Subject: SMML VOL 2421 Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 00:35:40 +1100 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http//sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1 Building Accurate Ship Models From Official Plans 2 Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett's Reputation 3 Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett's Reputation 4 Graf Spee 5 Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett 6 Re Kormoran / Sydney 7 Re Human figures on models 8 Re HMAS Sydney & HSK Kormoran 9 Model Quality/Methods of Construction Standards 10 SH-60; just how DOES the tail fold?! 11 Re How close is Bourrasque to Wicher? 12 Re Combrig Australia and Canberra 13 Belfast Bottom 14 Flightdeck 1/400 Tracker 15 Re Sydney/Kormoran 16 Congrats for a great book 17 Plans for Tri Sviatitelia 18 John Batchelor Drawing 19 PT73 20 Attn SeaWoodies (Mike) 21 Re 1/144 scale Swampworks' kits 22 Re HMAS Sydney, Kormoran encounter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information 1 Re Contest in San Antonio, Texas on February 28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1 IHP 1700 Algerie 2 "How To" Modeling CDs 3 New from Tom's Modelworks 4 OzMods 1/350 HMAS Vampire ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From "Katz, Gene S" Subject Building Accurate Ship Models From Official Plans At a working dinner last night, attended by senior USN officers (active and retired) and naval architects/marine engineers/designers from two shipyards, including Maritime Aacademy graduates and ship's officers, we discusssed an ongoing and proposed shipbuilding project. The consensus is (100% agreement) that plans lie. Given a set of plans, concurred in and shared by the yards and owners, etc., no two ships of a class will be exactly 100% the same. The "as-builts" themselves will not necessarily be 100% accurate. If the same plans are given to and used by two cooperating yards (even with a shared CAD database), the results will be mighty close for Government work, but there will still be differences based on many divergent factors. A chock/fairlead (for example) on one ship of a class may be several inches away from the same chock/fairlead on another ship of the same class produced by a second yard or even by the same yard at a different fitting out dock. So instead of grabbing your calipers, dividers, and compasses to find the "Ah Ha, Got 'Em" on the so-called Official, As-Built plans and drawings, lighten up, relax and enjoy your shipbuilding hobby. Wish I could have taped our tabletalk conversations. Keep 'em sailing. Gene ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From Bill Weckel Subject Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett's Reputation Did the Sydney have an aircraft aboard which could have been used to aid in the identification of the Kormoran? Bill ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From "Maurice O'Brien" Subject Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett's Reputation >>To use your preferred language in my opinion a court of inquiry would have 'blamed' CAPT Burnett for .....<< Joel Are the findings of your court of enquiry based on knowledge of what actually happened ? You are entitled to an opinion, but not to a judgement. It was an extrodinary outcome and a military disaster for which we do not know the cause. We were not there and can only guess since it is not unreasonable to suppose that the Kormoran survivors were sparing with the truth. Irrespective of what the wrecks might disclose, their location is now technically possible and I deplore my Governments reluctance to make resources available to enable it's people to achieve closure. Maurice ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From Graeme Martin Subject Graf Spee - It has been reported in the Guardian newspaper that a salvage operation will be launched next week to raise from the estuary of the river Plate , in Uruguay, the wreck of the German battleship GRAF SPEE. It is reported that the salvage operation, a private venture with German funding and Uruguayan government backing, is expected to last more than three years. The ship is only eight metres below the surface, but it has broken into two and been engulfed by mud. Once raised and restored, the Graf Spee is expected to become a major tourist attraction in Montevideo, where reminders of the battle which made it famous still abound museums, memorials, street names, graves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From m.f.mclaughlin@att.net Subject Re Sydney/Kormoran and CAPT Burnett Hi, I don't think there is any doubt that Capt Burnett should have regarded that the mystery ship claiming to be the Dutch flagged Straat Malakka that he was trying to intercept was possibly Raider "G" (Kormoran) or another unknown Axis raider. Nor can there be much argument that he should have been prepaired to open fire once they sighted this mystery ship and had decided to intercept. The problem is that what elapsed nearly an hour and a half from the first sighting to the moment Capt Detmers of Kormoran opened fire is only marginaly clearer in hind sight now then when it occured. When Capt Burnett first sighted this mystery ship, he was operating under his last intelegence update which suggested that there should NOT be any raiders on or near his South East track course in that area off Western Australia. The mystery ship was traveling on a converging North East course and promptly turned to a South West course with the setting sun. Admiralty instructions to Allied frieghters were to turn away from warships upon first sighting so, Burnett would not have found this action by the yet unidentified mystery ship as being overly supicious by itself. Sydney was probably traveling at around 18kts when she decided to make an intercept and Kormoran was trying to escape at a reduced 14kts. According to Detmers, Sydney made a direct course for her durring the next 40 minutes or so of this slow chase and started signaling to Kormoran to identify herself. Apparentlly, Detmers made an excellent pretence of being a scared and poorly trained Dutch ship trying to escape a hostile warship. All Burnett would have known for sure while he was closing was that he was following a modern fast freighter which he would have been instructed to stop and capture if it proved to be Axis. To complicate matters, Kormoran did not exactly match either the Talbot-Booth silhouette for Raider"G" or the photo of Kormoran issued to British Warships in October 1941. Capturing a suspected Axis frieghter or supply ship reguired an Allied warship to get very close to the mystery ship and get an anti-scuttling party on board as fast as possible. Clearly Burnett did not think he was comming up against a raider but, he also did not want this valuable modern frieghter to scuttle before he could get a crew on board. If you follow the course and speed track found in Wesley Olson's book Bitter Victory, Sydney had to increase her speed to roughly 30 kts and head in a slightly diverging westerly course to get into a position up from the sun to get a broadside view of Kormoran's full in view silhouette. At a broadside point of roughly 9000 yds, Sydney again turned torward Kormoran at a reduced 22kts on a converging South West course. Detmers saw Sydney's Seagull start it's engine but, then stop a short time latter. At no point does his after action report state that Sydney herself came to a stop according to the Olson book. At a point roughly 3000 yds away with her 6 inch turrets pointed in the direction of Kormorann on a converging course, Sydney demanded by signal for "Straat Malakka" to fly her secret code sign. With no chance to escape and not knowing the code, Detmers dropped the Dutch flag and disguise and opened fire with a starboard broadside of 5.9 and 37mm gun fire. What is not in dispute is that Sydney was not ready to reply as the distance was closing in the opening moments of fire. Worse, some of Kormoran's survivors reported seeing men lining the railing of Sydney as she approached. For Kormoran, Sydney's identity was never in doubt and the issue was settled by gunfire in the opening first minutes well before Kormoran's torpedoe hit Sydney's port bow. By gunfire, she knocked out Sydney's B and X turrets, bridge, DCT, 4 inch guns and port torpedoe tube crew and set on fire her Seagull and whole amidship area destroying her boats and most of her floats. Sydney's surviving turrets likely did not have the benifit of a functioning DCT so, it is not overlly surprising that when they finnaly replyed their opening shots were over. After Kormoran's torpedoe hit, A turret was knocked out but, Y turret manged to get the range and mortally crippled Kormoran. As Sydney was crawling away at a badly reduced speed on a South Easterly course, her starboard torpedoe crew some how managed to get a shot off inspite of the out of control amidship fires which were moving aft but, missed hitting Kormoran. Wherever Sydney finally sank, her surving crew had no chance without boats and no one looking for them until 6 days latter. Was Capt Burnett at fault for the loss of his ship and crew, yes but, the admiralty intructions that required a fast boarding party for suspected Axis frieghters helped set the situation in play. In recognition of this loss, the admiralty decided within 6 months that the risk of loss of crew or ship was not worth it and canceled the standing orders. In my opinion, there was plenty of blame to share for the loss of this great ship and heroic crew. Miles F. McLaughlin ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From NNTModell@t-online.de ("Niklová-Thiel") Subject Re Kormoran / Sydney we are very much surprised and delighted about the discussion that has started with the release of our Kormoran kit. For me it is one of the most fascinating fighting incidents in sea war. I was reading the book by Barbara Winter and since then I was dreaming to build both ships, now we only need to launch Sydney as well.Reading that book might answer some questions that have been asked during the discussions. We are very proud, that we were able to remind the (modelling) public of both crews and ships involved by the release of our little kit. Remembering history is always a great and important aspect of (my) modelling. Thank you all Norbert+Nada (NNT) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From Fkbrown90@aol.com Subject Re Human figures on models Ray, Have you considered having a large pane of glass placed horizontally at the Arizona's water line level, and treated to represent the surface of the water ? The real challenge is to mate the glass with the model. One way is to carefully cut a hole in the glass, the exact shape of the model at the waterline. If the ship is represented as being under way, any mismatch could be covered up with putty and painted white to represent the disturbed water as the vessel passes through it. Another way is to carefully cut the model (before any serious work is done above the gunwales) along its waterline and epoxy the upper and the lower portions to the glass. Again, the putty and the paint can hide a multitude of sins (take it from this master sinner). But, for a ship that is moored, there is little chance to use putty and paint, as there is no disturbed water. It can be done supercarefully, however, if you lay off the Chivas. Also remember, if you use the pedestals without the glass, they must be very short, and painted to conceal them. Pictures I have seen show the Arizona as resting on the bottom but with the main deck still above the surface. That suggests the keel was VERY close to the bottom before the attack (was it low tide ?). I have often wondered what they did (prior to the attack) about keeping the various sea water intakes from plugging up when moored in such shallow water. Comments, SMML ? Franklyn And while on the subject, you could build only half a model, and carefully epoxy it to a "first surface" mirror. Then when you look at it you see the real model half nearest you and the reflected image as the farthest (but virtual) half, but it looks like a complete model. Just be sure the gun turrets lay absolutely parallel to the surface of the mirror. Hey, what do you expect from a Yankee ? F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From Rob and Rose Brown Subject HMAS Sydney & HSK Kormoran Hi Joel Very interesting and well reasoned post about Capt. Burnett and the loss of his ship. Coming from a former captain, I certainly value your viewpoint but it is different than mine. Had Sydney survived, and a court of inquiry been held, it is quite possible that the outcome you describe would have occurred. Capt. Burnett may also have been vindicated as the victor over a treacherous foe. We just don't know. A few additional points A) All that we know about the action comes from confusing and contradictory testimony from the German side. Accounts of who fired first, what damage was done when, what flag signals were hoisted, the actions of Capt. Burnett and his crew, how Kormoran managed to drop her disguise (a time-consuming and obviously visible exercise) without causing immediate opening of hostilities by Sydney, the timing of various events, the issuing of a QQQ signal by Kormoran and it's effect, all these are based solely on accounts from one side. We know nothing about Capt. Burnett's decision making and what he was thinking. I'm no lawyer, but the German testimony seems to me to come from hostile witnesses and should be treated accordingly. B) The much quoted 'thin-skinned armed merchant cruiser against a fast, well-armoured, well equipped warship' has little bearing. At the ranges and speeds at which the engagement occured, the opponents are well matched, until the warship's superior rate of fire comes into effect. At the short range, Sydney's armour would have been easily penetrated by Kormoran's weapons. Kormoran was also equipped with modern range-finding apparatus. Early loss of central fire control aboard Sydney required a shift to local control for the after turrets, which took time. The crucial factor is that of surprise, which Kormoran possessed and which Sydney did not. C) Although the German accounts are very confusing and conflicting, it would appear that HMAS Sydney was at full action stations, with all guns bearing on Kormoran. D) Kormoran scored early hits mainly due to the element of surprise, the loss of central command and control aboard Sydney, and the subsequent shift of fire control to the after turrets. I believe that I addressed in my earlier post how Kormoran was able to fire the torpedo and unmask her guns without raising suspicions aboard Sydney. E) Whatever prompted Capt. Burnett to lower the boat is unknown. But the very action of lowering the boat would have required Sydney to come to a near stop. It would be impossible to remain at a decent range and speed while doing so. Doctrine dictated that he remain at a distance and order the other vessel to close the boat. I believe that he further closed the range in order to make the trip easier for the boat's crew because of the oncoming twilight, and his already close proximity to Kormoran but that is just my opinion. At this point, Capt. Burnett had no suspicions about Kormoran's true identity, one doesn't send a boarding party aboard a fully functioning enemy man of war. Unless they are surrendering. This most likely didn't happen, but again, we simply don't know. F) The first indication of treachery was no doubt the sound of the approaching torpedo fired unseen from Kormoran's underwater tube and it's subsequent explosion, rendering both the forward turrets and the range finder useless. This situation would have been quite familiar to the captains of scores of other vessels, including HMS Ark Royal, HMS Barham, HMS Cossack, SS Lusitania, etc. G) The key issue is why did Capt. Burnett allow himself and his ship to approach so closely to Kormoran in the first place? For that, all we have is the conflicting statements of the few Kormoran officers on her bridge at the time. Officers who were trying desperately to have Sydney depart, or to coax her to within effective torpedo range. Officers whose best interests were later served by portraying Sydney's actions and those of her captain as incomprehensible and incompetent at best. Officers who in the end killed Capt. Burnett and sank his ship. We simply do not know anything about the decision making on Sydney's bridge, or what Kormoran did to ally suspicions. We do know that Capt. Burnett was satisfied enough to first come in close enough to use signal flags, and to later come even closer to launch a boat. We also know that he was not satisfied enough to release his ship from action stations. This is the central puzzle about the whole affair. Something was done aboard Kormoran that made these actions seem logical to Capt. Burnett, but we don't know what it was. It is just my opinion, but I believe that Kormoran had been ordered to stop and appeared to do so, an event which may have allayed suspicions aboard Sydney. Other beligerent vessels had often promptly scuttled when ordered to stop by inspecting cruisers. Kormoran may also have represented herself as a German supply ship in which case Capt. Burnett's prime concern would have been the quick dispatch of a boarding party to retrieve valuable documents before they were tossed overboard. H) HMS Cornwall was hit early on by Pinquin in their action, and the outcome could have very easily been similar to what happened to Sydney. HMNZS Leander got in too close to the Ramb1, an Italian armed raider, and also could have been easily overcome. We do not know how many other incidents occurred with cruisers getting in too close to other merchantmen who happily turned out to be exactly what they were. Just because the odds finally came up against Capt. Burnett is no reason to condemn him. I) It is just my personal opinion, but in the absence of any testimony from the Australian side, and faced with a puzzling mass of contradictions from people who have their own reasons for clouding the issue, I personally find it impossible to place all blame with Capt. Burnett. He certainly bears all the responsibility as you correctly point out, and he did pay the ultimate price for his actions. As I mentioned in my earlier post, recent archealogical discoveries at the Battle of the Little Big Horn have stood all traditional accounts of that battle on their collective heads and have painted General Custer in an entirely different light. Who can say that the traditional and the official accounts of this battle are not also badly flawed? J) As you pointed out, there are many 'apologists' for Adm. Kimmel. I do not see myself as an 'apologist' for anyone. Kimmel at least was still alive and able to press his case to it's fullest extent. If I remember correctly, both he and General Short were found guilty of dereliction of duty by a duly formed military court of inquiry which heard evidence. This privilege was obviously never given Capt. Burnett, and without his testimony I certainly cannot condemn him. Thanks for the opportunity for such lively discussion. HMAS Sydney's sad fate has long been an interest of mine and it's a pleasure to have the chance to share my thoughts. Much, much more was lost than just a fine warship and her crew. One of the last signals transmitted to HMAS Sydney was for Leading Seaman Stanley Roy Davis, which simply read 'Son born, both well'. Cheers Rob ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From rolie muise Subject Model Quality/Methods of Construction Standards Here's a question. What are the "Standards"/Specifications" for ship model quality/ construction methods.. The only ones I have been able to find that are defined are those of the "Curator of models for the US Navy". I have looked "everywhere" and they(the USN) are the only "quantified" standards I have come up with. What about the Smithsonian,the Royal Navy,the Peabody,Mystic Seaport,the US Coast Guard, Imperial War Museum,Christies,Lloyds of London, other navies, etc... They all have ship models. To what standard of quality are they built? I can answer for the Royal Canadian Navy, there are none. I'm asking this because if there is no "standard" how can a "value" be placed on a ship model relative to another. . Scratch v/v kit. 1700 v/v 196. Synthetic v/v wood. Apples v/v oranges. CA glue v/v hide glue. 100hrs v/v 1000 hrs. Define "acceptable methods", seems to me hard without a base standard. I recently talked to a fellow who said his models are "Museum Quality'. What museum,whose quality? Another builds ships-in bottles to "Class A Standards" ????????? I build all my models and SIB's to the standards as set out by the USN. Everyone has heard the the USN, unless you are dead. Are they better than anybody else's,no. However,using the same standard, we are comparing apples to apples. Again I ask. What are the standards for ship models? I really would like an answer. It is vexing me deeply. Rolie in Nova Scotia. home of the Bluenose ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From "Tim Perry" Subject SH-60; just how DOES the tail fold?! I just wondered how the tail, tailplane and associated bits and bobs sorted themselves out when the SH-60 does it's on-deck folding thing? A friend is doing eight for a carrier diorama. Thanks in advance! Tim Perry wunwinglow www.tjpgraphics.com for digital aviation modelling www.kipperboxes.co.uk for 1200 Warship models ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From "Harold Stockton" Subject Re How close is Bourrasque to Wicher? In SMML 2420 I stated that the L'Adroit's pennant numbers varied over the years with them being; "T2" (1929), "1" (1930), "41" (1936), "23" (1938), "T23" (1940), "1" for a very short time in 1942, to "T101" for the rest of the year, and finally to no pennant number in 1943. Mr. Paul Jacobs correctly pointed out that I had seemed to have forgotten that L'Adroit had been sunk in the Dunkirk relief operations, and as such could not have worn any hull number after "T23" (1940). There was a second L'Adroit, one of the new LE HARDI Class DD's was renamed L'ADROIT and carried the pennant number T 101. My thanks to Mr. Jacobs for pointed out my mistake in this matter. Harold Stockton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From Subject Combrig Australia and Canberra John Sutherland I received the Combrig Australia for Christmas. It is a very nice kit. Cleanly mastered and molded. It is almost as fine a kit as the WEM Sussex. The quarterdeck seems to sweep slightly upward toward the stern, though--looking vaguely like a duck ass hairdoo from the fifty's. Sorry, I don't how else to describe it. Photos, plans and other kits I seen show this area to be level. Small parts are very fine and nicely cast. It has no foto-etched parts, but it does have a nice price tag--$40US from Pacific Front. I believe that there are reviews of both at ModelWarships.com. I would recommend it if you don't have the WEM Sussex. John Collins Franklin, TN, USA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From SeaWoodies@aol.com Subject Belfast Bottom Any of you gentlemen or ladies have any Idea where I can find the lines for a Belfast Bottom? Thank you SeaWoodies@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From Fred Bustard Subject Flightdeck 1/400 Tracker I’m trying to locate a Flightdeck 1/400 model FD 401 of the Grumman Tracker from WEM, they no longer stock this item. I wish to include this a/c with the Heller Arromanches kit when (and if) converted to HMCS Bonaventure. Can anyone help? Fred Bustard From the crowsnest ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From "Denis James" Subject Re Sydney/Kormoran In May 1941 ship 33 (hk5) Pinguin with an armament similar to the Kormoran got the Berwick class 8" gun cruiser HMS Cornwall to with in 8000 yds before opening fire. Cornwall took some serious hits before retiring out of range of the Pinguin and sinking her.The Admiralty severly criticised the Cornwalls skipper Captain Mainwaring for going in so close. That raises some questions for me that I hope you experts can answer. 1. Does anyone know what happened to Captain Mainwaring.Was his command taken from him? 2. Given the Admiralties criticism was there any attempt and indeed were the means available to officially disseminate to the rest of the Fleet the lessons learned. One imagines that if Captain Mainwaring did lose his command the Grey Funnel Line grapevine would have worked overtime to get that info out. 3. In practice would there have been any diference in the tactics of stopping and interogating merchant ships as between 6" and 8" gun Warships? For what its worth from some one with no experience of Command or Warships my guess is that Captain Burnett was lulled into into complacency about the Kormoran and that Captain Detmers initiated contact before showing his colours. You can explain Commanders decisions but that is entirely different from excusing them.Unfortunatly the bulk of opinion is that Captain Burnett for whatever reason commited an error of judgement. IMHO, it's unlikly given the quality of wartime skippers generally but particularly in the RN & RAN, that if he were here today that Captain Burnett would attempt to argue differently. Gosh I wish the Oz Government would do something useful for a change and fund the finding of these ships! I for one hate mysteries and unfinished business. But after all this time and the manner of their sinking would the wrecks be able to advance us further?. rgds denis james ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From "Phil M. Gollin" Subject Congrats for a great book I have received my copy of D K Brown's and George Moore's "REBUILDING THE RN" from Chatham. The line drawings are by John Roberts, who I believe receives this newsletter. There are line drawings for various Neptune and Minotaur cruisers (1944-47), 1951, 1955 and 1960 cruisers, 1952 carriers, 1960 escort cruisers, early studies of the Invicibles and Class 42s, Class 43s, 1958 LSTs. They are excellent - and will hopefully inspire some models (too much to hope ????) Obviously it's too early to have done more than look at the pictures and diagrams, but it's production is up to Chatham's usual high standards and looks very good. And it's worth its price just for the photo on pages 24-25 (Weapons Class Destroyer). An excellant book, and wonderful line drawings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From Richa5011@aol.com Subject Plans for Tri Sviatitelia Does anyone know of decent drawings of the Russian pre-dreadnought Tri Sviatitelia (launched 1893)? I have the small scale drawings from Tomich and the Conway volumes, and there are no drawings of this ship in Watt's book while thoses in Janes and Brassey are pretty basic and have proven to be not that reliable. Specifically, I'm looking for plans so as to build a model..so a lines drawing would be great, but probably too much to hope for...but I definately need a decent deck plan and outboard profile. Nat Richards PS...Does anyone know what "Tri Sviatitelia " means? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From Denise & Gary Subject John Batchelor Drawing I am trying to find the John Batchelor Schematic drawing of the WW1 German Submarine U-35. Any assistance would be very appreciated. Cheers Gary atc ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From "Bruce" Subject PT73 hi i have a question.. does anyone have any pics of the PT73 by itself. and does anyone know the wereabouts of the boat?? lol).. if ya don;t know well... its here in washington state..(tacoma) but its have a bad makeover.. iam taking some pics in a day or so and if you want i;ll send to you to post on the site..its a diving boat now.. poor 73 lol ok bye 4 now Bruce ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From "Michael D'Silva" Subject Attn SeaWoodies (Mike) Hi Mike, Thanks for your message re AOTS Susan Constant. I appreciate you taking the trouble to find these details out. It’s a pity that shipping and insurance will be so expensive. Perhaps you’ll find a buyer closer to home. I’ve had to use SMML to send you this message because all my messages to your e-mail address SeaWoodies@aol.com have been rejected with a 554 error message Service Unavailable. It could have something to do with server congestion or that AOL’s spam filter is incorrectly identifying my message as spam. Best Wishes, Michael D'Silva ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) From "Harold Stockton" Subject Re 1/144 scale Swampworks' kits Has anyone built any of the 1/144 scale Swampworks' kits? Found at http//www.swampworks.com/Catalog-Kits%20%26%20Hulls.html#anchor365533 )? Though these kits are primarily designed for RC modelers, they do seem to be complete enough starter kits for some truely interesting static models. There 1/144 scale warship kits come complete in up to date fiberglass frame construction, you will receive a one piece fiberglass hull shell. According to Swampworks, their "Complete Warship Kits" also include the following items * Precut plywood main deck(s) * Deck support rims (or sub-deck rails) * Preformed superstructure parts made of balsa wood, ultra high density foam, metal rod or tubing, and plastic sheet. * Resin Molded main turrets (Note a very few kits still come with vac molded turrets). NOTE Some selected kits also have resin molded secondary parts (secondary turrets, AAA turrets, torpedo launchers, barbettes, etc.). * Prop shafts & stuffing tubes * Molded rudder(s) * Balsa & Silkspan hull sheeting * Waterproof radio box kit with clear Lexan lid (not included with some smaller warships due to weight and volume restrictions) * Full sized (1/144 scale) rolled plans * Assembly instructions They also sat that "All of our fiberglass hull warships that are available as "complete kits" are also available as a "hull only". A fiberglass "hull only" is just that, a fiberglass hull shell ONLY (1 piece) and nothing else. These are made avialable for those modelers who like to make their own decks and superstructures. Some warships are ONLY available as a "hull only", and NOT as a "complete kit". At some point in the future, it is hoped that we will have the time to make the patterns and molds necessary to convert some of the ships that are currently only available as a "hull only" into a "complete kit". Some of their more unusual subjects are DKM Bismarck and Tirpitz, Lutzow, Adm. Scheer, Graf Spee. SMS Moltke, Goeben, Baden, Bayern, Derfflinger, Hindenberg, Lutzow. USS North Carolina, Washington, South Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Tennessee class, CAs (early and late), CLs, and a LST hull. HMS Invincible, Inflexible, Indomitable, KGV class, Exeter. French "CONTRE-TORPILLEURS CLASSE FANTASQUE" Le Terrible, Le Fantasque, Le Malin, L'Indomptable, L'Audacieux, Le Triomphant. French "CROISEURS LEGERS" Georges Leygues, La Galissonniere, Jean De Vienne, Marsiellaise, Gloire, Montcalm. IJN Myoko, Naichi, Ashigara, Nagato, Mutsu, Kongo class, and Agano class. Though these would be classified as semi-kits, they do provide most of the hard work for some very interesting and large scale finished models. One should look at some of these kits to see what could be done with them. Harold Stockton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22) From "Stephen Varhegyi" Subject Re HMAS Sydney, Kormoran encounter I've been reading with great interest the exchange regarding this great naval tragedy. After the last posting I feel I must chime in. How anyone can speculate as to the events of that day over 60 years ago and based upon their own assumptions make allegations about the competency of the commander and crew of HMAS Sydney is ludicrous. There were no survivors to give the Australian version of events, so how about we give it a rest and get a life. What about reports of a Japanese submarine in the area. If they're true, it would put a totally different complexion on things. But we'll probably never know, will we? If you'd like a good account of Australian courage and professionalism under fire (which is fully documented and not speculative), how about going over an account of the HMAS Perth and crew at the Battle of the Sunda Strait, in company with USS Houston. Australia's military contribution to both world wars was out of proportion to the size of our population and infrastructure. Australians revolutionised trench warfare tactics in world war I, breaking the deadlock on the battlefield. The exploits of the light horsemen in the middle east is legendary. As are the Australian aviators who took part in the bombing of Germany, the bursting of the Rhur dams etc. More recently the conduct and heroism of Australian ground forces at the battle of Long Tahn in Vietnam is an example of how well trained our military are. For many years and to some extent even now, the British have regarded us as wild undisciplined colonials (using us as cannon fodder at places like Gallipoli and Ypres). However on closer inspection the history of modern warfare is scattered with instances of Australian ingenuity, bravery and initiative. Relative to the USA we have a very small but extremely competent military. The accounts are too numerous to list here but if you'd like a better understanding I would invite you to visit the following website www.australiansatwar.gov.au On this 215th anniversary of Australia's founding, how about we suffice it to say, that many brave Australian's have given their lives in the service of their country and to secure freedom for all peoples. And I might add, are still serving today in East Timor, The Solomons, Afghanistan and Iraq. Whilst my antecedents fought on both sides in world war I and world war II, I remain a first generation, proud Australian. Steve Varhegyi ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From Sanartjam@aol.com Subject Re Contest in San Antonio, Texas on February 28 Hello Listmembers, I wanted to let you know that the Alamo Squadron of IPMS/USA is having its annual contest, ModelFiesta XXIII, on Saturday, February 28, 2004, at the Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Road, in Live Oak, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio. For more details, including rules, categories, directions and hours, please check out our web site, www.stic.net/users/alamosq/index.htm. I know there are plenty of SMMLies within driving distance, and I hope all of you can make it. Thanks, Art Nicholson, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From Mike Bartel Subject IHP 1700 Algerie will be sold FACTORY-DIRECT ONLY Imperial Hobby Productions' new 1700 Algerie kit will only be sold factory direct. In addition, production will still be limited to only one run of no more than 30 kits total, after which the kit will be discontinued. The kits are the same as before all resin, with turned-brass gun barrels and some other extras. Two versions will be offered #70003 Algerie 1934-1941 #70007 Algerie 1942 Retail price will be $95.00 each plus shipping. Ordering and payment information are on the IHP website. THIS IS A ONE-TIME FACTORY-DIRECT OFFER and you should continue to purchase other IHP kits from your dealer as normal. Even IHP's excellence could not compete with pricing of the other three Algerie kits being released at the same time. If you would like to reserve one of these kits, please email me at ihphobby@hotmail.com. You will receive an email acknowledgement of your reservation, so if you do not get one, try again. Thanks, Mike Bartel IHP http//ihphobby.tripod.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From Rusty White Subject "How To" Modeling CDs Everyone, NO more books to buy or take up valuable shelf space. I have just completed two wonderful "how to" modeling CDs from Flagship Models Inc. The first (FMCD-01) is entitled, "How to Work With Photo-Etched Parts". It is written by myself in the same style as I write all my FSM articles. The big difference here is the article is WAY bigger with WAY more great quality photos. Written with the novice and beginner in mind I cover everything you would every want to know about working with these parts. If you ever had a question about photo-etch, you won't after seeing this CD. The second "how to" CD is entitled "Photographing Models" and covers in great detail everything I have learned over the years photographing models for my FSM articles. Geared with the novice and beginner in mind it covers EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about photographing models (especial ship models) without spending a ton of money on expensive equipment. LOTS of photos! Both CDs retail for $8.95 ea. + $1.00 postage ea. Overseas customers add $2.00 for each CD ordered. I accept checks, money orders, and credit cards via Pay Pal. Rusty White Flagship Models Inc. 2204 Summer Way Lane Edmond, OK 73013-2915 USA flagshipmodels.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From "Tom's Modelworks" Subject New from Tom's Modelworks Tom's Modelworks would like to announce our first releases for 2004 Set 754 1/700 Scale Inclined and Vertical Ladders $9.50 Set 6016 1/600 Scale Inclined and Vertical Ladders $9.50 Set TMWD001 1/350 Scale Cast metal figures appx. 30 per bag in 5 different poses plus LOS officer. $10.00 Set TMWD002 1/350 Scale Cast metal carrier deck & hanger deck tractors, equipment carts, bombs etc. 18 pieces per set. SOON TO BE RELEASED TMWD003 Carrier aircraft support figures, bombs torpedo's & more. Hope to have pictures of the above items on our site soon. I would also like to thank all those members of SMML that supported us last year as it was a record year for us. Now that we have entered our 19th year of business, we currently have several new brass detailing sets being engineered covering a wide range of subjects and scales. They will be announced on the SMML page as they become available. Thanks TOM www.tomsmodelworks.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From Greg Anderson Subject OzMods 1/350 HMAS Vampire BACK IN STOCK! Finely moulded resin parts ... Highly detailed photoetched parts ... Real metal scale anchor chain ... Metal display stand ... Choice of full hull or waterline ... Decals ... Extensive construction guides ... Comprehensive photo references ... Ship history/data files! (Check it out on our website at www.ozmods-kits.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From "Rod Dauteuil" Subject Models for sale Hello All, Well, finally realizing my own mortality, I've decided to sell part of the collection. I'm just not building ships much anymore, and I also have tons of airplanes I know I'll never get around to building. Anyway, I've begun listing them on Ebay under my username of - c177guy - and so far have some lots out there. There are some modern aircraft carriers, some modern and WWII destroyers and cruisers, and I just listed my USS Montrose attack transport. Also listed are a lot of planes. If anybody is looking for some specific kits, feel free to drop me a line at c177guy @ comcast.net to inquire. Thanks, Rod. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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