Subject: SMML VOL 1522 Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 00:15:46 +1100 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: HMAS Perth 2: Re: AO-64 last one errata 3: Re: UNREPS 4: Changes at FSM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: Re: MiniCon - Spring has Sprung 2: Re: The proposed Northwest Minicon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Mark Brayshaw" Subject: HMAS Perth I've been trying to find a model of HMAS Perth in any scale for quite some time now. Perth was one of four Modified Leander class light cruisers, launched as HMS Amphion in 1936. The four ships of this class were all transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1938(?) (HMAS Perth, HMAS Sydney and HMAS Hobart. HMAS Sydney was lost off the North West of Australia in action against the armed raider Kormoran in November 1941, there were no survivors and her wreck has not yet been found. These ships differred from the original Leander in that the machinery spaces were separated to minimise the risk of losing all the engines from a single hit, therefore the modified Leanders had two funnels as opposed to the single trunked funnel of the originals (HMS Ajax, HMS Achilles, HMNZS Leander). Perth was involved in the battle of Cape Matapan and served in the Mediterranean before being withdrawn to Australian waters when Japan joined the war. The only undamaged survivor of the Java Sea debacle (Houston had bomb damage to her rear turret, HMAS Exeter had boiler damage, Java and De Ruyter had both been sunk with all hands), Perth and Houston retired to Tandjong Priok and then made a dash through the Sunda Strait in an effort to escape the very heavy Japanese forces now against them (Several heavy cruiser plus command of the air). Unfortunately, they ran into the very invasion fleet that they had been hunting in the Java Sea and were both sunk in Bantam Bay. There has been no reliable estimate of Japanese losses in this battle. Survivors were all captured and hundreds perished in captivity. I recommend the following books about Perth to you, "Bells of the Sunda Strait" by David Burchell who located and dived on the wreck of Perth in 1969. David Parkins "Wartime Trilogy" which documents the battle, sinking and years in captivity of the survivors. As to models, you could get Airfix's HMAS Ajax in 1:700 and hack it. I heard that NNT was going to do a companion kit set of Sydney and Kormoran, but that was over a year ago and I've not seen anything of that. Regards Mark Brayshaw (HMAS Perthophile) Hi Mark, Skytrex make a white metal HMAS Sydney in 1/700, This comes fully assembled, but can benefit from added detail. It should be very easy to do her up as HMAS Perth. Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: NAVYDAZE@aol.com Subject: Re: AO-64 last one errata Jean you are correct I believe the number for Pictor is AF-54. I used to drive the First Lieutenant crazy with my typing errors - and that was in the days of carbon paper and no whiteout!! Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: NAVYDAZE@aol.com Subject: Re: UNREPS OK to all of you SMMLies please excuse us old guys for rambling off on the subject of UNREPS. I realize it has cut down on the conversation about ship models which is what this site is for. Hmmm, maybe we need an "Sea Stories Forum" Well just a thought anyway. Mike Donegan NAVYDAZE - Naval & Aviation Artist Hi Mike, No worries from my end mate - keep em coming ;-) Shane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: SHIPMDLR@aol.com Subject: Changes at FSM I just read an official announcement from Paul Boyer that Terry Thompson will be vacating the editor's position at FSM. Apparently he has accepted an editor's position at Model Railroader magazine. Hopefully Paul will get the Editors spot at FSM. He's a good modeler and a first rate guy. Rusty White 2003 IPMS/USA National Convention Chairman OKC IN 2003! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Quinn Bracken" Subject: Re: MiniCon - Spring has Sprung >> so howzabout the following Saturday (after the IPMS Show).. the 16th of March? << Boy I'd love to go to some sort of modelling convention, as I have never been to one, and to have it somewhere near the greater Seattle area would be awesome. Count me in. Quinn Bracken Asst. Webnerd www.combinedfleet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Chris Preston Subject: Re: The proposed Northwest Minicon Malcolm and Bob - I'm interested, and may be able to make it. Chris Preston, Victoria, B.C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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