Subject: SMML VOL 1757 Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 00:14:51 +1000 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: russe de guerre 2: ex Okinawa sinkex 3: Re: Bluejacket's Manual 4: Re: Model Shops in Washington, DC? 5: More Info and an update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: ZMzimmerman@cs.com Subject: russe de guerre Mr. Ireland please continue your great stories. I will remember the D-day stories as I walk the invasion beaches during my vacation later this year. Even if a publishing house isn't interested in a book write down your stories they are priceless. The United States Naval Institute has an oral history program where the record (video and audio) the stories of veterans they might be interested. If the RN has a similar program I am sure they would be. Michael Zimmerman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Roger/Sharon Torgeson" Subject: ex Okinawa sinkex The following short report crossed my desk on the 6th of June, and seeing as I haven't seen anything published so far I thought I would pass this along just as I received it. Ex-Okinawa (LPH-3) is history!! The ship took a few missiles like a champ, but one torpedo (MK-48 Mod 5-Keyport built) finally did her in. She took almost 4 hrs to sink, gave it a real fight. Name of vessel Ex Okinawa (LPH-3) Date and time of sinking 06 June 2002, 0208 hrs Time of torpedo impact 05 June 2002, 2243 hrs Coordinates of sunken vessel 31-27.0N3 119-42.6W3 Water Depth 2020 fathoms Vessel displacement 13000 tons Vessel length 598 feet. Sad fate to another good ship, guess it's better then a cutting torch. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: royrichey@att.net Subject: Re: Bluejacket's Manual For reference, the 1918 edition has 807 pages. I do tend to agree that the 16, 17, &18 editions are basically the same. Roy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Phil Stewart Subject: Re: Model Shops in Washington, DC? Hi Les (and anyone else interested). Model shops in Washington, DC area: 1. Hobby Works 12274 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 1-301-468-6330 I recommend this store for its large selection of plastic models (especially) as well as of other hobby and craft supplies. Aircraft are best represented, but the ship kit selection is good too. 1/700 is a little slim in its representation, but as good as a lot of other stores. No 1/700 photo-etch parts (though in the past I could swear I saw some PE bulkheads for U.S. WWII destroyers on sale), and maybe no PE at all? Some decent books, good stock of styrene strips... Adequate selection of paints, as I remember. Like most these days, Definitely worth the trip. 2. Hobby Works (their other location) 9650 Main St. Fairfax, VA I haven't visited this location, but presume it to be similarly stocked. Other stores I get straight from the Yellow Pages, without having visited: 3. Arlington Hobby Crafters 230 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA 1-703-532-2224 4. Eagle and Empire Game Shop 8405 D [?] Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 1-703-360-5363 5. Granddad's Hobby Shop 5260-A Port Royal Rd Springfield 1-703-426-0700 6. Hobby Hangar (radio control models) 1-703-631-8820 There are some others, including model train-themed shops and one listed as "Corporate Benefits, Inc," at 40 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC (202-289-6684). Also Suzie Goose Hobbies (718 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 1-301-279-2966), which doesn't sound auspiciously named for plastic models, but this is a world of sometimes strange events, so who knows? ;) Phil Stewart Washington, DC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Subject: More Info and an update Hello you all worldwide Having just returned from a week away in the wilds of Norfolk, engaged in doing my accounts and watching cricket and some limited football stuff. We returned home yesterday to more mail and bills. The 20mm Oerlikon Mark's I, II,II USN and IV USN on the Mark I, IA and IIIA Mountings 1941. The 20mm Oerlikon is an automatic gun designed for H/A (High Angle) close range anti-aircraft fire with an effective range of 1000 to 1200 yards. (3 feet = 1 yard). The gun was operated by pressure set up by the explosion of the round, the empty case is blown back against the breech, forcing it to the rear against the pressure of the barrel springs which carry the moving parts forward again. The breech was not locked at the time of dischage, and the round is fired a fraction of an inch before it is fully home in the chamber, the neck of the case swelling to form a gas tight seal. The barrel and casing do not recoil; the whole force of the explosion of the cartridge being utilised in propelling the projectile and operating the moving parts. The Mark I gun was the original type made in Switzerland. (Ordered before war was declared). The Mark II gun was produced under licence in England. The Mark II was also made for the Royal Navy in the USA. For local reasons connected with U S Navy procedure the guns made in USA were marked either Mark II USN or Mark IV USN. From the users point of view there were no differences between the Mark II British and the Mark II USN or Mark IV USN guns, all three being completely interchangable. PARTUCULARS:- Calibre = 20mm or .8 inch approx 9 grooves, right hand Muzzle velocity = 2725 ft/sec Rate of fire = 465-480 rounds/minute. (Auto only) Length overall = 8 Ft Weight (gun only) approx 141 Lbs. With sight and shoulder piece 173 lbs. Weight of Mark I mounting (hand raised) = 10 cwt Weight of Mark IIA mounting (fixed pedestal) = 10 cwt 26 lbs Weight of Mark IIIA mounting (fixed pedestal) = 10 cwt 26 lbs Magazine capacity 60 rounds. Weight 22 Lbs empty. 54 Lbs full. Normal allowance = 8 magazines per gun. Maximum range at 45 degrees elevation = 6250 yards approx Angle of actual obtainable elevation = 75 degrees through 360 degrees. Working radius = 5 Ft One round weighs 8.5 ozs Differences Mark I gun a) Has a detachable flash eleminator. b) Barrel locking lever arrangements are separate from the double loading stop. c) Barrel locking lever also locks the barrel sleeve and has three positions. d) Has single shot and automatic firing. Mark II gun a) Barrel is bell mouthed. b) Barrel locking lever and double loading stop are combined in one axis. c) Barrel locking lever has only two positions. d) Automatic firing only. This information was gathered from the original wartime gunnery manual held at the Priddy's Hard Naval Armament Depot, from visits in the early 1970s, long before it became a modern state of the art museum. I gathered much more data from the same source, all scribed in longhand into a notebook, now very dog eared (like its owner). In the intervening years additional data has been found at other establishments, with drawings of gun construction to be found in my plans lists. ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT! I (we) have now received the interim payment for ALLIED COASTAL FORCES - VOLUME 3. It is now 'GO'. Remember you heard it first here! Yours "Aye" John Lambert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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