THE NOVEMBER 00 REPORT THE ALNAVCO NOVEMBER 2000 REPORT
One of Neptun's newest; 1112 HMS Victorious 1940
In this issue...
New Superior 1:1200 "Special Runs"& "Re-Do's"!
Superior 1:1200 parts now available!
New Neptun 1:1250 WWII!
New CM 1:1250 ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65)!
New Argos 1:1250 Modern Ships
New GHQ 1:2400 Ships/1:285 Armour!
New Meridian 1:700 WWII British CA/CL's!
New Meridian 1:700 Trafalgar "Fighting Sail"!
Great Warship, Ocean Liner "Fleet Builder" Specials!
New Armour catalog ready!
Wayne Smith's Kit Building Techniques1
Travels with Pete & Sue; ShipTrip Down the East Coast
Memo from Pete Paschall
This "Report" is being mailed to our customer list as well as being posted under "What's New" on our website. As you can tell from the above headlines, we've got a lot of new exciting items to offer you and are working on a lot of other interesting things. So let's take a look at what's going on.
Perhaps some of you have heard but one of the principals at Navis/Neptun has retired. Actually, he was in charge of manufacturing models of the American fleet at a "satellite" facility of the main plant. It was thus decided to incorporate all manufacturing operations into the main plant. This will have negative short run effect on availability but should be a good thing in the long run. There is also some redesign work going on, especially with the U.S. carriers (ENTERPRISE, ESSEX, FRANKLIN, etc.) to fit then into the manufacturing processes at the home plant which will further delay things. So as always with this line, patience, patience.
Speaking of patience, our website is bringing in a lot of orders which are acknowledged automatically. If you don't get your order right away, just assume that we have received it and the items are out of stock. As you know, re-stocking of a particular items can sometimes take a long time. But if you get antsy after awhile and just can't stand it anymore, call or email us and we will let you know the status of your order. However again, please understand that these manufacturers operate at their own speed. We're never sure of what's coming in and when...but do remember, we're always glad to check stock for you by email or phone. And also, when ordering anything, alternate choices would indeed be welcome.
We are making progress on Superior. We're trying to get a balance of producing the new upgraded models, "stock" items and "Special Production Run" (SPR) numbers. In the latter category, note the 15 SPR's in this issue. AMAGI, TOSA, the British Monitors and some WWI's among others. We will be producing all of Superior's WWI's as well as issuing new ones especially Jutland BB's and CB's.
Listed later is our new 1:1200 parts list. You can now get Superior parts separately for conversion projects, replacements and repairs. But if you just need a turret, crane, etc. that got damaged in constructing the kit, or a part that junior broke off or whatever, just let us know on your next order. We'll toss in whatever you need free of charge. Oh, and note that the WP floatplanes are again available as are the Clydeside metal shell and depth charge splashes ...just the thing to liven up your displays or to add realism to your wargames as you "bracket" your enemy's ships with your big guns.
Meridian has really gone to flank speed on their 1:700 WWII (now a total of 12 ships, available in kit or finished form) and also on their 1:700 Trafalgar range of Napoleonic era "Fighting Sail" adding U.S. ships among the many new releases. It will be a while until we can bring our website up to date so please use this "Report" as your price/availability list. For you ocean liner collectors, check out the 1:700 liners Meridian now offers.
Our knowledgeable and talented model maker Wayne Smith has written a very informative essay on assembling and finishing metal ship model kits. This includes tools needed, techniques, etc. plus a bit of history of the Superior line. It does not include much on painting as that is a complex subject and well-covered in the book, Painter's Guide to WWII Camouflage, carried of course by Alnavco. Check out Wayne's World in this issue, especially if you are just getting started in the hobby.
We mention in our catalog one Tom Mayerle who we feel just might hold the record for times ordered from one direct marketing source. We are that source, of course. Happy to report that Tom now has passed the 650 mark with us! Congratulations and, oh yes, thanks!
A final remark on the many new items announced in this issue. At this writing, we either have them in stock or have been told that they will be arriving "shortly." As mentioned before, our manufacturers operate at their own speed. Anything not in when you order it will be put on backorder and shipped just as soon as it comes in. You who have been with us for a while know that patience is a virture (and a necessity) in this hobby and that yours is much appreciated by us.
And thanks also to you for another great year! Much appreciated. Now a look at the calendar will show you that Christmas is nigh. Mention to your benefactors that the main things you want for Christmas is the great stuff that Alnavco sells. Gift certificates are available and they may be charged on VISA, Mastercard and American Express. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year!
SUPERIOR 1:1200 STOCK STATUS
Here are the newly upgraded WWII models that have docked or are about to at our piers since our June update. Later in this issue are the listings for the Superior "Special Runs" and those on "Report Specials".
A107 $27.50 MONTANA, U.S. BB (a "never was")
A108 $21.50 NEVADA, U.S. BB
A113 $21.50 PENNSYLVANIA, U.S. BB
A201 $21.50 ALASKA, U.S. CB
B101 $21.50 KING GEORGE V, British BB
B104 $21.50 NELSON, British BB (Just arrived!)
B105 $21.50 PRINCE OF WALES, British BB
J107 $29.50 YAMATO, Japanese BB
F104 $21.50 RICHELIEU, French BB (Just arrived!)
I103 $21.50 LITTORIO, Italian BB (Just arrived!)
G101 $23.50 BISMARCK, German BB
G102 $23.50 TIRPITZ, German BB
G201 $19.50 GNEISENAU, German CB
G202 $19.50 SCHARNHORST, German BB
Fleet Builder Special: Just getting into collecting the German Navy? Order the four German ships above at one time for $77.50, an $86.00 value! Offer good until 1 February
Notes: A605 FLETCHER, A603 BROOKS, A609 MAHAN have been restocked.... All Japanese Special Run CL's and Maru's have sold out as have CURTISS, DIXIE and FULTON.
French BB's in stock are F102 COURBET and RICHELIEU...only French cruiser in is F401 TOURVILLE...All Italian BB's are out except LITTORIO...Only Italian cruiser in is I402 GARIBALDI...I601 SOLDATI is in stock...There are some other outages but generally speaking, we have pretty good stocks on board.
NEW NAVIS/NEPTUN 1:1250 WATERLINE SHIP MODELS
1340A $ 52.50 USS COLUMBIA (CL-56), 1945 This is the long-awaited "Round Bridge” CLEVELAND light cruiser.
1112 $112.50 VICTORIOUS, British CV, 1940. This is an ILLUSTRIOUS class carrier.
124AN $ 63.95 QUEEN MARY, British WWI CB. She, LION & PRINCESS ROYAL formed the "Splendid Cats" class of British CB's.
Coming:
1334 $ 52.50 USS PORTLAND (CA-33)
1334A $ 52.50 USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA-35)
Note: Reserve your models of the above now. Prices are approximate.
NEW ALBATROS 1:1250 POST WWII BATTLESHIP
Although Albatros is primarily known for their great ocean liners, they have produced a British BB.
ALK300 $ 78.95 VANGUARD, British BB 1946. The biggest warship ever built in Britain and the last BB of the Royal Navy; Originally scheduled to be completed in 1943, she was not finished until 1946.
NEW ARGOS 1:1250 MODERN SHIPS
Argos has issued new ships in the ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG) and the PERRY (FFG) classes. We are listing below all that are now available in each class. Note the familiar name of DDG-67. By the way, please be REALLY patient on delivery of your order for Argos. This is a small company in Germany whose line has really taken off.
Burke Class DDG's
AS34/51 $ 51.95 USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) 1993
AS34/60 $ 51.95 USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG-60)
AS34/61 $ 51.95 USS RAMAGE (DDG-61)
AS34/66 $ 51.95 USS GONZALEZ (DDG-66)
AS34/67 $ 51.95 USS COLE (DDG-67) 2000
AS34/72 $ 51.95 USS MAHAN (DDG-72) w/Flt 11A 1998
Perry Class FFG's
AS50/41 $ 44.50 USS MCCLUSKEY (FFG-41) 1988
AS50/48 $ 44.50 USS VANDERGRIFT (FFG-48)
AS50/52 $ 44.50 USS CARR (FFG-52)
AS50/58 $ 44.50 USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58)
AS33 $62.50 USS PLATTE (AO-186) 1988
R03 $15.95 K-141 KURSK, Russian SSN 2000
Note: The Argos ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) 1964 which was supposed to be available by this time is now scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2001. However, see below...
NEW CM 1:1250 MODERN SHIP
Carlo Marquardt (CM Miniatures) is continuing issuing new USN modern warships. These are completely assembled and hand-painted. Available now:
CMP04 $ 54.50 USS GUAM (LPH-9)
CMP05 $ 54.50 USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7)
CMP16 $ 89.95 USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) 1982 (New!)
Coming early 2001!
CMP? $ ? USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72)
Note: Advanced orders now being accepted. We estimate the price to be about that of ENTERPRISE. Get your order in now!
NEW GHQ
1:2400 WWII SHIPS
USN73 $ 6.75 SIMS, U.S. DD (3)
USN74 $12.95 ENTERPRISE (CV-6), U.S. CV 1944 (1)
1:285 ARMOUR
US78 $ 7.95 T8E1 Stuart, U.S. Recon Light Tank (5)
UK61 $ 7.95 Sherman with crab flail (5)
UK62 $ 7.95 Sherman with flotation devise (5)
NEW ARMOUR CATALOG
Our new armour catalog is ready! It contains complete listings of GHQ 1:285, listed by country and type of vehicle or other equipment), and Hinchliffe miniature metal model kits. It really is a duplicate of the listings on our website but we'll send you a free copy upon request.
SUPERIOR "SPECIAL PRODUCTION RUNS"
Here are the Superior "SPR's" that have just been released and there are quite a few of them! These are available while supplies last and when they are gone, it will be some time before they are cast again. All Superior WWI's will be made available. BB: Battleship; CB: Battlecruiser
All ships were at The Battle of Jutland; Sister ships are listed below each.
World War I German
G903 $15.50 BB KOENIG (MARKGRAF, GROSSER KURFURST, KRONPRINZ WILHELM)
G905 $15.50 BB KAISER (FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE, KAISERIN, PRINZ REGENT LUITPOLD, KOENIG ALBERT)
G920 $19.50 CB DERFFLINGER (LUTZOW, HINDENBURG)
G921 $17.50 CB SEYDLITZ (No sisters)
G922 $14.50 CB VON DER TANN (No sisters)
World War I British
B920 $14.50 CB INVINCIBLE (INDOMITABLE, INFLEXIBLE)
B921 $14.50 CB INDEFATIGABLE (NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA)
B923 $19.50 CB TIGER (No sisters)
"Between-the- Wars" Japanese
J108 $21.50 BB TOSA 1921, The TOSA's was designed to bring Japanese BB's up to the size of those of the USN. She was doomed to be a target ship by the Washington Treaty of 1922. Her sister KAGA was converted to a CV and lost at Midway.
J201 $21.50 CB AMAGI 1922, The AMAGI's were designed as high speed CB's. Her sister AKAGI was converted to a CV and also lost at Midway. AMAGI was severly damaged by the earthquake of 1923 and subsequently broken up.
World War II
J802 $10.50 KAMOI, Japanese Seaplane Tender/Oiler. Originally an oil tanker, she was converted to an AV in 1932 and was capable of carrying 12 aircraft. Converted back to an AO in 1943.
M#11 $11.50 KITURIN Maru, Small Transport; Had capability as an Attack Transport Sister ship, NEKKA Maru; Built 1935, 427 ft., 6783 tons
B801 $10.50 ABERCROMBIE, British Monitor
B802 $10.50 ROBERTS, British Monitor. The above monitors (373' long, 7970 tons) were built specially for fighting against German bases on the coast of Flanders. They were the first to have torpedo bulges which proved to be effective. They carried two 15" guns in a single mount, the same turret as on HOOD. Most unusual ships!
Miscelleneous
A517 $12.50 LANGLEY (CV-1), U.S. CV The first U.S. aircraft carrier; She was the "laboratory" for carrier aviation and remained in service until 1937. Converted to a seaplane tender, she was lost in 1942 during the evacuation of Java.
THE REPORT "FLEET BUILDER SPECIALS"
Here they are! The Report Specials for this issue; Great values with which to increase your fleet size! Regular price first, sale price second. Sale prices good until 1 February 00.
Superior 1:1200 Warships
A109 NEW MEXICO, U.S. BB $19.50/$16.50
A117 TENNESSEE 1944, U.S. BB $19.50/$16.50
A402 BROOKLYN, U.S. CL $13.50/$11.50
J305 SUZUYA, Japanese CA $13.50/$11.50
B405 FIJI, British CL $13.50/$11.50
Navis/Neptun 1:1250 Warships
1300B NEW JERSEY (BB-62), U.S. BB 1944 $82.50/$74.50
1301C MASSACHUSETTS (BB-59), U.S. BB 1944 $56.50/$49.95
1103D REVENGE, British BB 1940 $53.95/$48.50
1140A UGANDA, British CL 1943 $41.95/$37.50
1242 KATORI, Japanese CL 1939 $30.50/$27.50
1405 LORRAINE, French BB 1938 $49.95/$44.95
Ocean Liners & Harbor Accessories 1:1250 Scale
CK043 COLUMBUS COSTA, Italian Line 1981 $52.50/$47.50
CM148 TITANIC, White Star Line 1912 $62.50/$56.50
CM180 STATENDAM III, Dutch 1929 $62.50/$56.50
AL194 TUSCANIA, British Liner 1922 $58.50/$52.95
M937 OCEAN PRINCESS, Princess Lines 1997 $152.00/$134.95
NY05 Pier 88, French Super Liner Pier in New York $90.50/$81.95
TB42 Coal Wharf w/lots of equipment $22.00/$18.50
TB47 Modern Repair/Office Building $37.75/$33.95
TB51 Large Center Span Swing Bridge inc. Central Pier $29.50/$24.95
Meridian "Trafalgar" 1:700 Napoleonic "Men 'o War"
MT02 HMS BELLEROPHON, 74 Gun, 3rd Rate $36.50/$31.50
MT03 HMS EURYALAS, 36 Gun Frigate, $30.95/$26.50
Note: When ordering any of the above, please indicate your are ordering "Specials."
WORLD WAR II SHIP MODEL PARTS 1:1200 SCALE
Following is a list of parts available for 1:1200 ships. These include turrets, catapults, cranes, boats, floatplanes, carrier aircraft and deck detail parts. This selection enables you to upgrade the detailing of your ships and/or convert one ship to another in the same class.
H-R Parts
Price: $2.95 per Bag of 10
S12-01 45' Launch
S12-02 38' Launch
S12-03 55' Cabin Launch
S12-04 50' LCM
S12-05 30' Lifeboat
S12-06 30' Nested Lifeboat
S12-07 36' LCVP
S12-08 F4U Corsair
S12-09 TBF Avenger
S12-10 TBF (wings folded)
S12-11 SB2C Helldiver
S12-12 F6F Hellcat
S12-13 F6F (wings folded)
S12-14 F4 Phantom Jet
S12-15 F4 (wings folded)
S12-16 5"38 Single Open
S12-17 5"38 Single Closed
S12-19 40mm Quad in Tub
S12-20 5" 54 Single
S12-22 Quad Torpedo Tubes
S12-23 Anchor
S12-24 Winch
S12-27 Vent 1/16" x 1/32"
S12-28 Vent .045 x .020
S12-29 Searchlight
S12-38 Japanese Zero
S12-39 Japanese Kate
S12-40 Japanese Val
S12-42 40' Launch
Superior 1:1200 Parts
Price: $2.95 per Bag of 10
Floatplanes
These aircraft are the ones which were on the catapults of battleships and cruisers and add a nice and realistic finishing touch to your ships.
WP01 German Arado Ar 196
WP02 Japanese Aichi E13A Jake
WP03 British Supermarine Walrus
WP04 U.S. OS2U-1 Kingfisher
Secondary Batteries, Cranes, Catapults, etc.
S12-50 U.S. 5"38 Twin Mounts
S12-51 U.S. 5"54 Twin Mounts
S12-52 Stern Cranes, newer U.S. ships
S12-53 Stern Catapults, newer U.S. ships
S12-54 Stern Catapults, older U.S. ships
S12-55 Cruiser Catapults, older U.S. CA's
S12-60 British 5.25" Mounts
S12-61 British 6" Mounts
S12-65 Japanese 6.1" Mounts (Specify open or closed)
S12-70 German 5.9" Mounts (Specify plain, w/"wings", w/"wings" & AA)
S12-75 Italian 152mm Mounts
S12-80 French 6"55 Mounts
Parts Bags
Parts bags of any Superior ship models are available.
Battleships with separate secondaries: $7.95
Battleships, secondaries not separate : $5.00
Cruisers with separate secondaries : $6.95
Cruisers, secondaries not separate $4.50
Carriers $2.00
CVE, CVL $1.00
Please note: Superior parts are only available to current customers, i.e., customers who have ordered from us in the past 12 months.
Clydeside 1:1200 Shell Splashes, etc.
Here are some unpainted metal accessories to liven up displays, dioramas, shell-spotting, etc. They are "waterline" (flat-bottomed, just like the ship models with which they are used.)
Price: $2.50 per Bag
SS01 Light Shell Splashes, 1/2" high (8)
SS02 Medium Shell Splashes, 1" high (4)
SS03 Heavy Shell Splashes, 1 1/4" high (2)
SS04 Depth Charge Explosions, 1/2" high (2)
SS05 Bow Waves/Stern Wakes 1 1/2" long (6)
Note: Numbers in parenthesis indicates number in a bag
MERIDIAN 1:700 WORLD WAR II WARSHIPS
If you like your metal waterline ship models in a larger scale, here is a great line for you to collect. These are beautifully detailed and available in kit form or completely finished. The first releases are British heavy cruisers (CA) and light cruisers (CL). Many more are planned by Meridian in this scale including ships of other navies. Models are made in England.
Example of size: MD01 BLACK PRINCE is 8 3/4" long.
The following are all British WWII ships. , "K" for kit form. "F" for completely assembled and painted.
MD01K $ 59.50 HMS BLACK PRINCE, CL #81, 1943
MD01F $ 89.95 This model represents the third group of DIDO class of CL's. Home Fleet 1943-45, Med. Fleet 1943-45, Far East Fleet 1944-45; Transferred to New Zealand Navy 1948-62
MD02K $ 59.50 HMS DIDO CL #37, 1940
MD02F $ 89.95 Name ship of this class as built; Home Fleet 1940-41, Med. Fleet 1941-44
MD03K $ 59.50 HMS CHARYBDIS, CL #88, 1941
MD03F $ 89.95 DIDO class, 2nd Group of this class; Completed with 4.5" DP guns as the 4.5" were in short supply. Home Fleet 1941-43; Sunk by German MTB's off North French coast 1943
MD04K $ 59.50 HMS AJAX, CL #22 1940
MD04F $ 89.95 As refitted and as in action with GRAF SPEE; South Atlantic 1939, Med. Fleet 1940-42, Force H 1943-45
MD05K $ 59.50 HMS SYDNEY, CL #148, 1941
MD05F $ 89.95 Australian LEANDER class with two funnels; Served Med. Fleet 1940; Sunk in action with German Raider COMORIN Nov. 1941; Sister ship PERTH sunk by Japanese cruisers 1942; Other sister HOBART survived although seriously damaged.
MD06K $ 59.50 HMS GALATEA, CL #71, 1940
MD06F $ 89.95 As refitted 1940-41; Med. Fleet 1939, Home Fleet 1940=41; Sunk by torpedo off Alexandria Dec, 1941
MD07K $ 59.50 HMS PENELOPE, CL #97, 1940
MD07F $ 89.95 ARETHUSA CLASS; Nicknamed HMS "Pepperpot" as she was extensively holed by shrapnel from near-miss bombs; Med. 1939, Home Fleet 1940-41, Med. 1941-42; Sunk by torpedo off Anzio Feb. 42
MD08K $103.50 HMS NORFOLK, CA #40, 1941
MD08F $148.50 Sister ship to DORSETSHIRE, both participated in the BISMARCK action 1941.Both in action in the sinking of SCHARNHORST; Home Fleet 1939-45. DORSETSHIRE sunk by Japanese aircraft off Ceylon 1942
MD09K $103.50 HMS CUMBERLAND, CA #57, 1941
MD09F $148.50 KENT class CA; If GRAF SPEE had re-engaged, she would have fought this ship; South Atlantic 1939-41; Home Fleet 1941-44
MD10K $103.50 HMS SUFFOLK, CA #55, 1941
MD10F $148.50 KENT class CA; As refitted with cut back stern and cross deck catapult; Home Fleet 1939-45; Far East Fleet 1943-45
MD11K $103.50 HMS BERWICK, CA #65, 1941
MD11F $148.50 Sister ships CORNWALL & KENT very similar; Home Fleet 1939-45; CORNWALL sunk by Japanese aircraft off Ceylon 1942
MD12K $103.50 HMS LONDON, CA #69, 1941
MD12F $148.50 The only "Treaty Class" CA to be rebuilt; Very different in appearance; Home Fleet 1941-44; Far East Fleet 1944-45
BRITISH 1:700 MODERN SHIPS
MD500K$ 59.50 HMS NORFOLK, 1992-2000
MD500F $ 89.95 Name ship of a large class of modern "Duke" class destroyer; Type 23 designation
MEN '0 WAR
Waterline Models of the Warships of the Napoleonic Era
These are metal waterline model kits of sailing ships that fought the great sea battles of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They are very finely and accurately detailed and are available in two scales, 1:700 and 1:1200. To give you an idea of the relative sizes, let's use Nelson's flagship HMS VICTORY as an example:
1:700: Model Hull Length: 4" 1:1200: Model Hull Length: 2 1/4"
Both scales can be used for wargaming or displayed as fine collector's models. Any modeling paints can be used as can "Crazy Glue" or equivalent for assembly and finishing. Note: Be sure to check the book at the end of these listings which provides historical information on and wargaming rules for these ships...and check the special offer at the end of the below "Trafalgar" listing.
MERIDIAN "TRAFALGAR" RANGE 1:700 Scale
Meridian of England presents this new line of Men 'o War which fought during the period of the Battle of the Nile to the Battle of Trafalgar, These finely detailed kits come with complete assembling and painting instructions. While the hulls and equipment are white metal, the sails and rigging are photo-engraved brass which may be bent to shape. Look for more additions to this line. Available now:
British
MT01 $ 36.50 HMS VICTORY, 104 Gun, 1st Rate. Probably the most famous warship of the period; Every British fleet would have one.
MT02 $ 36.50 HMS BELLEROPHON, 74 Gun, 3rd Rate. Standard British Line of Battle Ship; Every squadron would have several.
MT03 $ 30.95 HMS EURYALUS, 36 Gun Frigate. "Eyes of the Fleet"; This standard Frigate was Blackwood's command.
MT04 $ 36.50 HMS TEMERAIRE, 98 Gun 2nd Rate Heavyweight, 3 decker, one of several at Trafalgar which gave great concentration to British firepower. Famous for Nelson's order to maintain position in line when she attempted to lead Nelson's columns at Trafalgar.
MT05 $ 36.50 HMS AGAMEMNON, 64 Gun, 3rd Rate
MT06 $ 36.50 HMS ORION, 74 Gun, 3rd Rate
MT07 $ 36.50 HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN, 100 Gun 1st Rate. Admiral Collingwood's flagship at Trafalgar; A popular flagship for 25 years
MT08 $ 36.50 HMS GLATTON, 56 Gun, 4th Rate. A wolf in sheep's clothing; A Napoleonic "Q" ship; The broadside of 68 pdr cannonades was awsome.
French
MT20 $ 36.50 L'ORIENT, 120 Gun, 1st Rate. Flagship at 1st June (named SAN CULOTTE) and at the Nile; A very impressive 1st Rate
MT21 $ 36.50 BUCENTAURE, 80 Gun, 3rd Rate. French Flagship at Trafalgar. These very large 3rd Rates were formidable opponents.
MT22 $ 36.50 REDOUBTABLE, 74 Gun, 3rd Rate. Well-fought by her Captain Lucas at Trafalgar taking massive damage; One of a large class
MT23 $ 30.95 AFRICANE, 38 Gun Frigate. One of a large class of Frigates which, when well-commanded, were very successful vessels.
Spanish
MT40 $ 36.50 PRINCEPS DE ASTURIAS, 112 Gun, 1st Rate
MT41 $ 36.50 SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD, 130 Gun, 1st Rate
MT42 $ 36.50 SAN LORENZO, 74 Gun, 12 pdr. Frigate
MT43 $ 30.95 FAMA, 34 Gun, 12 pdr. Frigate
MT44 $ 30.95 SANTA LEOCARDA, 40 Gun, 18 pdr. Frigate
United States
MT60 $ 36.50 CONSTITUTION, Heavy Frigate, 44 Guns
MT61 $ 36.50 PRESIDENT, Heavy Frigate, 44 Guns
MT62 $ 36.50 UNITED STATES, Heavy Frigate, 44 Guns
MT63 $ 30.95 CHESAPEAKE, Frigate, 38 Guns
MT64 $ 30.95 ESSEX, Frigate, 38 Guns
"Fleet Builder" Special: Order any four or more of the above on one order and take 10% off the total cost of those models!
GHQ SAILING SHIPS 1:1200 Scale
This is a large line of 1:1200 (1"=100') waterline pewter Napoleonic era sailing ships exhibiting the outstanding quality of all GHQ products. The sails are cast pewter and are "billowing". Assembly and painting instructions are included.
111 $ 10.95 L'OCEAN, 120 Gun Ship 'o the Line
211 $ 10.95 HMS VICTORY, 100 Gun Ship ' the Line
121 $ 10.50 LE BUCENTAURE, 80 Gun Ship 'o the Line
221 $ 10.50 HMS BOYNE, 98 Gun Ship 'o the Line
131 $ 9.95 L'ACHILLE, 74 Gun Ship 'o the Line
132 $ 9.95 LE SUPERBE, 74 Gun Ship 'o the Line
231 $ 9.95 HMS BELLONA, 74 Gun Ship 'o the Line
431 $ 9.95 EL MONTANES, 74 Gun Ship 'o the Line
141 $ 7.95 40 Gun Frigate
241 $ 7.95 32 Gun Frigate
341 $ 7.95 USS CONSTITUTION, 44 Gun Frigate
441 $ 7.95 22 Gun Xebec
251 $ 6.75 18 Gun Brig
252 $ 6.75 20 Gun Sloop 'o War
261 $ 6.75 8 Gun Schooner
262 $ 6.75 14 Gun Cutter
291 $ 6.75 West Indies Merchantman
391 $ 6.75 Baltimore Privateer
Note: All the above kits come one to a pack.
And for wargaming rules and other information on the above:
NAVAL WARGAMING - While this book covers all historical periods, it has an especially good section on "Ships 'o the Line." This section covers tactics, ship handling, coastal waters, navigation, gunnery, and fleet organization followed by gaming rules covering wind, movement, turning, calms, collisions, chases, loss of masts, anchoring, lines of battle, signaling, firing, damage, boarding and fireships. Even if you do not plan on wargaming, this book contains great background information for your "Fighting Sail" collection. Hard bound, 6" x 9 1/2", illustrated, 123 pages$24.95
Finishing Superior Metal Ship Miniatures
By Wayne Smith
Consultant to Alnavco
Congratulations! You have purchased a fine miniature model cast in pewter. Unlike plastic models, these have the look and feel of the real ship. These waterline models replicate the appearance of the ship afloat. Since these ships are of the same scale, you can easily compare the size and look of any country's ships.
I first found these models advertised by Alnavco in "Boys Life" in 1967. After collecting a few, I discovered that the factory was only 18 miles away. At the age of 16, I found myself seeking a job and was hired by Superior. There is nothing better than working at your hobby! I started by finishing ships and spray painting them, then casting them, then making "conversions" and finally making the "masters" from which the castings are made. Drawing on my experience, it is my goal to help you to finish your ships and even create new ones as "conversions".
A number of the Superior masters are 60 years old as first developed by Authenticast. Relatively plain, but technically accurate, they were used to train aviators and look outs on ship recognition. Purchased in 1960 by Ian 'John' Carter, many were updated with AA guns, deck hatching, and boats and in some cases completely replaced. Superior also obtained the rights to recast the Framburg line. SARATOGA and INDEPENDENCE are excellent models from that company. In 1999 John Carter retired and Alnavco, who had been the primary dealer for the company for 34 years, bought the Superior ship lines and immediately embarked on a program to upgrade many of the models, mainly in the area of casting the secondary turrets separately, as well as issuing models that had not been available for years.
Finishing these ships is relatively straightforward. With the exception of the turrets, catapults, cranes and masts, all other parts and the superstructure are cast in place. To finish these as museum quality models, you will need the following tools:
Beginning Modeler Experienced Modeler
Drill and drill bits Flexible drill such as Dremel or Foredom
Flexible Shaft
Xacto knife Xacto knife
Small Needle nose pliers Small Needle nose pliers
Liquid Epoxy (fast or slow dry) Epoxy
"Needle"Files "Needle Files"
Putty Epoxy such as Epoxie-Sculpt(tm)
5x Optivisors
Drill Press
These supplies can be found on line at many sites. Recommended is Micro-Mark (www.micromark.com). Foredom can be emailed at "company16@aol.com". I advise you to purchase the best tools you can afford. Take a moment to consider the value of the models that you are collecting. My collection grew to 700 ships. Tools amortized over that number of ships were only a fraction of their value.
Each ship has 'vents' and flash that need to be removed. Vents are small "flecks" of metal typically located at the waterline on the hull. These are best removed by using a flat file held at a 45° angle. You will want to use a file with close-set teeth so that teeth marks are not left on the hull. Vents may also be found at the end of rangefinders or on top of armor belts. Use the same file on the armor belt. For the vents at the end of range finders, use a sharp Xacto knife to carefully cut it away. An alternative is to use a spring loaded pair of side-cut nail clippers to carefully cut away the vent.
Flash, which is a very thin "membrane" of metal, occurs where the mold halves are joined. Just like a plastic model, flash can be removed by file or by a Xacto knife. Take your time and be careful with your cutting. Turrets have "gate" marks on the rear where the pewter is forced into the cavity in the mold. File this smooth with your needle files.
You should not need to drill pilot holes for turrets, catapults and cranes. You can use the appropriate sized drill the first time. If the hole is not well marked, use a center punch or awl to mark the spot. Use a slightly larger bit than the diameter of the stalk on the part that goes into the hole. You will undoubtedly find that using a Dremel Tool or other flexible shaft drill is easier than a hand drill. A drill press is ideal in many cases because the hole will be straight every time but not many modelers have such equipment. Do not feel that you have to drill a hole all the way through the ship. U.S. ships in particular must be carefully drilled for the catapults and cranes at the stern. You do not need to use the entire stalk to effectively glue it to the hull. A shallow hole and cut off stalk will suffice to fasten the part to the hull. You can use either fast set or slow set epoxies to glue the catapults, etc to the model. Devcon Plastic Steel, JB Bond or "Crazy Glue" are excellent.
Main turrets should be placed into the hole and have the stalk 'crimped' or crushed at the bottom so it won't fall out. Don't make it too tight or it will not turn. If the stalk protrudes too far through the hull below the waterline, feel free to cut it back. Use the old carpenter's approach, "Measure twice, and cut once".
If parts such as barrels or range finders are bent, you can gently straighten them with a finger nail or knife blade. If they should break off, don't despair! Alnavco will supply your with a replacement turret at no charge. (The same is true for any part with which you have problem. Alnavco takes care of its customers!)
Conversion work is perhaps the most satisfying part of this hobby. With some putty epoxy, filing and filling, you can convert the KONGO to any of her three sisters. Perhaps you want to convert ZARA to POLA with the faring between the superstructure and forward stack. These are good starting projects. A putty type epoxy is an absolute must for this work. Mix the two parts together and you have at least an hour to mold and finish the epoxy. Using a knife and/or dental tools, push, pull and cut the epoxy to the desired shape. Use either mineral spirits or lacquer thinner to moisten the epoxy and tool to assist in shaping it. In our modeler's club, we had three of us trying to outdo each other. Some of these conversions are now part of Superiors line. They include:
REPULSE made from RENOWN and MALAYA
KAISER made from KOENIG
LEXINGTON made from SARATOGA
AMAGI made from TOSA
INVINCIBLE 1921 made from WWII LION and NELSON
Some that stayed in our private collections that you could consider are:
Japanese No. 13 from the German H and TOSA
WYOMING from ARKANSAS
LANGLEY with a shortened deck and a complete hanger deck with the deck openings cut out so you could see through the ship!
CANOPUS from HENDERSON
Painting is the final step to finishing your custom model. Alnavco carries the book "The Painter's Guide to World War Two Naval Camouflage" which is a must-have in any library. It carries complete descriptions of the correct colors and paint manufacturers and many drawings and photos of the ships. By investing your time and ingenuity, you will soon have a collection of masterpieces. It has never ceased to amaze me the number of people, men and women, who stop to gaze at these models because they have never seen anything so small and detailed. When they admire your collection, let them wear the optivisors to really appreciate the depth of your hobby!
TRAVELS WITH PETE & SUE
After many years of the best intentions, we finally took a "ship trip" down the east coast and went aboard several "biggies." Our first stop was in Wilmington, NC where we went visited "The Showboat", USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-55). It is easy to get to, plenty of parking and if you're going to stay in Wilmington, there are plenty of chain motels along Rt. 17.
No matter how many pictures you see, you don't get the true feeling of raw power and how big these BB's are/were until you go aboard one. Of course, you are immediately drawn to the big 16" gun turrets. We went inside one barely fitting thru a small hatch in the back. This seemed to be the only way in but more importantly, THE ONLY WAY OUT! We then ventured down into the barbette, strolled by the huge projectiles (see page seven of our catalog) both armor-piercing and "high capacity" and then on down to the magazines where the powder bags were stored. It took six of these silk bags to fire one round!
Most all of the interior spaces are open...bridge, CIC, battery plotting rooms, galleys, berthing areas, engineering, code rooms, etc. The most abundant piece of equipment throughout the shop was the typewriter! Couldn't have won the war without it. There is a museum with ship models, memorabilia, etc. You are pretty much free to go where you want, when you want and to spend as much time as you want aboard. And of course, there is a huge gift ship there. Just don't fall overboard as they ship is guarded by the Alligators who live in the waters where the ship is moored.
We then headed south down Rt. 17 on the three hour trip to Charleston, SC to visit "Patriot's Point", the Naval and Maritime Museum (actually in Mt. Pleasant just across the river from Charleston). There we found quite a collection of the ships, USS YORKTOWN (CV-10), USS LAFFEY (DD-724), USS CLAMAGORE (SS-343) and the USCGC INGHAM. YORKTOWN was the main attraction and it just wasn't all about that particular ship but was billed as "The National Naval Aviation Memorial."
Located there was the "Carrier Aviation Hall of Fame" patterned a bit like baseball's. Found the Admiral under whom I had served, Jimmy Thach, Commander of the HORNET Wildcats at Midway and inventor of the "Thach Weave" fighter tactic. Was a RADM when I "knew" him and later went on to get four stars and make the cover of Time Magazine. Each carrier or group of carriers had it's own compartment filled with photos, histories and other memorabilia as well as a brass plaque listing all the personnel who had been lost and in which conflict they were killed. Was looking at CORAL SEA's when I came across the name of CDR. Pete Mongilardi who was lost in Viet Nam, a shipmate on the USS VALLEY FORGE (CVS-45). Hoisted more than a few together (even though he was a few pay grades senior) and have only the fondest memories of him.
There is a lot to do on this ship. First there are planned tours (eight in all, just follow the signs) which take you all thru the ship seeing the same type of spaces as on the NC. Be sure to see the flick "The Fighting Lady" made during WWII and narrated by MGM's Robert Taylor. There is the WWII Battleship Room (USS MISSOURI (BB-63) has it's own) and the WWII Cruiser Room filled with models and memorabilia. Be sure to visit the ready rooms, the Mine Warfare and Signalman's Displays, the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, The Battle of Midway Exhibit AND The Imperial Japanese Navy Display.
Restored aircraft aboard include a TBF Avenger, F4U Corsair, F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, SBD Dauntless, B25 Mitchell, F4 Phantom and F14 Tomcat among others. And while you're there, grab a tin tray and have lunch in the Chief Petty Officers' Mess....hearty fare at a reasonable price. Save time for touring the other ships based there as well as the Viet Nam Naval Support Base Exhibit.
This was a real sleeper. We expected to find the main subject just to be YORKTOWN but this facility is so much more. There is plenty of parking and of course, a huge gift shop. Be sure to allot a lot of time for your visit as there is so much to see and do. A final word of advice: Don't go in the summer unless you have to. When we were there, it was just plain hot and humid...recommend Spring or Fall if you have the choice. Oh and if the wife, mom or whatever objects to visiting the above ships, just turn her loose in Charleston... Good shopping and restaurants, period architecture, horse & buggy rides, etc.
So make plans to rendezvous with NORTH CAROLINA and YORKTOWN. You will be very glad you did.
Photos of some Argos 1:1250 moderns follow. Hope you found something to your liking in this issue. See you next update!
ARGOS AS 34/51 USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51)
ARGOS 17/52 USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52)
ARGOS AS33 USS PLATTE (AO-168)
ARGOS AS32 USS WASP (LHD-32).
[copyright 2000 Joerg Uter]
