Subject: SMML VOL 1746 Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 02:28:31 +1000 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Former Army tugs used by Moran Towing 2: Re: The U.S.N. in WW 1 3: Re: Tony Ireland's stories 4: To Sami 5: Re: Artesania Latina "Endeavour" 6: Old Lindberg Kit - "bobtail cruiser" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: More Books for Sale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: SeaPhoto@aol.com Subject: Former Army tugs used by Moran Towing Hi Everyone, I am looking for photos of Moran Company Tugs that were either US Army ST tugs, or DPC (Built during the war for coastal towing) tugs; I would like to build the Lindberg and Revell tugs kits in Moran Livery. If anyone has photos they would like to trade for anything in my collection, either digitally or in print form, please let me know. Thanks! Kurt SeaPhoto Maritime Photography www.warshipphotos.com Order via our online catalog...now taking credit cards via Paypal Warship Models Underway www.warshipmodelsunderway.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Michael London" Subject: Re: The U.S.N. in WW 1 >> I recall reading somewhere that the U.S. Navy participated in only one naval battle in WW 1, and that was the attack on Durazzo in Albania in 1918. The Austrians had established a submarine base in Durazzo (on the Adriatic Sea, across from the "heel" of Italy). Most of the action involved the Italian and the British navies. The American contribution being made by small (110 Ft. )submarine chasers which did some mine sweeping and some submarine detecting, and also sank one Central Powers submarine poised to attack the Allied ships. << The following from Sokol, The Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy, USNI Press 1968. "Durazzo, 2 October 1918. ....the Allies attacked Durazzo with three Italian armored cruisers, four British light cruisers, numerous destroyers, MAS, airplanes, and 11 American submarine chasers. The only defenders were two of the old 400 ton Austro-Hungarian destroyers, a torpedo boat and shore batteries.".... During the battle the Allies sighted and attacked the Austro-Hungarian submarine U 31 as she was steaming [sic] from Cattaro to Otranto. She managed to launch one torpedo at the British cruiser Weymouth and blow her stern off, before making her way into Durazzo Harbor. The American submarine chasers thought that two Austrian submarines were sunk during this engagement, but the U 31 was the only one there and she was not even hit. A steamer in the harbor was damaged and a few houses destroyed - a disappointing tally for a bombardment by such a large force, and hardly worth the damage to the Weymouth." Michael London -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Chris Hughes" Subject: Re: Tony Ireland's stories Come on guys... There's a book in this lot! Tony, haven't you ever thought of getting this all down on paper (CD) and getting it to a publisher? I'd certainly buy a copy - I put you up there with the likes of Charles Lamb etc! Please keep the stories coming! Regards, Chris PS I'll have to look in the photo archives at Keele to see if I can spot you! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Shaya Novak" Subject: To Sami What's your sites address for the 1/1250 PE? Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies The Store for The Model Ship Builder www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "David Griffith" Subject: Re: Artesania Latina "Endeavour" >> Model Expo has a super sale going on now & one of their offerings is an AL "Endeavour" at a really good price. My question - Has anyone built this kit, or any other AL kits? I'd like to hear all thoughts concerning this kit & what it takes to do a decent job on an AL model << Dear Tom, I've not made any Artesania Latina models, the only plank-on-frame model that I've done being the Corel "HMS Unicorn". However I have seen a few of their kits made up in model shop windows and looked inside a box or two. My general opinion of them is that they are at the bargain basement end of the market, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are no good. In fact, I would rather spend some money on one of them than on some other firms' products, after looking at photos of grotesque monstrosities in some catalogues! Those AL models that I've seen made up certainly look like ships, and the hulls seem correctly formed vis-a-vis the ships they are supposed to represent. I can't speak as to the precise accuracy of the kits, though. Fittings seem a bit on the large side, as are things like blocks and the diameters of masts and spars, but this is a general fault with most wooden ship kits, whatever brand. It is nothing that a small plane, sandpaper and a bit of scratchbuilding can't put right if you're so inclined. I think some of the wood that is included for planking may be a bit on the coarse side. If that is the case, then it would be sensible to get some 1mm or 1.5mm walnut sheet from some model supplier instead. Actually, that would be a good thing to do, whatever, as there is not usually enough planking material included in these kits to allow for wastage when you are trying to taper the planks properly. My basic message would be that AL probably represents good value for money, and I'd say "Go for it." In general terms, planking a model is challenging but not actually all that difficult, as long as you are methodical, careful and properly equipped with the right tools. To fit properly, the planks have to follow the natural curve of the hull, and taper towards bow and stern. The best, and in my mind, essential tool for measuring the width of planks at the various bulkheads is a set of proportional dividers. Not cheap, but if you want to do a good job they will save you a lot of heartache. Don't be tempted, under any circumstances, to try putting the planks on without tapering correctly, and if the instructions suggest that you do, then ignore them! That way leads to misery. I can give you a lot more advice, if you like. Contact me off list if you think I can help. Writing this reminds me that I ought to put down these plastic thingies and get back to my Lowestoft trawler "Master Hand" that has been hanging up in the playroom for the last three years. Too little time, too many models! Regards, David Griffith Glasgow, Scotland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Pablo Sifuentes" Subject: Old Lindberg Kit - "bobtail cruiser" Tim's comments on the Lindberg LCI/LSI model (SMML VOL 1744) got me thinking about some other models in that same line; especially the "bobtail cruiser", which was a landing craft configured for beach assault support (rockets and 5" gun). Does anybody have pictures or plans of the model? How about where I can find a model of it? Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Pablo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: FBustelo@aol.com Subject: More Books for Sale Hi Folks, I am thinning my home library out, so I have the following books for sale. The prices are asking prices, I am willing to hear offers. McKinley's Bulldog - The Battleship Oregon by Sanford Sternlicht - $10.00 Gakken Volume #22 on the Shinano and Taiho - $25.00 Polish Navy in 1939 by J.W. Dysklant - Hard Cover AJ Press book in Polish but good photos and drawings - $10.00 Old Ironsides - The Rise, Decline and Ressurection of the USS Constitution by Thomas C Gillmer - $15.00 German Warships 1815-1945 Vol. 1 Major Surface Ships by Erich Groner - $30.00 The Design & Construction of British Warships 1939-1945 Vol 1 Major Surface Ships Edited by D.K. Brown - $20.00 The Design & Construction of British Warships 1939-1945 Vol 2 Subs, Escorts & Coastal Forces Edited by D.K. Brown - $20.00 *** Will sell the above 2 Volumes as a set for $30.00 Die Andere Deutsche Marine (The Other German Navy) - In German a book about the ships and equipment of the East German Navy - Interesting Subject and hard to find book, good photos and comprehensive lists. by Hans Mehl and Kurt Schafer - $30.00 Profile Morskie # 15 - IJN Heavy Cruiser Maya - Polish Text but great detailed plans - $10.00 I am also reducing the price of the 3 wood ship model books - Plank-on-Frame Models & Scale Masting & Rigging Vol. 1 by Harold A. Underhill c. 1978 Brown, Son & Ferguson - $20.00 (from $30) 2) Lusci's Ship Model Builder's Handbook by Vincenzo Lusci c. 1970 Mantua Model - $ 15.00 (from $25) 3) Period Model Boat Manual Revised 2nd Edition by F.D. Conte c. ? Edizioni Aeropiccola - $10.00 (from $20) If will sell these 3 wood ship modeling books as a set for $30.00. Only U.S. buyers, please. Please contact me off-line using the email address link at my name above if you are interested - shipping will be determined on how you wish them mailed to you. Thanks, Felix Bustelo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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