Subject: SMML VOL 2546 Date: Tue, 29 Jun 2004 02:10:31 +1000 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http//sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1 Leander Class Frigates 2 Re American naval uniforms 3 Trumpeter1/350 scale Nimitz class carrier 4 Hobbylink Japan 5 New Oscillating Cutting Tool 6 Squaring Rounded Sterns 7 Glencoe Models 8 Re Help Required 9 Re American naval uniforms 10 Revell Goethe Rhine Steamer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From Mike Potter Subject Leander Class Frigates >> I am trying to find good three view layouts of the Amazon and Leander Class Frigates. Can anyone help? << Gary, I can supply you with a chart of the weapons configurations of RN Leander-class frigates -- would that help? As I'm sure you know, not only did these ships vary within the class, most of them were altered significantly during their individual service lives. Have you specific frigates and service periods in mind for the drawings? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From "Bruce Ross" Subject Re American naval uniforms Franklin asked >> A few years back the U.S. Navy enlisted men's uniforms were changed, under the aegis of Admiral Zumwalt, I believe. The traditional "Sailor's Suit" (bell-bottomed flap-front trousers, pullover middie blouse, and small white hat gave way to a uniform that looked a lot like a chief's (straight legged trousers, white shirt with a necktie, and a visored hat). And if I recall correctly it was optional. Even in Boston we saw very few of the new style, and now we see none. Can any SMML people tell us what happened ? << Supposedly a survey was conducted that revealed that the junior enlisted wanted to get rid of the CrackerJack uniforms. Interestingly, in 22 years in the Navy I never meet anyone that participated in that survey, but I digress. In early 1975 the change over was started, those in bootcamps were issued the new uniforms. Those in the fleet where given a deadline to make the transition; if you were going to be discharged within 90 days after the cut-over you were allowed to keep your crackerjacks. Now 5 years later another survey revealed that the fleet wanted the crackerjacks back! So in 1979-1980 the "bus driver" suit was phased out and the crackerjacks brought back. The "bus driver" uniform was a pain to maintain onboard ship. The crackerjacks could be rolled and stowed; the suit had to be stowed in a peacoat locker or similar stowage. The entire "salt-n-pepper" uniform concept was a failure. You didn't even look like a sailor. Just my observation having served through the timeframe. Bruce Ross OSC, USN(Ret) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From "Pwesty" Subject Trumpeter1/350 scale Nimitz class carrier Hi Guys I have a question about the upcoming Trumpeter1/350 scale Nimitz class carrier. I was wondering if anybody knows if there is going to be an upgrade kit to bring this up to modern day Nimitz (I.E. CVN -76 The big Gipper) I do no know about everybody else but doing a 1975 version to me is just lacking big time. Thanks ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From Sab1156@aol.com Subject Hobbylink Japan Greetings to all of you, Does someone can give me the e-mail adress from Hobby Link in Japan? Best regards Detlef Hartwig ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From Kelvin Mok Subject New Oscillating Cutting Tool The discussion below is self explanatory. Do look at the video link for the new tool. At >$400 its a bit too pricey but I think there will be a Canadian Tire version or Chinese clone eventually that will be more affordable. That happened with the biscuit joiner tool and the spiral saw kits. >>> My first experience with one of these, years and years ago, was getting a cast cut off, and I practically freaked (I was 13). The doctor assured me that it would cut the plaster but wouldn't hurt my skin even if he slipped, and sure enough it didn't. I know that some materials just don't "grab" certain kinds of blades, but I'm not really sure how this works at the micro level. Perhaps it's just a matter of torque? Anyway, I assume the blade wouldn't have had much to keep it going if it hit me, but they are made out of carbide ... >> I fixed medical equipment on a summer job once. The plaster cutter you described above does look like a rotary tool but isn't. The circular plaster cutter blade actually just oscillates (perhaps in a 20 degree arc.) Therefore, if the blade slipped and made contact with flesh there isn't enough lateral movement to cause a "knife" cut into the soft flesh. On hard plaster there is sufficient mechanical resistance for the saw teeth to bite into the material. And then there's the Fein Multimaster, but i haven't triedcutting casts with it. http//www.fein.ca/innovation/oscillating/ http//www.fein.ca/products/fein/multimaster/multimaster.htm http//www.joneakes.com/ca/hs/html/fein.html << ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From "Connor, Michael" Subject Squaring Rounded Sterns Many thanks to those who replied. Mike Connor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From "Chuck Messer" Subject Glencoe Models The Captain's notice on the U.S.S. Oregon kits brought up a question What has happened to Glencoe models? Are they going out of business? Are they in business at all? Just curious. Chuck ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From "John Sutherland" Subject Re Help Required Gary, What precisely are you actually after? Plans or photographs? Also, for the Leanders, you will need to be more specific.There were five classes of Leanders as originally built - batches I, II and III for the British (including in the last two 1 for NZ), and license built runs for the Australians and Dutch. Most but not all of the Ikara conversions were batch I, most but not all of the Exocet conversions were batch II - you get the pattern. Then we have the four different half life refits the British did (Ikara, Exocet, Seawolf and NGS) plus the NZ half life refit, and presumably the others had half life refits too. None of these permutations covers the ships that have been subsequently sold to other navies and refitted by them. You will need to identify which ships at what time period. The Amazons were simpler, the Brits did not refit them in a major way - just some hull strengthening and close range armament changes. However the six survivors have been altered substantively by their new owners. If it is photos of NZ Leanders you want then Navy News here in NZ has published over the years numerous top class photos of the four NZ Leanders from just about every angle imaginable - contact the local Navy Public Relations Office or the Navy Museum in Devonport. Regards John Sutherland ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From "Matthew Prager" Subject Re American naval uniforms By the Early 1980's the Navy had gone back to the traditional "Craker Jack" dress blues, although the were no longer wool. Cracker Jacks are still around and looking good! SCPO Matt Prager, USN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From David L Miller Subject Revell Goethe Rhine Steamer Does anyone know where the Revell Germany Rhine steamer Goethe is availabole? Any other info on this kit will also be appreciated. Dave Miller Macomb, IL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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