Subject: SMML - BICENTENNIAL EDITIION 4/6/98 VOL200 shipmodels@wr.com.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMML and Yamato/CV-6 Plans/Links 2: NJ TLAM box launchers 3: Big E congratulates you 4: Revell FDR (CVB-42) 5: Heller's !/400 scale kits 6: Re: Yamato 1/200 Config. 7: Re: Re: Yamato 1/200 Config. 8: 200th SMML 9: French books in the US 10: LST kit (was: Need ideas on fixing up a model) 11: Re: Tomahawk ABL (Armored Box Launcher) 12: Scale colour 13: cutting bridge glass 14: Model of modern H.M.S. Ark Royal 15: Invincible and Type 22s 16: Terrific 200 17: Squadron/Signal Books 18: Re : Squadron/Signal Books 19: Box type Tomahawk missile launchers 20: Issue 200 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS INDEX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1: GMM - SMML hits 200 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From : Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject : HAPPY BIRTHDAY SMML and Yamato/CV-6 Plans/Links Hi Gang - and Congradulations on helping make SMML what it is today! 200 Volumes Old Well done everybody! I am looking forward to putting together another 200 so keep it up everybody, we have the best list on the net! For those of you who are interested in the 1/200 Yamato (Like me), here's some sites I stumbled accross. http://www.mediawars.or.jp/~ryousuke/yamato/yamato_model.html http://indigo.fri.uni-lj.si:2048/pub/jamato/model.htm And for those chasing plans, here's a place I haven't seen before, whether I am just sheltered or its not a big site or not I don't know, but for those like me who haven't seen it - enjoy - it has Mail Order Plans for CV-6 and other U.S, Japanese and Russian Ships. A possible alternative if Floating Drydock don't have what you need? http://www.btinternet.com/~swifttaxis/dataset.htm Well done once again! Greg (LIstmaster - SMML) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Paolo Pizzi Subject: NJ TLAM box launchers >> Does anyone out there know where I can get good photos of the Tomahawk box launchers as found on the New Jersy. Specifically, I need lots of good clear photos with the box raised so I can see the inside guts of the box. I am seriously considering making a kit of this subject, but photos are very hard to come by. Any help would be greatly appreciated. << Rusty, The box launchers on the NJ should be the same type used on non VLS Spruance class DDG, currently being decommissioned. I have several pictures of those but not of the inside. Why don't you make a kit (a cutout) of a Mk.41 VLS? :-) Paolo Pizzi http://navismagazine.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: TORELLI Subject: Big E congratulates you Hi and congratulations for the SMML #200. Any interesting info about USS Enterprise CV-6 ? Thanks a lot, Cataldo Torelli ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Les Dorr Jr." Subject: Revell FDR (CVB-42) Someone asked whether the Revell 1:542(?) kit of USS FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT is any good. here are some capsule impressions; I'm about 70% finished with the kit: Yes, it's a "flat-bottomed" boat. Unacceptable for full hull enthusiasts. (I waterline everything myself). Detail is typical of a mid-50s kit. Radars are extremely simplified, 3" guns less so, 5" mounts are pretty good. Flight deck is very well done. Island is OK. Portside elevator is molded in down position. Two centerline elevators are molded into the flight deck, not moveable. The rectangles and lines for the deck markings are molded in, but really don't look bad when painted. Parts fit is surprisingly good. Worst-fitting parts are a couple of the side sponsons that carry the guns. Created steps at the joint that had to be puttied and sanded. Model seems to best represent FDR as it looked in early 1951 - early 1954 time frame. Before 1951, ship had 40mm mounts instead of 3 ". After early 54, had a partially enclosed bow. Airwing features quite a few F9F-6 Cougars, a few F4U corsairs, two AD Skyraiders and a couple HUP helicopters. This *may* be the kit's biggest fault. I can't document that FDR squadrons flew Cougars at all, let alone before the ship's refit in 1954. In fact, I just wrote to the Navy's Naval Aviation History Branch to see if they can determine whether the Cougars are appropriate. It's not *too* complicated to scratchbuild new wings and horizontal stabs and turn the Cougars into Panthers (which FDR *did* have). Just a lot of tedious work...and that was just on the *first* one I converted. Highly, HIGHLY recommend that any serious modeler of FDR cough up $40 for the Gold Medal Models shipset for this kit (plus the "classic" Forrestal and Essex-class kits). The radars are superb (although not exactly right for the kit's timeframe), and other detail parts replace some crudely molded kit parts. One of these days, I gotta find a photographer to shoot some of my stuff. This FDR is turning out really nice. Hope I can share pix someday. Les (ldorr@capaccess.org) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: JVT7532@aol.com Subject: Heller's !/400 scale kits Can anyone comment on Heller's !/400 scale kits? Are they of good quality? Is any one better than the others? Model Expo has a closeout on their supply at $22.88, is this a good deal? I'm partial to the Bismarck is this a decent rendition of her? Any special work to be done to her to fix it up? I know this is a lot of questions and I wish to thank all who answer in advance for any help you can provide. All the best. Jon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: LubenLarry@aol.com Subject: Re: Yamato 1/200 Config. The kit does NOT have the extra 25mm mounts. Looks like a job for a resin caster. You could really do a number on this kit if you have The Anatomy of the Ship book on her. It has superb illustrations (most are even drawn in 1/200 scale) Larry B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From : Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject : Re : Yamato 1/200 Config Hey Larry, I do have that book, it has come in very handy in the past. Even though the sleeve art differs from the colour info given on pg 22. I have also heard many conflicting opinions of the floatplane deck colours. I assume the kit also doesn't have blast bags, as the 1/250 ARII didn't. Any idea's on how to make those? I have been chating with Loren Perry about the updated P/E sheet as well, Everybody seem to say the same about this kit, with a LOT of hard work, it can be a real masterpiece. Has anybody ever written a "building a better 1/200 Yamato"? Greg (Listmaster - SMML) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: Gene Katz Subject: 200th SMML Congratulations and many thanks to Greg for such a fine list. It almost makes me want to come into the office so I can access the list. Really, I first check SMML, and then my other messages, none of which are anywhere near as interesting and informative. One burning question remains to be answered: how does one convince a wife of the dire necessity of acquiring and building more ship models than the model shack can hold? And of diverting funds from the garden and house to the pursuit of one of my favorite forms of unwinding and relaxing and reliving history? These can be obstacles to say the least. Any plots and schemes out there? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Nowfel Leulliot Subject: French books in the US Hello, Now this is a strange request from someone who lives in France : Does anyone know if the following French books published by Marines Editions are available in the US and if so where ? "Richelieu" by Rene SARNET and Eric LE VAILLANT "Les croiseurs de 8000 tonnes - Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet, Primauguet" by Jean GUIGLINI and Albert MOREAU "Le Bearn et le Commandant Teste" by Jean MOULIN, Lucien MORAREAU and Claude PICARD The reason I'm asking is that a fellow modeller from the States would like to buy them and I'm just checking whether there is an alternative to direct order. Thanks, Nowfel LEULLIOT - Paris, France ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: "David & Alicja Lombard" Subject: LST kit (was: Need ideas on fixing up a model) >> I have the Lindberg motorized LST model, and would like to make something reasonable out of it, specifically USS Hunterdon County, LST 838. Has anyone written a detailed article on how to fix up this model and make it look at least close to the original? Have you built it and made it look good? << I have no idea on the accuracy of the Lindberg kit, but I have on my bench now an LST kit from "The Naval Base". The kit is copyright 1994 and is in 1:245 scale. I'll be making it LST 938. The parts look good, with clear detail, don't know about fit yet. Individual stanchions are provided. David Lombard Rossmoor, Orange County, California ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: "Lars Orloff" Subject: Re: Tomahawk ABL (Armored Box Launcher) Rusty, Contact the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Dam Neck, Virginia. They should be able to get you all of the unclassified information on the Tomahawk ABL that you need, or they'll point you in the right direction. You can probably find them through the Navy's website. As an alternate route you might try contacting the U.S. Naval Institute in Annapolis, Maryland. They are a major publisher of books related to the Navy, naval warfare, and various other military and historical subjects. I'm sure you'll find a wealth of knowledge there - most, if not all, of the members of that organization are ex-Navy. Third, try your local Navy recruiter. There is bound to be a chief or petty officer who either has worked there or knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who can help you. I am a Navy lieutenant, and I can tell you that these guys respond well to civilians who have an interest in the Navy. Just don't tell them if you have a son or daughter in high school! Good luck. Lars R. H. Orloff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: Flyco@netcomuk.co.uk Subject: Scale colour I'm an advocate of using "scale colour" techniques on all scale models. The theory I work to is basicly this - depending on the scale of a particular model, white or a suitable colour lightener should be added to the basic colour to achieve the correct tonal value when viewed from a certain distance. For example, the colour as seen by the naked eye of say a Royal Naval warship at a distance of 500 metres actualy appears lighter than the same subject when viewed from a few inches away. This effect is caused by degradation of light passing through atmosphere together with the amount of actual ambient light at the time. I have used the technique with startling but satisfying results. I did once see a chart in a publication which gave the percentage of white to be added to base colour to achieve results for certain scales. The smaller the scale, the bigger the percentage of lightener to be added. This really equated to the greater scale "viewing distance" of the subject. I see little discussed on this subject in this forum and wondered if anyone had strong views for or against, had tried it or knew of the scale formulas? Hot topic I bet! Terry howlett ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: harry ohanian <"oharry@erols.com"@erols.com> Subject: cutting bridge glass Lester, get a diamond scriber. Place your glass/mica on a hard surface and gently scribe the lines across the surface of the material using a straightedge for a guide. Place a piece of paper or some suitable thin material under the scribe line and break as you would a glass plate. It'll take some practice but can be done. Have you thought of using clear thin mylar plastic sheets. They're easier to work with and should do quite as good a job as the thin glass. Only you will know the difference. Hary Ohanian ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Roger Britton" Subject: Model of modern H.M.S. Ark Royal Hello, I saw your e-mail address at the White Ensign Models homepage. I wanted to ask if you knew of any model kits of the H.M.S. Ark Royal in its 1970's configuration when it operated F-4 Phantoms? Considering it was the last conventional carrier operated by the Royal Navy, I'm surprised that there aren't a lot of model kits for it. I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks. Roger Britton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: Stuart Robottom Subject: Invincible and Type 22s Is it just me or are there not enough RN models on the market? Even though I am aware of White Ensign Models, and the models that they make, I cannot afford them at the moment. My interest is mainly in the RN, and there are not many models of my favourite ships, HMS Invincible and the Type 22 frigates, on the market. Does anybody know of any models of these ships that are within the price range of an Australian Uni student? As I said, I am aware of the WEM range, but they are too expensive for me at the moment. Can anybody confirm the rumour that Revell is thinking about making a 1:700 scale Invincible? Should I hold my breath waiting for it or would it be better to save and buy the WEM ships. As I prefer the 1:700 scale, this issue is of great interest to me. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance, Stuart Robottom ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: PERATHJEN@aol.com Subject: Terrific 200 Congrats on #200, really enjoy reading the list, even tho no one ever talks about MY ship--The LSM!! Thanks Greg. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) From: "Morley, James (Frankfurt)" Subject: Squadron/Signal Books I'm sure someone on this list has got (or has seen) these books: Squadron/Signal 4003 US Battleships Part 1 " " 4004 US Battleships Part 2 " " 4005 US Carriers Part 1 " " 4010 US Carriers Part 2 Can you tell me which Battleships Book contains the "Fast" Battleships? Do the US Carriers books deal with Modern US CVN`s ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) From : Greg Lee (Listmaster - SMML) Subject : Squadron/Signal Books Hi James, I don't have these books, but I have seen them, and they are available to me. Mail me if you want me to grab them for you. Best Wishes, Greg (Listmaster - SMML) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) From: Henry Subject: Box type Tomahawk missile launchers Rusty Regarding your question about the Tomahawk box launcher. First off it is called the Armored Box Launcher (ABL) and is the same launcher you will see on any ship that it was installed on. There are no differences to the basic design. As far as pictures are concerned I am not sure what would be a good source other than finding someone that happens to have a picture during an actual missile shoot. Desert storm pictures would be a likely timeframe since both the ABL (Battleships) and the VLS were used to launch the missiles from. There were also some launches fom submarines. I have some shots taken off the coast of Calif during and actual launch, but it will take a little doing to locate them!!! The only time the BL is open is for loading, shooting and maintenance. I may be able to locate some sketches from some of the manuals. I had used them during some of my briefings. In your write up you say that you need pictures of the inside guts of the box. Are you refering to the underside of the box where the lift mechanism is located or possible the location of the missiles. When open you will not see any missile, even during loading. The canister has what is called a fly-thru-cover that is on the end. The missile when launched does just that, it flys through the cover. The cover is a light tan/yellow ish color. As you probably know the ABL will hold 4 missiles in a square configuration. The canister contains the missile. Just as a little bit of trivia the next to last time one would actually see a Tomahawk missile is in the factory or possibly a weapon station like Seal Beach where the missile is actually loaded into the canister or capsule. The last time would be as the missile is launched, whether it be a ship or sub. Now back to your questions. When you say you are seriously considering on making a kit of the ABL. I presume you mean in a erected position. Hasegawa did an accessory kit of US ship equipement. Included was a closed ABL. I believe it was Hasegawa!! It is 1/700 scale. With the Missouri heading for Hawaii it is quite possible that once the ship goes on display that maybe they would be so kind to erect one of the ABL's. Each Battleship had eight of this launchers installed. I'm not sure what the status is of the other 3 BB's that had them on board. Also I presume they are still on board. I would think that would have been the right thing to do. Leave them installed. Everything inthe fleet today has the VLS system installed. The subs also use a CLS system as well as tube launch the dudes. After all this rambling I am not sure that I helped your situation. I am willing to see if I can locate some sketches/drawings. May not be the best for detail, but may have what you are looking for. Let me know if you would like to get copies of whather drawings may exist. These are more for presentation purposes and not detailed production drawings. v/r HBlecha ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) From: "Ritchie_deutag, Colin" Subject: Issue 200 Greg , Well done in producing on a daily basis such a fun, informative, and above all friendly place to meet. Long may it continue! Colin Ritchie ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Loren Perry Subject: Re: SMML hits 200 Hello, Greg - Bravo Zulu and WELL DONE! So what's new at GMM The GMM 1/720 USN Supercarrier set is new. It's an enlarged and upgraded version of the older 1/720 Enterprise/Nimitz set. Now it will equip any modern USN supercarrier kit currently offered in 1/720 scale from Italeri, Revell, and Testors. Price is $18 plus $1 postage. Also new are two limited edition sets for the 1/350 Minicraft Titanic. Neither have instruction sheets bit both sets' parts are all labeled for easy part identification. These sets will eventually be discontinued once the current Titanic craze dies down (probably next year.) The first set is Titanic Benches. A set of 46 two-piece benches with see-through slats and simulated wrought iron ends. Price: $5 plus $1 postage. The second set is Titanic Skylights. This set provides replacement skylight tops for both 1st class entrances, replacement skylight covers for the engine room casing, and three smaller skylights for the officer's washroom, wireless office, and crew's galley (all three are missing from the plastic kit.) In addition to these, the set also furnishes simulated chain & turnbuckle tiedowns for all the lifeboats, a gate for the forward well deck stairs, and special short railing sections for the platforms on the electric cargo cranes. Price: $10 plus $1 postage. Both of these sets are aimed at serious Titanic buffs who are familiar with the real ship. >> I will be ordering a 1/200 Yamato kit soon, I here the sheet has been updated? What has changed? << It's been updated. Price is $80 plus $1 postage. The set now features much more accurate fittings etched in relief for 3-D effects. And there are many more fittings besides. Instructions are also much better. Best wishes Loren Perry/GMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume