Subject: SMML VOL 1288 Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 13:12:58 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Blast Bags 2: Re: 1:400-500 Parts 3: RAF High Speed Launches 4: Re: Deans Marine kits? Z-37? 5: Re: Signal lockers (and flags) 6: Re: Captain (Evarts/Buckley) Class Frigates 7: Re: Z-37 8: flag lockers 9: Re: Liberty Ships 10: Primer 11: Chrysanthemum crests 12: Misc. Pearl Harbor 13: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints 14: Re: Finishing wood hulls 15: Kit availability?? 16: Re: Anatomy Books 17: Airfix feedback - Crew Members 18: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints 19: Re: Finishing wood hulls 20: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints 21: VIP Tour of the Missouri? 22: Re: Navy Log -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Re: Blast Bags >> Remember, the "bloody" battleship blast bags are always on British battleships...the USN uses other epithets. << I was trying to keep it clean ^_^ >> That's exactly what's happening. The blast bags on the BBs at PH were much tighter fitted and less bulky than what you're used to seeing. But they were there! << Thanks John. I've just gotta break down and buy the books, that's all there is to it. Derek Wakefield -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Derek Wakefield Subject: Re: 1:400-500 Parts >> Your choice of the Hasagowa (sp?) is probably the best, if you want something a little oversized then parts from the Arii/Kangnam 1/400 USS Missouri might work. For what's it worth, I am planning the same conversion, so I hope your friend posts his results/techniques here. << Peter I tend to prefer a bit smaller than larger...less jaring IMO. Trying to get him to join this list may be the hard part. His big love is O/S guage trains. I'm considering a what if '44 Arizona along similar lines so we can make it a joint effort since neither of us have done much bash/scratch work before. . Derek Wakefield -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Denis Keegan" Subject: RAF High Speed Launches I have some VERY poor photo copies of a series of articles from "Model Boats" 1975 and 1976 illustrating these items. John Pritchard wrote two, 5 part series. I do NOT have all in the series and they are of such poor quality that the B/W photos just wash out into a flat grey when copied. However, maybe someone can find the original magazines and come up with some good copies by scanning them. The information in the text is worth the cost of reproduction and best of all, the Drawings are excellent. I used the hull drawings to scratchbuild my Fairmile D and then got lucky and bought Allied Coastal Forces to do the upperworks and deck. Denis K -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Re: Deans Marine kits? Z-37? >> I would be interested to hear if anyone on this list has built the Z-37 kit or seen it up close to comment on the quality of the kit and how well it goes together. I would also like to hear people's overall impressions of Deans kits in general. << I purchased a Z-37 when it first came out, I think that was at least 8 years ago, maybe more. The hull was not right, in fact I ended up making a plug for the Scale Shipyard to replace it. The fittings were not well done either. Now, I understand that Dean's has undertaken an improvement plan since then, but I don't know if the Z-37 was part of that. If it is the same kit that I purchased, I would pass on it. By the way, if you want to build a Z-37, you should know that the US Navy extensively Photographed the Z-39. Photographs of the USS Z-39 (US Hull number DD-939) are available from the Naval Historical Center, located in the Washington Navy Yard, Washington DC. These are photos NH75372 through NH75410 - very nice views That said, some of Dean's English offerings range from very good to excellent. I suspect they have different pattern makers for many of their kits, and it shows. My advice would be to stick with those kits, as apposed to Dean's Marine other offerings. Kurt Greiner SeaPhoto Maritime Photography www.warshipphotos.com Now taking credit cards via Paypal! Warship Models Underway www.warshipmodelsunderway.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "J. London" Subject: Re: Signal lockers (and flags) Flag 'G', phonetically pronounced "George" followed by a number, was used to denote speed. From Jack Broome's "Make Another Signal" comes the following gem:- Scene: Admiral's bridge of HMS Nelson with King George VI on board. The fleet was approaching the anchorage in Weymouth Bay. The speed of the fleet was being reduced to 6 knots before anchoring. The following was heard: Signal Officer to Flag Deck "George 6 Hoist." Signal Officer to Flag Deck "George 6-execute." His Majesty is said to have flinched, but made no comment. Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Bob Evans Subject: Re: Captain (Evarts/Buckley) Class Frigates >> Are there any books on the Captain Class? I am looking for photos of HMS Fitzroy in particular. << Bob, You can get a copy of "THE CAPTAIN CLASS FRIGATES: in the Second World War by Donald Collingwood at the Naval Institute Press. Bob Evans Franciscan Hobbies http://www.franciscanhobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Ramires, Filipe C" Subject: Re: Z-37 Hello list and Tom I guess you are speaking of the Tamiya/Skywave model!?! If it is that one I am building one of them as a conversion to the Z-30 (Project 1936A). The Z-37 was a Project 1936A Mod that it is represented by the Tamiya/Skywave model. Let us say that the model really needs some good details and information. You can have photo-etch from the following sets: - Gold Medal Models: German WWII Warships - White Ensign Models: German WWII AA Weapons Those sets are very useful to detail the ship. Nevertheless I would recommend you to get a few extra doors, hatches, ladders and other basic naval details. I must say that the model is quite poor with these details. They practically don't exist. To information about the ship or class itself get the book from OKRIETY SWIATA "NARVIK CLASS GERMAN DESTROYERS". It is a very useful font with excellent photos and plans but unfortunately it is in polish, nevertheless it is quite worth it! Hope this helps. Happy Modelling and regards. Filipe C. Ramires Colchester, UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Tom Dean Subject: flag lockers Hi Gang: As earlier stated, RN, RCN ships used and still use flag lockers. On the bridge position there would be one port and one to starboard. As said, flags were stored in pigeon holes in alphabetical and numberical order. Flags would be folded and rolled and inserted with the speed clips hanging out. The sigs would clip the flags on as called out, by the yeoman or killick and hoist away. Really good "bunting tossers" would be hoisting and clipping at the same time, with the flags coming out of the holes in rapid order. Something to watch indeed. After a few hoists the flags would be just dropped and stuffed into the holes for the next hoist if needed. The sigs would reload the lockers when things calmed down. If possible there would be a second flag stuffed into the rear of the pigeon hole. I remember that a lot of the canvas dodgers protecting the locker often carried artwork, be it the ships badge or perhaps her pendant hoist. Ships with a secondary or emergency steering position above decks aft often encorporated a signal positon there as well. Tom Dean Hamilton, Ontario Canada -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: wem Subject: Re: Liberty Ships Jodie, How's your French? The latest edition of "Navires & Histoire: Le Magazine d'Histoire Maritime" has the following articles: Brouard, Jean-Yves, "La Saga des Liberty ships (2): Estraordinaires histoires de noms" [implies there was a part one earlier]; and, Demerliac, Alain, Commandant, "Notes d'un ancien des 'Liberty' sur quelques unites". Cheers, John Snyder, AB White Ensign Models http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: EDKRU@aol.com Subject: Primer What is a good primer for acrylic paint. The vessel is bass wood a T-2 tanker and I would prefer to not use any lacquer. Also have found some Victory ship trivia if the individual requesting info still wants some, this deals with the selling of the Ships after the war, contact me off list. Have a GREAT DAY Ed K Panama City FL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Doug G. MacAhonic" Subject: Chrysanthemum crests Hi all, I just wanted to Thank Everyone with the information regarding acquiring Chrysanthemum crests for IJN ships. A Special Thank you to Chris Langtree for sending me 5 of the little buggers from Jolly Ole England. Shipwrights have got to be the nicest people. Douglas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: schiefet@cs.com Subject: Misc. Pearl Harbor According to my sources, Enterprise had her port holes plated over in Feb. 1941 and by June of 1941 her brown stained flight deck was painted over. Upon ariving in PH on the evening of Dec. 8 ahe had a few planes aboard, mostly fighters I was told. The crew refueled and reprovisioned the ship and was underway by morning. They were concerned about being caught in the harbor if the Japanese were still in the area. Pennsylvania - I have a nice photo of Pennsylvania, post modenrization, at anchor in a west coast harbor. I have scanned the picture and can send it out if anyone can use it as a reference for a post PH version. (I tried this as a kid, with results equal to my age, experience and the materials available.) If anyone is interested, contact me directly. Steve Singlar Pelham, NH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: Randall.J.O'malley@clarica.com Subject: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints >> Was wondering if any of the readers might like to share a link for a source of WW2 naval art prints. Looked at TheHistoryWeb [as advertised in USNI Proceedings] but their stuff is pretty pricey. I've just recently moved into new office space and, working for a railway company, everyone seems to have trains on the wall. I'd like to have a couple of ships, preferably USN or RN. Don't want to spend pots of money. T.I.A. << Jim, Try the (war) art reproduction service of a museum which covers your interests. For instance, the Canadian War Museum offers most of its collection of drawings, paintings, and posters as high quality photographic reproductions in sizes you specify. The ships of Canada's, and other navies, were captured on canvas by well-known Canadian artists officially assigned to Canada's armed forces in the two world wars. The collection can be viewed at www.warmuseum.ca. The Royal Canadian Navy was the world's third largest navy at the end of WW II; its ships were as lovely and their crews as valorous as those of the RN, USN, or any other navy in history. Good Luck, Randy O'Malley, A Proud Canadian -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Randall.J.O'malley@clarica.com Subject: Re: Finishing wood hulls >> What would you recommend as the best method for eliminating grain from a wood hull, basswood for instance? Al Ross mentioned lacquer auto primer a few postings ago...I'd be interested in more detail on finishing wood hulls from Steve, Al or anyone, as I'm getting started on the Bluejacket 80' Elco PT kit (which Al designed). << As a woodworker I suggest the methods used by gilders and piano finishers. (See the book: Fine Woodworking on Finishing, published by Taunton Press). Gilders require a perfectly smooth substrate on which to apply the gold leaves which are thinner than any coat of paint. Traditionally, plaster, varnish and hide glue have been used to seal the wood and mask the grain. These are much safer than spraying lacquer. We are all familiar with the shiny, smooth surface of a grand piano. Lacquer was used in the past but has been replaced by catalyzed polyester. Personally, I would try to find a cooperative piano maker or refinisher to spray my hull. It would be quicker, safer, and probably cheaper and better, than spraying and rubbing numerous coats of lacquer. If you must do it yourself, apply non-polyurethane spar varnish with a foam brush instead of spraying lacquer. Again, it is safer and the spar varnish will flex with the wood as humidity changes, unlike lacquer or shellac which are hard and inflexible and crack over time - just look at an old piece of furniture finished with lacquer or shellac. Also, try a cabinetmaker's thin/fine hand scraper instead of sandpaper. Happy sanding, Randy O'Malley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Henry Blecha Subject: Kit availability?? I am interested in finding out if kits are available for these particular ships. I was asked by someone that served aboard them. The ships of interest are a Sub Tender AS-26 - L.Y. Spears and the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. I know that Italeri has a kit of the George Washington. Are there any others?? Thanks for your help. v/r Henry Blecha -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: URUDOFSKY@aol.com Subject: Re: Anatomy Books All "Anatomy of Ship" books, including Yamato, are available without going to eBay prices. Take a look at: www.struever-scheuer.de Ulrich H. Rudofsky Delmar NY 12054-3306 USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Boatbldr" Subject: Airfix feedback - Crew Members In response to Chris's append that Airfix may sell additional crew members for my Flower, I wrote them a letter - the net result is that Chris is a very lucky fellow! "Thank you for your recent letter, unfortunately the crew that we sent to your fellow member was a one-off gesture that cannot be repeated simply because it actually cleared us out of spare crew men!" So does any one else have any suggestions for 1/72 size crew. (Revell Monogram - the US distributor for the Corvette told me to talk to Revell germany - still waiting a response from them) BTW the Airfix vinyl figures are horrible to work with! PS. they sent me a complimentary 2001 catalogue - in 1/72 scale the RAF rescue launch and the Vosper MTB are not listed anymore, only the E-Boat. There is a suspicious open space on that page as well... regards Boatbldr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: IBea351423@aol.com Subject: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints Jim, Try The Military Art Gallery_ you will find lots of superb prints in their range. Ian Beattie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Don Leonard Subject: Re: Finishing wood hulls Many thanks to all who responded. I feel reasonably well-prepared to go after that basswood now! Don Leonard -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "Hank Lapa" Subject: Re: WW2 Naval Art Prints Try US Naval Institute. They have many fine prints, open edition, so they can be had for a reasonable price and don't require conservation framing. They're on the web, and if you wind up buying several, you might as well join for a year and take the members' discount. I have a bunch of them, WW2 as well as before/after. Tom Freeman, R. G. Smith, Ted Wilbur, other quality artists. It's like they say, "The Navy . . . one good deal after another." Hank -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "VanBuren, Peter M" Subject: VIP Tour of the Missouri? I'm lucky enough to be traveling to Hawaii this summer and plan to take the tour of the Missouri at Pearl Harbor. They offer two version of the tour, the regular and a "VIP" tour that "shows you areas of the ship normally not available to tourists" or something similar. Has anyone taken the so-called VIP tour? What if any things does the more expensive tour offer that the "regular" one does not? Many thanks for your help as always to the SMML nation, Peter -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: SolidStump@aol.com Subject: Re: Navy Log >> I remember the Navy Log episode. I thought that it was pertaining to one of the battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor, perhaps West Virginia? << Definately a carrier......beside, the end of the episode is on the newly completed, replacement ship of the same name.....no battleships were "replaced" with a namesake. Simon S. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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