Subject: SMML VOL 1782 Date: Mon, 01 Jul 2002 01:41:04 +1000 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: PT Boat torpedo launching 2: Re: HMS DWARF, 1899 3: Interesting items on eBay 4: Re: Torp aiming 5: Re: Scharnhorst - at loss Dec 43 and the escorting Zs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation 1: Re: SMML get together 2: 2002 Virginia Beach IPMS 3: Nationals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Good News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: JFR1945@aol.com Subject: Re: PT Boat torpedo launching >> When the torpedo tubes of a PT Boat were cranked out at an angle to the keel, how was the torpedo reliably aimed at the target? I have always assumed that in the case of a submarine-launched torpedo, the entire submarine was pointed directly at the target, and the submarine's tubes guided the aquatic missile on a course that was unalterable once it left the tube. Did the PT Boat have to change course a few degrees just before launching? Or did the PT Boat aim itself a little ahead of the target, sort of like "Leading" in skeet shooting"? I would think that getting in really close to the target would improve the chances of getting a "hit", but would also make the PT Boat far more vulnerable to enemy defensive fire, both on the attack run and on the "getting the Hell out of here" run. I, for one, will appreciate comments. << The PT boat had a simple analog targeting device (submarines a more sophisticated analog computer) that determined the proper torpedo course to intercept the target. This course was fed to the torpedo, which had a small gyro-based guidance system. Once launched, the torpedo would come to the selected course, most of the time.... John Reeder -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Roland Mar Subject: Re: HMS DWARF, 1899 >> I am hoping the SMML'ies collective knowledge can help me out. I have found a couple of references/photographs of a "Bramble class steel gunboat" called HMS Dwarf, in service between 1899 and 1926, probably some of it overseas (she is painted white in one photo). Looks like an interesting little ship. I found the following entry in Conways All the World's Fighting Ships 1860-1905. Does anyone have any further information on the ship or the type or can point me to further references on them. I would ideally like to get hold of plans/drawings, but before I approach the National Maritime Museum I would like to a) get more information about the ships and b) exhaust any further (and cheaper) sources. << This caught my attention and I started poking about. DWARF was in service in East Africa in 1899 as evidenced by a citation for a Royal Humane Society Bronze Lifesaving Medal given to her captain. Citation follows: Shakespear, Commander HMS Dwarf. Case 30512 Clemesha, R. A.B. HMS Dwarf. On the 23rd December 1899, the whale-boat belonging to HMS Dwarf was capsized at the entrance to the Limpopo River, East Africa. They were three miles from the ship, the surf being heavy and numerous sharks in the locality. All but one got on the keel of the boat, the exception being a seaman named Harradon, who seemed to loose his head. Shakespear and Clemesha three times brought him back to the boat after being washed off, but in spite of their efforts he was dead when they were picked up. So it would seem to be a fair assumption that the class was designed for showing the flag in various foreign places. Apparently she was active in WW I as is noted in this bibliographic entry, which may be handy as a reference source if you can find a copy: 0096 Chatterton E.K. GALLANT GENTLEMEN (Hurst & Blackett) 1933 Histories of WW1: why the Goeben escaped, the ‘Dummy Fleet’ of battleships, Coronel action, Dresden versus Kent, the Falklands battle, the gunboat Dwarf, Q ships including Baralong, loss of sub K13, Italian motor boats, coastal motor boats attacking Kronstadt & China gunboats 296pp illus VG $50 And further on her service; in 1922 she was in South-West Africa as evidenced by yet another Royal Humane Society Bronze Lifesaving Award listed in their records as follows: Johnson, E. Stoker 1st Cl HMS Dwarf 19.2.22 Walvis Bay W. Africa 46286 The columns are Name, Rank, Date, Location, and Award Number. The name DWARF seems to have been used for a previous colonial patrol type vessel, as there was a DWARF in an 1880's mission to China and later involved in Fisheries enforcement in the Falklands. While these items don't directly give you the details you need for modelling, they may give you some leads for research. Hope this helps. Roland Mar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: paulship37@aol.com Subject: Interesting items on eBay I saw these items for sale at eBay. Maru Special 132 submarines I http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2117434169 Ships Salvage and Sinews of War-Carter/Duvall http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1546450525 4 Books on War Ships http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1546672173 1930s British Navy Picture Book http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1546356155 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Sab1156@aol.com Subject: Re: Torp aiming The german submarines had from 1944 on indeed torpedoes called LUT (Lagen unabhaengiger Torpedo) who circulated after leaving the u-boat in u-shaped lines until hitting during a sertain time its target! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Sab1156@aol.com Subject: Re: Scharnhorst - at loss Dec 43 and the escorting Zs Hi John, I am able to give you a few infos: Breyer:Schlachtschiffe & Schlachtkreuzer 1905-1970 has on page 318 the 1250 scale drawing of the Scharnhorst in her final stage. If you cannot get this book, I can send you a copy of the drawing,if you write me your adress. The light german aa-guns you need for the destroyers are available from WSW models in Germany, also sold here from Pacific Front Hobbies and Colpar Hobbies. They are very good with PE. Z-27 & Z-30 had both the 2cm Twins on the bridge, but Z-32 had none! The sideviews of Z-33 & Z-34 does not show clearly if the guns on the bridge are single or double guns, but most likely also twins. Z-37 never had any guns on the bridge! The best source for camo-schemes might be the german naval archive in Freiburg,but I dont know,if they answer written requests,because they have a very small staff! I hope,this infos help you a little,if you need anything, please feel free to contact me. Detlef -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Infomation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: SMML get together >> The Beanster....Ray Bean from Winnipeg, Canada....will be there, and friend, who I hope will be making his own announcement. Dont you think it might be nice for us all to do a HARBOR CRUISE together?? A bunch of us lathered up with cameras and beers all interested in the same thing making use of good time. I would rather do that anytime than sit in a bar, its really a short convention and so much to see and do......your thoughts,chappies? << No that sounds like a terrible idea Now Cameras and Scotch or pitchers of long Island Iced Tea - that would be nice :-) Regards, Bradford Chaucer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Hubert Letterly Subject: 2002 Virginia Beach IPMS David Angelo and I will be there for the fun. Look for us at the Loose Cannon table. We will have the AOG USS Mettawee there along with some surprises. Hope to see everyone. Hugh Letterly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Steven Lau Subject: Nationals I will be there. I will bring my wallet. Vendors may assume the out stretched hand position and prepare to receive! I am really excited about the number of vendors this year, especially those we have not seen for a while. Too bad White Ensign can't make the trip like they used to do in the good old days. As far as a get together, remember that Friday AM is the time for the recently added Oceana tour. Maybe Thursday? Steve, in 100 degree Nebraska. Hide your resin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "shaya" Subject: Good News THEY ARE BACK! Yes and an ample supply. All customers that had the 4 x 1 - 1/600 scale Destroyers on back order they will be shipped this week. We also have a new supply available for new orders. This is the Airfix 4-WWII Destroyers in box for $16.00 that's right $4.00 per model with decals. http://www.modelshipbuilding.com/4wwiidd.htm Shaya Novak Naval Base Hobbies www.modelshipbuilding.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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