We started off with a follow up from Brian and Jerry on the visors. Jerry has the rechargeable version and Brian the AAA battery version. Two thumbs up from our reviewers. These are both available on Amazon with the rechargeable version slightly more expensive. Jerry reports that these don't work well if you use glasses. It sounds like these are good choices. Maybe the next version will be more accommodating to us folks that wear glasses. Brian suggested that Jerry could plug in with his USB charging cord to extend the life of his battery. Hopefully he doesn't forget he's plugged in! :-)
Battery version (listed as Amazon choice) $17.79
Rechargeable version fulfilled by Amazon $16.99
We had a follow up on Ostrich Hobby. Here is a list of kits that they offer. They currently are available on eBay through Global Toy in China, however they are in the process of opening up their own store. You've received the poll I sent out about shipping. They're trying to figure out the best options for their customers and your input will help.
Check out Ostrich Hobby Facebook page. Here's an example of their HMS Yarmouth 1982. There is one kit left on eBay at it sells for about $51 plus $10.02 for shipping. As you can see it's very nice quality and good price for a resin kit. Excellent find Bill!
While we missed Rob Weilacher at our meeting, we got to look at his 1/700 Argonaut from Tom's Modelworks. This kit sells for $36.50 plus shipping. Really well designed kit and can be modeled full hull or waterline. Unfortunately temporary out of stock but write Richard at Tom's if you're interested. Sam also treated us to some history on this sub. It's about as long as a destroyer. What a beast! Thanks for sharing your work Rob!
I will send out Sam's write up to the group in a separate email.
Next John Widmar showed us his USS Huntington. She's a Fargo Class light cruiser which is a modified version of the Cleveland class cruiser. She apparently had a stability problem. Sam also provided us with some history on this ship and class which I will send out to everyone separately. This is another winner from Niko models. Waterline series kit available and in stock at Free Time Hobbies for $80.
Next Bill Smallshaw treated us to his work on the new Revell PT-109 kit converted to PT-143. Bill and Blake worked together to create custom decals for the Squadron 8 markings on the spray shield. The rest of the decals are from a set by Warbird decals and are still available. Bill reports that this kit went together really well and is an excellent representation of an 80' Elco PT Boat. A great addition is the 3D printed beehive radar and the roll off depth charges. Nice job Bill! Looking forward to the late model Elco you're working on.
Next Roger gave us a kit review of the HMS Jervis by Aoshima. Jervis is a J class destroyer. Roger reports that this is one of their newer kits and really well made. Roger advised that the kit includes photo etch railing and for the price it's a great value. Roger is in the process of making this kit and we'll look forward his progress. These are available from a number of suppliers ranging from $25 to $40 depending where you find them. Search the internet.
Next I talked about ship deck painting masks. Typically when building these models the deck is painted first. Then it is masked off and the fixtures, hull, and structure is painted. This is a painstaking process. There are a bunch of manufacturers now making custom deck masks that should save you all that tedious masking. They are typically laser cut to make a perfect match of your ship model kit. Here is a list of manufacturers just for ships. Below that an example of the mask set for the Flyhawk HMS Kelly.
Artwox (Out of business but product still around)
Flyhawk
Rainbow
Hunter or WoodHunter
Ship Yards Work
J's Work
Dream Model
There are also companies like Gators Mask who make customer masks. In fact Kenny made some customer masks for my container ship.
You can also make these yourself using a Cricut or Silhouette machine. We'll come back to this at a later date as there's a lot more to learn about this process and machines.
Next up we discussed something a little different from Artist Hobbies. How about a 1/700 HMS Victory! John Widmar has this on order. You can do full hull or waterline. There is a lot of turned brass and photo etch on this small little resin model. They are on pre-order from Hobby Search in Japan at about $57 for the waterline and $72 for the full hull model plus shipping. To put this into perspective this ship was 227' overall which works out to just under 10 cm long. I can't wait to see John put this one together!
We then turned our attention to some tools. While listening to one of the modeling podcasts they talked about this machines tool chest. You can buy these from Harbor Freight for $85. They are felt lined and are a great way to store your tools so that you know where to find them when you need them. They take little space. I've had one on my desk for years. Highly recommended.
Next we discussed scrapers from Trumpeter's Master Tool collection. I have the Zoukei Mura version of this that cost $40 at an IPMS show. This one costs $20 and you can get it from Sprue Brothers. These are solid chunks of steel with lethal blades. They are great for removing seam lines, etc. Also highly recommended by both Roger and me.
Last up for tools Bill Smallshaw talked about his vacuum form adventure. Bill was trying to make clear turrets for his PT-9 model in 1/72 scale. Bill tried to upgrade his mighty Mattel vac-u-form machine but that didn't work as planned. He then purchased a higher end machine on eBay which cost about $120. There are a bunch of these available on eBay so shop carefully if you want to buy one. Check with Bill for guidance on buying the right machine. Bill is reporting some issues with stress on the stretched plastic but he's working the problem. The machine works well and you can see the quality of the vacuum in his sample.
I thought this was going to be a short meeting!
We made room at the end for a presentation from John DuGene (aka Deacon). It was optional but everyone stayed. John visited Craft Lab in Austria who are the makers of high quality early aircraft and car restorations. Remarkable woodworking and construction. Great presentation by John.
We covered a lot of territory today! Thanks everyone for contributing and staying through to the end of John's excellent presentation.
See you next time!
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