Thanks to everyone who made it to the July 2nd meeting, especially since it fell over the 4th of July weekend. I'm going to make this quick as I'm working hard to prepare for IPMS National Convention in Omaha in less than two weeks! Yikes!
Here's a link to the recording of the meeting. Apparently you need a passcode to watch the video now? It's listed below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-L65SHwKCiECeG405oXwKMwi27J4ZmjWdTnRmkMkBCklpdOxvaouypm0pJ4VXJh7.o8fnIew42QU1vDC1?startTime=1656777607000
Passcode: GPD@b1p5
We started off by looking at what's happening with the Zumwalt Class destroyers. They are being converted into a platform for the new Hypersonic missiles under development. The launch tubes replace one of the 155mm Gun systems. In addition to those weapons the ship carries Mk 57 vertical launch system. Quite the missile platform.
We took a look at an excellent model from Lao Kit in China. This is the 1/700 Flyhawk Naiad. Not only is the model extremely well done and weathered, but he's built an excellent base which makes for an excellent presentation. I like the clear finish on the base. I may have to give that a try.
Chris wasn't with us today but he did send me some photos of his latest project which is a 1/700 floating dry dock for PT Boats. We'll look for an update from Chris later.
Rob was also unable to join us but did send us some updated photos of his Tom's Modelworks 1/700 Nevada. It's done now so we'll look for some more photos and feedback from him on this exciting kit from Tom's.
I provided a sneak peak at my Suyata Titanic. As I'm typing this I've completed a base for it and am working on the final details. I noticed when I took this photo that the grids on top of the stacks were broken from pressing them into place. I've since repaired those. I'm most proud of the brass bells that came with the Master Model mast set. I can't wait to fill all those portholes with Kristal Klear! What a bunch of fun this kit has been! I'm going to try and take this to Nationals.
I went on to talk about a project I got involved in. I suggested to Oto of RCSUBS.CZ that he update the Virginia Class sub to a Block 3 version. This is the USS Colorado. The major change is the update to the vertical launch system. It's available now in 1/72 scale (too big for me at almost 6ft long!) and hopefully he'll also make it available in 1/144.
Next up was what's new on the market....
We started with something for Victor. Now released is the 1/200 Yamato from Gallery Models. It's available now from Squadron for a mere $579.99. Suggested retail is $829.99. Can't wait to see what the upgrade kits sell for!
Then we got a surprise from Zucas Studios in Taiwan. He's been working on the Arleigh Burke egg ship for several years. Now he's developed a dry dock which can be used for any of his models. It has a nice cut out so you can view the ship better. It was supposed to be out in June... but It's July and not ready yet. Can't wait!!
We took a look at the news. The US Congress has been going back and forth with the Littoral Class ships (Freedom and Independence class). The US Navy wanted to shut them all down. In the end it appears that five of the Independence class will remain in inventory and the others will go to storage. They just never fit the Navy's operation plan. Now the Navy is moving back to Frigates with the Constellation class. This looks like a down sized Burke Class destroyer and is designed to operate in both blue water and littoral environments. Looks like it will be a very capable ship.
Lastly I shared a YouTube channel called "Sub Brief". This is produced by Aaron Amick who is a former US Navy submariner. He puts out a new video at least weekly. Topics cover mostly modern naval subjects from around the world. These are great videos to watch while at the bench. Give it a look. Here's a link to his channel.
That's it! If I don't see you at Nationals, I'll look forward to catching up at our August meeting.
