Thanks to everyone for attending today, both in person and online. Here's a recap of today's meeting.
Here is the link to today's recording. Zoom has fixed the trim function so I think this is edited correctly so you don't have to listen to a lot of jibber jabber.
Meeting recording
We started the meeting with an excellent presentation by Sam Bartlett on Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) A-Target "Midget" Submarines.
We then transitioned into our Pearl Harbor related models, starting with Rob Weilacher. Rob built this 3D printed kit of an ST class tug boat. The kit comes with two tugs and sells for about $20 plus shipping. Rob said that it went together quickly once all the 3D supports are removed. Here's the LINKto this kit on eBay
Next Rob shared his Kraken 1/700 model of the USS Shaw. Rob advised that sales have been so successful that they had to stop sales on their site until they get caught up. Rob told us that this was an excellent and detailed kit that went together well. Look for Kraken to to be back once they get their sales caught up.
Next up with Roger's 1/700 Corsair Armada kit of the USS Vestal. Roger shared a great deal of the history of the ship, her crew, and some interesting details about the ship at Pearl Harbor. Roger advised that there was lots of confusion about the paint scheme of the Vestal. The kit instructions suggest it was painted in Measure 1.
We came back to an old favorite of the club which is the USS Arizona from Trumpeter in 1/200 scale. Victor advised that he decided to go with the blue paint scheme as it would provide more detail. Victor also painted the deck and used colored pencils provide different shades to the deck.
David Angelo contributed to the Pearl Harbor theme, starting with the USS Neosho. This was his prototype for the
David's second contribution was the USS Tangiers (AV-8) which is also an older Loose Cannon models kit. Rob advised that he's building this kit and will add the L'Arsenal Catalina to the flight deck at the stern. We'll be looking forward to seeing that. Excellent model and build from David.
I had a couple of contributions.
I had a couple of contributions.
First was the I-16 carrying a 1/700 A-Target "Midget" submarine to Pearl Harbor. This is the Tamiya kit which includes the little submarine. I added the Tom's Modelworks "Axis Submarine" photo etch set. This includes railing on the sides as well. The model was painted with Tamiya paints. Both submarines were rigged with lycra rigging from Infini. Originally I was going to mount the model to the base of this inexpensive Trumpeter display case. I felt that it needed some more height so I cut a piece of foam and created a water base. I used artist acrylics to paint the water and white ink to depict the white water. At the end of the day I decided I didn't like the ink for white water as it tended to settle in the trophs instead of the water high points. I'm not sure I'll use that technique again.
My next contribution was the Fine Molds 1/72 A-Target "Midget" submarine. This was an excellent little kit that went together very well. The kit has excellent weld lines on the hull that looked like weld lines. Some details are missing such as rivets in the hull. I opened up what few flood holes there were which are located in the coning tower. Once I did that I needed to add some detail on the inside so I inserted some tubing to depict the crew tunnel and periscope mast.
On to new projects. As mentioned I'm working with a 3D designer. I have a 1/35 PT boat project that has been on hold waiting for technology to catch up to where I could add proper turrets, cradles, and guns. Not to mention some other parts that I would like to improve on the kit. The technology is here now. Here is the test print of the 1/35 Mk. 17 machine gun turrets. More on these later...
Tool time! I watched a video from China and they used Acupuncture Needles for applying very small amounts of CA and PVA glues. I bought some and am amazed at how well they work. I shared a bunch of these with the club. But I have more if you need them. Sam mentioned that they could also make great antennas. And, if you're feeling some pain you can insert them in just the right spot to make you feel good again! That's a joke! Don't try that at home.
You may be familiar with Sasa Drobac's designs on Shapeways under the name DiStefan. Before that company went belly up Sasa started looking for alternatives. Lately he found a printer in China and Canada that he's been working with. These parts are in 1/144 scale. The original parts I ordered came from China. To make a long story short, Sasa sent me the same parts from his Canadian printer as well. Team Canada wins!
Here's the print from China. As you can see the quality is not very good and not a whole lot better than Shapeways. The ICM kit part this is meant to replace is actually better.
Here's the print from Canada. These are much better than the China printer. I do think that Sasa can improve the fidelity of these parts. Although you can see that some of these guns printed better than others.
Some good news in the paint world. Colour Coats paints are back! It may take a little while but Richard advises that he's put in a big order and expects to receive product soon.
I guess everyone knows I like submarines. Oto Gerza from RCSubs.cz continues to expand on his static model kits. Now he's taking his passion, which is the type XXI submarine and making them available as 3D kits in 1/200, 1/350, and 1/400 scales. AFV club makes an excellent model of this subject and offers a photo etch update set as well. But this offering from Oto surpasses it. This is a test sample but you can see that the model has open flood holes in the hull, which is unheard of in this scale. These should be available in a couple of weeks. When I have more information I will let you know.
Flyhawk produces a very nice detail set for the Konig. Squadron has a couple left.
3D Wild is releasing a model of the USS Wasp in 1/350 scale. This looks like it will be a remarkable model. It is produced in limited edition of only 50 copies. Richard pointed out that the CAD drawings show the wrong type of railing. If you decide to go down this route be sure to check with Richard at Tom's Modelworks for correct railings.
Something I've never seen in an aircraft carrier kit of this period is the ceiling detail which includes the storage of aircraft and parts. 3D Wild has included that in this offering which includes the trolly for moving heavy parts around the hangar deck. Check out 3D Wild for more details.
UPDATE: I heard from Brandon that he doesn't think this is real. At least it's no longer on the radar. If something changes I will be sure to let you know.
Trumpeter is also releasing a 1/350 Gerald R Ford.
We took a look at some very nice models posted around the interwebs. This is an Atlantic Models kit in 1/350 scale of the HMS Avon Vale which is a Hunt Class Type 2. Rob took it to the next level by adding Micro Master guns to the kit. Excellent finish of model and base.
A model from a model ship club out of Taiwan did an excellent job with this 1/350 USS Enterprise, CV6. I like how they displayed the three aircraft types on the base.
Then we looked at the Big E made by Penghao Jing out of Qingdao, Shandong, China. I think we all agreed this was an amazing accomplishment. The hangar deck had some amazing detail and lighting.
The figures and handling equipment all looks very active and natural
