September 2024 Ship Club Meeting

Greetings all,  it's been a few meetings since I'm provided a follow up so I wanted to get back on track.  

Here's the LINK to the video recording of the meeting.  

The good news is that we resolved the issue with Zoom.  We're now able to display on the big screen in the meeting room while simultaneously sharing with all at home.  

Here's the meeting recap...

The theme I suggested for this months presentation was "high anxiety" and how we deal with it.

I shared my FINALLY completed LST project which I took to the IPMS show as a display only model.  Although I started on this model early, there were lots of distracting things that were consuming my time.  In the end I "settled" for completing it just enough to bring it to the show, as I made a commitment to bring a ship to the show for the group display.  It's important for me personally to follow through on my commitments so there was some additional pressure.  After bringing it home I made the final touches, although it was not what I had originally envisioned for this build.  Oh well, move on.  

I then heard this discussion on one of the podcasts I follow, Plastic Posse Podcast, where they were talking about how they deal with stress and anxiety in model making.  One thing that different people kept bringing up was making lists.  I also keep lists and shared with the group how I keep track of my remaining tasks which is to use the Notes function on my iPhone.  When I get about half to three quarters of the way through a project I organize a punch list of thing I need to do to finish my model.  What I like about doing this electronically is that I can make changes on the fly, create tables, and check off items as I complete them.  When done and with that electronic record I can save it for future reference.  And yes, I've had to come back to refer to what paint or mix of paint I used after a model is done.  Here's an example of what my checklist looks like.  

I decided that this doesn't really help me with stress that much.  For me stress is just part of life.  Stress can be cause by the choices and priorities we make for ourselves.  

But I wanted to know what you all do to manage stress at the workbench and got some great ideas.

Regarding documenting things to do, several of our group mentioned that they keep notes on the kit instructions as they go through the build or mark off completed items.

Reset your desk:  I suspect we're all the same.  When we're working on a model, tools, paint, parts, etc. crowd your work space.  Roger suggested that just cleaning up your work space and putting tools and parts back in their containers removes a lot of stress from your mind and gets you back to better place.  

Keep your desk organized:  Martin brought a tool that he's found useful.  It's a sprue organizer that you keeps your sprue's handy and in order.  Here's an example from MicroMark.  Another thing you can do is add a tag with masking tape identifying each sprue number or letter.

Roger suggested that when he's frustrated with a build that he'll put it on a box and set it aside until he feels he's ready to pick it back up.

Roger also suggested doing an easy build, or what some people call a slammer build that can be done in a short amount of time and with little effort.

Martin suggested that when you're working to make sure you're breathing.  Also take a break and have something to eat.  It will help you relax.

All great suggestions and I'll share that with the podcast as feedback.

Product follow-up

We had a follow up item from the last meeting.  While at IPMS Nats a gentleman named Joe Simon gave a seminar on how to make award winning models.  One of his techniques was to use KBS Self Etching Primer.  I sprayed a spare photo etch fret with this.  It took a couple of coats but it covered the brass well.  When dried it appeared to have a sort of hammered metal finish, but when I sprayed some enamel paint over it it covered extremely well and left a smooth consistent finish.  More importantly it sticks and takes some work to remove it.  I think it performed better than some other paints I've used.  I'm going to keep working with it.

Next up was our old nemesis, SS Models.  They recently put out a 1/350 "Gato" submarine model.  It looked good so I ordered one.  

The kit has some amazing qualities.  

1. The flood holes are unique to the USS Gato and they are opened.  
2. The pressure hole extends behind the flood holes.
3. The top four torpedo tubes are opened and you can either close the shutters or leave them in the open position.  
4. The layout of the deck and features are well done.  
5. The open hatch on the deck is a nice feature.  

Kit Review - SS Models USS Gato

The kit has some bad features too.

1. The bottom two forward torpedo tubes are mostly absent.  
2. The stern torpedo tubes are non existent.
3. The deck planking is done like you would see on a battleship.  This was not the case on fleet submarines.
4. The conning tower is correct for some Gato Class submarines, but not the USS Gato itself.

This shows the problem with the planking.  Is it a big deal?  

The AFV club kit part looks like a perfect match.  Cut off the AFV part and put it on the SS Models kit?  Why not!

So why not cut off the bow of the AFV club model?  Let's think on that!  The SS Model is missing some detail.  

Heavy weathering...

We took a look at a heavily weathered Arleigh Burke destroyer, USS Stout after returning from 215 consecutive days at sea.  

Maintenance is done.  Look at the panels below the CIWS.

Look at all the colors on the boot.

Here's what we've been working on....

Roger Schafer shared this old kit from a company that's long been out of business.  B Resina made this HMS Ajax kit.  The kit didn't come with railings so Roger got creative and took parts from his spares box.  Roger uses his custom shower glass to replicate the ocean for these waterline models.

Roger also completed his first 1/700 Flyhawk kit.  This is the HMS Campbeltown which participated on one of the most famous raids during WWII.  Roger commented on all the tiny parts associated with this kit which is something Flyhawk is well known for.

Then my (David Waples) little nightmare, LST-75 being loaded in England prior to D-Day.  The basis of the kit is the AFV Club, 1/350 LST kit.  I used the Infini upgrade set which consisted mostly of photo etch details.  All of the guns were replaced with 3D printed parts from Black Cat Models and Micro Master.  The LCVP's were also Black Cat Models.  The vehicles are from AFV Club.  So glad to call this one finished!

New kits on the market

From RCsubs.cz, Oto continues to release static models in 3D printed resin.  This is the Type XXI U-Boat.  Oto has released U-2511 and U-2540.   These 3D prints include the internal pressure hull with all the flood holes opened.  Oto is offering these kits to us for $90 each with shipping included.  If interested please let me know.

Torpedo tubes modeled in the open position.  Otherwise shutters are provided and can be finished closed.

Even the voice pipes are printed.  You can also see the printed grab irons and hand rails.

Dragon is releasing many (if not all) of their 1/700 offerings again.

They are also releasing some of their 1/350 scale kits again.

Hobby Boss is also releasing a 1/700 Britanic, the 3rd of the Titanic series kits.

Trumpeter has announced the release of 1/200 Olympic and 1/350 Gerald R Ford class carrier.

Showcase Models from Australia is releasing the HMS Vendetta in 1/350 scale

EVModel.net is releasing a modern RFA Tide-Class fast fleet tanker in 1/700 scale.  

This kit has a ton of brass!

Another offering coming from EVModel.net are these two kits in 1/700 scale.  No details to share at this point.

Vee Hobby is offering a 1/700 Montana

We had a conversation about the Montana Class of battleships.  I found the following information...

Completion of the Montana class would have given the late 1940s U.S. Navy a total of seventeen new battleships, a considerable advantage over any other nation, or probable combination of nations. The Montanas also would have been the only American ships to come close to equalling the massive Japanese Yamato. However, World War II's urgent requirements for more aircraft carriers, amphibious and anti-submarine vessels resulted in suspension of the Montanas in May 1942, before any of their keels had been laid. In July 1943, when it was clear that the battleship was no longer the dominant element of sea power, their construction was cancelled

From OKB Grigorov, who are now producing their models in Bulgaria, have released this very nice 3D printed model of the USS Monitor in 1/350.  The details are quite good for 1/350 scale.

They are also releasing in 1/700 scale the Monitor Faa di Bruno which is basically a gun turret on a barge.  No price listed for this one yet.

A new and different offering from Geko Models is a big 1/350 US Navy Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle.  There are some amazing details in this kit.

Here's an extensive detail set for the Trumpeter SMS Viribus Unitis from Shipyard Works.  I haven't heard anything about this company.  Available from Hobby Easy for about $128.

Last in the new kits is the Pola from SS Models.  Not a lot of details about the construction of this kit.  You can find it for sale on eBay.

Ship models of note...

Finally some amazing models of note, some of which I've sent virtual challenge coins.  

Here's a remarkable build of the 1/350 Trumpeter CV-1 Langley.  A remarkable build.

Last an IJN Yamato by Joe Simon who won best ship at Nationals, and also delivered the seminar on Building Award Winning Model Ships.

Greetings and thanks to everyone able to make our last meeting, wether in person or in Zoom.

Speaking of Zoom, thanks to everyone's generosity we're covered for another year of hybrid meetings on Zoom.  It worked well today except for my screen freezing at the very beginning.  I've clipped that part out of the recording.

Here's the recording of meeting. Note the password below for viewing. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6vZatv4ljTnrdT3evG7FDYX7NqPuCR5zlmB6jY7tkintNmmrGUsYIgP2jPwCPw5M.nmerItexv6xfOHe9?startTime=1717257288000

Passcode: g*d3Vfac

Here's a recap of our June meeting...

We had a good laugh when Kenny shared an issue with the USS Texas and its blocking the harbor view from Katie's Seafood House.  Sure is tough having a major attraction in front of your restaurant.  

Sam Bartlett gave an excellent presentation on the "Dynamite Gun" and how it was employed by the US Navy and US Army.  

First up with show n' tell was Rob with his Corsair Armada, USS Northampton

David Angelo was next up with his Heller, HMS Victory.  She's really looking the part!  

John Widmar was next up with his HMS Queen Elizabeth in 1/700 scale.  The kit is still available at Squadron.  

Roger Schafer shared his back dated 1/700 Toho Maru from Fujimi.  I found this kit under another name on eBay.  But this is a rare bird.  Roger did a great job finishing this model from available photos.  

Roger also shared with us his rare 1/700 HP Models, HMS Leander.

Len Fricke shared his project that he's been working on with his partner, Thomaso.  This is a 1/700 Italian "what if" model.  Len worked with Matt from Kraken Hobby to get this destroyer printed.  Stay tuned for more updates on this kit.

Kenny Loup sent us this image of the ship staging at the Bikini Atol Atom Bomb testing.  I think we all found this very interesting and to see the assorted ships in this underwater test.  Sad ending to some amazing ships and boats.

So what the hell happened here!  Check out what happened with the rigging on my UB-10, WWI German submarine.  After I got it back from the local CoMMiESfest show the cotton rigging line went slack.  That's not supposed to happen!  I can't take it to NATS looking like that.  I contacted Ropes in Scale in Canada and they told me that unless I keep the rope real tight, atmosphere can cause the lines to shrink and expand.  They suggested switching to their nylon rope which I've placed on order.  Should be an easy fix!  

I'm also working on a 1/350 AFV Club LST for NATS for the Operation Overlord group build.  I'm also using the Infini detail set which consists of a ton of photo etch and turned brass parts.  All the details on this ship are above deck and have been prepared in advance.  It will be sitting on a water base in loading mode prior to departure to Normandy.  I'm really going to have to push hard to get this one to the finish line.

Martin Sagara sent me this great photo of a PT Boat/Sea Plane tender.  There is a ton of tonal variations exhibited in this photo of boats/ships painted in one color.  

This photo inspired me to try out Kris Sieber's technique of using acrylic inks to add weathering and tonal variations to a model.  Kris is a graphic artist by trade and does wonderful work with his models.  Check him out on Facebook at Luftraum 72.  It was an okay first effort on my part.  I'm going to go back, repaint it, and give it another shot.  I plan to use this technique on the LST I'm building.  I'll share at the next meeting.  Below are my notes from the articles and conversations I've had with Kris on this technique.  

Some new and interesting things in the ship model world

Magic Factory is releasing a pre-painted replacement deck for their USS Gerald R Ford 1/700 carrier.  Normally I'm skeptical of anything pre-painted, hopefully this will be different.  It could be a lot easier than painting and decaling this beast.  Can I resist?  

Black Cat Models has released a very nice 3D printed, 1/350 set of aircraft, catapults, as well as crane and Strongback.  You choose if you want the OS2U Kingfisher or the Curtis SC Seahawk.  

Also coming from Black Cat Models is the APD-16 USS Ward in 1/350 scale.

Starling Models is working on a 1/700 HMS Andromeda in 1982 fitting.  Stay tuned for more information.

Here's a CAD drawing of a new kit coming from Neomega-Resin.  This is the 1/144 Fairmile "D" Dogboat.  It was mentioned that this company makes a very nice kit.  Check out their Web link for their other kits which are very interesting.

Here are the actual 3D printed parts

Here's another interesting model from Starling Models.  This is the famous Mulberry loading docks from the Normandy invasion.  It comes in both US and British versions, the difference being the vehicles provided.  The US Version was destroyed during a major storm which took place June 19th through 22nd, 1944.  Could make for an interesting diorama!  Maybe Sam will do a presentation for us! 

Continuing with Starling Models, they have updated their 1/700 Black Swan Sloop.  

Here's a new one from ICM.  This kit comes as both waterline or full hull versions.  Roger has built their models and speaks highly of them.  

We talked and bought the Flyhawk USS Cowpens in 1/700 scale.  They've decided that their first release will be the same kit in 1/350 scale.  I can't wait to see what Flyhawk does in 1/350 scale!

Here's what the "deluxe" version buys you for an extra $100.  Lots of 3D printed resin.  Maybe my favorite part is the longhorn steer horns.  Not sure where they go but should make for an interesting talking point on the model.

Eduard continues to offering upgrades for ships.  Their latest is an upgrade for the bare bones 1/350 USS Sangamon.  In addition to this kit, Eduard will release a separate set for the island.  I've pre-ordered this from Brandon so we'll be looking for that when it arrives.

Eduard is quickly out of the gate for the Hobby Boss 1/350 USS Iowa kit recently released.  

Lots of detail in this set which I'm sure this kit is starving for.

Hobby Boss announced the release of a 1/700 Type 094 Jin Class SSBN.  Look for that in the near future.

This one caught my attention.  Coming soon from L'arsenal is a Rubis Class submarine in 1/700 scale.  This one seems to capture a lot of detail in this small scale.  At least the CAD drawings look interesting. 

I brought in my 1/144 Type XXI U-Boat from RCsubs.cz.  The type XXI is Oto Gerza's pride and joy.  The detail and printing are amazing.  Weld lines are incredibly fine and to scale.  What it does need is a pressure hull which Oto is adding for future releases.  All the flood holes are open allowing you to see through the model.  There is only minimal photo etch for this kit which is great.  He prints this kit in resin up to 1/72 scale.  I'm going to be interested to see how the hull sections come together.  Oto also prints this kit up to 1/35 scale using a high resolution FTM printer.

Another excellent looking kit of a more modern subject is this Russian type 01090 anti submarine ship.  It has a cast resin hull and lots of 3D printed parts, which is a plus.  Look for this on eBay from China. 

Here are some models of note I've found on Facebook which I've past on our appreciation for with our virtual challenge coin.

Finally, a really bad submarine movie on Amazon Prime.  The premise is so bad you have to see it to believe it.  Keep in mind that this is mostly done in Japanese and you'll have to read the subtitles to figure out what's going on.  I did manage to watch the whole thing.  I won't be tuning in for Season 2.  

That's it for now.  I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!