Recently one of the kit designers for Airfix and member of the Flory Models community gave a presentation on what all goes into designing an injected molded kit. I found this to be a very interesting discussion. The designer, Paramjit Sembhi, is himself a model maker, and like us enjoys building model ships. I hope you enjoy this video.
Special thanks to Flory Models for making this video available on YouTube.
I'm actually going to start where the meeting ended. We had a discussion about going back to in person meetings. Jerry and I tested Zoom using a personal hot spot in the basement at Rockler. The idea being that we can continue to share our meetings with our out of town visitors as well as record the meetings for anyone who can not attend. What we learned was that I could use my phone to share video of the room, but when we tried to stream the power point presentation it just would not work.
While we were there we ran into some guys from the woodworking club. They explained that they are in the process of upgrading the video monitors, cameras, and adding a high speed wifi system independent from Rockler. I explained that we could not participate in the purchase of this equipment, however we are interested in being able to use their wifi if we can come to an agreement on a reasonable price. I will follow up with them and see what we can come up with. We're also exploring some other options but I think this is the best solution if we can work it out.
After the meeting I received some messages with concern about in person meetings. COVID is not over yet. I sent out the following suggested guidelines and requested feedback.
If you are vaccinated, mask is optional.
If you are NOT vaccinated, you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Sit at least six feet apart.
I've only heard from a few of you so far. So let me know if you're okay with this approach and if you have any suggestions.
Okay, back to the meeting...
We started the meeting off discussing Jerry and Mattias' work on the CB-90 making parts to convert the Tiger Models kit to a US variant.
First photo shows the railing that Mattias created. There are also various components unique to US Boats that were added.
This is the kick stand that mounts to the back of the boat and allows it to sit upright after the well deck of the mother ship has been drained.
Next Tim Senecal shared his MENG Chibi type VII U-Boat. Tim explained that he's planning to build a large scale RC U-Boat based on this design. I have to say that should be a fun build and very unique in the RC world. Both Blake and myself are working on one of these as well with different twists.
David Angelo gave us an update on his tankers. David is doing a test of the photo etch to make sure it's all working well. These are really looking the part!
Gerald Schafer treated us to two new destroyers.
First up is the Aoshima kit of the J Class, HMS Jervis. This kit is 1/700 scale. Very nice build! This kit is available from retailers and eBay for about $24.
The second kit Gerald shared with us is the White Ensign Models, M Class HMS Milne. This is a resin kit. Gerald discussed how he went about fixing a nasty twist in the casting. White Ensign Models was sold to Atlantic Models, who sold to Starling Models. This particular kit is not in production. You might be able to find it in secondary markets. Originally the kit sold for about $37. I'm pretty sure I've seen a new kit of this subject in 1/350 scale, but I can't put my finger on it right now.
Jerry printed the tug boats designed by David Angelo for me. These little guys are exquisite and about an inch long. The next trick is getting some photo etch organized for them. Amazingly the Titanic set from Tom's Modelworks will do the trick for railings. I found some 1/700 photo etch caged ladders from FStar Models. I'm also going to try some 1/350 railings to see if they might work as caged ladders. These caged ladder sets are also available in 1/350 scale.
Rob Weilacher wasn't able to join us, but he completed the Loose Canon 1/700 kit of the USS Long Island. Rob was really impressed with this kit and we'll hopefully hear more about finishing it up the next time we see Rob.
While looking for topics for this meeting I came across this story. There is a movement to name a US Naval vessel after USN Fireman 2nd Class, Telesoro Trinidad. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during peacetime, and also served in both WWI and WWII. He won the medal rescuing his ship mates on the USS San Diego ACR-6.
There are few kits of Armored Cruisers, however Combrig Models is about to release a 1/700 ACR. The attached images are exceptional. With minor conversion of the stern mast, you can model this as the San Diego.
PIG Models? None of us had heard of this company. But they are coming out with a 1/35 5"/38 twin mount. It would be interesting if it had a full interior. This is a company that has previously released 1:1 scale WWII tank rounds. We'll see what comes of it.
Also following this trend of naval armament is a 1/35 kit from Combrig 152mm/45 Canet Gun. I'm assuming WWI era. The castings are traditional resin and look quite good.
Some surprising offerings coming from TAKOM. Traditionally known for armor subjects. They are broadening their offerings to include the following...
Two Zeppelin offerings. Notice that these are done in conjunction with Snowman Models. This could cause me to sell some more kits!
And also a modern German Frigate. Interesting choice. The CAD drawings look superb. It is calling out for some photo etch railings. But again, also in conjunction with Snowman models. This is one of three built in this class and is currently in operation.
Another new one. Doggy Industries? Some interesting choices in here.
.
Cyclone class patrol boat. I seem to recall talking about these a while back. These are small combatants with a big punch. They currently serve in the Persian Gulf. Here's an interesting video on this boat. I would like to see this in a larger scale though. 1/144 would be perfect!
An interesting kit in the bunch is the South Vietnamese destroyer, 1/700 scale. This ship served in the US Navy during WWII, then in the US Coast Guard, and finally in the Vietnamese navy.
The odd one in the bunch is the 1:2000 Clemson Class? That's going to be tiny!
Some interesting subjects to say the least.
Next up with new offerings is from AJM Models. We're familiar with these kits from John Widmar. These are the new offerings for 2021.
Not shown above is another new offering from AJM. This one is quite unique. It's a communication ship that was used during the D-Day landings. This kit appears to have some 3D printed fixtures and guns. This looks like it would be a fun one to rig!
The latest release from Black Cat Models is this all 3D printed 1/350 scale, LCI kit. They are producing this in three different styles. This particular boat was modeled after the museum ship in Portland, LCI 713. This is a HUGE improvement over the Iron Shipwrights offering.
Also just released from Black Cat Models is the 1/350 scale, HMAS Castlemaine, which is a Bathurst Class Corvette. This is a resin hull and mostly 3D printed parts including photo etch. This is a museum ship in Australia today. This is
I think that's it for this months meeting. I'm looking forward to seeing you all and your models in person for a change. Also looking forward to going to Las Vegas and the IPMS Nationals. They are expecting more than 4000 entries! See you all in August!
