Subject: SMML VOL 1999 Date: Sun, 03 Nov 2002 15:06:28 +1100 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: Handling a fighing sailing ship 2: Re: Shipborne Maxim quads 3: Good review of book 4: Re: Wood Deck NJ 5: Re: Cairo color 6: Re: 1/350 Pola 7: Re: Seydlitz coal scuttles 8: Camoflauge - HMS Norfolk - Dec 43 9: Where to get 1/600 Airfix HMS Amazon? 10: Re: Type 22s 11: 1/350 Askold kit by Kom Brig of Russia 12: USNI Book - Luftwaffe Seaplanes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: "Robert Mosher" Subject: Re: Handling a fighing sailing ship >> The concept of "watches" with specfic duties was a neat idea, but the confusion of combat casualties must have created considerable consternation. << Franklyn raises a good point and I am curious myself about what specific arrangement there must have been - or did they just take the casualties and do without? My library is packed away and I can't look it up. I know that infantry of the period did have a procedure - when someone in the front rank was hit and went down then someone from the rear rank (first the guy right behind the casualty) would step up into the front rank in order to maintain the unit's frontage. Eventually the frontage would be reduced or the unit would break. Of course, on board ship you are not worried about frontage - so what if anything would be done as casualties were taken? Can anyone fill us in? Robert A. Mosher www.CombatIC.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: "Robert Mosher" Subject: Re: Shipborne Maxim quads >> Does anybody on the list has any details about shipborne turrets for AA Maxim quads mounted on Russian monitors and river patrol boats during WWII??? << I can't provide a lot of detail at this point but I know that the weapons mounts of most of these monitors and patrol boats were recycled mounts from armored fighting vehicles and other military platforms (Soviet Armored trains incorporated tank turrets). I do have some photos of one or two preserved as memorials but don't know if they would help any more than what I have already offered. You might be able to Google some Russian websites that would have some photos or diagrams that would give you some more info. Try Stalingrad, Volga, Dnepr, Don River, as keywords and you might have some luck. Robert A. Mosher www.CombatIC.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: "Phil M. Gollin" Subject: Good review of book As Christopher Langtree used to be (and hopefully still is) a member of this list, and John Lambert and John Roberts are, I thought I'd pass on a review of Chris's book "The Kellys" contained in the latest issue of THE MARINER'S MIRROR (Volume 88, number 4 - November 2002) (review by Andrew Lambert on pages 500-501). Most of the review is a summary of the contents, but the last paragraph is rather good ; "This is a work of great quality, combining thorough archival research and mastery of the secondary literature to provide a full, clearly written account. In addition, the book is beautifully produced with countless high quality photographs, technical drawings by John Lambert and camouflage schemes by John Roberts. For their displacement these were about the best destroyers of the day. They saw more hard service than any comparable ships, and excelled in the original design requirement of surface warfare. The book is a must for all those fascinated by the Second World War, and destroyers." I think it's fair to say he likes (and respects) it - good for Chris (and the others). By the way, I also found out today that John Roberts has prepared 60 drawings for D K Brown's latest book on the history of the design of Royal Naval ships. The book covers the post-war period, and the drawings show the appearance of some of the never built ones. The manuscript has only just been completed, and there is no publication date yet (Chatham). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Singcarol234 Subject: Re: Wood Deck NJ As for the wood deck on the N.J., I went to the local tobacco shop that sold cigars and got some ceader that come in the cigar boxes. U have to be careful when cutting as it breaks apart and does not leave a straight edge. I used a steel ruler when cutting mine and it looks pretty reasonable. Even did it to my old WW II carriers as they also had wood flight decks. Just got back from seeing the Constellation leave for part's unk. This will be her last deployment. She wasn't scheduled to depoly until Feb/March 2003, but the sent her out earlier. I bet the invasion will go right after Election day. Good luck on the wooden deck. Bob, San Diego ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: Bradford Chaucer Subject: Re: Cairo color >> That said, I just don't know enough about ACW subject to offer much help. CARONDELET looks almost light enough to have been white, or a VERY pale gray. Now, think about this: you have this great chunk of iron ship, operating in warm climes, and it's already bloody hot because of the boilers below decks and very little ventilation. A nice, light reflective color will help keep things a LITTLE cooler.... << Some of the ironclads were painted a light grey probably in an attempt to lessen heat buildup. I don't recall much discussion of color schemes for the city class boats beyond the general they're black rule of thumb. I also agree that the pictures show an appearance that is too light to be accounted for by the photo emulsion or weathering. Regards, Bradford Chaucer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: SteveWiper Subject: Re: 1/350 Pola >> Does anyone know anything about Trumpeter's 1/350 Pola? I saw it is sold for a very low price and was wondering if anyone knows if it is a quality model or a dud? << Pete, The shapes appear to be good, but there is a lack of fine detail to the entire model. Also the smaller AA guns need to be replaced with something more delicate. For $22 in the US, this is a great kit for a long winter project. That's next winter, 'cause I am working on a book on all of the Italian heavy cruisers of WWII and the Pola in the color center spread illustration. I am planning on publishing this book by middle of next year. Steve Wiper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: SteveWiper Subject: Re: Seydlitz coal scuttles >> I am submitting this query on behalf of a friend who is in the process of building the SMS Seydlitz in 1/350. The question pertains to the coal scuttles which are littered all over the decks; were they a circular hatch in deck only or were they mounted on/in a framed construction within the deck? The reason for the query is that he has been looking at the models built by Mr Durr who recently published a book about his 1/100 scale German High Seas fleet models, in one the photographs of one of the ship (Lutzow?) the scuttles( I am led to believe) were surrounded by a square of brown with the scuttle within it. the question is: If this is corrrect is the brown perhaps a lino surround? i have not seen the photographs in question (the query arose during a telephone call) << Jim, Tell your friend they are a large round iron cover, about 2ft. in diameter, mounted flush to the wood deck. The brown you are seeing is the margin planking, of the same wood as the rest of the deck, also mounted flush. Most all deck fittings on most ships of most navies use margin planking. This is very rarely simulated in scales smaller than 1/200. For a 1/350 model, I would recommend drilling a 1/16" hole in the deck and fill with same size plastic rod cut and sanded flush to the deck. Steve Wiper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: "John Sutherland" Subject: Camoflauge - HMS Norfolk - Dec 43 Hi all, According to all references I have seen Norfolk had B15/B30/B55 in August 43 with two panels of B30 altered in Oct 43 to G10 and B55. The upper works are not camouflaged and assumably in B55 overall. My query is that WEM have issued a 1943 B55 paint which is a light blue. Whilst all the photographs I have seen of Norfolk are black and white, they are of a similar reflectance to my weak eyes as other ships in AP507C or for that matter Duke of York in G45. I guess I have some difficulty in believing the B55 Norfolk was painted in back in 1943 was a light blue - especially for overall upper works. Are the references wrong? My eyes playing up? WEM got it wrong? HELP! John Sutherland Wellington, NZ PS. for WEM - now that you have issued some of the common mid to late war colours - when are you going to issue B15, B30, G20, G5 and G10 - so we can actually complete one of these schemes? (well at least the first 3, I can see little difference between G10 and 507A on the colour chips unless directly alongside each other (and even then ....)). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: "Michael Kear" Subject: Where to get 1/600 Airfix HMS Amazon? Since I finished my small type21 and put the pictures on my web site, I've had several people asking me where they can get the kit. I wouldn't know, because I got mine in a big toy store in London when I was Christmas shopping for my family in 1993. I understand it's out of production now. Does anyone have any idea what I should tell these people who come to my site and ask where they can get one? (if you want to see my HMS Amazon modified extensively into HMS Ambuscade as at 1993, see http://modelwarship.com/model/diary.cfm?entryid=23 ) Cheers, Mike Kear Windsor, NSW, Australia www.modelwarship.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "Leslie Brown" Subject: Re: Type 22s Firstly I have to say that personally I do not find the appearance of these vessels attractive in the slightest. But to the question - The role of the Type 22 frigate is primarily anti-submarine warfare, with a point defence capability against air attack only. The three batches of ships were completed between 1979 and 1990. More recently, the Type 23 frigates have been (and are still being) built and they fulfil a similar role so with the cut back in numbers, the Type 22 has to go. The Type 42s, completed between 1975 and 1985, fulfil a different role - that of an air defence destroyer. As such they are fitted with longer range surveillance radar and a longer range (if outdated) missile system. They will be replaced by the new Type 45 destroyer, construction of which should start next year. Regards Les Brown ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: SteveWiper Subject: 1/350 Askold kit by Kom Brig of Russia WOW! This is one of the best resin kits ever produced. The fineness is amazing. I think the pattern is machine tooled. The casting is flawless. This kit is molded like a plastic kit, with a hallow hull. The small parts are all done in resin which will make getting them off the casting gates very difficult, but the resulting detail is worth it. While the price of the kit is a bit high, after seeing the quality level, it is worth it. This kit is for experienced model builders. Again, I think this is one of the best resin kits ever produced. For refference, I think there is an article from the early "Warship" series hardbound books that has a very good set of drawings in it. I just received this kit from Pacific Front Hobbies. Steve Wiper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: SteveWiper Subject: USNI Book - Luftwaffe Seaplanes Spotted this at Barnes & Noble books today. At first glance, we can clearly see that the Naval Institute press has gone backwards again. This is a VERY LOUD request to USNI.............. USE BETTER QUALITY PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The image reproduction quality suffers from the matte paper. This book could also have had the images on each page doubled up and the book would have been half the size and a lot less expensive. While there are some very interesting images, I would recommend this book, but buy it at a discount. It is not worth the retail price. Steve Wiper ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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