Newsletter

Volume 37, Number 5, May 2010

Contacts

President: Henry Bikhazi (949) 720-0104

E-Mail hbbent@aol.com Vice President: Don Dressel

(909) 949-6931 E-Mail dressel4@earthlink.net

Secretary: Paul Payne (310) 544-1461

Treasurer: Gary O’Donnell (714) 968-0323

20442 Clearwood Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Editor, Don Dressel (909) 949-6931

908 W. 22nd Street Upland, CA 91784-1229

E-mail: dressel4@earthlink.net Web Manager: Doug Tolbert:

(949) 644-5416 Web Site

www.shipmodelersassociation.org

Meeting – Wed., May 19, 7 PM, Fullerton Senior Multi-service

Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA. 92832

Officers meeting – Wed., June 2, 7 PM, John Simmons house, 1015 So Citrus St., West Covina (626) 339-

5151.

Work in Progress April 21, 2010

Reporter: Bill Russell

Surprisingly, for late April in Southern California, it was a very cool, some said cold, evening. About thirty hardy members and three visitors were present. The room was different and smaller than usual due to some mix-up in scheduling at the Senior Center. USCG cutter POINT BRIDGE by David Okamua

David Okamura is back at work on his 1:100 card stock model of the US Coast Guard Cutter Point Bridge after a hiatus of several years. No work has been done on it since the last Western Ship Model Conference and Exhibit. David originally began the project in cooperation with Imogen Zimmer who was designing the model in Germany. She needed more detail information and David volunteered to photograph the actual ship, which was conveniently located nearby in Southern California. A beautiful model resulted though it was never produced commercially. David estimates

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that the Point Bridge is 85% complete, and now that he is working on it, the job will take about another month. Schooner DOVE by Jim Le Fever

Jim Le Fever is making good progress on his two small scratch built models of the Pinkey Schooner Dove. These models are a 1:48 project that will be approximately 10.75 inches long and are built of bass wood. These two models are the result of extensive use of CAD/CAM processes, including use of laser cutting of most wood parts. There are two representations of Dove, one based on bread and butter construction, fully planked and

rigged, and displayed in a water line setting, and the second is a framed model which will be presented partially planked with only basic rigging on stocks. These are outstanding models based on an original presentation concept. Ted Whomsley’s model of RACE HORSE Ted Whomsley, who was a visitor, brought in one of Richard Mansir’s books that showed a photo on the cover of the bomb ketch Race Horse that Ted built on the cover. It looks like an excellent model. Unfortunately, Ted is no longer building ship models. Paul Payne’s ships boats and Hercules figure for USS CONSTITUTION

Paul Payne brought in several models of ship’s boats. One was a plank-on-frame model built over a mold. The others were based on Paul’s idea of basing models on a hollowed out solid hull planked on the outside. His approach is to shape the outside of a block using templates, and then cutting the resulting form in half, and then carving away the inside material until the shell is as thin as practical. The completed models using either method look very good. Paul has

begun to make the boats for his Constitution using his new method. These are smaller than the models he showed us, so they will probably be more difficult. Great idea Paul!!

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Paul also brought in the partially finished wood carving of Hercules to be used as the figurehead of him Constitution model. The Hercules carving is clad in a lion’s skin and the Constitution scroll is in one hand, and a Roman fasces is in the other. Especially considering its small size, this will be a very difficult project, but I am sure that Paul will be up to the job. Racing yacht AMERICA by John Simmons

John Simmons has completed a 1:30 scale model of the racing yacht America based on a Sterling kit from the 1950’a. The America easily won the race in England in 1851 that was the predecessor of the America’s Cup race. Queen Victoria is said to have asked who was second. The answer was the there was no second place winner. She was very advanced for her time. The America was initially used by the Confederacy during the Civil War, but she was sunk, raised, and captured by Union forces

in 1863. The US Navy coppered her bottom and armed her for use during the remainder of the war. This was the configuration John modeled. He got the partially built model at a club meeting not so long ago, and he has done a great job finishing, correcting problems, and researching the exact fit at the end of the Civil War. The kit was intended to be a radio controlled model, but John has built her as a static display model. John has produced an outstanding model. Burt Goldstein’s USS ARIZONA Burt Goldstein is back from the precipice. After a botched surgery that sent him to urgent care, he has not been to the club meetings in months. He still looks weak to me. The good news is that he is now building a 1:250 card stock model of the battleship USS Arizona. This is a good sized model, and the hull appears to be complete. It always amazes me how well a double-curved hull can be represented by card stock, but I know it can be done, having looked at various models made by Burt and David. This model was made using a CD containing drawing files for the various card-stock parts of the model. Burt bought the CD from Digital Navy

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for $35 and has printed two sets of parts, just in case he damages something. Of course, this disk could also be used to print parts for a different scale. Great work Burt!! Continental frigate HANCOCK by Dr. Henry Bikhazi

President Dr. Henry Bikhazi has completed the exterior pau marfim planking of his 1:96 plank-on-frame model of the Continental Frigate Hancock using Harold Hahn’s drawings and method. Right now, he is working on the quarter galleries. He is ready to add the deck beams and internal parts. Everything looks good. As I would expect, Henry is doing a fine job on Hancock.

Proxxon Belt Sander BSL 115/E An individual brought in a Proxxon Belt Sander, I assume model # BSL 115/E, since I was not at the April meeting but was instead in Australia and New Zealand on vacation. The belt sander, a picture of which was taken at the meeting, is a light compact and user-friendly unit that makes sanding in tight places more convenient. The belt sander has a speed control for variable speeds from 16 – 38 ft/s. It works on many different materials equally well including wood, metal and plastic. It can be used for grinding and enlarging small openings, grinding in notches, regrinding moulds or polishing (flat surfaces). I think it would work great to grind out and sand the interior of plank-on-frame models. It is also great for de-burring, rounding edges or removing paint. The belt arm itself is adjustable within an angle of 60 degrees by the push of a button on the head. (Ed.) Technical data: Volts 110-120V AC, 60 Hz Max Power 1/8 hp (100 W) Belt Speed 16 – 38 ft/s (300-700m/min) Length 13” (330mm) Weight 1.9 lb (870g) Belt size 13” x 13/32” (330 x 10mm) The unit comes with two 80 grit and two 180 grit sanding belts Replacement belts for the sander are available in 180, 120 and 80 grit in sets of 5

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Dave Okamura’s POINT BRIDGE Jim Le Fever’s two schooner’s DOVE Paul Payne’s ships boats John Simmon’s AMERICA

Burt Goldstein’s USS ARIZONA Dr. Henry Bikhazi’s HANCOCK

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Paul Payne also brought in his Figure for the USS CONSTITUTION

More pictures are provided below of the some of the models

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BY Mike DiCerbo

Old salts in port: Bill Wicks, John Baker, Doug Tolbert, Steve Jones, Mike DiCerbo

Bill Wicks has begun construction of a British 50 gun frigate of 1740 in 1/72 scale. Bill supplies plans to a friend in Japan who then makes up finished construction drawings. The photograph only shows two pages of the drawing, if all the drawings had been in one

photo it would be impossible to see the lines. Also included are drawings for the frames. After cutting the frame pieces he has a jig which helps him line up all the parts. It takes about 1 hour to assemble each frame. The upper part of the frame has excess material, Bill plans to put a cross piece in to strengthen the frame and reduce

the chance of damage during building. When no longer needed the excess including the crosspiece will be cut away. When building with cherry use wood from the same stock to lessen the chance of color variations. Bill also showed us drawings for a German ship of about 1400. The drawings look like they should make up a nice model. Steve brought 2 items. A small chop saw sold by Harbor Freight for about $25. This is a small basic machine but it is

inexpensive. The vise can be moved through an arc to produce cuts from 0 to 45o. The vise is raised up above the base so that when the cutting head is fully lowered it contacts the vise but the blade will not hit the base. If the work is too thick the saw will not have enough room to cut completely through the wood. The second item is a 9” x 12” granite surface plate 2” thick, the part number is 144838. These are normally sold by woodcraft for $31.99 but are on sale for $19.99. The sale runs until the end of May, the 29th or so. Machinist use these plates a lot. Steve plans to use his for wooden parts assembly because glue will not stick to granite.

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Doug asked how to correctly space deadeyes while doing the rigging. Bill suggested a jig which he described complete with a diagram. Unfortunately I cannot duplicate the drawing here. The jig has lines for the correct vertical spacing and horizontal spacing between sets of deadeyes. Pins hold the deadeyes in place while leaving one hole free. The rope is run from one hole to the other and glued in place. Once the

glue has set the deadeyes can be removed from the jig to finish the job. If you have a good idea about how to rig deadeyes or anything else come to the next Mayflower meeting and bring your ideas along. From the description Mike has supplied of the Mayflower Group meeting, it sounds like it was very informative. More members of the SMA should take advantage of the opportunity to learn ship model construction techniques and the latest items available for ship model building. This applies to both scratch builders and kit builders, as well as beginners and experts in the methods of ship model construction. I again urge all those who can to attend the Mayflower Group meetings. (Ed.)

THE WESTERN SHIP MODEL CONFERENCE & EXHIBIT – 2011

There may be still a need for a professional or semi-professional photographer to take pictures of the fine collection of ship models that will be on display at the exhibit, as no decision has yet been made on the photographer, which will be discussed at the next meeting. All SMA members and ship modelers from other clubs are encouraged to prepare their best ship models in preparation for the large exhibit that will be held. A WSMC&E 2011 glass crystal will be given to every modeler who enters a ship model into the exhibit.

In addition, all SMA members are encouraged to think about volunteering for different activities that will be conducted at the WSMC&E. The next meeting will be, again, at Bill Russell’s home, 19705 So. Moorshire Drive, Cerritos, CA on May 18th, at 1900 hours. All are invited.

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‘Steady As She Goes....’

THE LOG OF THE SMA

Being an account of the launching of the Ship Modelers Association in 1974, and its continuing voyage (now in its 35 year), as seen by its first log-keeper, Tom Palen with

additions after March 1996 by Don Dressel. (Continued from previous month)

The next day a train ride was taken to Yokosuka Naval Base where we took a tour of the base followed by an excellent lunch at the pier. This was followed by a wonderful trip to the MIKASA and the fine exhibits they have on board. Friday was spent very enjoyably with a visit first to Mr. Yoshida’s Model Ship Yard at his home. We arrived there by bullet train and

bus. We then had an excellent box lunch on the bus (I wish the US had such good box lunches!) while traveling to the San Juan Bautista Museum. At the museum we exchanged gifts with the museum director and had a wonderful time touring the San Juan Bautista in its dry dock followed by another great ROPE exhibit of ship models. Saturday was spent in the morning again at the ROPE 34th Exhibit enjoying the wonderful models on

display. In the afternoon we again went to the Tokyo Museum and while there presented several talks. Lloyd Warner demonstrated how he makes the fine wooden blocks used for rigging ship models, Gus Agustin gave a talk

on how he makes the beautiful flags, and Don Dressel gave a talk on planking techniques. Don also gave a brief description of just what the NRG and SMA where. A big THANK YOU to Yas for translating the talks of all three of us. This was followed by the Sayonara Party given at

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Hasegawa on the Ginza strip in Tokyo for the members of the SMA. The only regret was that the party could not have lasted longer and the days in Japan have been more! A great time was had by everyone. 2009 California Show The Southern California Area Historical Miniature Society international show took place in March. There were two awards given by the SMA. The first, for Best Ship Model – Ancient to Classic Sail Era, was won by Don Dressel and his FRIESLAND. The second award, for Best Ship Model – Early Steam to Modern Era was won by Randy Biddle for his RITA B. Both models also won gold medal awards from SCAHMS. July, 2009 – The New SMA Website is up and running Thanks to our new Webmaster, Doug Tolbert, the New SMA website is this month officially declared to be up and running. This has been a long time effort for a number of people who are justifiably proud that the ultimate goal is finally been done. The new site can be accessed at www.chipmodelersassociation.org. Western Ship Model Conference & Exhibit 2011 – planning started The first committee meeting of the proposed 2011 WSMC&E to be held at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum was conducted at Bill Russell’s house on November 10th. Don Dressel has been selected as the chairman of the event. The prior six WSMC&E events were very successful and rewarding for those who contributed their time and effort. The planning will be ongoing right up until the March/April event takes place. We hope to again obtain the help of our fellow ship model clubs in San Diego, Ventura and the Bay area. This Brings the SMA pretty much up to the Present - Following is a list of the SMA Officers up through 2010

SMA OFFICERS

Year President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Editor 1976 Jonas Josselson Jack Elem Tom Palen Roger Van De Walker Tom Palen 1977 Craig Coleman Don Dressel Tom Palen Dick Roos Tom Palen 1978 Henry Bridenbecker Howard Judson Tom Palen Dick Roos Tom Palen 1979 Dick Roos Howard Judson Tom Palen Roger Van De Walker Tom Palen 1980 Jack Elem Art Robinson Tom Palen Roger Van De Walker Tom Palen 1981 Art Robinson Howard Judson Tom Palen Roger Van De Walker Tom Palen 1982 Howard Judson Bob Saddoris Jess Laughlin Dick Roos Tom Palen 1983 Bob Saddoris Carl Arrowood Jess Laughlin Howard Judson Dick Mansir 1984 Don Dressel Dave Yotter Jess Laughlin Howard Judson Lloyd Warner 1985 Carl Arrowood Dave Yotter Jack Elem Tom Palen Lloyd Warner

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1986 Dave Yotter Paul Greenlee Jack Elem Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1987 Paul Greenlee Alan Ikemura Dave Yotter Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1988 Bob Graham Ken Matassa Dave Yotter Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1989 Jerry Magnuson Henry Bikhazi Dave Yotter Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1990 Henry Bikhazi Bill Wicks Don Dressel Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1991 Ed Averkieff Jack Moffett Don Dressel Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1992 Jack Moffett Bob Beach Don Dressel Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1993 Bob Beach Bill Wicks Don Dressel Tom Palen Lloyd Warner 1994 Bill Russell Bill Amour Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Pete Petry 1995 Allen Ambruso Bill Amour Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Pete Petry 1996 Richard Denney Eric Dodson Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 1997 Eric Dodson Frank Wilhite Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 1998 Frank Wilhite Kathy St. Amant Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 1999 Kathy St. Amant Ken Clark Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2000 Ken Clark Cornelis Van Dorp Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2001 Paul Payne Cornelis Van Dorp Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2002 Don Dressel Cornelis Van Dorp Don Dressel Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2003 Clyde Emerson Paul Payne Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2004 Don Dressel Clyde Emerson Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Bill Russell 2005 Sid Siegel Clyde Emerson Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel 2006 Clyde Emerson Doug Tolbert Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel 2007 Doug Tolbert John Simmons Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel 2008 John Simmons Mike DiCerbo Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel 2009 Mike DiCerbo Henry Bikhazi Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel 2010 Henry Bikhazi Don Dressel Paul Payne Gary O’Donnell Don Dressel

The editor would like to thank BILL RUSSELL and MIKE DICERBO for their efforts in obtaining all the information necessary for this May SMA Newsletter, as I was not present at the meeting but was instead half way across the world in New Zealand at the time of the meeting. My wife Liz and I had a wonderful time in Australia and New Zealand on our trip. If anyone in the club is contemplating a trip to either country, I would highly recommend the Maritime Museum in Sydney (Australian National Maritime Museum), where you can meet Richard Keyes, who is a docent demonstrating the art of ship modeling at the museum. Richard is also an honorary member of the SMA. There is also an excellent maritime museum in Auckland, New Zealand right by the pier next to the harbor. There are a lot of ship models on display as well as an excellent exhibition of New Zealand America’s cup models and the actual ship herself. New Zealand is also famous for her beautiful country where the Lord Of The Rings was filmed (known as middle earth). I have never seen a country with such diverse scenery, ranging from the tropical forests near Wellington. mountains and plans near Queenstown, to the active volcanoes on the north island.

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Dr. Henry Bikhazi’s HANCOCK in progress

Donald C. Dressel 908 W. 22nd Street, Upland, CA. 19784-1229

Next meeting Wednesday May 19, 7 PM, Fullerton Community Center

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