Subject: SMML VOL 1929 Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 12:42:36 +1000 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: USS Langley in 1/700 2: 1/350 carriers 3: Re: Black Ships 4: Re: black ships cammo in WW2 5: Making spare parts 6: replacement mushroom vents 7: Re: OT: Cheverolet d.u.k.w. 8: Re: black ships cammo in WW2 9: Cost of mold making 10: Re: the trouble with information and Bismarck color photos 11: making deck vents 12: Re: A aircraft carrier question? 13: Re: DUKW 14: Re: black ships 15: RED ALERT! SS UNITED STATES TO BE SCRAPPED! 16: Re: Black Camouflage 17: Walker RN 18: Instructions for Kromberg Gromoboi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information 1: So. California Model Contest - OrangeCon 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: 1:700 MONTANA BB-67 Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Adrian And Jules" Subject: USS Langley in 1/700 This is a two part question: 1. I seem to remember that Bob Santos wrote a pretty thorough article on how to scratchbuild a 1/700 USS Langley for FSM, does any one know which issue this was in?, I have searched a 3 and a half foot pile of the magazines to no avail, am I imagining the article? 2. Does any one know of an existing or projected kit of the Langley (Pre War or how she looked when sunk)? Thanks in advance Adrian Davies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Russell_Lessard@aigvalic.com Subject: 1/350 carriers Has anyone heard the status on the 1/350 scale WWII aircraft carrier models that were to be introduced this year? I do not recall the company that was to release the new models. I seem to recall that it was not Tamiya. Perhaps Banner? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Ernst-Bernhard Kayser Subject: Re: Black Ships Around the times of world war I, at least some of the German and Austrian torpedoboats and minesweepers used to be painted black. They were often referred to as "Schwarze Gesellen" (= "black brethren" or black consorts"). I don't know whether black was meant to camouflage the ships or to hide grime and soot. Bernhard ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: John Snyder Subject: Re: black ships cammo in WW2 >> From my memory, Yamato decks were dressed in black silk during her last sortie to Okinawa. Not a USN camouflage at all but beautiful as well. << Nope, they were stained black. Best, John Snyder White Ensign Models http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/white.ensign.models/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: Making spare parts Steve wrote in SMML 1928 about making spare or replacement parts. I have bought some RTV and casting resin and I make my own spare parts. I use the parts I have made in scratchbuilding or to add more deck clutter to commercial models. When I get a model with a particularly good part I'll clean it up. I will correct a part or maybe add a bit more detail and then I will make an RTV mold of the part. Then I pour resin copies. I'll make enough copies for the current project, plus some extras for the parts bin. I store the master and the mold away in case I need more at a later date. I have converted commercial parts to configurations that I need. I have also made my own parts such as, ready ammo lockers and winches. Detail them up with some PE brass and the RTV & resin will capture these added details. Making mushroom ventilators would be a simple scratchbuild using some Evergreen rod stock. Make one and cast the rest. I've told Jon Warneke of ISW that I was copying his parts. He has no problem with it. We're not talking about parts piracy issues here. I'm making parts for my own use. RTV and resin is a skill which every modeler should become familiar with as he (she) seeks to develop and improve skills in the hobby. Ed Mansfield, TX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Kelvin Mok Subject: replacement mushroom vents >> but mushroom vents are another matter. How do you make new ones? << Make a visit to a jewellers' supply store. They have all sorts and manner of well made geometrical findings, their term for the parts and pieces that go together to make costume jewelry. For just a few dollars for a pack of 12 you may probably find something that fits your model. There is even a tool which comprise a punch with a ball end and a matching block with a hemispherical depression. In jewelry making this is used to punch in half round pieces, two halves of which is then fused to make a hollow ball. This tool comes in a set costing around $100. Then again you may consider making your own aluminium die and a steel punch to do the same job. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: CapnAgee@aol.com Subject: Re: OT: Cheverolet d.u.k.w. I remember, back in the early 50s, here in Arizona, when an ice cream man used a surplus Duck (ok, d.u.v.k.) in his business. It was even painted Root Beer Brown. On a more recent date, there is/was a tour company out of Hot Springs, Ark., that was using several of them for tours and lake rides. About fours years back (maybe five), members of one group drowned when someone had forgotten to replace a few 'drain' plugs after maintenance. Another group was using them around San Diego also. Ray Agee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: black ships cammo in WW2 >> From my memory, Yamato decks were dressed in black silk during her last sortie to Okinawa. Not a USN camouflage at all but beautiful as well. << I seem to remember that the crew were all issued bright red scarves, white silk underwear and cute little blue bonnets with a rather striking floral arrangement. I think this all came from my repressed memory! Steve "Mr. Happy" Wiper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Kelvin Mok Subject: Cost of mold making >> most of the major model companies have their molds cut and injected in China and Korea these days. They are doing it because it is cheaper of course, and it keeps them in business. Tamiya (I think) is using a computer controlled laser to cut their new molds, but the molds themselves are huge and very expensive, even when the work is done in China and Korea! << I am currently engaged in a project for an assistive device. The plastics portion of item is relatively small and will be injection molded. The contract engineering team will provide me with the export files in igs, dfx, x-t, prt, sat sti, etc. I don't know exactly what the files are but the engineers assure me that these are the common formats that mold makers will ask for one of them to load into their CNC machines to make the mold. Everyone goes to China for this kind of work and he has a contact there. As an indication of costs a steel mold for my project will cost around $50,000 and can pop off a few hundred thousand copies before it becomes worn. An aluminium mold will cost around $2000 and easily pop off 2000 copies. Fortunately my project will be in batches of 1000 or less. Model kit designers in SMML work mostly in resin which is low pressure casting or injection. So an aluminium mold should last about for ever. Resin injection can work off a contractor's air compressor at 175 psi instead of the several tons in plastic injection molding. I am learning as I go along. So if the information here needs correction do chime in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: SteveWiper@aol.com Subject: Re: the trouble with information and Bismarck color photos >> now the trouble with any information, is who do you believe... if you hear it twice or more could it be true? the only people really that could answer the questions thruthfully would be the people that were there..& I guess if you ask someone something that happened nearly sixty years ago or even ten days ago could be a little wrong... guess the onlything that would fix any on going battles about colour schemes or other things is to go back in time..but we cant so I guess the ongoing debates continue ..and anyhow that's why we have these discussion groups to throw (gently) ideas at each other & see what the general thought of the matter is .. if its wrong, so beit << Very good points! But.......................... just because a few people agree on one point or another does not mean they are correct. I have spoken to quite a few veterans and almost always get the slightly twisted version of the correct story. Discussion groups can also distort the story as well. Photos and documents are the best research. On that note........... I am progressing on the collection of color photos of Bismarck. I should have these in my possession by the end of this month. 20 to 25 of them are from that ships last days in European continental waters. Lets hope they will answer many of the camo questions we all have, especially the turret top colors! I plan on publishing an all color photo album style book by this Christmas as a dual language edition. Please dont bother to ask me for the secrets these photos may reveal. You will have to buy the book to find out! Steve Wiper www.classicwarships.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Leslie Brown" Subject: making deck vents I would certainly support Steven Lau request for spare parts in 1/350 scale. How about it WEM? Regards Les Brown ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: annobon4@aol.com Subject: Re: A aircraft carrier question? Hi As far as I know the following carriers were decommissioned since the early 90's. Forrestal CV-59 Saratoga CV-60 Ranger CV-61 Independence CV-62 America CV-66 Lexington AVT-16 Midway CV-41 Coral Sea CV-43 I have heard that the Midway and Forrestal have been considered for museums. Of these the Coral Sea has been scrapped.The others are in reserve. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: David Sepos Subject: Re: DUKW There is a WWII Armor History Museum in Hubbard, OH (near Youngstown) that recently completed a full restoration of a DUKW. No corners cut, no substitutions made. He also has an LVT-5 w/75mm howitzer there. Yes, all his tanks run and shoot. If you've seen the Squadron Close up on the Sherman, a great number of the pictures were taken there. Well worth the $5 to see them and all the other WWII trucks and tanks, and tank destroyers, if you're in the area. Open weekdays only, 9 -12 and 1-5. Regards, Dave ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: Andreas Bergauer Subject: Re: black ships The torpedo boats of the german "kaiserliche Marine" (german imperial navy?) were painted black completely until the end of 1916. Then the color was changed to grey. Minesweepers and auxiliary ships also were painted black completely, perhaps til 1918. Hope this helps. Andreas Bergauer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "DUCKMAN" Subject: RED ALERT! SS UNITED STATES TO BE SCRAPPED! I AM FORWARDING THIS BECAUSE I FEEL MANY ON THE LIST WOULD BE INTERESTED. DAVID IN DIXIE >> From: Robert Westover Subject: RED ALERT! SS UNITED STATES TO BE SCRAPPED! It has been confirmed that Cantor Company (formally Cantor Affiliated Interests) is seeking to sell the SS United States for scrap! I have spoken to the ship scrapping broker in New York City assigned to find a buyer and he has confirmed that Cantor Company is indeed seeking a scrapping firm to buy and decimate the United States. Additionally, it was confirmed by an anonymous source at Cantor Company. If something is not done soon, one of the proudest of all our nation's engineering and architectural feats will meet a tragic fate--and by the hands of our fellow Americans. No terrorist group could plan a more fitting destruction of the ship that bears our country's name. Call To Action: * Our plan of action is being decided upon tonight by the board of directors. What you can do is immediately contact your Congressman, Senator and the White House from the this link http://www.ssunitedstates.org/howtohelp.htm and tell them that you will not stand to see one of the greatest American treasures lost forever! * A protest is being planned in Philadelphia--more details to follow * Media sources and contacts built over the years are being alerted * The SS United States scrap value I was told today is $2.5 million. The board of directors is considering starting an escrow fund for the purchase of the ship--more details to follow * Call your local newspapers and tv/radio stations--spread the news--sign up new members ASAP If we unite as one grassroots army of thousands, the fate of the United States will not be razor blades, aluminum cans or bowling trophies. We knew this day would come when we would be called to put aside whatever else was happening in our lives and commit to save what many consider to be a modern wonder of the world. The energy it will take from all of us in the next few months to save this ship will be worth it when decades from now, school children look up at the magnificent structure of the SS United States and marvel at what great things we as a nation--as one people--have accomplished. WE WILL SAVE THE UNITED STATES! Robert Hudson Westover Chairman SS United States Foundation Washington DC << ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: WRPRESSINC@aol.com Subject: Re: Black Camouflage A few PT Boats in the Med in 1943. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "dengar" Subject: Walker RN Hi Guys, Some of you might find this site interesting. http://www.angelfire.com/my/kemble/walker.html Gary McGee (NZ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From: ZMzimmerman@cs.com Subject: Instructions for Kromberg Gromoboi I recently acquired a Kromberg 1/700 Gromoboi and I have managed to loose the instructions, so if any one has a set to spare or can scan or make a copy please contact me at zmzimmerman@cs.com Thanks in advance. Michael Zimmerman ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Richa5011@aol.com Subject: So. California Model Contest - OrangeCon 2002 Southern California's largest model contest, OrangeCon 2002 will be held on Sunday, October 13th. This event is sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of IPMS. OrangeCon will feature a model contest with 43 categories as well as "Best of" Awards. For a full listing of the contest categories, visit our web site at: www.ipmsoc.org Additionally, we will have a room for Special Guest Speakers and events. There are a few tables still available in OrangeCon Vendor Room. You can look forward to finding both individual vendors as well as well known hobby retailers with many wonderful and glorious things to sell. OrangeCon 2002 will be held at the Sequoia Conference Center, 7530 Orangethorpe, Buena Park, California. · The doors open at 9:00 · Model Registration closes at 11:30 · The Contest Room will be closed for judging from 12:00 to 1:30 · Awards Presentation will begin at 3:30 For additional information, visit our web site at: www.ipmsoc.org All are invited to join us for what promises to be a great day for modelers of all types. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Mike Bartel Subject: 1:700 MONTANA BB-67 Information Hi Folks, 1:700 Montana kits will be available again soon. I believe I gave the wrong email address recently to some of you who were interested. I'm giving it here to make sure everyone gets the correct information. You can obtain Montanas through Mr.Chung Lam, and his email is: cwlam_99@yahoo.com. I don't know what he will charge for them. He will be including photoetch and Skywave parts with the kits, in addition to the resin and metal and turned brass parts of the basic kit I supplied. He informs me that he should be ready to sell kits within a month or so. AGAIN, PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT IHP FOR THE KITS: I KNOW NOTHING MORE, AND I AM NOT SELLING THEM. You must contact Mr. Lam. Thanks, Mike Bartel IHP http://ihphobby.tripod.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