a better appreciation for the commercial airline builders when it comes to applying decals. After you place them it is beautiful. The black plastic/vinyl railings are horribly. So bad I am going to write to RG and complain. Did anyone else have this problem? Dave did the Russian kit come with these too? I must say that I would buy this kit again. Very unusual subject. Here is a review by Frank Spahr that was very helpful and has some history of lightships: http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/misc/spahrtrinity.htm Happy modeling! Jon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Matthew Prager" Subject: Benson/Gleaves Kit A while back I read some where that a model company, I think it was Skywave, was going to produce an injection molded kit of the Benson/Gleaves destroyer class. Has anyone heard of this? Matt Prager -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: CokerRE@aol.com Subject: Re: Scharnhorst Documentary Can anyone supply a VHS video of the Scharnhorst documentary in NTSC format? PC Coker -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: ALROSS2@aol.com Subject: Re: Liberty ships >> I know there's an oop 1:700 skywave kit ( a bit small) and a 1:200(?) Blue something-or-other wooden hulled kit << The BlueJacket Shipcrafters LIBERTY ship kit is in 1/192 and is a standard "traditional" wood kit - machine carved basswood hull, basswood strip and block, and britannia fittings. Al Ross -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: Konig decals >> If any of the aftermarket decal makers are planning to step in and supply a sheet of decals for ICM's Koenig class kits (many of which contained no decals) << Classic Warships makes a great set of decals for those models. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. You can now pay using your Visa / MasterCard http://okclive.com/flagship/ "That's mighty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Re: eBay and saps >> Ebay is where I went first, but the cheapest Revell Arizona there, with shipping factored in, was no less than the one I got from Model Expo. I've seen tons of them there dirt cheap before -- many under $5.Sigh...guess folks are upping the antie trying to cash in on the new movie. I also checked out some of the other internet auction places (Yahoo, Amazon, etc). The prices seemed to be pretty constant around $10-15 at that time, with $4-5 for shipping. << You need to be vigilant. It took me months before I got a Calypso model for the price I wanted to pay. While there were lots of them on eBay, the price consistently went for over $30.00 per kit. Finally a guy put one up for bid that had a ragged, beat up box and some of the parts already painted. I got that one for $12.00 (about what it's worth). It's amazing to me what some saps pay for kits on that site. With a one minute search, one can check the "retail" price on any number of web sites, and not overbid what they're worth. The same goes for those poor saps that are STILL paying over $100.00 for the AOTS Yamato book when they can buy one from NIP for $45.00! Oh well, I guess there really is a sucker born every minute. I would also try posting your request on the Steel Navy message board. Chances are very good someone has an Arizona gathering dust in their closet that won't rip you off on shipping. SteelNavy Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. You can now pay using your Visa / MasterCard http://okclive.com/flagship/ "That's mighty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SantMin@aol.com Subject: Re: Liberty ships >> I know there's an oop 1:700 skywave kit ( a bit small) and a 1:200(?) Blue something-or-other wooden hulled kit. But pretty sure no other scales kitted. Correct? << Ian, The Iron Shipwrights Liberty is 1/350. Bob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: DYSLEXIAUK@aol.com Subject: Re: deck edge antennas On UK carriers these masts were not aerials in themselves but merely masts for carrying wire aerials - for long range communications - mainly HF and MF. They don`t normally use these aerials for UHF or VHF. They were always lowered during flight ops. When the aerials snapped - which they often did - I hated going up these masts to mend the wires. Regards to all John Ewan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Friedrich Kappes Subject: new questions Vaillante (French gunboat, launched 1917) date of entry into service Beagle (Chilean) date of entry into service Dazhi (China) date of entry into service X 615 (China) date of entry into service Tuzhong (China) date of entry into service Shijan (China around 1970) date of entry into service Yuan Wang 1, Yuan Wang 2 (Chinese missile control ships) date of entry into service Yunnan (Chinese landing craft) date of entry into service Polnocny B (Soviet landing craft) date of entry into service SMB-1 (Soviet landing craft) date of entry into service Muna-class (Soviet tender) date of entry into service Uda-class (Soviet tender) date of entry into service Alyay-class (Soviet tender) date of entry into service Kazbek-class (Soviet oiler) date of entry into service Khobi (Soviet auxiliary) date of entry into service Luza (Soviet auxiliary) date of entry into service Tafelberg (South-African oiler) date of entry into service Friedrich The FriedrichFiles http://sites.netscape.net/friedkappes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: PH and Merchandising >> For the hobby manufacturers, those who dropped the ball get what they deserve - nothing. << Ned, With that statement, you are WAY to bitter. Take it easy man. Life is short enough as it is. Those of use producers who did not do any Pearl Harbor projects to come out at the same time as the movie, may have had other things or commitments that did not allow for any such projects. Try looking at the glass half full. As a ship modeler, you should thank your lucky stars that there has been soooooo much produced in the last 5 to 10 years. Like Oddball from Kelly's Hero's said; "All those negative waves, man" Steve Wiper -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Arizona - True/False Two questions regarding the Arizona on 12/7/41... A) Were there blast bags on the main guns? B) Were her decks painted 20B or were they bare teak? I'm getting conflicting information about these two issues. The photo's I've seen of the aft turrets following the attack make it appear as if there were not any blast bags installed. Yet, I've been told there are photos in Stillwell's book showing their presence. Likewise, I've been told that in Leeward Publications/Ships Data 3 USS Arizona (BB39), by Norman Friedman, Arthur Baker, Arnold Lott, and Robert Sumrall (1978) it's stated the ship's decks were painted 20B prior to the attack. True or False. Derek Wakefield -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Doug G. MacAhonic" Subject: parts wanted Hi all, I am looking for 1/700 scale IJN Chrysanthemum crests for the bows of several ships (need 5 immediately). Does any one in model building land sell these or have do any of you have some extras they might want to sell? Heck a Japanese ship is not complete until the Emperors seal of approval is on it. Thanks Doug MacAhonic My family name comes from Ernst MACH, and WE ALL know why he is Famous. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: URUDOFSKY@aol.com Subject: Large Card Model Bismarck A large Hamburger Modellbaubogen Verlag (HMV) 1:250 scale model of BISMARCK (100.4 cm) may be of interest to you. It consists of 60 pages (5077 parts!) of card stock printed and colored panels. The assembly instructions are also in English; however, the history of how Peter Brandt developed this model from the Blohm & Voss 1:50 yard model and the Josef Kaiser 1:100 model are only in German, although the pictures speak for themselves. There is an expensive, extra photoetched set for super-detailing available; that brings the total number of parts to 7290. The model is distributed by www.scheuer-struever.de. With a great deal of patience, this ought to be a great model. Like all models of BISMARCK, the "historical correctness" will be argued. Several of the Blohm & Voss design intentions/inventions (shown in the 1:50 yard model) were never installed, and the ship was rushed into combat with the original design still incomplete. That probably includes external as well as internal construction designs. This is the case with the construction of most ships in time of war.Has anyone built this "paper model" and can give advice? Ulrich H. Rudofsky -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Peter Samolinski" Subject: Re: ICM Koenig Decals - suggestion Classic Warships makes a good set of decals for the Koenigs; I'd say great, but the air recognition circles for the turret tops were much too thin to cover the dark grey. Pete -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: cfrieden@calpoly.edu Subject: Liberty ships >> I've accumulated a reasonable stack of reference on the Liberty Ship including plans - and intend scratchbuilding one in 1:350. Works out about 400mm odd in length (and about the same wide!!). Anyone had experience in scratching 1:350 merchantmen? Interested in exchanging ideas on techniques.... I know there's an oop 1:700 skywave kit ( a bit small) and a 1:200(?) Blue something-or-other wooden hulled kit. But pretty sure no other scales kitted. Correct? << In addition to the kits you mention there is a 1/350 kit made by Iron Shipwright. Their website lists it as discontinued, with some still in stock. This is a pretty good kit when it comes to accuracy and detail. There is also a 1/700 resin kit by Tom’s Modelworks. Regards, Chris Friedenbach -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: johnny chen Subject: Re: JMSDF ships Craig, I think you are referring to "JDS Mirai DDG182" which is actually a hyphothetical ship appearing on the famous comic("Zipangu") in Japan. Pictures of "Mirai" could be viewed here: http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~pitroad/pit86.html Regarding the JMSDF new improved 'Kongo' Aegis AAW DDGs, the line drawing perspective can be viewed at the official website. I think the pennant number would be "DDG 177". http://www.jda.go.jp/JMSDF/topics/tyuubou/index321.html Also their proposed 13,500 tons DDH is here: http://www.jda.go.jp/JMSDF/topics/tyuubou/index322.html but another proposal (which I think was not approved is here): http://www.ships-net.co.jp/detl/200107/091l.jpg. Regards, JT. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: "Joe Drees" Subject: My Pearl Harbor experience I served aboard the USS Enterprise, Nimitz, and Carl Vinson for a total of nine years. As a "Hole snipe" my duty station when entering and leaving port was in the engine room. We never had to supply men to man the rails as we were always short handed (M-Div motto 'First aboard, last ashore and the shaft never stops'), but I always wanted to see Pearl Harbor on the way in (I had been there at least eight times, but never on deck). I volunteered to man the rails, getting my white crackerjacks out of storage and standing up there with all the topsider-shiny shoed navy. There was a lot of joking around and laughing as was to be expected from a bunch of young kids who were going out that night after a long at sea period. When it was time to render honors as we passed the Arizona memorial we all stood to in total silence. Without a doubt one of the most moving experiences of my life. From the salty old farts to the eighteen year old kids everyone was ramrod still. Well I`ve been sitting here for ten minutes trying to figure out how to end this. Let me just say that if you ever get to Hawaii go to the memorial......... Joe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: NEVENGER@aol.com Subject: Re: ICM Koenig Decals - suggestion >> If any of the aftermarket decal makers are planning to step in and supply a sheet of decals for ICM's Koenig class kits (many of which contained no decals) << I am afraid I have to somewhat defend ICM on the missing decals in some of their Konig kits. One of the 2 kits I purchased was missing the decals, but when I e-mailed ICM about it they were very fast in sending me a set for free. Richard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: SolidStump@aol.com Subject: Re: Scharnhorst >> A few months ago the wreck of German battleship Scharnhorst was found on great depth North of Norway. After this stunning observation - nearly fifty years after - there is perhaps some renewed interest in building a plastic model of the ship. But I have not found any set available, even from Revell, Airfix a.o. Any idea as to where to find it? << Einar...... Scharnhorst Plastic Kits 1/400 scale by Heller 1/570 scale by Revel (not real accurate or detailed but a nice beginners model 1/600 scale by Airfix (as launched not as sunk) 1/700 scale by Tamiya Scharhorst metal model 1/1250 Neptun Scharhorst resin kits---1/700 lets help this lost soul out gang. Go to SteelNavy.com read products lists, go to links, try squadron.com, kitlink.com etc..... Simon Scheuer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: Peter K. H. Mispelkamp Subject: U-505 & Scharnhorst U-505: Rusty - at the risk of starting another "ICM" type debate, Mirage of Poland has announced a whole slew of 1/400 scale KM Type IX subs - including the U-506 (a sistership of the U-505) as sized by the IJN in 1945. I think they have been delayed because Mirage has recently rushed out three Type VII U-boats - which were stimulated by the U-571 pulp fiction Hollywood movie. Of course, you will have to get someone to release a 1/400 scale jeep carrier now - but if you put the carrier on the horizon - so to speak - it might work - but does anyone make a 1/400 scale DE? Scharnhorst query. Forget the otherwise excellent Airfix kit unless you want to build a pre-war Scharnhorst. The Revell kit is good, but you can't beat the 1/400 scale Heller version. If you go this way, buy it quick because it is not in the current Heller catalog but many dealers still claim to have stock (e.g. Squadron Shop). If you go with the Heller kit, I will be happy to help you - I built mine about 20 years ago and have also built the Airfix and Revell Scharnhorst. Just post your query on SMML and I will find it. Happy modelling Peter M -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: Liberty Ships >> I've accumulated a reasonable stack of reference on the Liberty Ship including plans - and intend scratchbuilding one in 1:350. Works out about 400mm odd in length (and about the same wide!!). Anyone had experience in scratching 1:350 merchantmen? Interested in exchanging ideas on techniques.... I know there's an oop 1:700 skywave kit ( a bit small) and a 1:200(?) Blue something-or-other wooden hulled kit. But pretty sure no other scales kitted. Correct? << No, incorrect, ISW makes one in 1/350 resin. It's discontinued but listed as remainder available. Give Ted Paris a shout, I'm sure he will help you if he can. http://www.commanderseries.com/ships.htm Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: Ebay >> I echo the advise given by Rusty about Ebay. Be very careful to read everything including freight charges. Before you bid, decide the absolute top you are willing to pay for something, including freight. Deduct out the freight and bid NO MORE. No matter how bad you want the item, if you do not get it, no big deal. It will come around again. Do not become one of the many I see who, for example, will win bidding on a kit with an ultimate bid of say $60.00. When, the SAME EXACT KIT is available from ANY local hobby shop, or On-line seller for say $20.00!!!!!!!!! << I always check a few on line resources on any kit, book Video or CD I bid on. It either has to be unavailable or going for less than the on-line price or I pass. OTOH, I have scored some fantastically OOP and rare stuff on the Bay that wasn't available elsewhere. I've also paid dearly for some of it, but I guess that'e the price for not having known 40 years ago what I'd be wanting today!! :-) Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: Bob Evans Subject: Re: Trumpeter Arizona? Just took a look see at the latest PacFront catalog at Steelnavy and saw a reference to a Trumpeter 1:350 '41 Arizona avaliable for $38 around (glance at calendar)....now. Were my eyes deceiving me, or is there such a beast? If there is...has anyone seen this kit? Desperately inquiring minds would like to know if it might be even half-way decent. At that price, it might be worth getting and throwing the Revell kit back on the shelf (if I can sell enough used CDs at the book store to raise the funds that is). << Too answer Derek's question ... yes there is, I do not have a price yet, but it should be hitting our store very soon! Thank You. Bob Evans Franciscan Hobbies http://www.franciscanhobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: "Vincent Mccullough" Subject: Re: For John Snyder >> B.I.T.? Brit In Training? (chuckle) << Or Bachelor in Trouble? Bride in Tow? (Sorry, Carolyn ;-) ) Vince McCullough -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: "Vincent Mccullough" Subject: Re: Liberty Ship Ian, There are a couple of Liberties on the market, including the 1:700 Skywave, 1:350 Iron Shipwright and 1:192 Bluejacket Shipcrafters. I have no experience with the first of these, however one of the other members of the Washington Ship Model Society, Kevin Johnson, is building the Bluejacket kit, and I've just finished (!) the Iron Shipwright kit. The former is a solid wooden hull kit, while the latter kit is resin. Both are full hull kits. The Iron Shipwright kit is actually quite good as a starting point, though I put a lot of effort into detailing (adding deck piping and shields, scratch building the warping winch, COMPLETELY redoing the hatch coamings and covers, etc). The model has been discontinued, but there may still be some available if you want to forego scratch and start from a kit. I also got some of the 1:350 vehicles from the Iron Shipwright LST to use as deck cargo. I've also built up a pretty respectable collection of reference material. Much of it is gleaned from the internet. However, we have one of the two remaining Liberties, the John W. Brown, nearby in Baltimore, so I've taken an extensive collection of photos of her. I could probably digitize them and send them along if you are interested. If you want to swap ideas further, contact me off-list. Vince McCullough Washington Ship Model Society Webmaster, Nautical Research Guild -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Mistress Lorna Subject: SMML site update Hi everyone, The SMML site at: http://smmlonline.com has been updated Archives for last week (1271- 1277) have been added. Welcome Ray Bean and Rod Dueteuil to the Mainbrace pages as well as more pictures of Don Macdonald's & Mark Krumrey's models. Nice work guys. New Queen Elizabeth II, "Gator Fleet", Portugese Amphibious Force and SS Lane Victory pages added to walkaround pages. And San Francisco SMMLcon 2001 added to Model Shows ... great to see everyone having a good time. If you didn't check the site last week, now is a good time, because next week there'll be more and soon you'll need a whole day just to check out the new additions ;-). Mistress Lorna -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: louellet@uism.bu.edu Subject: SMMLCON 2000 Attendee List Art Herrick reminded me that I promised to produce a SMMLCon 2000 attendee list (yes, last year in Quincy at the USS Salem). I have the registration material and I believe a clipboard was passed around for email and/or snail mail addresses. To those who attended, but do not want your name/address/email made available to fellow attendees, please email me and let me know. If you don't mind sharing this information, you don't have to let me know. I will send out another note about a week from now letting you all know that the list is available to the attendees. For privacy reasons, I will not send the list to anyone else. Sorry for the 1 year (and counting) delay. Larry Ouellette (SMMLCon 2000 Treasurer and Registrar) Volunteer, USS Salem (CA 139) United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum Quincy, Massachusetts, USA http://www.uss-salem.org/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Randy Short Subject: Lex book, Kongo book, RN Camo Vol.2 I concur that these are all really good works. The Lex book is loaded with nice photos. And the Kongo book actually has some nice clear views, which can be hard to find on IJN ships. WR Press has done a fine job on RN Vol.2. A ton of goodies there. Just remember, these books are here now, but may be gone tomorrow. They are inexpensive and desirable. We here at Snyder and Short have plenty of them too. Randy Short -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for the List Rules, Backissues, Member's models & reference pictures at: http://smmlonline.com 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