Thanks for everyone able to attend our June meeting.  Here's the  LINK to the meeting recording.

We started the meeting with a generous offer from Chris.  If you are interested in one of his kits please reach out to him by email, let him know you're a member and you will receive a 10% discount off his kits.  You can find them on Hobby Swap web site, accessible through the Free Time Hobbies online store.  Here are some examples of Chris' kits.

We then caught up with Rob and his latest project, the USS Nevada in 1/700 from Tom's Modelworks.  Rob reported that the kit is going together well.  He had an issue with the orange 3D Parts but putting them in the sun for some additional curing seemed to cure the problem.  

Rob continues to make progress on his 1/700 Artist Hobby USS Constitution.  Rob reported that the stern has limited detail.  Pretty much just windows there without any framing detail.  Rob said he'll have to put his artist skills to work to try and fill in some of the missing detail.  That would have been a nice opportunity to add a decal.  

Back to Chris who shared some 3D prints of the 18th Century HMS Bounty and HMS Surprise from Master and Commander.  These are models designed by Henry Turner.  The Bounty is actually a free download found HERE.  You can also download generic masts and sail.  These kits are designed for gamers.  However Chris recommends building your own masts and using tea bags for sails.  That sounds like a whole meeting by itself.  Chris is working with another gentleman who is 3D printing the boats for him.  Currently he's working on the Bonhomme Richard for Chris.  I think it would be fun to do some follow up on these models and opportunities to detail them up.  

David Angelo is taking a break from 1/700 tankers to work on a 1/350 Lexington from Trumpeter.  David is back dating it to pre-war to take advantage of all the yellow wing wonders.  David has upgraded the ships boats with his own 3D printed creations.

We looked at some new release announcements.  First is a 1/700 San Diego from Vee Hobbies.  it will be interesting to see what comes with this kit.  The CAD drawings look good and if history provides any clues it will include photo etch and possibly some 3D printed parts as well.  Stay tuned!

A new kit in production from Starling Models in the UK is the HMAS Yarra which was a WWII ear sloop.  She was a convoy escort ship, much like a Corvette for Destroyer Escort. Starling advises that they are trying out a new company to do their casting for them.  Best of luck to Starling on this project and we'll follow up later.

I brought in my new release from Flyhawk Models.  This is the USS Zumwalt destroyer.  There was a previous release from Dragon Models which was less than spectacular.  This kit however is beautifully engraved.  I also purchased a masking set.  I've never tried one of these and I'm interested to see if it will help make the paint masking on the deck go better.  But this looks like a winner for Flyhawk.

Not purchased but available is an upgrade set which includes some additional photo etch, turned brass guns, and 3D printed turrets and hull detail parts.

 

Scaling up here's a new 1/200 release from Trumpeter.  This is a PLA type 055 destroyer.  Notice the helicopters that look an awful lot like SH-60's.  In fact China bought a commercial version of the Blackhawk and they copied it to make a naval version.  

Pontos has released some insane new upgrade sets for the Trumpeter Graf Spee in 1/350 and LHD-1 Wasp.  Knowing Pontos it will be amazing and also a huge project if you decide to take it on.  

On to 3D printed kits.  3D-Wild has released their 1/350 HMS Illustrious.  This kit was designed to be lit with a separate LED lighting kit.  The basic kit is only $98.  That's a nice price for a 1/350 aircraft carrier that's 3D printed.  Lead time on this kit is about two months.

3D-Wild also announced a new IJN Light Cruiser Tenryo in 1/350 scale.  This is their first 1/350 subject not an aircraft carrier.  More on this as information come available.  

Eduard is expanding into the ship world with some new 3D printed releases.

Eduard is also producing some ship subjects with their "Space" product which is 3D prints on water slide decals.  These are hatches and water tight doors.  Brilliant!  

They have also done some 3D printed signal flags.  Another good idea.  But know that they are heavier than traditional decal flags.  But they are printed on both sides and have tags for attaching to the hallyards.

Eduard's newest photo etch detail set looks like a gem.  With each release their design work improves.  This is for the Trumpeter Tirpitz.  Check out the Eduard web site for additional photos.

Something a little different is this 1/200 kit from Ocre models of the Prince Eugen.  This kit is build on a wood plank on frame hull.  I found a better price for this kit at pre-order from Model Expo at $399.  Here's a LINK to Model Expo if this kit interests you.

I also came across this reference from Scale Colors of the US fleet at the time of Pearl Harbor.  It attempts to demystify the color of the ships during this transition period where so many records were lost.  I've saved this ind the documents section of this blog page.

I then did a review of True North paints.  These are alkyd enamel paints similar to Colourcoats from White Ensign Models.  

The following is what I found testing this paint and comparing it to Colourcoats.  I'm putting together a reference chart which contains all the paints listed by these two companies and also including Scale Colors (acrylic) and Lifecolors (acrylic).  Stay tuned for that.

Chris and I provided feedback on our experience with Hobby Swap which is a platform for individuals and companies selling model kits.  We've noticed lately that it's taken off lately.  If you sign up for their alerts you will receive notifications of new offerings on the site.  It worked well for both of us.  If you are selling your kits this may be an option for you.

Finally a couple of references.  First a great photo reference site.  They don't have everything listed but what they do have is of very high quality.  Check it out.

And a book or audio book entitled "Unsinkable" which is the story of crew members of the USS Plunkett which was a Gleaves class destroyer.  I've downloaded it and looking forward to listening to this one at the bench.  

That's it for this month.  Everyone stay well and we'll see you in July!