January Ship Club Meeting...

I apologize for my absence as I've been recovering from a serious identity theft issue with my computer equipment.  I'm about 95% back to normal with just little things to take care of now.  

Let's get back to our January meeting.  Here's a link to the MEETING RECORDING

We started the discussion with Side Cutters (single bladed sprue cutters).  This design allows you to cleanly cut through plastic sprue (not metal) and not have to worry about your parts flying around.  We also discussed some pretenders to stay away from.  Bottom line these are a must have tool for your desk.

Recommended brands

Best:  Godhand ($43-$63)

Very Good:  Dspiae or Newtall ($35 to $45)

Very Good:  Tamiya ($28)

Very Good:  Master Tools (a.k.a. Trumpeter) ($27)

Very Good:  USA Gundam ($37)

Stay away from pretenders such as Xeron and Micro Mark

Jerry discussed the new foam he received for Christmas.  This one is made by Hercules.  These are a great tool for cutting high density foam for creating model bases.  This model has a great deal of flexibility to create different shapes.

Roger Schafer gave an excellent update on the portable air compressor he purchased from Spray Gunner at the IPMS Nationals this past summer.  You may recall that the original unit he purchased did not work.  Roger contacted Spray Gunner and they took back the compressor and immediately sent him a replacement.  We were concerned that it might be an altitude issue.  The new unit performed well.  Roger gave it the acid test using it to spray Humbrol paint through a syphon feed Paasche airbrush.  If you want to see the video start watching the recording at about 01:16:43.  Great follow up Roger!

 

David Angelo shared his 1/700 Tug Boats

Richard from Tom's Modelworks shared his new release of the USS Oklahoma and USS Nevada kits.  This is a joint project orchestrated by Richard which includes parts from Corsair Armada, ED Model Parts, Kraken Hobbies, and Model Monkey.  I ordered the Oklahoma and it arrived in perfect condition.  Looking over the parts they all look perfect.  A great value at $110.00.

CAD drawing of deck part.  

Hull remastered from Corsair Armada

Photo Etch parts

Chain is amazing.  Range Clocks included if you want to back date.

3D Printed Parts

We looked at a lot of new products coming out.  This one is from a new company called 3D-Wild.  This is a 3D printed model with exceptional detail.  Check out their WEB SITE.  You'll find a lot of very interesting 3D printed models.

Takom/Snowman is coming out with a 1/350 Zumwalt class destroyer.  It will be released later this year.

We also looked a new brass parts vendor called epic Hobby.  Beautiful brass fittings.  Check out their line at Free Time Hobbies.

Coming in February from Black Cat Models a USS Ward in 1/350 scale

Also coming soon is this old school Tilly 

John shared with us his new kit from Doggy Industries.  Included is a highly detailed barage balloon and Felixstowe sea plane.  A very interesting and unique ship subject.

Tetra Models is back with an upgrade set for the Trumpeter 1/700 HMS Type 23 Frigate.  A very nice update set to bring this kit to the next level.

Fujimi is upgrading some of their waterline kits to include full hulls.  

IJN Yukikaze & Akitsuki

Fujimi is also releasing their Premium and Standard releases of the Shokaku in 1/350 scale.

Bunker Studios appears to be a 1/700 scale spinoff from Tacoma.  They have released a 1/700 model of the Bunker Scorff.  This would be perfect with Flyhawk 1/700 submarines.

Eduard has announced the release of a 1/350 USS Arizona.  This is based on the Hobby Boss kit.  Some have described it as "lipstick on a pig".  You be the judge...

Trumpeter has also announced the release of a 1/700 USS Guam.  Kit will include photo etch, but not railings which is typical for Trumpeter in this scale.  

Trumpeter is also releasing a 1/700 Cornwall.  Again, photo etch included but not railings.

Last but not least, Trumpeter has announced a 1/200 Gneisenau which is available at Hobby Link Japan

It's currently on order stop (what happens when they match their order quantity).  But historically they make these available once released.

A recommended read which will release in May 2022.  "Who Can Hold The Sea", by James Hornfischer.  Unfortunately he passed at the young age of 56.  I've already put in my order.  

See you in February!  Were checking to see if we can meet in person.