We're coming up on Ship Club again.  The next meeting is Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00 MDT (16:00Z).  The link to the meeting has been sent out.  If you haven't received it, email me and I'll forward it to you.  

This should be another great meeting...

• I've invited Richard Harden to talk about bringing Colourcoats paints into his White Ensign Models catalog.
• Bill Smallshaw has successfully completed his vac forming of his PT Boat turrets.  We'll be looking forward to this follow up from Bill.
• Rob has some updates on his projects ranging from aircraft carriers to gliders.  
• Jerry has an update on his super detailing of the CB-90
• We'll have a discussion on your favorite folding tool..  Folding tools for photo etch!  
• Roger Schafer found a great video which included an excellent link to period Dazzle Patterns.
• I found a great podcast that's actually been around for a long time that I will share with you.  

There no doubt will be more.  I look forward to seeing you all.

Dave

 Hey guys,  

Kenny Loup, owner of Gator's Mask and Gator's Grip lost his home to hurricane Laura.  Kenny is trying to raise money to have the remains taken away because insurance won't pay for it because of the age.  Kenny has been a great friend to the hobby.  A Gofundme site has been set up.  If you would like to donate money to help out Kenny, here's a link to the site:  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/loups-hurricane-laura-recovery?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all

Ship Club September 2020 Meeting

 Greetings and thanks for attending our September ship club meeting.  

Here's a link to the recorded meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/S_vQLsTzJAMgmzJmvBah8pbjyy5ZGYUnp1wjTDBLgzewD56nh5Dua3yZjITuNWeH.kpY9y4a0pu7VoJk2

You will need the following passcode to watch which is new: V7c&ru+!

Starting off with Where's Waples, here is a link to the MOSAIC project.  It's a very interesting multinational project studying the ice flow in the North Pole.  The ship in the photo today was the Polarstern which is a German icebreaker research vessel.  

https://mosaic-expedition.org

We started the meeting with a tour around Victor's 1/200 Titanic.  Victor has the market cornered on white paint.  People say that you can't brush paint Tamiya acrylics, but Victor continues to prove them wrong.  Looking forward to seeing Jack and rose on the bow Victor!  Love those wood decks.

David Angelo shared updates on his three tankers.  David proves that old school is a good school.  

Bill Smallshaw treated us to his obscure AKI models kit that he found on an online site in Japan.

Bill also provided some helpful links which are as follows...

3D modeling software

https://www.delftship.net

Fresh Water Submarines - Manitowoc Story - Available on Amazon in paperback

https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Water-Submarines-Manitowoc-Story/dp/9997184319

3D printed kit of a ship that never was.  The HMS CVA-01.  This is a kit that's being crowd sourced.  If they get enough orders they will produce it.  Otherwise it will never be... again.  

http://ihphobby.trpod.com/700shipkits/cva01.html

John Widmar shared his Submarine Pen upgrade.  John did some surgery on his previous diorama to install the dry dock next to the pen's.  John cobbled together parts from several kits.  Really nice work John!

Rob Weilacher treated us to photos of his USS South Dakota.  COVID is providing Rob with opportunities to get more modeling done.  

Some 3D printed Cat's

More 3D printed aircraft including N3N Yellow Peril and L-4

Jerry Beasley gave us an updat on his CB-90 US Navy boat conversion.  Jerry used sandpaper to replicate anti skid.  He's also doing some amazing detail on the engines and diamond plating in strategic locations.

Next Roger shared his 1/700 USN barge.  Roger ditched the photo etched 20mm and opted for 3D printed resin 20mm guns which he's much happier with.  Roger also bailed on the Lion Roar steel photo etch and opted for brass instead.  I have to agree it looks great.  Roger is trying to find out about that big stack on the top deck.  This barge is unpowered, so what's this?  A big vent to clear out fumes?  I think Bill Smallshaw is on the mission to find out for Roger.  Good hunting!

On to new kits!  

After exchanging messages with Ostrich Hobby, they sent me a list of their new kits which included a new manufacturer called Vee Models.  They are actually Joy Yard models but 1/700 offerings.  They have scaled down their Iowa's.  The kit will include injected molding with photo etch and wood decks.  A complete kit.  

Their fierce competitor, Very Fire, is releasing Iowa's in 1/700 as well.  This looks to be a beauty!

Correction!  This is actually Orange Hobby kit of the USS New Mexico in 1/700 scale.  Free Time Hobbies are taking pre-orders for this kit now.  Typically these kits have 3D printed fittings and weapons.  At $90 not a bad price for a resin kit.

Here is what's new from Black Cat Models.  Fantastic kit manufacturer using resin cast hulls, photo etch, and 3D printed parts.  

The most recent releases are the Edsel and Canon Class destroyer escorts. Also the USCG Bertholf, all in 1/350 scale.  I've learned that there are at least two late war improved AA fits for the Canon Class.  The one listed below and a second one which will be the USS Slater (NY museum ship) which has three pairs of twin 40mm's.  The Slater is about to be released.

Here are the newest kits going into production now.  This is quite an upgrade from the Mirage kits!  Incredible detail in these 1/350 scale kits.  

Tim found these photo etched drills or cutters.  They are designed to fit into your hobby knife handle.  Find the center of what you want to drill out and twist.  This will clean out a plastic with a flat bottom.  They are available from a variety of manufacturers with different styles of cutters.

Jerry also found these sanding planks.  They come with a variety of self adhesive grits.  Cut out the sand paper and apply to the handle.  Jerry advises that they are very stiff.

Look what Tim got!  We had a discussion about 3D printing.  Tim has acquired a 3D printer and while having some issues with buying a refurbished unit, is dialed in on a new one.  Tim shared some samples with us.  Looking forward to what Tim starts doing with this printer!  How long before we all have these and buy files from designers to print?  

I led a discussion on Shapeways parts and some issues with their FED/FUD prints.  Some parts I purchased a couple of years ago that I hadn't thoroughly cleaned,  ended up developing an increased amount of crystallization on the surface.  

To properly clean these parts clean in an ultrasonic cleaner with warm water and dish soap.  There will be a white powdery substance on the surface.  Remove this material with an air eraser using backing powder. Not the material that comes with the air eraser.  That stuff is too strong.  

You can see in the top photo that it has developed some heavy texture.  This has grown on top of oily residue left on the prints.  The bottom photo shows the improved print after proper cleaning as described above.  

Recommendations:

• If you have one of these parts already, clean as described above before painting.
• If you find a part on Shapeways that you want, check with the designer to see if they are printing their designs on their own printer using Liquid Resin using a DLP or SLA printer (like Tim bought).  Often it is cheaper and the liquid resin parts are far superior in finish.  
• Check to see if the part you need can be purchased from a company or designer commercially.  They all have online catalogs.  Some of those companies are...
• Black Cat Models
• 3D Model Parts
• Blue Ridge Models
• Micro Master
• Model Monkey

There's a new podcast for modelers.  There are four good ones now!  Here's the latest which you can find on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and others.  Great listening.

The others out there are...

One The Bench (ship models popular on this one)

Scale Model Podcast

Plastic Model Mojo

A book recommendation which available on paper or Audible is "The Ship That Wouldn't Die".

That about covers it.  I will be back with some more information about some of the products we discussed and group orders.

Until next time!

September 2020 Model Ship Club Meeting

Date:  September 5, 2020
Time:  10:00 MDT (16:00 Z)
Location:  Zoom meeting - See invitation sent to your email

We have a full agenda for our next meeting...

• Update on Victor’s giant Titanic
• David Angelo - What’s new at Loose Canon
• Bill Smallshaw - AKI Models Saipan
• John Widmar - U-boat submarine pen and dry dock
• Rob Weilacher - USS South Dakota and assorted models
• Jerry Beasley - Update on his CB-90 
• David Waples - New kit manufacturer Vee Models
• Tim Senecal - Flat bottom drills
• Jerry Beasley - Sanding planks
• David Waples - Tamiya lacquer paints
• David Waples - What you need to know about Shapeways parts

In the mean time I found a fun video on building the Flyhawk 1/700 Bismark from one of my favorite builders.  You might want to put on your Optivisors to watch this one!  

See you all Saturday!

Dave

Hi all,

Ever alert Jerry Beasley passed along this video that I thought was excellent and really appropriate to our group.  It's a build of the USS Johnston using a Tamiya 1/700 waterline USS Cushing (Fletcher class) and detailed with the Five Star Models (a.k.a. F Star) super detail set.  SCALE-A-TON has been around for a while and does excellent video tutorials.  It also includes a demonstration of putting the finished model into a water base.  

I found some other builds from SCALE-A-TON also related to our club.  First up the Fujimi Yamato with update set from Flyhawk.

There are some other ship kits including carriers and submarines.  If you search SCALEATON in Youtube you'll find these plus many other well done subjects outside of ship models.  

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our meeting Saturday!  Unfortunately the meeting didn't record, probably user error on my part.  😖

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!

We're back to our regular rotation!  Thanks everyone for being flexible the last few months.

Meeting via Zoom.  Invitation has been forwarded.
Time:  August 1st at 10:00 MDT or 16:00Z

On the agenda for this meeting.

Jerry received his visor with the rechargeable batteries.  He'll be giving us a quick follow up review


Rob Weilacher will be discussing his 1/700 Tom's Modelworks Argonaut.  Sam Bartlett will be adding some historical perspective about the Argonaut and her sister ships.

We'll talk about the many deck masks that are coming out lately.  We'll talk about the manufacturers currently producing these.  I picked one up for the 1/700 HMS Kelly.  Will this be a nightmare or a godsend? 

We'll be talking about some tools and tool management

We'll discuss some different kits coming to the market

We'll chat about the new movie Greyhound.

After a short break John DuGene will talk about his trip to CraftLab in Austria.  If you appreciate craftsmanship, you'll enjoy hanging around for this!  

As always bring your questions, works in progress, and finished models.  See you then!