Subject: SMML VOL 2127 Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 21:30:30 +1100 SMML is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http://sandlehobbies.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: Re: rumour on 1/72 U-Boat 2: Re: Water lines 3: Re: Plastic Ship Modeler responses 4: SMML Group Build 5: Re: Raven and Roberts Book! 6: USCG Plans and drawings 7: Publishers (Bless them) 8: Re. Floating Derrick @ Pearl 9: CVS-11 alleged model 10: Re: Alfa 11: US Landing Craft In Action 12: Trumpeter Essex 13: SQUADRON PUTTY 14: John W. Burns Collectors value guide for scale model plastic kits 15: Re: World's Worst: Alpha Class and Models of Alpha Class SSN 16: Re: PSM final ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information 1: TF 72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Uwe Besken Subject: Re: rumour on 1/72 U-Boat I haven't heard that about Hasegawa, but Revell Germany has a 1/72 U-Boat announced. For a picture see the following link: http://www.revell.de/de/modelkits/messe/thumbs/140.gif It is a picture of their stand on the Nuernberg Toy fair. Uwe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Fkbrown90 Subject: Re: Water lines One thing that has always amazed me is how shipbuilders could determine where to paint the waterline prior to launching. The process is further complicated by the fact that the hull is built on a sloping platform (to allow the hull to slide down the ways into the water). How about such humunguous hulls as the Titanic etc. of the early 1900s? Those old timers knew what they were doing, fer sure. I have seen some smaller wooden craft, sailboats in particular, where the waterline is actually a small groove carved into the wood. Now that is a case of being sure of one's design quality. Can any SMML people please comment? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Daniel H Jones Subject: Re: Plastic Ship Modeler responses My sincere thanks to all of you who have taken the time to post messages and have contacted me directly. Your comments and well wishes are very much appreciated. It is very gratitying to know that so many of you enjoyed the magazine. It makes all the hard work worthwhile! While the magazine is leaving, I will still be around. I plan to remain very active in our hobby. Lastly, to all my friends, both old and recent, please stay in touch! Dan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: SMML Group Build Pieter noted in SMML2125 the Hyperscale group build of the Roden He111 and suggested that we try the same thing. Way back before the 1999 IPMS USA National convention in Orlando, we [the old-timers on SMML] tried to put together a group build of 1:700 scale Fletcher class destroyers (your choice: round bridge, square bridge, early, late, postwar, plain or fancy). The Fletcher was chosen becasue it was inexpensive, there are many kits, and many options. We hoped to get a large number, attract attention and generate a split in the category. It was said that if we could pull off the Fletchers, we would attempt something larger in the future. I hyped and encouraged the project for a year. Turn out was disappointing. We got five. We're probably a way too diverse group, with way too many interests to be able to get a consensus opinion on a kit. My thoughts and some history Ed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: RDChesneau Subject: Re: Raven and Roberts Book! >> I see from the US Amazon.com site that they are claiming that the Raven and Roberts book on the Design and Development of British Battleships of World War Two will be re-released at the end of May 2003, priced $90. I can't see this advertised on Amazon.co.uk, or Chatham Publishing's website, but have heard that the USNI have it on a flyer. This is great news as it is a wonderful book, both for the huge quantity of information in it and the wonderful drawings. Two questions; 1; Can anyone confirm the "actual" date? 2; Is this merely a re-printing, or an updating? and a plea - When is the Cruiser volume going to be re-printed? << Phil: I can add a little information here. My understanding is that NIP are re-publishing the book later this year. However, there is no connection (and never has been) between this book and Chatham Publishing: it was originally published by Arms & Armour Press, whose assets were taken over by Cassell & Co when the former's proprietor, Lionel Leventhal, sold his business. Cassell is now part of Orion Publishing. As to the Cruisers book, I would not hold your breath as far as Cassell are concerned - although NIP could have different ideas. On a separate topic, I have received a number of enquiries about Chatham's ShipCraft series, originally scheduled for launch in October last year. There has been a delay, but the first two titles - Pocket Battleships and King George V Class Battleships - are at the printers as I tap these words. The next two titles in the series - Japanese Treaty Cruisers and CV5 Class Carriers - are currently in preparation. As with the first two, I would welcome any input here from SMML members, particularly as regards photographs of stunning models. Don't be shy! Best wishes. Roger ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: "Edward F Grune" Subject: USCG Plans and drawings Hi SMMLies. There was a posting either here or on SteelNavy a short while back, looking for sources of USCG plans and drawings. Last week, while I was browsing the US Archives Record Group 19 (USN Plans and Drawings), I came across references to Record Group 26 - USCG Vessel Plans. The index lists plans for various tenders, cutters, boats, dingys, gunboats, and other craft from 1800 through 1945. The early plans are from the USCG's historical period as the Revenue Service and Life Saving Service. The later plans are from the Coast Guard as a combined service. These plans are for Coast Guard craft. Plans of US Naval craft taken over by the USGC during WWII are still likely filed in Record Group 19. Ed Mansfield, TX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: "lamkeel" Subject: Publishers (Bless them) Hi all On the question of publishers and what is printed in books, it is not always what it seems. Al Ross and I have had our Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Allied Coastal Forces reprinted. (Last August). I beg to report that as far as I know they are straight reprints of the originals. Nothing has been changed. They even state that the drawings are available from the David MacGregor plans service. I have not dealt with David for more than ten years! For volume 2, I had prepared a chapter of my errors published in Volume 1. These are of errors that creep in when one works so close to a subject on your own over a number of years. (HDML 1387 (Medusa) was NOT started by air for starting the main engines, as I have since found out after 16 days aboard her for the 1994 "D" Day commemoration. She has battery start, and - No hot water. (Well not very often - good job I have a beard)! Indeed, both Al and I have yet to view either of the reprints. I did mention this to the editor last November but I (We ) have yet to detect any movement. Royalties are due in the next 90 days, or so the contract informs me. Nothing for a long time and this author is getting p--d off. But we have a contract!! My enthusisam is indeed waining. In the meantime I am working on Coastal Forces drawings (and other things). My new Ship Plans and Naval Weapons catalogues are being updated right now. Yours "Aye" John ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: SceneN3D Subject: Re. Floating Derrick @ Pearl Hi Dave I discovered the designation for this unit and other yard and service craft based at PH while conducting research for the construction of my 1/4100 scale Pearl Harbor diorama (see FSM's 50th Anniversary WW II Special, 11/94). Unfortunately, it's been many years since I've had a need to refer to that data. Consequently they're not at hand at the moment. I was provided with some valuable guidance from several generous and knowledgable PH survivor vets over the years in this regard as well. At some point I'll attempt to look up what sources I have so I can give you some specifics. Thanks for your patience. Bob B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: Doug Marrel Subject: CVS-11 alleged model Ooooh, ooooh, more details PLEASE on the CVS-11 possibility. What does "later" mean? You aren't yanking the chain of an old man now are you? No more messing with that old box scale Revell kit? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) From: Pieter Cornelissen Subject: Re: Alfa >> You have a choice of six Alpha models none of which are really accurate. 1/700 AARI called Red Sun or something similar. Assume it's a re-pop of the DML kit. 1/700 DML Nice little model suffers from being in-accurate (flood ports & deck fittings) also no creep motors or reactor water inlet housings 1/350 DML Same comments as above. 1/350 BWN resin kit. Flood ports & deck detail better, otherwise as above. 1/200 CNN Chinese kit. Nice big model but same comments as the DML version. 1/200 CNN kit same as above with bogus towed array pod atop the vertical stabilizer. In fact I am currently working, on & off, on a partial correction kit for the 1/200 kit, it will include the creep motors and reactor water inlets and perhaps a new bow dome (to fix the blatantly wrong tube arrangement). If anyone else is interested let me know on starline@netspace.net.au and I'll let you know when it's ready. It shouldn't be expensive. << There is also a Maquette (russian) kit in 1/400. This one does have the creep motors in place and the reactor water inlet housing but all other details (including the torpedo tubes in the right positions) are represented by raised lines. This is a bit of a problem as the parts fit is not exactly perfect.... I'm still thinking of building it though as the shape of the vessel looks interesting. Cheers, Pieter Cornelissen Delft The Netherlands ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) From: annobon4 Subject: US Landing Craft In Action Hi I recently purchased the new Squadron book #4017 on the US LANDING CRAFT in Action. It covers the developement of the USN 's Amphibious capacity in WW2. All types are covered. LCI, LCT, LSM, LST and all the variations. Plus it shows the use of LST's equipped with the Brodie System to launch and recover US Army piper scout planes. I have some Skywave 1/700 WW2 landing craft and this helps put some definition to their purpose. Craig ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) From: "Chris and Kayo Amano-Langtree" Subject: Trumpeter Essex Hi All Here in Japan Trumpeter have released a 1/350 model of the Essex as she was at the time of the Marcus Island's raid. This is listed as being only available in Japan. Chris Amano-Langtree ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) From: "DUCKMAN" Subject: SQUADRON PUTTY HI YA'LL, What can i use to thin this stuff? thanx, DAVID IN DIXIE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) From: "Axel Wolters [Rsb.Terlinden]" Subject: John W. Burns Collectors value guide for scale model plastic kits Hi SMMLies, especially in the United States of America. I am searching for John W. Burns "The collectors value guide for scale model plastic kits" everywhere. I tried Amazon.com, but without success. Can anybody tell me, from which mail order shop I can get this book? Or has anybody one for sale? I am from Germany but thats no problem: I have a friend in Texas, who could pay and receive the book for me, if Credit Card payment is not possible. Any help will be appreciated. Happy modeling to all! Axel Wolters mailto:axel@derpart.de ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) From: "Harold Stockton" Subject: Re: World's Worst: Alpha Class and Models of Alpha Class SSN I think it absolutely ridiculous to pore scorn on a design of a submarine or other vessel because of one's perceived views of what is right or wrong with a particular design solution. Where are these critic's credentials of actually examining these vessels in real life and whether they achieved their design parameters? As far as models are concerned about accurate Alfa models, one might visit this site for fairly accurate Russian made models of these vessels in 1/200, 1/350 and 1/400 scale: http://tok.severodvinsk.ru/bsubs.htm These models are multi-media in that they are made in wood, bronze, polymers, resin and metal. All of this company's subs look very good in all of the close-ups. But, the real prize as far as looking mean just sitting there are the Russian "Grey Wolves", the Akulas. Though for SSNs, this company's Sierra-II and Mike class are not bad looking. In closing, this company is advertising that they will have their models of the SS Whiskey-V, SSN Sturgeon and Seawolf out soon. And for you detail freaks out there like me, this company has a plans and photo service available. Harold Stockton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) From: HAZEGRAYADM Subject: Re: PSM final To Dan Jones: I think you may now understand just how good a job you did with the PSM by all the fine response you received on this medium alone. Like the old song goes: "Thanks for the memories" and of course all the fine articles. Maybe you'll through us a bone once in a while and publish one in another source. Thanks again. Bert McDowell ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Model club & SMMLcon Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: chris Rogers Subject: TF 72 Sorry for the typo it should read 1&2 of march thanks chris Oz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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