1014 ,

nce again ESSMC put on a very professional and Hamish Stephen with his very colourful Olooking and impressive model show, in collection of rally cars and racing bikes - and of particular our three new displays including Brian's course Wally St John's mouth, his models ain't 'arf card models, Bruce Wain's large scale aircraft bad neiver, eh guv? Thanks also to our other models and also the Circus proved very popular members; Harry Edmond, Min Chong, Adam Lewis, with the public. Another innovation, and universally Kim Fox, Jon Bunce and Damian Park, all of whom praised, was Michael Howe's video slide show of contributed to make this as good a show as we have members models tabled over past years, a real ever held.advantage here is that he was able to ad pics to it from this show in a matter of minutes. This So where were the huge crowds we rightly electronic technological revolution we are deserved for such a display? Or are we having a witnessing is awe inspiring and somewhat lend of ourselves? Maybe the public is just not that unnerving for old luddites like myself. Other large interested in what we do. To be honest the "crowd" and impressive contributions included Nik Gordic's was really no worse than previous years it's just that display of beautifully built models, Bob William's I think it should be so much bigger, for the effort we collection of esoteric oddities both aircraft and put in and for our own morale it needs to be. armoured cars, Patrick McCumiskey and Chris Cooper with their expertly modelled and rapidly Continued on Pg. 3expanding armour model collections, Gunner Berg and Bernie Ford with their likewise nautical subjects

November 2005

AotM 2005 REPORT

The completed Reichstag (See page 6).

February 1 October 4March 1 October 31April 5 December 6May 3June 7July 5August 2September 6

January 25 September 27February 22 October 25March 29 November 29April 26May 31June 28July 26August 30

President:Peter McKinnon 9725 5480Secretary:Tim Brimelow 9884 4455Treasurer:Brian Davis 9878 6136Newsletter:Michael Howe 9874 5702mjhowe@ozemail.com.au

EVENTS & INFORMATION

Committee Meetings Club Meetings

Calendar NOVEMBER 12 Saturday9:00am - 5:00pmBayonet ShowThe Scout Hall, College RoadWERRIBEE M205/K9(Swap & Sell setup 8:00am)

SEE PAGE 5 FOR DETAILSOF OUR SPECIAL CHRISTMASMEETING AND BUMPER RAFFLE!

Editorial

f there's one means by which you can separate those major kit manufacturers Iwho really care about the modeller from those who merely want to sell a product, it has to be in the type of packaging they employ. Packaging has two main functions - protecting the goods and informing the consumer, with the secondary functions of promoting the product and instructing in its use.

When Airfix started in the 50's they were forced to find the cheapest possible packaging so they could get their kits into the Woolworths shops and they came up with the simply brilliant, or brilliantly simple, polythene bag and header-card. The clear poly bag showed the punter what he was getting and the card, double folded, carried a potted history on the back and the instructions inside. In those days survival depended on shifting the greatest number of pocket-money kits and this method had the advantage of introducing the maximum number of young people to the hobby with kits they could afford - often once a week. The kits were generally small, with few parts and, by modern standards relatively crude, they were often bought on Saturday morning, built by tea-time, and destroyed by the end of the weekend, but they sold and most of us started out in the hobby this way.

Larger models, while originally packaged the same way soon came to be sold in two-piece boxes. This was partly because their higher price probably demanded that they look a bit more up-market but it also helped the constructor because, during the longer construction phase, the half-assembled kit could be stored safely in the box, usually along with the tube of glue, paints and brush. FROG took it a step further with the one-piece box that opened out to become a work-tray while still closing securely at the end of the day's modelling. Later, Airfix were to introduce the blister-pack for their small kits; a natural progression of the poly bag allied to more rigid materials. They won an award for this but it was of no advantage to the modeller except that maybe fewer bits got broken.

One difference between model kit packaging and that for most other items is that the package itself has often been part of the kit. In the old bagged Airfix’s and Frog’s the header card was also the instruction sheet and even contained 'parts' such as cut-out instrument panels for aircraft and number plates for cars. Frog's header-cards and one-piece boxes were printed with the decal and painting options on the back, taking advantage of the colour printing (how very much more elegant than the varied cross-hatching on the black and white Airfix instructions!). Boxes become work-trays and storage facilities.

Then there is the one-piece carton with end-flaps. It's cheaper for the manufacturer because it's easier to use, print and store. In fact it has many advantages for everybody but the modeller - it's flimsy and offers almost no protection to the contents, it's more difficult to inspect the parts prior to purchase and it's useless for storing and protecting sub-assemblies during building. The manufacturers who use them will tell you it reduces the overall price of their kits. Frankly, If a few cents extra would get me a reasonably rigid, reusable box I'd be happy to pay it. Most of the cheap Eastern-European manufacturers, such as ICM, favour these cartons and that's understandable. What's harder to understand is why mainstream concerns such as Revell AG employ them.

Revell's cartons do nothing but keep the contents together until you buy the kit and are waste paper from the moment you start it. The reverse side of the carton, which could carry three-views and painting guides such as ICM provide, is devoted solely to advertising their other kits. Thankfully most of the major manufacturers still use the two-piece box and, in recent years, Trumpeter has shown everyone how it should be done with excellent boxes made from thin but strong corrugated card.

I have to admit that even if Revell did switch to proper boxes for their kits I still wouldn't buy them, but that's just me. In the meantime they show a fine disregard for the consumer.

This month: Peter reports on Art of the Modeller, the Zimmer discusses the application of Invasion Stripes, Brian reviews the Reichstag and Ken tells us about his visit to Nowra Naval Air Museum.

Correction: In last month’s editorial concerning the new Battle of Britain Memorial I implied that there was previously no memorial to the Battle in London. In the context in which I was talking at the time this is correct, but I have been reminded that I was doing the Battle of Britain Memorial Window in Westminster Abbey a disservice. I didn’t intend to ignore this fine tribute to “The Few” and apologise if that was the impression given.

Michael

Continued from Pg. 1.. HINTS AND TIPS e have been mindful of this problem of attracting

ou can very effectively clean files that become clogged Wmore people to our shows for years; post-mortems Ywith plastic dust by placing them in a resealable jar full of have been conducted after the events to ascertain ways lacquer thinner, the thinner totally dissolves the plastic to attract more people, but to no avail as yet.leaving files as clean as new in a few seconds.

Could it be that because we are indoors we are invisible **********to the outside public? Perhaps the answer lies in some f you have ever built a model car you will know that when it form of spruiking, I mean do they even know we're there? Icomes time to place the body down over the chassis there What about dancing girls out front Bob, do you think that is virtually nowhere to glue it to, it is in fact designed to just be would do the trick? The point is there is always a large sprung in place over the floor pan; this contributes to a model crowd milling around outside amongst the various that feels fragile and poorly assembled because as you attractions of dubious entertainment value, tantalisingly handle the model it tends to rattle and squeak and groan, this close to us, if we could just get them close to the entrance may be a reason for the growing popularity of diecast models, we may have some chance of getting them inside. they feel so much nicer to handle.Anyhow we will persevere with it and hope that we hit on a solution for next years show, the answer is out there To cure this problem try using PVA glue mixed with about 30% somewhere. water based acrylic paint such as Liquitex or Sonja's, black

being the usual colour; now liberally apply this mixture along the gaps between the body and chassis using a dental probe BAYONET MILITARY MODEL CLUB’Sor brush, wipe off excess with damp cloth or cotton buds; the

MILITARY MODEL COMPETITION, mixture will dry to an eggshell sheen and very closely SWAP MEET AND FAMILY DAY resemble rubber in colour and texture, reapply if needed as

shrinkage is marked.ithout doubt the most enjoyable must attend hobby

This is very effective in locking everything together tightly and Wday for the year, the competition is keen and well also tidies up ugly gaps in one step, chances are you will find judged, and Bayonet

many other uses for this stuff prevent their own too.m e m b e r s f r o m

entering so everything Another trick you can do to is above reproach, make your model feel better is Expo take note.to put some lead weights under the seats, it is amazing the The swap+sell while difference a little weight does not big are usually well for the impression of a quality stocked with ki ts model build; solder sticks can priced according to be purchased quite cheaply swap meet unspoken from plumbers supplies or even rules, around half Bunnings stores. (It’s a lot retail.safer than using old batteries as suggested in the instructions There is also a club in one old kit I recently display table we have purchased! Ed)b e e n a s k e d t o

arrange, as have other clubs who will attend, so ***********combined with the comp models there is rather a lot to

o replicate cast metal with paint perfectly try this;First mix see. Then of course there is Earl Martell, he of NKR Tenough Humbrol 64 matt light grey with Humbrol 11 silver infamy, this is the only model show he now attends, just so that all traces of visible aluminium disappear, do not thin as be mindful that if you want something specific from him this will work better if thick. Now using a short synthetic sable you will need to place an order with him prior to the show chisel brush, thickly apply in a stabbing motion until because chances are he won't bring what you want. I completely covered, continue this, and as the paint starts to was rather disappointed in his selection last year as he dry and thicken concentrate on obviously wet patches until failed to bring most of his newer releases, so be warned! paint looks virtually dry. When satisfied that paint looks dry He still had some great bargains that rivalled the swap leave aside to cure. When the paint brush starts to stick to the meet for value.paint is about the time to quit, it should look grey with no metallic particles obvious.Another great attraction is the now traditional visit to one

of the local pubs in Werribee for lunch and a wee drink - Now using a similar brush take a very small amount of either always great fun.Model Master Metalizer buffing aluminium or Gunze Metalcolor chrome silver, wait for it to dry on the brush, it won't This show is one you would be silly to miss, and I would dry hard so don't worry, now lightly brush this over the surface really like to see some of you who tend not to go to the for a stunning effect.various shows to try this one, you won't be disappointed.

Peter

Presitorial

Bare bones. Triplane uncovered at AotM.

separating the top colours to the black isn't exactly dead straight “PRICELESS!" either.

I wonder what our 1970s author must acknowledge Craig Murray for passing on this gem. would think of that? What if you ICraig was in a Melbourne hobby shop and overheard this bunged a paint job like that in some conversation. An "Advanced Modeller" was busy telling the shop competition? The same book has owner all about colors on RAAF WW2 aircraft. An elderly photos of gliders. The same guys gentleman was also in the shop and listening intently. He asked who painted the glider tugs would the advanced modeller if he was a bit of an expert on RAAF colour also have to do the gliders as well. schemes. Oh, yes, he replied, we have colour chips, and we The broom would have got some have done all this research, etc. The old gentleman then further use here. The other thing to explained to the modeller that he (the modeller) was a purveyor of bear in mind is that gliders are bovine excrement. I believe the "W" word was used, and it wasn't going one-way, so there's no point "winner". He was what we call a primary source, being ex-RAAF in doing a good job, and come dawn on June 6th these gliders are ground crew, serving in Darwin during the war. From this not going to be around to testify to the painting skills of the ground invaluable source came a startling revelation: Berger house-crews. paint. Every shade of green they could find, from anywhere, all

mixed up in a 44-gallon drum, and applied with a broom. So much I have had a rant about this before, most modellers who paint for the colour chips! winter white on AFV's usually do a really high quality job, a lovely

even coat. Trouble is tank crews are rarely professional spray-painters, and while the RAF boys might have a 12-inch house broom, the tankies might be lucky if they had a straw broom. The latest crock is reverse masking. This is another bit of nonsense that seems to be the thing to do because some big-noter in Military Modelling does it. This is how it works: to paint a big white star on your Sherman you first paint the area white. Then you put a star-shaped mask on, then paint the whole thing olive drab. Then you peel off the mask. What bollocks! Is that how it is done in the factory? Not according to the photos I have seen, the first (and only) coat is plain olive drab. And how would these tanks be marked in the field? 4-inch brush or reverse marked? Er...

About 30 years ago I recall reading a modelling book, written by a similar expert. He detailed how to paint invasion stripes on aircraft models. Well, these stripes had to be masked up and painted just so, and then the decals applied over that. All extra-neat and perfect.

I spent enough time in the military to know how things work. Some brass hat gets an idea, and it flows downstream. The poor bods responsible for actually implementing this great plan are always the last to find out about it. And so it would have been when someone decided that allied aircraft would be marked with invasion stripes. What happened is that when this order came down to squadron level, a bunch of RAF maintenance squaddies all psyched up for an early knockoff would be told that every plane in the unit is to have these stripes applied, and this has to be completed 5 minutes ago. The photo is from Overlord: Jour “J" en Normandie by Masterclass Card:Georges Bernage and others, published by Editions Heimdal. It Admission to aviation museum to collect colour chips: $10.would have to be my favourite pic in the whole book. What have Book on aircraft markings written by some "expert": $50we here? Looks like a broom job to me. Maybe someone with a Membership of model club populated by similar boneheads: $254-inch brush did the delicate work, but they probably never had Being called a wanker by someone who actually knows what the time. Note the white is painted around the existing 8ZA went on: Priceless. markings, and there is a big unpainted patch where the V1470 number is. Black and white? They haven't actually done the black Garyon the top of the fuselage, you can still see the cam. The only black on the plane was there already. Come to that, the line

Gary Zimmer

Miners Rest

Paratroops boarding a hastily-prepared AW Albermarle glider tug, V1740, ZA-8 of 295 Sqn.They have to crawl under the fuselage to enter (and jump!) from a hole cut in the floor.

The presence of the crew suggests this was the ‘real thing’ rather than an exercise.

Unidentified Spitfire MkIX being re-armed in an ad-hoc base - a French wheat-field.Note the rough application of invasion stripes (to lower wing surfaces only) and

250lb bomb-rack under the wing.

models, books, decals and all sorts of memorabilia related to H.M.A.S. ALBATROSS aviation, particularly naval aviation.

NAVAL AIR MUSEUMInside the museum is packed full of aircraft. On display were helicopters such as Huey's, Wessex, Bell 47 (MASH helicopter?). The fixed wing's ranged from a Sopwith Pup

his is the first in a series of museum reports that I will through to Gannets, Skyhawk, Sea Venom, Hawker Hunter, Tshare with you from a trip william and I took during Grumman Trackers, Sea Fury and even a MiG of some sort - September. We visited H.M.A.S. Albatross in Nowra sorry don't know which type. (MiG-15 UTI actually. Can’t N.S.W., which is where the Navy train their helicopter expect an armour-wallah to know about wingy-things, I

suppose...Ed)

There a re va r i ous d i sp lays throughout of weaponry, engines, cockpit modules for the kids to hop in and plenty of historic photos and display models depicting naval aviation over the years.

Upstairs the museum has a very good café with an outside observation deck that gives you views right down the runway and flight line. Parked about 500 metres away are two DC-3's, one Air-force and one Navy. There is a free telescope mounted on the handrail through which you can see the entire airfield.

There were a lot more aircraft in the museum other than those I've listed, but I can't remember them all. My only criticism of the museum is that it's a bit dark inside for photography, but this seems typical of museums today.

pilots and it's also a parachute training school for the So, if you find yourself near Nowra one day, I highly army. The base has been active since the navy have recommend you drop in and visit, but give yourself a good had aircraft.half-day to look around, there's plenty to see.

The museum itself is located right next to the end of the runway and is an old hangar with a shop and art gallery Kensituated at the front. The shop is very well stocked with

Trip Report

DON’T MISSDECEMBER’S MEETING!

FOUR RAFFLE DRAWS.SPECIAL PRIZES(INC. THIS R/C F-1

RACING CAR)AND A BARBECUE!

Starts 6pm, Dec 6th

Yoga for aeroplane. Grumman Tracker 845 attempts the Lotus position.

Reichstag Building, BerlinConstruction. This is my second 'Advance level' card

by Schreiber-Bogen (Card Model) model I have completed, and although smaller than Neuschwanstein Castle (Feb 2005 Seamlines) the degree of difficulty was much higher. The finished model is 1:400 scale with dimensions of ; Width 38 cm., Depth 32cm. and Heigth 15cm.

The instructions consist of half a page of small three dimensional sketchs, a page of small photographs depicting the model in various stages of construction, and one sentence "The parts of the model are to be constructed in numerical order." I found it a lot easier not to follow this instruction, as frequently it was preferable to complete a sub-assembly before adding it to the main building.

The basic shape of the building is a large rectangle, with two smaller rectangles within representing the two courtyards. This seemed fairly straightforward, until I discovered there was a false roof as well as the roof to align with the lower walls which comprised of 18 separate pieces. Therefore it was essential

that each wall was fitted exactly to the base, otherwise both his kit was produced prior to the new glass dome the false and main roof would not fit. With card you can't fill Tbeing added to the reconstructed building of the the gaps with putty or cover over with paint, which means Reichstag.before you commit to gluing any part in place, you must dry fit it to as many adjacent parts as possible, to ensure it fits The original parliament building near the Brandenburg exactly and Gate was built according to the plans of the Frankfurt won't cause architect Paul Wallot. The period of construction was p r o b l e m s from 1884 to 1894. The rectangular building with many later during Renaissance-style details consisted of the central construction.plenary chamber, two courtyards, reception rooms, a

library and offices for the MPs. The conference room I e n j o y e d was set off by an impressive glass dome which let in a lot building this of light and towered over the rest of the building.model with its complex front In 1933 the plenary chamber was destroyed by fire. The a n d r e a r glass dome was restored but the building was from then e n t r a n c e s , on only used for exhibitions.together with t h e 2 4 In World War Two (Shhhh....Don’t mention the var!....Ed) c o l u m n s the Wallot building was completely destroyed. During which I reinforced with some wooden dowel. The final the reconstruction during the 60s the former glass dome challenge was building the dome, which has 24 faces. This was not rebuilt.was done by joining the faces together with 24 rear joining strips into which I cut numerous gussets to obtain the curved In 1991 it was decided to make the historical building the shape of the dome. (Similar to the nose-cone of an Airship seat of parliament of re-unified Germany. The British Peter)architect Norman Foster received the contract for the

reconstruction. His plans wanted to justify the meaning Since completion the model, together with other entries of Parliament and the history of the building, and represented the Club at the Inter-Club competition at intended to co-ordinate a futuristic concept of energy. Waverley, in the miscellaneous category. It certainly caused The interior furnishings fulfil the highest standards of some discussion, and one Club placed it last, whilst another modern communication technology and work Club placed it first - so you can't please everyone!technology.

Just to give some members something to laugh about I've Upon completion, the building once again received a now started to build another card model of Ulm Cathedral, glass dome, not in it's original form, but in the

th Ulm in Germany which is the tallest cathedral in the world architecture of the end of the 20 century, which intends the model in 1:300 scale is 54cm high.to be a new symbol of the Berlin capital.

Brian

Kit Review

Corner detail

Greek columns, Egyptian pyramids and Zeppelin-nose Dome

Some aircraft seem to look as good on the ground as they do in the ICM Supermarine Spitfire MkVII and air (or, more accurately perhaps, no worse). WWII bombers such as

Spitfire MkIX the Halifax, Fortress and even the mighty Lancaster lose nothing aesthetically for having their undercarriage down, they were functional machines, built to do a job and do it well, but they were CM kits look unimpressive, it has to be said. Flimsy white neither fast nor agile and this is reflected in their angular looks and Icartons that tell you very little about the contents (and don’t

the break-up of their lines by gun turrets etc. do much to protect same!).On the other hand their contemporaries built for speed and agility, such as the Mosquito, On opening the boxes the first thing that is Mustang and Spitfire, seem to change from obvious is that these are both the same kit, Eagle to Emu as soon as they lower their the only variables being the instructions wheels. Models of these aircraft cry out to be and decals! How can this be? The MkVII depicted in a flying pose instead of parked on depicted on the box has pointy wings and the ground. That's how I see it anyway. rudder, retractable tail-wheel, short-span

ailerons and a pressurised cabin, while the Omissions aside, what other things need MkIX has standard wings, rudder and attention on the ICM kits? Well, there's a little ailerons, fixed tail-wheel?flash but it's minor and easily attended to, affecting the fuselage halves and the prop The fact is that this kit can represent blades mainly. Pin marks on visible surfaces almost any of the later Merlin-engined are kept to a very creditable minimum - indeed Spitfires from MkVII to MkXVI. Not only you have to look hard for them. The worst fault that but it covers F, LF, HF models with B, is sink marks which affect the rear of the prop C (Universal) and E wings, as well as the blades and the rear fuselage around the tail-MkVII's unique ailerons. It achieves this wheel. The rocket war-heads also need by having the most comprehensive range attention if you're going to use them.of optional parts I've ever seen in one kit.

There are 168 parts on five light-blue Not many parts have location pins to help align sprues and one clear. Twenty-nine alone them during assembly, the fuselage halves in make up the Merlin, not counting oil and particular need care but, if they're lined up glycol tanks and engine-mounts. A further properly, they may not need filling or sanding fifteen or so make up the comprehensively because they're such a good fit. Location pins equipped cockpit.can be a curse on some kits, actually making it harder to align parts and causing sink marks so Airframe options include; clipped, they probably won't be missed. On the positive extended and standard wings, with short side the finesse of moulding some of the more and standard ailerons, early/late tail-delicate parts, such as sway-braces on the planes, standard and long chord (pointed) bomb/rocket mounts and scissor links on the rudders, early/late carburettor intakes, undercarriage deserves credit. alternate side cowlings, three variants of

gun-bay cover, long/short gun barrel Finally, while the instructions clearly show all fairings, fixed and retractable tail-wheels the various options, they don't say which ones and compressor intake.apply to which mark. For example, they show both early and late tail-planes but don't make it Build options are; open/closed canopy, clear which set to use. When and where should open/closed cockpit door, deployed or the 90Gal slipper tank be used? Or the 500lb retracted undercarriage, separate bomb, or the RP's? You'll need good cowlings and gun-bay covers and 50cal references before you make up your mind.MG's and 20mm cannon.

Summing up, ICM are to be congratulated on And finally there are optional extras such producing possibly the best 1:48 Spitfire as a 500lb bomb, two 250lb bombs and available. Notwithstanding the comments two 60lb RP's, all with mountings, a 90Gal above the options and versatility of this kit make ferry tank and round or square rear-view it stand out in any company. mirrors.

Phew! So what's the downside? Well, the ICM instructions, like those of many modern kits, don't identify

Pro'swhat the parts represent, so you won't learn anything about Possibly the most accurate Spit in this scale.Spitfires, or aircraft generally from building this model. More Beautiful moulding with exceptionally fine parts and importantly, If you want to build a 'flying' Spitfire the most recessed panels.glaring omission is obvious, a pilot! This particularly irks me. Comprehensive choice of optional parts and accessories.There was a time when every aeroplane kit included a stand Very few ejection pin marks to deal with.too.Inexpensive

The human eye has a talent for finding pleasing balance and Con's:symmetry, or jarring disharmony, in design. A shark is

Flimsy packaging, some fine parts broken.beautiful, so is a swallow, not by design but through necessity - No naming of parts.to move efficiently through a fluid medium - and so it is with Ambiguity about which options to use for which mark.aircraft. Concorde rivals the best of renaissance sculpture, but Minor flash on some parts.it couldn't have been any other way and still fulfil its function. Sink marks on some parts.It's a beauty of form dictated by function. The old adage "If it Some warping of fuselage halveslooks right, it'll fly right" actually has it the wrong way 'round.

Michael

First Glance

© ESSMC Inc., 2005. SeamLines Editorial Policy. SeamLines is published on the first Tuesday of every month except January. Deadline for inclusion in each issue is 2200, on the Tuesday prior to publication (i.e. committee meeting). Submitted material is accepted in good faith and whilst every effort will be made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. Sources

of third-party material should be credited and copyright respected where applicable. The Editor may correct, revise, split, hold over or discontinue any item, and/or add, delete, resize, crop or otherwise manipulate any images, without prior consultation. The Editor retains sole discretion on content (subject only to committee approval if deemed prudent) and reserves the right to refuse any material which may reasonably be considered offensive or defamatory to any person or group or is, in the Editor's opinion, of doubtful taste or value. Contributors of such items may lodge an appeal with the Committee. The item/s will be held over until after the appeal has been heard and the Committee's decision will be final. Disclaimer. Views and opinions expressed in any submitted material, or editorial comment, are those of the

author only; the publication of an article in SeamLines does not imply or suggest that the committee of ESSMC Inc. holds, promotes or condones such views and opinions.

A few images from Art of the Modeller