Subject: SMML VOL 2811 Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 03:13:31 +1000 The Ship Modelling Mailing List (SMML) is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http//sandlehobbies.com For infomation on how to Post to SMML and Unsubscribe from SMML http//smmlonline.com/aboutsmml/rules.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1 Army FS Boats / Navy AKLs 2 1350 palletized cargo ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From "Paul R. Mitchell" Subject Army FS Boats / Navy AKLs >> This is incorrect, the Pueblo was converted from an Army Supply Ship, FS-344. At 700 tons displacement and 180 feet in length this army vessel was much smaller than a C1-M-AV1. Of interest Pueblo was originally commissioned as am AKL, subsequently changed to a AGER. I do not find references to AKLs in WWII cargo vessel designations. The AKL must be a post war designation. Can anyone shed light on the use of the AKL designation? << AKL is the Navy's designation for the ships. The ships were originally built for the US Army during WWII and were initially designated FP (freight and personnel), then later designated FS (freight and supply). Many were manned by the US Coast Guard. Following the war many of these little ships were transferred to allies or scrapped. A few were taken into the US Navy and designated AG, AKL (later T-AKL). Three were converted to spy ships -- oops, sorry, make that "environmental research" ships (AGER). I'm not sure when the Navy began using the AKL designation. Here are some websites that have further information on these ships for those of us who are interested. For a good overview and many links to related sites http//adams.patriot.net/~eastlnd2/rj/fs/fs.htm For a listing of Army FS Boats http//www.coltoncompany.com/shipbldg/ussbldrs/wwii/boatbuilders/usarmy/cargoships.htm For USCG manned ship hisotories http//www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/FS_Vessels.html For information on the USS Hewell and the movie Mr. Roberts http//freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~slowbell/trough27.htm If you want to buy an ex-FS Boat, the ex-USS New Bedford is for sale at http//www.atuna.com/stock/Boats/Sea_bird.htm The May 2005 issue of Sea Classics has an article "Wartime Life Aboard an FS Freighter". George Alton's self-published book, "FS's - The Little Ships that Could" also contains an interesting description of life aboard an Army FS boat during WWII. I have copies of inboard/outboard profiles, sections and deck plans for the 177' design #381 and the 180' design #330D obtained from the US Army Transportation Museum. I'd like to get a copy of the lines drawings if anyone knows of a source. The usual commercial and government plans sources don't have them (or can't find them). Best Regards, Paul ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From "Doug Bauer" Subject 1350 palletized cargo Does anyone know of a manufacturer of 1350 scale palletized cargo, such as would be carried by a Liberty ship? Looking for palletized boxes, crates, barrels, etc. I have some of Commanders Series' 1350 scale vehicles and they are spectacular!! Doug Bauer Poway, CA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for the List Rules, Reviews, Articles, Backissues, Member's models & Reference Pictures at http//smmlonline.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume