January 2026 Ship Club Meeting Recap

Thanks to everyone who attended this month's meeting.  You can view the meeting recording at this LINK.  I hope it works as Zoom again changed everything up with no warning to their subscribers.  😕

We started off with a brief look at color variations when looking at ships from different angles.  This is something I would like to have a discussion on in the future, and get your input and ideas on how to approach this in our hobby. For example this photo of the USS Texas currently being restored and with a fresh coat of paint almost looks like it has different colors on the hull.

Next I identified a BAD VENDOR.  Galaxy Models has been taking artwork from quality manufacturers.  In the discussion from Bullseye model decals, they posted that Galaxy Models stole the artwork from David Roof of Flying Leathernecks, and is selling it under their own name.  

Post from Galaxy Model on Facebook

It was so good they decided to steal it and sell it under their own name.  There was extensive conversation about Trademark infringement, but the point is really missed.  They took Dave's artowork and made it their own.  

Moving on from the angry part of the meeting to the good parts...

From Rob Weilacher is the USS Kitty Hawk.  This was designed by David Angelo and printed by David Waples.  It includes everything except rails, masts, decals, guns, and the aircraft, all which Rob added.  If somebody wants one I can print it for them and the cost is $60.  $25 of that goes to David for his design, and the balance to me for printing costs.  

Rob truly has a one of a kind model.  Thanks for building it so quickly and sharing it with us, Rob!

Rob is also working on his AVP and AGP kits from Corsair Armada, which have not yet been released.  We'll have finished photos of these models at the next meeting.  

David Angelo shared his model of the 1/700 HMS Black Prince of his own design.  David told us he used Infini brass wire for his rigging.  We're going to get a sample to play with.  More on this to come.

David also built the ICM kit he won in the drawing we held to support ICM in Ukraine.  

George Stevens has returned to Colorado and is attending our meetings.  He shared this tribute build to his friend, Lt. JG John gilmore who served on the USS Fortify.  

George built this from the 1/350 L'Arsenal kit.  If you look closely you can see the figure George placed on the bridge to represent his friend.

We then had an excellent presentation from Harvey Low on the Mikasa in Japan.  

I created a new link on our Blog page to capture the presentation slides that Harvey so graciously shared with us.  If you select this link you will find all the slides that Harvey shared with us.  You can also watch his video presentation through the link at the beginning of this posting.

We held the drawing for the ICM 1/350 Markgraf kit.  This was purchased from Squadron to support ICM in Ukraine.  Everyone not at the meeting watching over Zoom probably didn't see us spin the wheel for the drawing.  Stewart Bailey was the big winner!  Sorry I keep messing up your name, Stewart!  

I shared a link to the US Government web site devoted to fleet modernization.  If you're interested in the ships the current Administration wishes to build, this will give you the latest information.

We then took a look at the latest information we've found for kits on the web.  We first looked at Aladin Models who is a marketplace for 3D printed models.  Here are some future releases.

Here is what they currently have listed on their file for sale.  The price is for the file.  You will need a quality 3D printer such as an Elegoo Saturn 3 or 4, or somebody willing to print one for you.  Note that files are not supported.  However they do give some guidance on how to lay out your model for printing.

Squadron Colors also released Mountbatten Pink (SCN-020) as used on the USS Juneau.  Squadron Colors has added a good option for the ship modeling community.

Some good news for fans of Micro Master high quality 3D printed ship parts.  They can once again ship to the US by mail (not UPS/FedEx/DHL).  The tariff rate of 15% is paid up front by Micro Master so it will come directly to you without any additional costs after checkout.

Same for purchasing Black Cat Models kits directly from Ben in France.  You will pay the 15% tariff rate up front, and they can now ship to you by mail at a much lower price that couriers like FedEx/UPS/DHL.

Squadron wasn't sure if or when Russ (Brandon's dad who is the official importer) would be placing an order with Black Cat Models.  I went ahead and ordered one of the 1/700 kits for you to look at.  It arrived today.  I'll share it with you at the next meeting and perhaps there will be some news from Squadron on Black Cat orders.    

These next two kits got a lot of attention.  These are from AJM in Polland.  Their are modified LST's.  

First kit is an FDT (Fighter Direction Tender).

This next kit was the most popular.  This is an LST designed to launch and recover L-4 Grasshoppers.  There was some thought that this used the Brodie System for launching and recovering L-4's.  However on the 906 this wasn't the case.  I sent out a video to everyone showing how the 906 operated... or didn't.  

Coming in February from Pontos is what looks like a new generation of upgrade sets heavily supported with 3D printing.  

This is for the Trumpeter Regia Marina Roma 1943.

This is for the Trumpeter HMS Warspite.

If 1/2000 is your thing here's a new release from ModeLink.  This is the modern JSDF fleet which occupies a very small space, yet is highly detailed.

Coming from Trumpeter is the 1/700 Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.  Originally I posted that it was available from HLJ.com in Japan for pre-order.  However I would strongly recommend doing so from Squadron if this is on your bucket list.  It's less expensive and you support Brandon as well.

Here's one I hadn't heard of before, but others in our group had.  Salv models is producing a resin hull model with 3D printed parts and photo etch.  Interesting modern subject from the JMSDF.  This one is only available at HLJ.com that I'm aware of right now.

3-D Wild is also coming out with some new kits.

Victor was quite excited by these offerings.  These are Regia Marina Giussano-Class pre-war light cruisers in 1/350 scale.  These are designed and produced by Len's friend.  

Also from the same partner at 3D-Wild is a 1/350 HMS Nelson-Class battleship in 1941 configuration.  Check them out at the 3D-Wild's WEB SITE

That's a wrap for this month!  See you in February!