Subject: SMML VOL 1363 Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 13:01:25 +1000 shipmodels@tac.com.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Squadron Cruiser Book #2 2: US WWII Amphibious Greens 3: Konishi Kits 4: Re: 1:350 Sumner Class DD 5: Naval Miniature gamming Rules 6: Who would like to see Allied Coastal Forces - VOLUME 3? 7: Plans of IJNS SHINANO 8: Current Books on Ebay 9: MODELERS BOATYARD.COM 10: Re: Queen Liz class battleship differences 11: misc 12: Re: USS Arizona Questions 13: Chatham Floats 14: Re: USS HORNET 15: Re: TRITON 16: new questions 17: Re: R V Triton 18: Arizona awnings 19: Re: Ships In San Francisco 20: J Class plans 21: Re: Ship scale question 22: Dunagain Decal Review 23: Boston area ship historians? 24: Hull plating final decision 25: Sydney 26: Building a mid-war 80 foot Elco from the revell kit 27: Centennial Naval Review 28: HP Models 29: U-Boat Surface Weapons -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: ROCON 22 2: NRG Conference in Washington - Update 3: Report Northwest Minicon Sep 8 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Books 2: Thoughts from our vendors 3: Catalog revisions + New Arrivals 4: Model Ship Journal For Autumn 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS Hi all, Here's more SMMLies "checking in" from the East Coast: Glenn E. Neklason Fritz Koopman Bob Santos Franklyn Brown Bradford Chaucer Gene Larson Warren Yaun Don Preul Ralph Batykefer Mike Bartel Mike Settle Keith T. Bender Rick Lundin Bill Pasenelli If you know of any more to add the list, please do so. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Ed Grune Subject: Re: Squadron Cruiser Book #2 Craig wrote about the new Squadron Cruisers in Action book. On page 5 there is a description of the camouflage measures with F/S numbers assigned to the WWII era 5-x paints. The author, Al Kaplan lists the following paint matches: Sea Blue - 35045 Navy Blue (5-N) - 35044 Ocean Gray (5-O) - 35164 Haze Gray (5-H) - 35237. I pulled out my trusty FS 595 fan book for a comparison and in my opinion these colors are much too blue and much too dark. They lack the purple cast to the colors shown in the S&S chips. Any other comments on these color identifications? Ed Mansfield, TX USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Ed Grune Subject: US WWII Amphibious Greens In SMML 1361 Mike Zimmerman wrote about the US WWII greens. Mike: I'd like a mix for the greens too. I have a couple of ISW amphibs that are waiting a good source of these greens. I've contacted John Snyder @ WEM and have tried to get him to include them in the next batch of Colourcoats to be produced by WEM. Write him and ask that WEM make the greens. Ed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Alan McGivern Subject: Konishi Kits I sent directly over to Konishi for the Ashigara kit I recently finished. As stated previously, the kits are very expensive. I've thought that the enjoyment of over a year and a half building one model was worth selling some of my completed models. To communicate with Konishi I had a Japanese linguist translate my letter locally. I kept my request very simple and to the point. I asked price, availabilty and shipping for the 1/200 Myoko kit. I asked for their bank in Japan. I supplied a self-addressed and postage paid envelope. I tried the best I could to make it easy for them to communicate with me. Two weeks later I got my reply. I went to a bank that could make out an international bank draft as payment to Konishi's bank. I paid through the nose for airmail. But, about three to four weeks after I sent the draft I got my model. The Konishi 1/200 Takao kit I built previously I purchased through Pacific Front Hobbies. Bill Gruner had a contact that he could get the kits from Japan. I'm pretty sure that has dried up on Bill. Mike Hall at Kitlink had Konishi kits listed but he also indicated that he has orders to Konishi that are six months old. Mike seemed to indicate they had his money but haven't replied to his requests for product. I guess the long and short of it is to try to establish direct communications yourself. If you suceed in that, then you have to decide if you are going to take the chance of sending money over when communication is so difficult. Good luck Alan McGivern -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Walter Gay" Subject: Re: 1:350 Sumner Class DD >> Is there a decent kit (resin or plastic) of the US Sumner Class DD? And, given the frustration of searching lots of makers web sites, is there a central listing of available kits? << Ken, Sky Wave(Pit Road) makes a plastic kit in 1/700. Walt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "John Anderson" Subject: Naval Miniature gamming Rules I went to school during the 70'-80's and the best rules I have ever found and are still available I believe is a game called SieKrieg while complex it was very realistic in its damage assessment and torpedoes running and depth charges also included aircover factors, and weather factors such as sea state visibility and other variables and I used them for both 1:2400 and currently 1:1200 scale ships so try to get a copy well worth the money John Anderson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Subject: Who would like to see Allied Coastal Forces - VOLUME 3? Hi all It was nice to meet the old and new Smellies at IFOR last month, in particular Shane & Lorna. Whilst touring the dockyard with Chris Langtree we found the stand for Conway Maritime Press and entered for a look see. To cut a long story short they intimated that they would like to publish the final volume of the set. I had a meeting at their office in North London last Wednesday afternoon. In an effort to raise enthusiasm would members please give me an idea of those who would be interested if Al Ross and I were persuaded to complete the task. (It would also no doubt interest the publisher as well). For those Not in the know. Allied Coastal Forces of World War Two has seen two volumes published, both now out of print, and the idea is to complete the set and reprint the earlier volumes. Volume III would cover the missing US and RN designs. (British Power Boats, Camper & Nicholson, Thornycroft, J S White etc etc and from Al - Higgins, Canadian Power Boat, plus the usual armament detail as before. (I have already written and drawn a chapter on the Fairmile "F" Type, plus other gems). John Lambert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "Operation Center ZAHNARZTPRAXIS 736TLV" Subject: Plans of IJNS SHINANO I am looking for a plan set of IJNS SHINANO in 1/100 scale. Does anyone know a source? Roger Harr http://www.zahnarztpraxis.ch -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Richard Simpson Subject: Current Books on Ebay My auto-search on Ebay has turned up the following items. As I already have copies, I though I might pass on the news incase others were interested Burt, British Battleships of WWI http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1465358457 Raven & Robert, British Battleships of WWII http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1465362061 Raven & Robert, British Cruisers of WWII http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1465365555 As always, I have no affiliation with this seller, just thought you might be interested All end 20th September -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Harry Gilday" Subject: MODELERS BOATYARD.COM is modelers boatyard.com still in business, i cant get any response from them,concerning an order i sent them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Mark Brown" Subject: Re: Queen Liz class battleship differences Alex wrote.... >> Yesterday, just before disaster happened, i have seen your screenshots of QE designs. Why did not you draw underwater part for hull? Are there any polygon number limits? << No polygon limits. Just hadn't got around to the underwater parts. Hull is now complete and have done some rudimentary side bulges. Is looking better already. It is currently still well under 3000 polygons. Plenty of headroom left. >> A mounth ago i have modelled QE class with several variations regarding refits. Check next attachment for line drawings i used for Queen Elizabeth and Warspite. Barham and Malaya and Valiant are available too, and i can send them to you as well. << Many thanks Alex, the drawings have been very helpful. Many thanks also to Mitsuaki Kubota (I really like your model of HMAS Canberra) and David Griffith for the wonderful information. I definitely came to the right place for research :) Mark Brown http://www.3dng.com/warships_in_3d.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Andrew Jones" Subject: misc 1) Hoga: thanks for the info it helped & what i meant by if it was USS was that in many cases in past & present navies they dont classify tugs & supports as the USS or HMAS classification, they are called something else as reserve/support fleet..im all for for bringing her back to the Arizona 2) HMS Ariadne/abdiel minelayers: Im working on an old matchbox model of her & i have side reference to her '43 colour scheme, but the deck seems to be lacking info..did she have a blue colour on her main deck & then on her upper decks or was it only on her main deck & the pink/grey & mouve went horizontal on her upper decks? 3) D. Fowler: i just go by the information i was informed when i was there last year.. SO i was wrong.. thats why we have this discussion group so people can correct other people without getting angry & i meant NO disrespect to the people of the Hornet, i would have loved to see her, but i was told not to expect much .. so to anyone who took offense at my comments i appologise.. enough said lets get back to modelling thats why we are here for Andrew -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Schiefet@cs.com Subject: Re: USS Arizona Questions Check out this web page. It has a couple of paintings that may help answer your questions. http://www.pearlharborbook.com/artist.html Steve Pelham, NH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "Robert Lockie" Subject: Chatham Floats I have just been reading references to 'Chatham Floats', which were floating platforms used for testing various protection schemes against underwater explosions, and wondered if anyone could steer me to any photographs or plans of the same. I imagine that the appearance would vary according to the experiment being conducted but a staring point would be welcome. Thanks. Robert Lockie Swindon UK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: HGYL@aol.com Subject: Re: USS HORNET Having recently attended the SMML get together onboard "Hornet" I can attest to her excellent condition. I must say that although one does occasionally hear that one or other particular museum ship is deteriorating I have never previously heard it about "Hornet". She is not difficult to get to and on that side of the Bay one can also see the Presidential yacht, as Chris has pointed out. Harold Lincoln -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: HGYL@aol.com Subject: Re: TRITON Try the technical ship building journals, John. The Institute of Marine Engineers' monthly journal, for example, published a small scale plan which would probably be sufficient for your needs as you explained them to me. I do not keep the I.Mar.E journal every month but you should be able to find it or other similar journals through a library. Alternatively a polite letter to Vosper Thorneycroft may bring results. "Triton" is not on anyones confidential or secret list, V.T. are actively and publicly marketing the concept. Harold Lincoln -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: Friedrich Kappes Subject: new questions I seek for Todva/Tadva = "Soldek" = Project V-30/1 (Russian repairship ~1954) date of commission TK-455 - TK-459, TK-708 - TK-711, TK-741 - TK-750 (TM-200-Type) NATO: "P-2": date of commission Beriev Be-40P, Be-40PT: first delivery Who can help? Friedrich The FriedrichFiles http://www.geocities.com/friedkappes/flagship.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Leslie Brown" Subject: Re: R V Triton R V Triton was built by Vosper Thornycroft for Qinetiq (was the UK Defence Research Agency) who operate the vessel with the view of obtaining data to support the design of future trimarans, particularly for the Royal Navy. You could try contacting Qinetiq (there is a website but I'm not sure of the address) or Vosper Thornycroft, although I doubt very much if they would be prepared to provide drawings. Regards Les Brown -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: Burl Burlingame Subject: Arizona awnings Tom's Modelworks used to have a vac-form set of 1/350 USS Arizona awnings.... Burl Burlingame -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Teliczan Tom Civ 15 SVS/SVF Subject: Re: Ships In San Francisco >> One of my friends is about to visit the US West coast. He would like to know some addresses of preserved military ships to visit around the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. Can you please give some suggestions? << Have your friend check out the "USS Pampanito" web sites (One is at http://www.aaa-calif.com/westways/0999/tour-2.asp & explains how to get there). The Sub itself also has a great site. She is very well-preserved & located in SanFran. Also, if your friend has the time, there used to be a large mothball fleet in Suisun Bay - It's been more than 30 years since i was stationed near there so a little research may be called for. HTH Tomt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: Graeme Martin Subject: J Class plans Hi everyone, Does anyone know where I can source plans of J class yachts? These were the yachts that Britain built and sailed across the Atlantic to race against USA in the America's Cup 100 odd years ago! I understand they were one, two and or three masted! Regards, Graeme Martin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From: "Eduardo Luis Marcovecchio" Subject: Re: Ship scale question Hello people, I would like to thank all the ones that replied to my question regarding what scale to use for my ship models. I chose to go for 1/600, and I would like to share with the list the points raised here, that led me to this decision: - Unexpensive models: 1/600 Airfix models are very affordable, and they cover a good part of the subject I chose (WWII capital ships). ARII is not so cheap, but I can use the money saved on Airfix models anyway! :) - PE sets: WEM, for example, makes PE sets for almost all 1/600 Airfix models, and I can use general railings/ladders/doors for the models that don't have a custom set available. - Easier to build than 1/700 models: 1/600 is bigger, and a little easier to build, so I can practice before going for the more expensive and smaller Tamiya models, for example. So, that's it. Thanks again! Eduardo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From: Teliczan Tom Civ 15 SVS/SVF Subject: Dunagain Decal Review This is a much belated review of Dunagain Decals set "IJN Naval Flags 1937 - 1945, 1/700 scale." Duane Fowler was kind enough to send me a sample, and this review could be stated in two words - Wonderful, Wonderful! The sheets are crisply printed, have English & Japanese code equivalents listed under each item, and include flags, pennants, and IJN naval ensigns, along w/a comprehensive instruction sheet that includes individual ship's call letters - A most complete package! As a test, i carefully cut out an ensign, let it soak for about 5 seconds, then placed it on a napkin. Using tweezers, it slid off after only 20 - 30 seconds. I draped/folded it over a tightened length of fishing line w/no problems & it dried out just fine. Next step was to give it a "ripple / wind-blown" effect. A diluted solution of 1 drop of Microsol to 5 drops of water was placed on the flag. After 10-15 seconds I touched the bottom of the flag w/the end of a paintbrush & easily produced a nice, realistic-looking ripple. So, what we have here is one nifty little product, which I understand is also produced in 1/350 scale. Many thanks to Mr. Fowler for the sample, & my apologies to all for taking so long to give them a test ride. Tomt. (Tom Teliczan, Mililani, HI) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23) From: Burl Burlingame Subject: Boston area ship historians? Any ship-type historians in the Boston area who would be interested in a contract researching the furnishing of a USA WWII vessel? Burl -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24) From: "Devin J. Poore" Subject: Hull plating final decision After a full week of watching the news and staring out my living room window at the altered Manhattan skyline, I've finally snapped out of it enough to get back to modeling... a little. Several weeks ago I had solicited opinions about how to go about simulating the weld seams on a resin hull. I received many helpful suggestions, and tried several on a "test hulk" (actually the resin lower hull of the BWN USS Juneau I was working on, if you build kits waterline, the lower hulls are excellent practice pieces for techniques, paints, etc.). What I finally decided on, however, was a suggestion I got from an aircraft message board. I had asked there, figuring the raised panel lines on aircraft were about what I was attempting to replicate. The procedure is this: take a brand new, extremely sharp, No. 11 blade and a straight edge. Use the blade to scribe the line, obviously using the straight edge for a guide. When this is done, a recessed line will be created, with furrows of resin (or plastic, it works on styrene as well) on both sides of the cut. Now you need to BRUSH PAINT a coat of paint over the area. The paint will flow into the cut and seal it, leaving a raised line. You have to put on the paint with a brush, airbrushing won't fill in the cut. After brush painting primer over the entire hull, I was able to take very fine steel wool to polish out the brush marks, and round off the weld lines. I have to say that this method is extremely easy, very fast, and yields excellent results. I did the entire hull of the Juneau in half of an hour. You can see a photo of the hull after the scribing on my modeling web page: http://users.rcn.com/devinj/modeling.htm Devin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25) From: Dave Shirlaw Subject: Sydney Major Events Cancelled Canberra September 19, 2001 - Acting on the advice of the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie, it has been agreed that both the Royal Australian Air Force 80th Anniversary Amberley Air Show and the Centenary Naval Review are to be cancelled. The Amberley Air Show was to be held at RAAF Amberley Ipswich, QLD from Friday, the 28th of September to Sunday the 30th of September. The Centenary Navy Review was to be held on and around Sydney Harbour from Tuesday, 2nd of October to Monday, 8th of October. Substantial support for the RAAF 80th Anniversary Air Show was to be provided by the United States Military. Understandably this support is now not available after the tragic events in America on September 11. As a consequence Amberley Air Show is no longer viable. The decision to cancel the Centenary Naval Review was taken in light of the Royal Australian Navy’s involvement in existing operations and the potential for involvement in future operations. We currently have a major naval commitment in the north of Australia assisting other federal agencies with the Government’s initiatives for intercepting illegal immigrants. Many people and businesses will be disappointed these events have been cancelled however the Government believes it is wise, in all the circumstances, to give precedence to operational requirements over ceremonial matters. Dave Shirlaw Editor, Seawaves Magazine www.seawaves.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26) From: Stephen Allen Subject: Building a mid-war 80 foot Elco from the revell kit Dear all I have the Revell kit, and would be interested to correspond with someone who has converted this kit to a mid-late war boat, with roll-off racks and upgraded armament. I have Allied Coastal Forces Vol II, and am aware of the broad changes needed, but I would appreciate talking with someone who has actually undertaken the work, and may in particular have a list of the HR products deck fittings etc that may apply. Incidentally, I dont suppose anyone out there is hoarding a couple of sets of KMC resin mk 13 torpedoes they would be prepared to part with? regards Steve -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27) From: "Stuart Fleming" Subject: Centennial Naval Review Hi Disappointing news. Just heard offically that the Centennial Naval Review - set down for early October has been cancelled. The Defence Minister who made the announced cited the operational reasons relating to the military build up as a result of the terrorist attacks in America as the reason for the cancellation. Stuart -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28) From: john.baumann@talk21.com Subject: HP Models A number of SMMLies contacted me for an e-mail and web address for Harold Popcke Models, none appears on the listings I have though there is a phone/fax number which is (Wesel) 0281/7649. Regards, John Baumann -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29) From: john.baumann@talk21.com Subject: U-Boat Surface Weapons Amongst my files I located a drawing in 1/20 scale of the 8.8cm SKC35 U-boat gun. I have plans of the normal soft-skin vehicle or half-track mounted 20mm and 40mm weapons if these help, although I don't know if were similarities between these and KM sea vessel mounted armament. As an aside, I heard that some U-Boat 88s were mounted on truck flatbeds towards the end of the war as improvised self-propelled gun mounts against allied ground targets. It would be nice to see the evidence. Regards, John Baumann -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "James Kloek" Subject: ROCON 22 ROCON 22, the annual IPMS Contest and Show in Rochester, NY will be held Sunday, September 23. The location is the 40 & 8 Club, 933 University Ave. First held in 1976, ROCON is one of the longest running IPMS Contests in Upstate New York, and draws people from Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. We have over 50 categories in the contest, and will also have vendors and a raffle. Two of the confirmed vendors are Research in Scale and Iron Shipwrights, so there will be a good selection of ship related stuff. All SMMLies are encouraged to come and enter, please contact me off list for more details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Vincent Mccullough" Subject: NRG Conference in Washington - Update As most of you know, the 28th Nautical Research Guild conference is scheduled to be held in Rockville, Maryland (outside of Washington DC) October 5-7. As of this date, we are STILL PLANNING TO DO SO. There may be some modifications to some of the tours planned prior to the conference. We are not certain, for example, that we will be able to conduct a planned alternate tour of the White House on Tuesday, 2 October. However, all indications that other tour objectives, including the Naval Academy and the David Tailor Model Basin, will be open, if under somewhat heightened security. I have spoken to several of our vendors, including the Lumberyard for Model Shipwrights, Pier Books and H&B Precision Card Models and they are preparing to attend. The greatest impediment may be the ongoing closure of Reagan National Airport, whose approach corridor passes between the white house and the Pentagon. I would advise those individuals who had reservations into this airport (airport code DCA), to contact the airlines this week to make alternate arrangements, flying into either Dulles International Airport (airport code IAD) or Baltimore Washington International airport (airport code BWI). For those of you driving into the area, there are no significant travel restrictions. The security perimeter around the White House has been expanded somewhat, and one highway (Washington Boulevard) past the damaged portion of the Pentagon has been closed for now. However, you should have no trouble getting to the conference by car. The same appears to be true of rail travel. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Washington in a few weeks. Vince McCullough NRG 2001 Conference Co-Chair -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Ron Hillsden" Subject: Report Northwest Minicon Sep 8 2001 Malcolm Wheeler organized an SMML mini-convention in Vancouver BC Sept 8 2001. It was attended by 17 SMMLies, some of them travelling significant distances to meet their SMML buddies! The Minicon started with lunch at the upscale Granville Island Hotel restaurant. In addition to introductions and plenty of pleasant discussion, Bob Pearson passed around many of his scratch built parts for his 1/72 Revell Fl*w*er class corvette. After lunch, the SMMLies repaired to the boardroom of the Granville Island Model Ship Museum. There were informal discussions about making photoetch parts, radio control conversion, framing methods, wartime experiences in a world war 2 cruiser, a SMMLie's search for some models he restored for a defunct museum, and show and tell (or show and sell) on several models, BECC Flags, Warship books, the beautiful brass and white metal updates for the Revell Fl*w*er corvette. Many ideas were exchanged, many electronic friendships cemented, and everyone had a good time! Hey, we're going to do it again! A minicon is a good idea - I encourage others to try it. Our thanks to Malcolm for organizing it! Ron Hillsden Victoria BC Canada Flags: http://members.home.net/ron-hillsden/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Randy Short Subject: Books Hi everyone, Snyder and Short have in stock a good supply of WR Press Royal Navy Camo Vol.3 at $16 + s&h. Any day now the new Classic Warships books Benson/Gleaves at $12 and Witchita at $10 will be here. The RN book has lots of goodies that will help all of us have more fun with our hobby. I strongly recommend it. The Classic Warships books are all high quality, and most are only one printing run. Get 'em now or suffer the dread "E-bay" fate next year. Right now we have good inventory, and try to give friendly prices. Also available now is our "never dry paint jar". Check these out on our website: www.shipcamouflage.com Randy at Snyder and Short -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Bill Gruner Subject: Thoughts from our vendors We have recently received faxes and e-mails from several vendors and customers, particularly overseas, expressing their sincerest sympathy, condolences, outrage, etc. over the recent tragedies affecting our nation. I thought you customers and modelers might want to hear about this. I am sure that some of these people would like to let the entire ship modeling community, as well as America, know their thoughts, but that would be difficult, so I at least wanted you all to know that many are very concerned, and share our deep concern and grief. Among those who have contacted me are Karin and Joerg Uter from Argos, Thomas Weihs of WSW, Mikio Suzuki of Pitroad, Thomas Brocher of Klabautermann, Kunio Hiryu of Kobo-Hiryu...plus others. The list has amazed me, I think you will agree that there is a sincere outpouring of concern and they would all want each of you to know that they are concerned. Thanks, Bill Gruner Pacific Front Hobbies -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Bill Gruner Subject: Catalog revisions + New Arrivals We have made major revisions and additions to our online catalog, in particular to the resin and plastic ship model sections. These changes are being handled by our webmaster, and may take a few more days to fully implement. Please check them out. I apologize for letting the online catalog get so out of date, but we are extremely busy all the time. In addition, the mailed catalog will be revised in kind, and will be available as of tomoprrow from our printer. Cost will still be $5.00 which includes shipping, even overseas. As there are some things in the catalog that are not online, such as IJN ship silhouette chart, IJN Kanji/Katakana/Hiragana charts and other useful information, some customers like to have the hard copy in hand. We have received a sizeable re-stock of H-P 1/700 resin kits from Germany. These were extremely popular the last time around, our entire first shipment was quickly sold out. We have the 44 California, 45 Mississippi, 43 Pennsy, 41 Arizona, 41 Pensacola, 44 Salt Lake City, 44 San Francisco, 44 German Togo, and German merchant raider Orion. Please call for prices and ordering; e-mail is a real problem for us right now, as we are swamped with same, and a week to 2 weeks behind answering. By the way, the new catalog will list nearly the entire extensive H-P line....we hope to begin working up our stock orders from them as quickly as we can. We also have the new Classic Warship Pictorials on the USS Wichita and Benson-Gleaves class DDs...excellent! If you have models of these, or anticipate purchasing them in the future, you will definitely want these books. The photo coverage is awesome. Many thanks, Bill Gruner Pacific Front Hobbies 541-464-8579 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Victor M. Baca" Subject: Model Ship Journal For Autumn 2001 Model Ship Journal's Autumn 2001 issue is at the printer and will be prepared for shipping during the last week of September. Expect delayed delivery times due to the Post Office's need to assure secure delivery under trying circumstances. This issue will focus on photographic research pieces in addition to kit and book reviews. Steve Wiper of Classic Warships Publishing presents pictorials on the WWII Japanese cruiser IJN Ashigara, and the WWII German destroyer Z-39. Steve has gleaned his archives to come up with some outstanding views of these historic warships. Darren Scannell presents a pictorial on the USS Winston S. Churchill's commissioning day, she's an Arleigh Burke Flight II-A class DDG. (This will also be the last of our "ON-BOARD" pictorials depicting current naval ships for some time as we feel that presenting any in-service warship's intimate details at this time may aid those with bad intent in carrying out acts of terrorism. We will still cover many Naval and Coast Guard ships from modern times that served up into the 1990s, but are no longer in service as a class). If your interests involve Old Wood, check out our Splinter Fleet pictorial on the USN WWI subchasers of the SC-1 class, including general arrangement and body plans. We also show a number of sources for kits, plans, hulls and research material on these important small combatants. Tugboat enthusiasts will really enjoy our pictorial on the last of the U.S. Navy's YTB yard tugs. We include info for obtaining plans to scratchbuild a model and hopefully one of the kit manufacturers will see fit to present this subject as a kit or fiberglass hull in the future. Our centerspread plan and photo feature shows the 133' buoy tenders USCGC White Sage and White Heath with full General Arrangement and Body plans as well as on-board photography. Buoy tenders are interesting and attractive ships, but virtually unknown outside the USCG enthusiasts' circle. Master modelers Keith Bender & Edward Balling show their outstanding work with features on the USS Patoka and USS Gambier Bay respectively. R/C modelers will enjoy Don Speilberger's new column on Radio Control Modeling. His inaugural column deals with all types of speed controls. Don is a highly respected modeler and owner of Loyalhanna Dockyard. Steve Wiper checks out the Banner/Trumpeter USS Arizona kit and we also show the aftermarket photoetch sets already available for this new kit. Yours truly looks at the Revell HMCS Snowberry 1/72 scale corvette kit and we'll advise on how to make the hull more accurate as well as show the Great Little Ships aftermarket parts for the kit. There's a lot more in this issue and you should find it available on your local hobby shop's shelves if you're not already a subscriber. Take care and God Bless America! Victor Baca Editor & Publisher MODEL SHIP JOURNAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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://apma.org.au/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume