Greetings and thanks for attending our September ship club meeting.
Here's a link to the recorded meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/S_vQLsTzJAMgmzJmvBah8pbjyy5ZGYUnp1wjTDBLgzewD56nh5Dua3yZjITuNWeH.kpY9y4a0pu7VoJk2
You will need the following passcode to watch which is new: V7c&ru+!
Starting off with Where's Waples, here is a link to the MOSAIC project. It's a very interesting multinational project studying the ice flow in the North Pole. The ship in the photo today was the Polarstern which is a German icebreaker research vessel.
https://mosaic-expedition.org
We started the meeting with a tour around Victor's 1/200 Titanic. Victor has the market cornered on white paint. People say that you can't brush paint Tamiya acrylics, but Victor continues to prove them wrong. Looking forward to seeing Jack and rose on the bow Victor! Love those wood decks.
David Angelo shared updates on his three tankers. David proves that old school is a good school.
Bill Smallshaw treated us to his obscure AKI models kit that he found on an online site in Japan.
Bill also provided some helpful links which are as follows...
3D modeling software
https://www.delftship.net
Fresh Water Submarines - Manitowoc Story - Available on Amazon in paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Water-Submarines-Manitowoc-Story/dp/9997184319
3D printed kit of a ship that never was. The HMS CVA-01. This is a kit that's being crowd sourced. If they get enough orders they will produce it. Otherwise it will never be... again.
http://ihphobby.trpod.com/700shipkits/cva01.html
John Widmar shared his Submarine Pen upgrade. John did some surgery on his previous diorama to install the dry dock next to the pen's. John cobbled together parts from several kits. Really nice work John!
Rob Weilacher treated us to photos of his USS South Dakota. COVID is providing Rob with opportunities to get more modeling done.
Some 3D printed Cat's
More 3D printed aircraft including N3N Yellow Peril and L-4
Jerry Beasley gave us an updat on his CB-90 US Navy boat conversion. Jerry used sandpaper to replicate anti skid. He's also doing some amazing detail on the engines and diamond plating in strategic locations.
Next Roger shared his 1/700 USN barge. Roger ditched the photo etched 20mm and opted for 3D printed resin 20mm guns which he's much happier with. Roger also bailed on the Lion Roar steel photo etch and opted for brass instead. I have to agree it looks great. Roger is trying to find out about that big stack on the top deck. This barge is unpowered, so what's this? A big vent to clear out fumes? I think Bill Smallshaw is on the mission to find out for Roger. Good hunting!
On to new kits!
After exchanging messages with Ostrich Hobby, they sent me a list of their new kits which included a new manufacturer called Vee Models. They are actually Joy Yard models but 1/700 offerings. They have scaled down their Iowa's. The kit will include injected molding with photo etch and wood decks. A complete kit.
Their fierce competitor, Very Fire, is releasing Iowa's in 1/700 as well. This looks to be a beauty!
Correction! This is actually Orange Hobby kit of the USS New Mexico in 1/700 scale. Free Time Hobbies are taking pre-orders for this kit now. Typically these kits have 3D printed fittings and weapons. At $90 not a bad price for a resin kit.
Here is what's new from Black Cat Models. Fantastic kit manufacturer using resin cast hulls, photo etch, and 3D printed parts.
The most recent releases are the Edsel and Canon Class destroyer escorts. Also the USCG Bertholf, all in 1/350 scale. I've learned that there are at least two late war improved AA fits for the Canon Class. The one listed below and a second one which will be the USS Slater (NY museum ship) which has three pairs of twin 40mm's. The Slater is about to be released.
Here are the newest kits going into production now. This is quite an upgrade from the Mirage kits! Incredible detail in these 1/350 scale kits.
Tim found these photo etched drills or cutters. They are designed to fit into your hobby knife handle. Find the center of what you want to drill out and twist. This will clean out a plastic with a flat bottom. They are available from a variety of manufacturers with different styles of cutters.
Jerry also found these sanding planks. They come with a variety of self adhesive grits. Cut out the sand paper and apply to the handle. Jerry advises that they are very stiff.
Look what Tim got! We had a discussion about 3D printing. Tim has acquired a 3D printer and while having some issues with buying a refurbished unit, is dialed in on a new one. Tim shared some samples with us. Looking forward to what Tim starts doing with this printer! How long before we all have these and buy files from designers to print?
I led a discussion on Shapeways parts and some issues with their FED/FUD prints. Some parts I purchased a couple of years ago that I hadn't thoroughly cleaned, ended up developing an increased amount of crystallization on the surface.
To properly clean these parts clean in an ultrasonic cleaner with warm water and dish soap. There will be a white powdery substance on the surface. Remove this material with an air eraser using backing powder. Not the material that comes with the air eraser. That stuff is too strong.
You can see in the top photo that it has developed some heavy texture. This has grown on top of oily residue left on the prints. The bottom photo shows the improved print after proper cleaning as described above.
Recommendations:
- If you have one of these parts already, clean as described above before painting.
- If you find a part on Shapeways that you want, check with the designer to see if they are printing their designs on their own printer using Liquid Resin using a DLP or SLA printer (like Tim bought). Often it is cheaper and the liquid resin parts are far superior in finish.
- Check to see if the part you need can be purchased from a company or designer commercially. They all have online catalogs. Some of those companies are...
- Black Cat Models
- 3D Model Parts
- Blue Ridge Models
- Micro Master
- Model Monkey
There's a new podcast for modelers. There are four good ones now! Here's the latest which you can find on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and others. Great listening.
The others out there are...
One The Bench (ship models popular on this one)
A book recommendation which available on paper or Audible is "The Ship That Wouldn't Die".
That about covers it. I will be back with some more information about some of the products we discussed and group orders.
Until next time!
