Our neighbor to the south and USS Arizona survivor, Donald G Stratton has passed away.  97 years is a hell of a run.  Mr. Stratton was one of the last three remaining USS Arizona survivors alive.  Fair winds and following seas.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the meeting today.

What I thought was going to be a quick build kit of the submarine MS Surcouf didn't quite work out that way.  But I'm glad I chose the path I took as it turned out to be an enjoyable and interesting build.  I hope one of these research vessels finds this boat so they can figure out what exactly happened to her.

Some follow up items from the discussion...

The video I found with information on this submarine was on the YouTube Drachinifel channel.  They have a huge number of videos on ships ranging from the Civil War to present, and examples from countries around the world.  They were done to support the online gaming, particularly World of Warships.  It's a great reference for us modelers.

Ship video series

The modeling video I showed today is from AK Interactive.  They now market it along with some of their weathering fluids.  It's called Ship Weathering Sets.  It's available from many places that sell AK Interactive.  There are two published volumes in this series.

The oil paint I used is from a company called Abteilung502.  These are high quality oil paints designed for modelers like ourselves.  Here's a link to the Abteilung502 web site.  You can find these from a number of different online locations.  Some that I found are...
Michigan Toy Soldier
Last Cavalry
Megahobby
Internet Hobbies
Hobby World (Great source for paint)


You can also find it on eBay and Amazon.  The great thing about oils is that they will last a lifetime.

The chipping fluid is from AK Interactive.  They call it Worn Effects Acrylic Fluid.  It can be found from anyone who sells AK Interactive products.  There are two varieties.  The type is used is called Worn Effects and the other option is Heavy Chipping Fluid.  Here's a link from Hobby World.  But search around for your best option.

The kit itself is from Hobby Boss.  It is 1/350 scale.  It is a very generic version of the actual boat.  It provides the parts for when she was first built in the 30's to when she was lost in February of 1942.  Parts are very plain with not much detail.  However the hull and deck are well done.  The kit comes with photo etch parts for railings.  Other kits available are from Heller in 1/400 scale and Pit Road released a kit in 2008 which is much more detailed.  It is also impossible to find.  

Hopefully somebody will find this missing sub.  Here is where it was last believed to be located.  Maybe Jerry will keep an eye out for her during his cruise.  I spoke with Jerry and he'll be watching for her.  

I also brought some of the new Dspiae tweezers.  I think most of you that tried these agreed that they have an excellent touch.  They also have a nice flat end with just the right angle.  They are the first set I reach for these days.  They are available with thin tip and flat tip.  They sell for about $10 each delivered.  The best place to find them is on eBay.  

Martin brought a great little tool marketed by AK Interactive sold as a Glass Fibre Pencil.  I've seen these marketed as Fiberglass Erasers as well.  The AK video shows it mostly for cleaning and softly shaving away blemishes.  However it is very good for weathering.  I've had one in my tool box for over 40 years!  Yikes!  You can find these from Colpar, companies that sell AK Interactive, and sold under different names on Amazon and eBay.  They also come with different materials such as steel.  

Bill Smallshaw brought in his MGB 77 from Coastal Craft.  Martin Blundell in the UK owns this company.  He's best known for his resin kits of British coastal boats in 1/72 scale.  They take a little work but as you can see out of the box you get excellent results.  He also sells figures for these kits.  Martin's web site is off line at the moment as he is in the process of rebuilding it.  I do have a copy of his catalog.  If you're interested let me know and I'll send it to you by email.  

Here are some examples of some kits Martin has for sale.

HMS Kent / Aoshima Models

HMS Royal Scotsman /AJM MODELS

And of course John did not disappoint.  John shared with us his 1/700 builds of the HMS Kent and HMS Royal Scotsman.  John reports that Aoshima has released a number of cruisers recently.  The Royal Scotsman is very unique with the landing craft.  Both very nice and unique models.  Thanks John!

See you next time!

Dave