Seattle ChapterIPMS/USA August 2002 Seattle Chapter News paint (IuseTamiya). Immediatelyafterthe apply myfinishcolorsusingan acrylic completely (Iusuallygiveita dayorso)I project. AftertheFloquilhas dried take thehandlingrequiredfor thistypeof Floquil becauseitisverydurableandcan grimy black,forlightfinishedaircraft.Iuse aircraft anddarkgray, suchasFloquil Floquil brightsilverfordarkfinished have beenfinished,Ispraymymodelwith After mymodelisprimedandallseams model isalotof to befunandengravingpanellinesonany lines onamodel.Afterall,thisissupposed all raisedpanellinestoengraved don’t havethetalentorinteresttochange quantity Ihaveinmygarageo’kits. models anditshowsbythesizable dinosaurs overnight.Ilikesomeofthese panel detailsomeofthesekitsbecame models startedcomingoutwithengraved time theywerestateoftheartbutwhen turning outsomeprettydecentkits.Atthe gram, ,Hasegawa,andotherswere In themiddleagesofthishobby, Mono- lines. yes, Iremember-dealingwithraisedpanel was goingtowriteaboutthismonth.Ah use all37braincellstorememberwhatI most ofmystuffispackedawayIhadto consist ofasmallboardonmylap!Since time aswellandmymodelbenchwill about it.Thatspacewilldisappearfora finish twotimesensitiveprojectsbutthat’s retained asmallcornerofmyworkbenchto the kitsIhadplannedtostartsoon.have books, mostofmystartedprojects,andall ing. Mymodelingspaceisdevoidof and “stuff”awayfromwhereheiswork- of myfreetimeisspentmovingfurniture contractor ishardatworkupstairs.Much has nowbecomeourbedroomwhilst virtually non-existent.TheroomImodelin remodel infullswing,mymodelingtimeis “gone outthewindow.” With ourhouse any sortofmodellatelyhavebasically To saytheleast,myefforts atcompleting PREZNOTES work ! Thatbeingsaid... See youatthemeeting, I gottagonow...more boxestomove. finish themodelasalways.Itworksforme. completed yoursandingthenyoucan much paintyouremove.Afterhave requires verycarefulattentiontohow your aircraftveryclean,thistechnique to notrubtoomuchcoloroff.Ifyoumodel so on.Thechallengetothistechniqueis across wingleadingedges,walkwaysand finished withawellusedlookI’llalsosand raised detail.Sincemostofmymodelsare enough toremovethefinishcolorfrom touch acrosstheraisedpanellines-just sanding padandsandwithaverylight model ispaintedI’lltakeafoamback Terry mdlSko - 16 15 12 Amodel Sukhoi T-4 Upcoming Shows 10 8 RECON 7Preview 6 AeroMaster FAA Sheet 7 Polar LightsKISSKits 3 6 ZZ Top Eliminator Ford It’s AllintheDefinition Modeling Time Gundam Exercise Tiger Saturday ofthemonth,September21 will alsobeintheCraftsRoomat and October19.Thesetwomeetings Seattle meetingswillbeonthe The SeptemberandOctoberIPMS North BellevueCommunity/Senior Center, ratherthanthemainroom. Meeting Update t h ece4 totheRescue In ThisIssue 3rd IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 2

SEATTLE CHAPTER CONTACTS

President: Vice President: Treasurer: Editor: Terry Moore Keith Laird Norm Filer Robert Allen 3612 - 201st Pl. S.W. 528 South 2nd Ave. 16510 N.E. 99th 12534 NE 128th Way #E3 Lynnwood, WA 98036 Kent, WA 98032 Redmond, WA 98052 Kirkland, WA 98034 Ph: 425-774-6343 Ph: 253-735-9060 Ph: 425-885-7213 Ph: 425-823-4658 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

IPMS Seattle Web Site (Webmasters, Jon Fincher & Tracy White): http://www.ipms-seattle.org

Public Disclaimers, Information, and Appeals for Help

This is the official publication of the Seattle Chapter, IPMS-USA. As such, it serves as the voice for our Chapter, and depends largely upon the generous contributions of our members for articles, comments, club news, and anything else involving plastic scale modeling and associated subjects. Our meetings are generally held on the second Saturday of each month, (see below for actual meeting dates), at the North Bellevue Community/Senior Center, 4063-148th Ave NE, in Bellevue. See the back page for a map. Our meetings begin at 10:00 AM, except as noted, and usually last for two to three hours. Our meetings are very informal, and are open to any interested plastic modeler, regardless of interests. Modelers are encouraged to bring their models to the meetings. Subscriptions to the newsletter are included with the Chapter dues. Dues are $24 a year, and may be paid to Norm Filer, our Treasurer. (See address above). We also highly recommend our members join and support IPMS-USA, the national organization. See below for form. Any of the members listed above will gladly assist you with further informa- tion about the Chapter or Society. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual writers, and do not constitute the official position of the Chapter or IPMS-USA. You are encouraged to submit any material for this newsletter to the editor. He will gladly work with you and see that your material is put into print and included in the newsletter, no matter your level of writing experience or computer expertise. The newsletter is currently being edited using a PC, and PageMaker 6.5. Any Word or WordPerfect document for the PC would be suitable for publication. Articles can also be submitted via e-mail, to the editor’s address above. Deadline for submission of articles is generally twelve days prior to the next meeting - earlier would be appreciated! Please call me at 425-823-4658 if you have any questions. If you use or reprint the material contained in the newsletter, we would appreciate attribution both to the author and the source document. Our newsletter is prepared with one thing in mind; this is information for our members, and all fellow modelers, and is prepared and printed in the newsletter in order to expand the skills and knowledge of those fellow modelers.

Upcoming Meeting Dates The IPMS Seattle 2002 meeting schedule is as follows. All meetings are from 10 AM to 1 PM, except as indicated. To avoid conflicts with other groups using our new meeting facility, we must NOT be in the building before our scheduled start times, and MUST be finished and have the room restored to its proper layout by our scheduled finish time. We suggest that you keep this information in a readily accessable place. August 10 September 21 (3rd Saturday, in Crafts Room) October 19 (3rd Saturday, in Crafts Room) November 10 (back to normal) IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 3

Were You Aware our ships and soldiers totally by surprise, discussion or recognition of the loss of Of...Exercise Tiger? the high loss of life threatened our personnel during “Tiger.” In the reports of command structure and the actual plan- this tragedy, it is interesting to note how ning for the D-Day landings. Remember, closely this information was held for all by Bob LaBouy the Normandy landings were being these years. An example cited involved planned for about five weeks later. U.S. Navy Captain John H. Doyle, who I recently saw a brief mention of a WW II American Army leadership was worried served at the CO of one of the LSTs. That event that piqued my interest about about how the rest of the Army would night he is attributed with saving the lives something I had read about several years react and whether the loss of life would of over 132 soldiers and sailors. He passed ago. A show on the History Channel create a demoralizing effect on the remain- away in 1993 and apparently never portrayed it as one of the greatest blun- ing Army troops and Navy sailors in mentioned that night’s events, not even to ders of WW II. When mentioned to England. There was also considerable his immediate family or closest friends. another modeler, he indicated he had never concern, from an intelligence standpoint, heard of it at all. as to the effect this successful German To provide more emphasis on the U.S. attack might have on the Germans. Should Army’s concern about the forthcoming This event, which has finally received the Germans learn how much damage they European invasion, I would like to share a some airing in recent years, is normally had done, might such attacks continue or brief reference from Stephen Ambrose in referred to by its wartime code name, even increase, thereby further delaying the his 1997 book Americans At War: “Exercise Tiger” or “Slapton Sands” projected D-Day invasion? Remember the (drawing that name from the beach Allies had a very small “window” of time “On June 6,1944, the U.S., Britain and location where the event took place almost for the planned invasion of France. Any Canada launched the largest force of 60 years ago). Never hear of it? Don’t be further problems or delay, at this critical warships in history across the English surprised. However, this “blunder” (I’m time, could easily set the Allied efforts Channel. It escorted the largest concentra- not sure that it deserves to be referred to back for another 9-12 months and greatly tion of troops and transport vessels ever in such a manner in any case) relates to increase our associated combat losses and assembled, covered by the largest force of the attack on U.S. Army and Navy forces lengthen the entire war effort in Europe. fighter and bomber aircraft ever brought practicing beach landings off the southern together, preceded by a fleet of air trans- coast of England in early 1944. These As is often the case when the government ports that had carried forty thousand types of practice landings were scheduled is confronted with very bad news, it paratroopers and glider-borne troops to to provide our large contingent of U.S. attempted to almost completely cover up Normandy. forces in England with realistic training in the practice landing. Their first efforts preparation for the planned (but highly included clamping a tight lid on any and all Not one German submarine, not one small secretive) D-Day landings in Normandy. information about this landing exercise, the boat, not one airplane, not one radar set, The beach area is near Slapton Sands on attack, and all injuries or loss of life. This not one German anywhere detected this the southern coast of England and was effort was no small event in itself and movement. As General Walter Warlimont, chosen because the beach characteristics resulted in a very extensive program to deputy head of operations of the German were similar to the “Omaha” landing areas suppress all news or information about Supreme Headquarters, later confessed, on in Normandy. “Tiger.” After almost two full years of the eve of Operation Overlord the planning and logistical efforts, concern Wehrmacht leaders ‘had not the slightest So what’s the big mystery? The mystery over the overall D-Day plans and efforts idea that the decisive event of the war was surrounding this particular practice were of the highest level for the American upon them.’ landing resulted from the events of that and British commanders and their staffs. night landing. On April 28, 1944, at None of the surprises achieved in World approximately 0130 hours (1:30am) while This effort to “keep a lid on it” was so War II - including Barbarossa, Pearl our Navy ships were preparing for the next successful that until the early 1990s almost Harbor, Stalingrad, and the Ardennes morning’s landing exercise, nine German no information of the “Tiger” incident was offensive of December 1944—was more “E” (torpedo) boats attacked our ships. known outside those directly involved. complex, more difficult, more important, or The resulting confusion and sinking of Even those wounded or who survived the more successful than Overlord. To fool two of our LST (Landing Ship Tank) exercise were warned not to let anything Hitler and his generals in the battle of wits vessels resulted in the death of 749 young about that night’s attack become public that preceded the attack, the Allies had to Americans. This attack had not been knowledge and amazingly nothing seemed convince them not only that it was coming anticipated by either our Army or Navy. to get into the public sector. Until about six Aside from the issue of the attack catching years ago, there was certainly no public Continued on page 14 IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 4

Gundam to the Rescue! models of the various space ships and activity that I could share with my two mobile suits appearing in the show. These children to fill in the vast amounts of free kits were an overnight smash hit, creating time available to them during the vacation, by Andrew Birkbeck a feverish demand for the models that led yet which might also involve my personal to a 1982 incident in which 19 children interests as well. I can only take so many “It is the year 0079 of the Universal were injured in a department store stam- games of “Chutes and Ladders” and Century. A half-century has passed since pede! has done so well from the playing “Ken” to my daughter’s “Barbie”. Earth began moving its burgeoning models that they ended up purchasing the Pushing two children on swings for too population into gigantic orbiting space production studio that produced the long starts to hurt one’s arms… colonies. A new home for mankind… animated television series and movies. This turned Bandai into a firm whose So, what to do, what to do? The answer Nine months ago, the cluster of colonies combined sales approach US$1 Billion came while visiting our local Tony Roma’s furthest from the Earth called Side 3 annually! rib joint at Northgate. Following our usual proclaimed itself the Principality of Zeon routine when we eat out, I leave the table and initiated a war of independence. After once I finish eating, taking our 3-½ year a month of fighting, half the populations old William for a walk around the block of both sides had been destroyed. Eight since he gets a bit upset being confined to months have passed since the war started, a highchair for more than a short time. On and the war is at a stalemate…” the most recent visit, we chanced to walk into a small shop within the same strip So begins Episode One of Mobile Suit mall, called Kicks Hobby Japan. Lo and Gundam, a Japanese Anime television behold, wall to wall merchandise covering show launched 23 years ago in 1979. The the Japanese anime phenomenon, includ- Gundam series follow the exploits of the ing large numbers of Gundam model kits two protagonist sides, the Earth Federa- from Bandai. With their brightly colored tion and the Principality of Zeon, as they box tops and their “cool” robot subject do battle with various fighting machines, matter (William’s word for them, not mine), including the central characters: “Mobile William was soon loading up his arms with Suits”, giant robots controlled from within kits for me to get him! When we were by human pilots. As with the U.S. televi- joined a short time later by my wife and 7- sion series Star Trek, Mobile Suit ½ year old daughter Zoe, Zoe quickly Gundam was cancelled before the series agreed with William that Gundams were had a chance to catch on. However, it indeed “way cool”. So we bought one kit began daily reruns a year later, and became each for the two children, a “good guy” for a smash hit. Following the original 43 Zoe, and a “bad guy” for William. episode series, follow-on series were produced, such as Gundam 0080 in 1989, The kits we purchased were at the low end Gundam 0083 in 1991-92, all the way up to of the Bandai range, at $8.95 each, plus Turn A Gundam in 1999-2000. And on top sales tax, and extremely good kits they of the television shows, there have been I have known about Gundam model kits turned out to be. Each kit consisted of one highly successful Gundam movies for a number of years, as a subscriber on set of parts for a 1/144th scale Mobile Suit, produced for theater release, as well as and off to the Japanese monthly hobby plus a very nicely sculpted vinyl figure of comic book series, and video games. But magazine, Model Graphix. This superb the suit’s pilot. The pilot figure is actually for we modelers, the most amazing aspect magazine, which in my opinion makes the to a larger scale, standing as they do just of the Gundam series has been the likes of FineScale Modeler look third rate, under two inches tall. The Mobile Suit kit massive merchandizing phenomenon- was a leader in promoting the Gundam in 1/144th stands around five inches tall. robot kits. modeling phenomenon. Each issue of MG For the pilot figure to be in scale with the featured one or more of the new Bandai Suit, it would need to be less than a half- was originally kits in a major feature article. This said, I inch tall. sponsored in 1979 by die-cast toy firms. didn’t know where the ideas for these However, when it went into its very models originated. This changed a few The Mobile Suit parts from what I have successful re-runs in 1980/81, the Bandai weeks back as the school summer vaca- seen (I have looked into four kits so far) toy firm began releasing detailed scale tions approached. I wanted to find an consist of four sets of 7”x 5” sprues of IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 5

plastic, plus one sprue of vinyl parts. The While talking to the owner of Kicks Hobby And finally, for those who wish to be plastic parts come in various colors, often Japan about the various aspects of “hard core” with their Gundam models, all more than one color on the same sprue Gundam, he pointed me towards the book of the Gundam series and movies are (how’d they do that? J), and so it is Gundam Official Guide. I snapped this up available on DVD, in English. Again, Kicks possible for the junior modeler to produce the moment I saw it. At 128 pages, mostly Hobby Japan has these for rental and you a colorful model without resorting to color, this is an 11 x 9 inch soft covered might also find them at Scarecrow Video in painting parts. Self-adhesive stickers book simply jam packed with information the University District. [The King County replace the normal decals, again making it on the Gundam phenomenon. The book Library System also has the movies - ED.] junior modeler friendly. To top it all off, the starts off with a condensed but very useful I have started renting the first series, kits are snap-tite. But unlike snap-tite kits I history of the Gundam Universe, covering Mobil Suit Gundam. The animation in this have seen before, these ones are very well each of the television series and movies. series is acceptable, the story lines quite engineered, and snap together very easily, good, although there are some very and stay that way. All in all, they are cheesy characters. However, being the excellent kits for junior modelers. original series, it really is a must if you are to understand Gundam. By far the most The vinyl parts are for the internal “joints” lavishly illustrated series is Gundam 0083. of the mobile suit, and that means that once completed, the Gundam model can be For anyone interested in building models positioned in various poses. This adds with beginning modelers, or for that matter even more fun for the children, as they can young modelers of any skill level, I can’t play with their models far more easily and recommend Bandai’s Gundam kits highly safely than they could with your standard enough. However, make sure you get the model of a car, tank, or especially an newer releases, as they are the most user airplane. The model parts on these friendly. This is as expected since tooling Gundam kits are both well detailed and technology has changed quite a bit over sturdy. William has played with his, at age the past 23 years. As for the senior 3-½, and the model is still in one piece! modeler wishing challenging new subject matter, you can’t beat a “Master Grade” Since purchasing these “basic” Gundam Gundam kit. Happy modeling. kits, I have ventured into the higher end realm of Bandai’s range, and purchased I have visited three model shops of late myself one of their “Master Grade” kits. and all carry Gundam and other anime kits This initial purchase was a “Zaku” series in various numbers. Without doubt Kicks Mobile Suit, one of the “bad guy” ver- Hobby Japan at 543 NE Northgate Way sions fielded by the Principality of Zeon carries the largest numbers, and the best forces. The kit cost $34 from Kicks Hobby selection. They also as mentioned carry all Japan. The “Master Grade” series of kits There is a section covering details of each the DVDs for rental, as well as various are to the larger 1/100th scale and don’t of the series’ creators; the men who books and magazines on the same subject come with a vinyl pilot figure. And what an directed the various episodes; the major matter. Prices here are also very competi- amazing kit this Zaku really is! This time anime artists etc. Next follows a descrip- tive. I have also found a decent selection you get 13 much larger sprues (up to 11 x 7 tion of each individual series, the major at Skyway Model Shop and at Galaxy inches) of highly detailed parts, again plots covered, the various anime charac- Hobbies in Lynnwood. For the very best molded in various colors, and again ters appearing in the series, and the listing of all the various anime currently sometimes more than one color to a sprue. various space ships and mobile suits, available, HobbyLinkJapan at www.hlj.com On one sprue, there were both clear and together with appropriate data covering is the place to go. You can probably pick colored parts!!?? The stickers in the $8.95 weight, height, propulsion type, armament up the kits more cheaply directly from kits are replaced by high quality decals in etc. This is all very detailed. Also appear- Japan, especially if you order a few at a the Master Grade kits. For those not used ing in this book are multiple page listings time (lower per unit shipping charges). to Bandai kits, on first inspection this Zaku of the various video game releases, and of Rainbow10 at www.rainbow10.com also kit is equal to the likes of Tamiya and course, the Bandai models. All this for $12, has a great selection, but their site is minus Hasegawa aircraft or armor kits. an amazing deal, and a real must for HLJ’s superb graphics. However, buying anyone interested in finding out about this kits one at a time, doing it locally is as series. good a bet as any. IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 6

Modeling Time sub-assemblies. Also, it helps to think of “top six,” Robert agreed to bring to light each sub-assembly that is done as a model facts about aircraft and countries produc- in itself; the final assembly is a snap. ing aircraft of which I for one was not by Stephen Tontoni (Quote: Ted Holowchuk) An added bonus aware. Go, Robert! to this method is that you’ll less frequently At the May meeting of NorthWest Scale miss steps; having to re-do things is an - Paul Ludwig Modellers, it was decided that the theme awful time-waster. for the June meeting would be “Conflict in Well, after such kind words, how could I the Middle East”. On leaving that meeting, I know this may sound like work to many refuse! Certainly those six countries and I immediately pulled down the of you. I live by my appointment book so it Australia did exactly as Paul said, but there Noorduyn Norseman to build it in Israeli only makes sense to me to include hobby were several other countries that mass markings; I figured that would be an easy and social activities in there. They are, produced (though sometimes in small build in less than a month. As it happened, after all, as important as what puts bread numbers) their own fighters during the war, I ran across some rough spots on it, and on the table. It’s a very logical and small although some of the countries didn’t stay found myself eyeing the Hasegawa step from there to analyzing the process of involved in the war from start to finish, and Beaufighter more frequently. Finally, with building a model and approaching it some didn’t sell them to any other coun- less than a couple weeks to spare, I pulled systematically. tries. But I come up with fifteen countries down the Beau and built a schedule for that could be said to have operated completing it. I was able to find an hour indigenous single-seat fighters during here and there throughout the remainder of WW2, even if some of them don’t quite the month, and figured I would just be able It’s All in the Definition meet all of Paul’s conditions. In addition to to complete it. If it weren’t for the Mari- the top six and Australia, there are Finland, ners, I’d have been able to find even more France, the Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, time. by Paul Ludwig and Robert Allen Slovakia, Sweden, and Yugoslavia. Let’s take a quick look at each of them. Most of the individual modeling tasks we Last month in preparing an article which do are not time intensive. A longer, tedious Robert Allen published in the Seattle Finland and Yugoslavia both barely make task such as rescribing can usually be Chapter News, I discussed a pertinent it. The Myrsky II entered service with the spread out over a few days rather than matter with him and our discussion elicited Finns in late 1943, and was limited to 47 doing it in one overwhelming marathon a wealth of knowledge from Robert that I production examples (some sources say session. For most of us, I think that more believe should be shared. 51), but it did see operational and combat time is spent on fretting over what to do use with two squadrons before the war next rather than doing it. (Insert Nike ad My review of a new booklet containing an ended. Yugoslavia was overrun in very here). article about the Australian fighter, the short order in April 1941. At that time, Boomerang, almost led me to say that I Yugoslavia had two indigenous fighters in When the May meeting of NWSM came didn’t consider Australian production of service, though in very small quantities. around, my Beau wasn’t complete but I the fighter to rate the country with my Only twelve production Ikarus Ik-2 high- had the first colors sprayed on and favorite “top six” of mass producers of wing monoplanes were built, and eight brought it to the meeting as it was. Once indigenous designs. America, Britain, were operational at the time of the Axis the onus of completing the model on a time Germany, Russia, Japan, and Italy were invasion. A few survived, and later served schedule was gone, I left the model sitting among the major countries involved in the with the Croatian Air Force. The Ik-3 was a for a while. I actually completed work on war from start to finish. My “top six” more modern fighter, but only six of the the model (is anything ever really fin- designed, developed, and mass-produced twelve built were serviceable at the time of ished?) some time in mid-June. Without a their own fighters, and often sold the the invasion. Nevertheless, they were time frame within which to work, it took me aircraft to other countries that didn’t have operational, and performed fairly well about as much time to paint the last two their own design staffs and/or manufactur- against German aircraft. colors as it took everything else before – ing plants. To my mind, Australia and the and that included adding a lot of resin Boomerang were an anomaly. Sweden was neutral during the war, but aftermarket stuff. was still geographically in the thick of Robert feels otherwise, and in preparing things. Sweden had trouble acquiring If you’ve never tried to do it before, I this article, I asked if he would editorialize airplanes as the war progressed, and the suggest that next time you build a model, – something he seldom does and because FFVS J 22 was a homemade solution to the write down the tasks on a calendar. You he doesn’t say much, we fail to benefit can break it down into logical steps and from his knowledge. On this subject of my Continued on page 11 IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 7

(though musically 1/24th Scale ZZ smokin’) follow-up, Top Eliminator 1933 Ford Afterburner, were shown less often than the first three. by Steve Berner, IPMS Capt. James McKinstry Sadly, this was to be a “Limited Edition” kit. Now for something totally different; how Though it was never about blending two of the most popular printed on the box, the pastimes…scale modeling and Eliminator was only on Rock’n’Roll! If you didn’t think it couldn’t the market for about a be done, check out Monogram’s 1985 year and a half. It was classic, 1/24th scale, ZZ Top Eliminator released under three car of MTV rock video fame. different box-art covers before being withdrawn and retired some From this point on, the level of modeling time in 1986 or 1987. To skill applied will be left up to the indi- date, it has never been vidual. building is a totally reissued in this form. different hobby. There are many different techniques utilized here other than those The ZZ Top Eliminator kit used in building plastic aircraft, armor, and features an easy-to-follow ships. Many books about plastic car instruction sheet and a modeling are available. Those by small decal sheet containing Kalmbach Publishing are particularly the side designs and license useful due to the large amount of photo- plate. There are four nicely graphic content used to explain their ideas. molded black, hard rubber tires with the raised “Goodyear GT” trademark logo. A chrome-plated sprue containing 27 parts, a small sprue of 4 clear parts, and 35 main body parts, I know, I know, it doesn’t have a propeller, molded in red, round out the kit. two wings, or a lot of victory flags on it, but this kit is special. Featured in three of The authentic engine is a model in itself. It the most popular music videos ever made, features chromed, custom valve and air this chopped, channeled, low-riding filter covers embossed with “ZZ” logos. If beauty is based on a 1933 Ford three- the engine is displayed “out-of-the-box”, it window coupe body. This dream car was will not have that cluttered, busy look of a custom built by Don Thelans of Buffalo modern, high-powered engine. There are Motor Cars, Ltd. for ZZ Top guitarist Billy no spark-plug wires from the distributor Gibbons. The car’s color, just as it ap- cap to the spark plugs. The modeler must peared in the videos, was fire engine-red fabricate these with stretched sprue or and was painted by Kenny Youngblood. It scale rubber tubing. If you can find this kit anywhere, buy it! was the inspiration for the Double Plati- You will not be disappointed. The change num album Eliminator released by ZZ Top The suspension, with solid cast springs, is of pace it offers will only add to the in 1983. The videos were featured on MTV molded in red plastic. They will benefit enjoyment of building it. I guarantee it! and are still available on videocassette and from careful building and painting. What is If you can find the music video collection DVD. “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp offered by Monogram looks very good by ZZ Top featuring this amazing car, rent Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Sleeping Bag,” when dry-fitted prior to assembly. The kit it or buy it! It features some incredible, and “Rough Boy” all featured this one-of-a even provides separate chrome-plated tie- foxy women (ah, sorry), and views of the kind vehicle. The last two videos, which rods that add to the finished replica’s car that will help in building this superb bit were from the commercially less successful appearance. of classic plastic! IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 8

through the construction and painting with Humbrol liquid poly. I then fixed the Polar Lights KISS Destroyer process. On all of the figures I used a sub-assembled arms, using the square Kits thinned filler made from Humbrol Liquid pegs in the shoulders and the box art for Poly and Humbrol Model filler. The two reference. were mixed together into a thin cream by Phillip Smith, IPMS Milton consistency and applied to joints and When the main body had been assembled Keynes Club, UK seams with a small fine point paintbrush. minus head I gave the entire body a coat of Halfords Acrylic Grey Primer and left it KISS - A brief history: Stanley Eisen (Paul Gene Simmons Kit No. 5054 to dry for 24 hours. I also built the rock Stanley) meets Gene Klein (Gene All the figures in the set are basically built platform and filled and sanded all the Simmons), and a musical chemistry and in the same way. Variations will be called seams. The head was kept separate for eventual friendship is formed. In 1972 Peter out in the text relating to each specific ease of painting. As with all the figures Crisscoula (Peter Criss) and Paul Frehley figure. I started to build this kit by con- that I make, I painted a base coat of (Ace Frehley) are added via a classified ad. structing sub-assemblies of left and right Humbrol 63 Matt Sand on to all flesh areas. The rock band KISS is born, and with wild arms, left and right legs and the torso. Do On Gene this only includes the hands and make-up plus outrageous costumes, they not cut off the lugs on the bottom of parts chest area, most of which is covered when soon dominate the world of rock music. (22 and 23) as these enable you to fit the the chest armor is in place. This was left to [Not really. Among hard rock bands of figure to the base. completely dry for at least 24 hours. their era, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Thin Lizzy, and yes, ZZ Top ate KISS for lunch – I then made up a 50/50 mix of Raw ED.] Over the years the line-up has Umber and Burnt Sienna oil paint, changed but following an MTV Unplugged which was liberally applied, to all the show which featured the then current line- flesh areas. Then, using a 1/4 inch up of the band plus Peter and Ace, the artist’s brush, I removed almost all of original members of the band decided to the oils using a sweeping motion get back together, put the make-up back across the knuckles and chest. This on, and embark on a world tour in 1996– should leave traces of the oil paint in 1997. These kits represent the band in its the recessed of the figure giving you original line up. a ready-made shadow.

Having been a KISS fan since the age of 16 After this I applied Yellow Ochre oil these kits are just what I’ve been waiting paint to all the highlighted areas of for. With reference material in abundance I the figure. This was left for 40 started to make all four figures. When minutes and then blended in. Cad- placed side-by-side they make up the I omitted the elbow armor (4 and 8) the side mium White was then applied in the same poses of the group on the cover of the armor (16 and 17) and also the chest armor areas and again left for 40 minutes then Destroyer album that was released in 1976. (15). All the sub-assemblies were filled blended in. Each figure comes with a base in the shape along the joints and sanded down using of a piece of rock to stand on plus a full Humbrol filler and Aeroclub’s fine grade This system gives a skin tone very similar size Destroyer album cover to mount foam sanding pads. When these had been to the actual album cover artwork. I then behind your figures, thus giving you a 3D finished I glued the right leg to the left leg airbrushed Humbrol Flat White on to the album cover. The figures are sculpted by using the square pin on the right leg to get face and left to dry. The costumes were Patrick Delaney, one of the kit industries’ a good fit; care must be taken to ensure sprayed using Xtracolor X505 Tyre Black. best sculptors. Pat has sculpted many that the two halves match up from the rear. Gene’s armor was painted using a 50/50 mix model kits such as Lon Chaney as the Do not worry about the crotch seam too of Humbrol Matt Black and Humbrol “Phantom of the Opera” and the famous much as the belt/codpiece covers it when Polished Steel. After this was left to dry it Boris Karloff kit “Makeup Call”. Pat is a in position. was buffed up using a buffing pad in my self-taught sculptor. mini drill, then dry brushed, adding a drop I then took the torso and legs and glued of Humbrol Silver to the mix on every pass. In each box there are between 20 and 30 them together along with the belt/codpiece injection molded parts, six of which make (24). The location of this piece is aided The eyes in the boots were painted Tamiya up the rock base plus a clear through a half circle recess in the torso to Gloss White, allowed to dry, and then plastic holder to hold the diorama back- allow a snug fit. The demon heads (25 and given a coat of Humbrol Clear red. All the ground. The instructions are very straight 26) were added to the boots and filled studs and spikes were painted with Tamiya forward, taking you in logical stages around the join with Humbrol filler diluted Chrome Silver. The sculptor has very IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 9 kindly helped with the position of the face with a little dark blue. This avoids the pop minimum amount of filler. For Peter you get make-up using very fine engraved lines on eye effect that occurs if you paint the 31 parts. the face as a guide for painting. The teeth eyeball plain white. To represent the were painted a very pale yellow and white eyelash area a thin line of flesh tone was The face was painted Matt White with mix of oil paint. The mouth was painted used. Matt Black round the eyes and for the Burnt Sienna around the edge with the whiskers, Chrome Silver was used on the tongue being a pink color with a white Ace Frehley Kit No. 5053 end of the nose. Not mentioned in the highlight. The lips were painted with Lamp As with the other kits in the series, Ace is painting instructions is the Dark Green Black oils. I found that all the figures fitted made up from four sprues containing 20 used on the eyelids and under the eye- snugly into the bases, which was a great cream colored plastic parts, plus six parts brows, I used Tamiya Dark Green. Tamiya help as you can use them as a grip while to make up the rock base and a clear Chrome Silver was used on the costume. painting. plastic diorama holder. A sheet of clear instructions and a color diorama are also The Bases provided. The bases were glued, filled and sanded and then painted with Humbrol Matt Black I started by building up the legs and body, and dry brushed with various grey tones. which were then filled and sanded before adding the chest and neck parts. The arms Even if you’re not a KISS fan these kits are were constructed separately and added to say the least different. Painting faces after the neck. white was different but not as hard as I at first thought. The kits did have some fit As with the other figures the main costume problems but nothing that can’t be was painted Tyre Black with Chrome Silver overcome by the average modeler. I’m not detail. The face make up was Matt White happy with the face of Peter ‘Cat Man’ with Chrome Silver around the eyes. This Criss as it appears too round and he was outlined in Matt Black, the eyelids appears to be scowling which he does not were painted a very pale blue, and the lips do on the album cover. were painted with Lamp Black oil paint.

Paul Stanley Kit No.5051 Peter Criss Kit No.5052 This figure follows the same production The final figure in the quartet was actually and construction methods as Gene, but it the easiest to put together, requiring a needed a lot more filling on the joints. Most of the limb joints fit badly. Also of note are small ejector pin marks on the hands of both Gene and Paul, but these can be easily scraped away with a scalpel or knife blade.

Please be very careful when sanding down Paul’s arms and legs as his costume is covered in small studs. These can easily be removed by overenthusiastic sanding, I replaced them with small amounts of white PVA glue applied with a cocktail stick.

The painting was Xtracolor X505 Tyre Black for the costume with Tamiya Chrome Silver studs. Stippling on Raw Umber oil paint reproduced Paul’s chest hair. On each of the figures the hair was painted Humbrol Matt Black and dry brushed with Raw Umber oil paint. The lips were painted with Cadmium Deep Red oil paint. The eyes were painted with white enamel mixed IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 10

nd AeroMaster 1/72 Scale catapult spools. The drawing on the were fitted with eight-gun wings, and the “Fleet Air Arm Pt.1” Decal instructions shows LU-Y without a tail rest with twelve guns; AF966 was defi- wheel; this is incorrect, as Hurricats nitely in the first 100, by serial number, so retained their landing gear. A photo of this it probably had eight-gun wings. Hurricane by Robert Allen specific aircraft in the Squadron/Signal Mk.Xs were fitted with Packard Merlin 28s, Hurricane in Action clearly shows the tail driving Hamilton props rather than the They say you can’t judge a book by its wheel still fitted. Rotol or de Havilland props of the British cover, and AeroMaster’s “Fleet Air Arm Hurricanes. They were delivered without Pt.1” proves that the same is true for decal spinners, and many were later fitted with sheets. At first glance this sheet, covering non-standard spinners in service. This eight WW2 FAA aircraft of four different explains the note in the instructions. To types, is impressive. Seven of the eight correctly model this aircraft, you’d have to selections are in Atlantic theater markings, use a Revell Sea Hurricane Mk.IIC fuselage a nice change from the Pacific theater mated with the wings from the Revell markings seen on many recent FAA sheets Hurricane Mk.IIB, with the two outer gun – not that I’m complaining about the ports on each wing filled in. (The Revell existence of any FAA sheets, given their Sea Hurricane has cannon-armed wings). scarcity! Six of the eight are in the stan- You’d also have to pinch a prop from a dard Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey/ suitable American aircraft with a Hamilton Sky camouflage scheme, one has the prop, and fashion a replacement spinner. standard scheme with black undersides, There is a photo of this aircraft in Squad- and one is a special paint job. The sheet is ron/Signal’s Fleet Air Arm 1939-45, and beautifully printed and in perfect register; once you notice it, the non-standard it’s only when you look closely at the spinner really sticks out. One nice feature selections provided that the problems is that AeroMaster provides codes in both become clear. The front of the instruction Sky and White, as the researchers were sheet is marked “Suggested Kit: Various,” unsure of the color. If the photo of another but none of the kits are listed! Of the eight contemporary Sea Hurricane of 880 choices given, there are available kits for Squadron in the aforementioned Fleet Air no more than three (built straight from the Arm book is anything to go by, they were box), and there are some serious deficien- clearly Sky, but it’s nice to have the option. cies in the instructions. Many of the examples have non-standard features, or The second Sea Hurricane, AF966, a Mk.IB The next two aircraft are Swordfish Mk.Is, are of indeterminate variants, and the of 880 Squadron, is considerably more which were involved in that aircraft’s two instructions are of very little help in this problematic. The instructions identify it as most famous operations. One, which took regard. a Mk.IB, and note the “small spinner and part in the attack on the Bismarck, can be narrow prop blades.” Things are a bit more modeled straight from the box using the The first two aircraft covered are Sea complicated than that. The designation Frog, , or Matchbox kits, with an Hurricanes, one of which is not even an Sea Hurricane Mk.IB only indicated that additional option of modeling it during a FAA aircraft! This is an RAF-flown Sea the aircraft was fitted with an arrester later stay in Jamaica. The second Sword- Hurricane Mk.IA, LU-Y, as catapult hook. There were no Sea Hurricanes Mk.Is fish is the lead aircraft from the Taranto launched off CAM ships on convoy built from scratch; all were converted from raid, which would mark it as one of the protection. These aircraft were expendable; existing Hurricanes of various marks. The most historically significant aircraft in FAA the Hurricane was launched if an Fw 200 or first Sea Hurricane Mk.IBs were converted history. Swordfishes on the Taranto raid other Luftwaffe aircraft was spotted, and from Hurricane Mk.Is, but later Sea had only two crewmembers, and featured a after engaging the enemy the pilot was Hurricane Mk.IBs were converted Hurri- conspicuous extra fuel tank fitted in the supposed to either fly to the nearest land, cane Mk.IIs, with either eight- or twelve- observer’s cockpit. This tank is not or ditch in the sea. This is actually a good gun wings. This makes modeling a specific present in either the Frog or Airfix kits; I choice for a model; these are historically aircraft difficult without accurate refer- don’t have a Matchbox Swordfish close at unique aircraft, and as far as I know, no ences. Tracing the serial number reveals hand, so I don’t know if a tank is provided one has previously provided decals for AF966 to originally have been a Canadian- in that kit, but if it isn’t, you’d have to one. The “Hurricats” were Hurricane built Hurricane Mk.X, equivalent to the scratchbuild one to make an accurate Mk.Is, strengthened and fitted with British Mk.II. The first 100 or so Mk.Xs model. IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 11

Three Seafires are provided, which would I think it’s wonderful that AeroMaster It’s All in the Definition be great if anyone made a 1/72nd scale would even do this sheet; there isn’t from page 9 Seafire kit. One is a Seafire Mk.IB with another subject I’d rather see decal tropical filter, a beautiful station hack manufacturers tackle than wartime FAA problem. The J 22 was first flown in finished in Royal Blue with a white cheat aircraft in 1/72nd scale. But it would be September 1942, and production eventu- line, and the other two are Mk.IICs. One of nice for them to do markings for aircraft ally reached 200. the Seafire Mk.IICs is in American-style that are readily available in kit form, and to markings from Operation Torch, and had specify in the instructions what changes Poland was taken out early in the war, and the distinction of making the first con- or modifications have to be made. This Czechoslovakia as such never entered it, firmed Seafire kill. All could be modeled sheet looks great, and I’m sure I’m going being taken over by the Germans prior to using a Spitfire Mk.V kit as a base, but all to use it. But the execution, and the the start of hostilities (though men from would require an arrester hook to be instructions, could have been so much both nations fought with the Allies to the added, and the rear fuselage modifications better! end). Both countries had thriving aviation needed to accommodate the hook. None of industries during the 1930s; in fact Poland the three had folding wings, so we can be References: was the first country to have its entire thankful for small mercies… first-line single-seat fighter force be made Hurricane by Edward Bishop; up of all-metal monoplanes, with the PZL Some Seafire Mk.IICs had three-blade Smithsonian Institute Press, 1990; ISBN 0- P.7 in September 1933. Poland’s PZL props, and some had four-blade props. 87474-221-8 fighters fought not only with Poland, but According to Spitfire: The History, both also with Greece, Bulgaria, and Rumania. examples given fall squarely into the range 1939-45 Portfolio: Fleet Air Arm by The Czechoslovakian Avia B-534, of which that would have three-bladed props. The Roderick Dymott; Ian Allan Ltd, 1981; over 500 were built, fought with the pro- Seafire also had its main gear moved two ISBN 0-7110-1053-6 Axis Slovak Air Force, and was in action inches forward, but anyone who tries that as late as September 1944, when a B-534 in 1/72nd scale deserves to be committed. Hurricane in Action by Jerry Scutts; achieved the last ever biplane kill during One choice provided, MB189, is credited Squadron/Signal, 1986; ISBN 0-89747-174-1 the Slovak National Uprising. A few Avia as being flown by 880 Squadron in B-135s also flew with Bulgaria. February 1943, but neither Spitfire: The Supermarine Aircraft Since 1914 by C.F. History nor David Brown’s Seafire list it as Andrews & E.B. Morgan; Putnam, 1981; France may have hit a lull in her fighter such among their extensive individual ISBN 0-370-10018-2 development program post–1940 (to put it aircraft records. mildly) but Dewoitine D.520s were flying The Seafire: The Spitfire That Went to Sea with Free French units up until VE-Day. The final choice is a Kingfisher on floats, by David Brown; Naval Institute Press, Holland had her Fokker D.XXI, which wrongly attributed to 768 Squadron, but 1989; ISBN 0-87021-989-8 fought not only with the Dutch, but also actually from 765 Squadron. This aircraft is with Finland and Denmark, and Koolhoven illustrated in the May 1984 Scale Aircraft Spitfire: The History by Eric B. Morgan & FK.58, which fought with France. Modelling feature on American aircraft in Edward Shacklady; Key Books, 2000 the FAA, but with a considerably different (revised edition); ISBN 0-946219-48-6 Finally, there’s Rumania. Everyone always camouflage demarcation line on the forgets Rumania. Rumania fought from cowling than on the AeroMaster instruc- Fleet Air Arm: British Carrier Aviation June 1941 until May 1945, at first for the tion sheet. Fortunately, a lovely Charles E. 1939-1945 by Ron Mackay; Squadron/ Axis, but the last few months on the side Brown photo in Owen Thetford’s British Signal, 2001; ISBN 0-89747-432-5 of the Allies. The IAR 80/81 series was Naval Aircraft Since 1912 shows this produced in large numbers, well over 400 aircraft, and indicates that the AeroMaster Fairey Swordfish in Action by W.A. being made; in fact more of them were drawing is right. This one can also be built Harrison; Squadron/Signal, 2001; ISBN 0- made than Boomerangs. Yet they seem to straight from the box, using the Octopus 89747-421-X have been forgotten. (Pavla) kit if you want the most accurate model, the Airfix kit if you don’t want to British Naval Aircraft Since 1912 by Anyway, that’s my take on it. Paul counts scratchbuild half the parts shown on the Owen Thetford; Putnam, 1982; ISBN 0-370- six plus one; I count 15. It’s all in the Octopus instruction sheet, or the Lindberg 30021-1 definition! kit if you want the padded cell next to the guy who tried to modify his Seafire landing Scale Aircraft Modelling, May 1984, - Robert Allen gear. “Wartime American Aircraft with the Fleet Air Arm” by Ray Sturtivant IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 12

Show Schedule: Best Hughes Flying Boat sponsored by 2002 IPMS RECON 7 OHMS Contest 9:00 a.m.: Doors open and Model Registra- tion Begins Best F-104 Starfighter sponsored by Daryl 12:00 noon: Registration closes, Judging Johnson by the Convention Staff Begins 12:30 p.m.: Speaker John Alcorn, Battle of Best A-4 Skyhawk sponsored by Bob This year’s McMinnville show on Satur- Britain expert - Museum Theater Berry day, September 14 will also be the IPMS 2:00 p.m.: Speaker Pete Hardiman, WW2 Region 7 Regional Contest for 2002. We Pilot - Museum Theater Best “Winthrop” Engineering Award expect the show will be even bigger and 3:15 p.m.: Judging Complete sponsored by Rachel Koteles and Marga- better for 2002. Once again the spectacular 3:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony with special ret O’Hartigan* Evergreen Aviation Museum will be the award winners announced in the Museum site of the show, this year with even more Theater Best Naval Aviation Subject sponsored by aircraft on display, including a flyable B- 4:00 p.m.: Show Complete Alexander Anderson 17G. We will also have vehicles from the 5:00 p.m.: Museum Closes Motor Vehicle Preservation Society of Best NATO (Non-US) Subject sponsored Portland on display. Costs: by Ruud van der Salm (formerly Best Dutch—opened up to all NATO countries The theme for this year’s show will be the Museum Entry: $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 excluding USA) Battle of Britain with special categories for Children, Museum Members free. Allied and Axis Battle of Britain subjects. Best War in the Falklands Subject spon- Also we have the privilege of having Contest Entry: Adult: $3 for one to three sored by Larry Randel Battle of Britain historian and author John models, $1 each additional entry Alcorn speaking about the Battle. Juniors 11-17: $1 per model entry Best Out of the Box Model sponsored by Juniors 10 and Under: Free Dave Sherrill Also speaking about his experience as a P- Display Entries: Free 51, P-47, and Mosquito pilot will be Pete * You may wonder what “Winthrop Hardiman, WW2 Army Air Forces veteran. Special Awards for 2002 Show: Engineering” is. Larry Randel of IPMS OHMS offers the following explanation, We plan on having at least 30 vendor Michael King Smith Memorial Award: Best “You may have noticed the Special tables available. Raffle prizes will awarded of Show sponsored by OHMS category for the RECON sponsored by throughout the day, and a separate raffle Rachel Koteles and Margaret O’Hartigan for a Warbird ride will be offered. The Evergreen Award: Best Rotary Wing called the Winthrop Award. For those Craft sponsored by OHMS unfamiliar with this unique type of kitbash The Evergreen Aviation Museum is created by Rachel and Margaret, here is located about a one-hour drive southwest Johnnie E. Johnson Memorial Award: Best what is involved. of Portland. From I-5, take Highway 99W Royal Air Force Subject to Highway 18 and proceed to 3685 NE sponsored by Tony Roberts The Winthrops are a notional family of less Three Mile Lane, just south of than successful vehicle designers from the McMinnville, Oregon. The Museum is Best of Show: across the street from the McMinnville Peoples’ Choice Airport. sponsored by OHMS

For more information by phone about the Best Battle of Britain show, contact Tony Roberts at 503-282- Subject - Allied 2790. For more information e-mail Tony at sponsored by Chuck [email protected] or Larry Randel Zellmer at [email protected] Best Battle of Britain The show’s website is: Subject - Axis www.geocities.com/oregonshow sponsored by Chuck Zellmer

Would this count? - ED IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 13

‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. Previous creations 18 - 1/72 Single Jet Best Space Fact/Sci-Fi/Fantasy sponsor attributed to the Winthrops include: a twin 19 - 1/72 Multi-Jet TBD fuselage DC-3 with 3 engines; a P-38 with 20 - 1/48 Single Jet the fuselage reversed, so that the elevators 21 - 1/48 Multi-Jet 07 - Figures were in front and the engines were 22 - 1/32 & Larger Jet 72 - Figures, Smaller than 54mm pushers; and an F-19 model turned into a 23 - Civil, Sport, & Racing: All Scales 73 - Figures, 54mm, 1/32 & 1/35 land speed record-setting jet plane. 24 - Biplanes/Vintage Types/Airships: All 74 - Figures, Larger than 54mm Scales 75 - Figures, Mounted The possibilities are endless, but the basic 25 - Airliners: All Scales 76 – Dinosaurs principle is pure fantasy and creativity. Let 26 - Rotary Wing: All Scales Best Figure Award sponsor TBD your mind soar and give a Winthrop a try. 27 - VacuForms Good luck and bash some kits!” 28 - Scratch-Built/Conversions: All Scales 08 - Best Aircraft Award sponsor TBD 81 - Aircraft Notes About Special Awards 82 - Armor/Military - Less than five figures a) Only one winner per Special Award 03 - Military Vehicles 83 - Armor/Military - Five or more figures category. 31 - 1/72 - Military Vehicles 83 - Automotive b) Judging will be done by the sponsor of 32 - 1/35 & Larger Open Top AFVs, 1945 84 - Ship/Maritime the special award. The sponsor may and earlier 85 - Space Fact/Sci-Fi/Fantasy delegate the judging task to the show 33 - 1/35 & Larger - Closed Top AFV, 1945 86 - Diorama-Miscellaneous judges if they care to do so. and earlier Best Diorama Award sponsor TBD c) Models entered in special categories are 34 - 1/35 & Larger Open Top AFVs, Post- also to be entered in their primary show 1945 09 - Other category. For example, a 1/48 scale Spitfire 35 - 1/35 & Larger Closed Top AFVs, Post- 91 - Flights of Fancy entered in the “Battle of Britain-Allied” 1945 92 - Collections - Five or More Related special award should also be entered in 36 - 1/35 & Larger - Half-Tracks & Self- Models Class 14: 1/48 Single Prop/Allied. Propelled Guns 93 - Humorous d) If you enter a model in a Special Award All Eras/All Scales 94 - Miscellaneous - Anything Not category, there will be sign up sheets 37 - Towed Artillery & Missiles - All Eras/ Covered Above available at the show to record your entry All Scales in the Special Award. Getting listed on the 38 - Conversions & Scratch-Builds - all 10 – Junior (Under 18 ) (All Scales) Special Award sign up sheet will ensure Subjects/Eras/Scales 101 - Aircraft your model is considered in the Special Best Military Vehicle Award sponsor TBD 102 - Armor Award judging. 103 - Automotive e) People’s choice ballots will be provided 04 - Automotive 104 - Ships to all entrants. The winner will be the 41 - Racing Cars 105 - Space Fact/Sci-Fi/Fantasy model entry that receives the most popular 42 - Street Machines 106 - Figures votes. 43 - Custom Cars 107 - Diorama f) Judges’ Best of Show will be chosen 44 - Hot Rods Best Junior Ages 11-17 Award sponsor from the “Best ofs” in each main category 45 - Pick-Up Trucks, SUV TBD and will be determined by a consensus of 46 - Showroom Stock, box stock cars Special award for under 10-year-old the show judges to be the Best of the 47 - Trucks and Semis modelers Show. 48 - Motorcycles g) Award sponsors are not eligible to win Best Automotive Award sponsor TBD Exhibition/Display their own Special Award category All Subjects/All Scales (Not Judged) 05 - Ship And Sailing Vessels Class Lists for 2002 Show 51 - Ships - 1/400 & larger, motorized Contest Rules And Notes 52 - Ships - 1/400 & smaller, motorized Judging rules: IPMS/USA National 01 - Aircraft 53 - Ships-Non-motorized, All scales Contest Judging Rules 11 - 1/73 & Smaller 54 - Submarines-All scales Contestant may enter a model in both 12 - 1/72 Single Prop 55 - Speed Boats / Motor Patrol Boats IPMS Contest Classes and OHMS Special 13 - 1/72 Multi-Prop Best Ship Award sponsor TBD Award Classes. 14 - 1/48 Single Prop/Allied Juniors may compete in Senior categories 15 - 1/48 Single Prop/Axis & other 06 - Space Fact/Sci-Fi/Fantasy IPMS rules and guidelines will apply to 16 - 1/48 Multi-Prop 61 - Space Fact contest and judging. 17 - 1/32 & Larger Prop 62 - Space /Sci-Fi Fantasy IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 14

Exercise Tiger fascinating aspect of our operations in This is an excellent report on these events, from page 3 Europe. including the actual charting of how the ships were deployed that fateful evening where it was not but also that the real “Slapton Sands: The Cover-up That Never and an outline of the many lessons learned thing was a feint.” Was” there. It, like several others, also contains This is an excellent article (Extracted from several statements that puzzle me, includ- The U.S. 4th Infantry Division lost 551 men Army 38, No. 6 (June 1988): 64-67) by ing: “The total of 639 American killed and in the cold waters off Slapton Sands that Charles B. MacDonald and appears on the missing was 10 times the actual losses on evening, which exceeded their actual D- Naval Historical Center’s site: http:// Utah beach on June 6 1944.” Day losses! A public monument has now www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq20-2.htm http://www.combinedops.com/ been erected in the local community Lyme%20Bay.htm commemorating this event. There are Oral Histories - Exercise Tiger, 28 April several fairly detailed reports on the 1944 “AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT HAPPEN AT Internet which will provide interested Recollections by LT Eugene E. Eckstam, SLAPTON SANDS” readers with a far more detailed insight into MC, USNR, (Ret.), a medical officer on USS http://www.geocities.com/milbios/ Exercise Tiger (a short list is given below). LST-507 Adapted from: “The Tragedy of slaptonsands.html A review of several of these sites (and Exercise Tiger,” Navy Medicine 85, no. 3 their narratives, including those of several (May-Jun 1994): 5-7. “Quiet hero, men who died in secret WWII survivors) will graphically illustrate the http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq87- disaster remembered” events of “Tiger” and I suspect will 3g.htm This is a report, from CNN, dated Novem- surprise many of you. There are several ber 11, 1995 in which CNN reported on the personal articles by people who served “Exercise Tiger” death of Capt. Doyle (mentioned above) that night and will quickly relate the horror By Operational Archives, Naval Historical and the secrecy surrounding the Exercise they must have encountered that dark Center Tiger attacks. night. There are also several claims that http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq20- http://fyi.cnn.com/US/9511/veterans_day/ this was America’s worst defeat (in 1.htm memory/ numbers of men lost) in WW II since Pearl Harbor. I am not certain that claim is valid. OPERATION TIGER - 6th ENGINEER “9 Lives: An Oral History” As I mentioned in a earlier note, the loss of SPECIAL BRIGADE This is an excellent first person article, life at the Battle of Savo Island alone was http://www.metronet.com/~rlewisjr/ written by another survivor, Patsy J. in excess of 1,100 men. Aside from this one tiger_op.htm Giacchi, who was an army engineer serving possible reservation though, the events aboard the LST-507, during Operation surrounding Exercise Tiger were terrible “TIGER-The E-Boat Attack” Tiger. This is essentially an article, one of and merit our understanding and knowl- This is a special article from the U.S. several from two books consolidated and edge. Army’s Quartermaster Corps Museum and published by same author, Aaron Elson. contains a wealth of information from the I’ve since bought both paperback books It is also interesting to note that it appears perspective of many of the Army’s men and enjoyed the first person articles Mr. that the German patrol boats that con- taking part in the Tiger operation, as Elson collected in these two short books. ducted this attack are the very types that written by a young Army officer serving http://www.tankbooks.com/Ninelives/ you may model (as you saw from Gordon that tragic night. chapter9.htm Erickson’s initial efforts at our May http://www.qmmuseum.lee.army.mil/d-day/ Chapter meeting) from the new Revell of tiger.htm Hoyt, Edwin P. The Invasion before Germany 1/72nd scale Schnellboot model. Normandy: The Secret Battle of Slapton Slapton Sands Sands. NY: Military Heritage Press, 1985. References: This site is from the community of Slapton Sands itself, and also contain several good Lewis, Nigel. Exercise Tiger: The Dramatic Suffice it to say, there are a lot of articles articles and has three other personal True Story of a Hidden Tragedy of WWII. and web sites that include a great deal of references and articles from those who New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1990. information about the Exercise Tiger. Many served and survived Operation Tiger. Published in the UK as Channel Firing of these are written in the first person and http://www.slapton.org/indextiger.htm may provide other eye-opening insights Small, Ken. The Forgotten Dead: Why 946 into our military operations during WW II. “THE TRAGEDY IN LYME BAY OPERA- American Servicemen Died off the Coast The following is only a very brief overview TION TIGER - 27/28th of APRIL 1944. D- of Devon in 1944, and the Man Who of what I found and read about this DAY REHEARSAL FOR UTAH” Discovered Their True Story. London: Bloomsbury, 1988 IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 15

Upcoming Model Shows and Contests

Saturday, September 14 ReCon 7. Hosted by IPMS Oregon Historical Modelers Society and IPMS Salem. Capt. Michael King Smith Evergreen Aviation Educational Institute, 3850 Three Mile Lane, McMinnville, Oregon. Show theme - Battle of Britain. IPMS Seattle’s John Alcorn will speak about the BoB. See pages 12-13 for complete details.

Friday-Saturday, October 11-12 Sci-Fan II: The Northwest's Premier Science Fiction Fantasy Modeling Event. Science fiction and fantasy show. Fees: $5 for up to five models; $1 for each additional model. Schedule: October 11th: 12:00 - 7:00, Contest Entry and Display; 4:00 - 6:00 Demos. October 12th: 9:00 - 12:00, Contest Entry and Display; 11:00 - 3:00 Demos; 1:30 - 2:30 Closed For Judging; 3:30 Awards & Door Prizes. Galaxy Hobby, 196th and Highway 99, Lynnwood. For more information, call 425-670-0454 or e-mail [email protected]

Saturday, October 12 IPMS Vancouver, BC, 32nd Annual Fall Model Show and Swap Meet. 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Admission: $2 CDN (17 and Older); Free (16 and Under). Registration: $5 CDN (17 and Older); $4 CDN (16 and Under).

Trophy categories: Modellers’ Choice - Best of Show Senior (By Ballot); Best of Show Junior ; Best Aircraft - Jet Engine; Best Aircraft - Prop Engine; Best Auto - Street or Show; Best Auto - Competition; Best Naval; Best Armour - Allied or NATO; Best Armour - Axis or Warsaw Pact; Best Figure ; Best Canadian; Master’s Award; Best Diorama; Best Academy Kit; Best Sci-fi Space or Vehicle - Actual or Fictional; Best TV/Movie Monster; Best Desert War Subject; Best General Motors Product; Best Emergency 911 - Auto or Truck.

Bonsor Recreation Complex, 6550 Bonsor, Burnaby, BC. Contact: Warwick Wright - Phone: 604-274-5513; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://members.tripod.com/~ipms

Saturday, October 12 8th Annual Model Show and Contest. Hosted by IPMS/Palouse Area Modelers. 9AM-4PM. Door prizes and raffle. Fees: Adults $2 for first two models, $5 for three or more; Juniors (16 and under) $1 for unlimted entries; Spectators $1. Contest judging will follow the open system with gold, silver, and bronze ribbons. Moose Lodge, 210 N. Main, Moscow, ID. For more information contact Wally Bigelow at 509-334-4344 or by e-mail at [email protected] IPMS Seattle Chapter Newsletter Page 16

Amodel 1/72nd Scale Sukhoi edges are thin. The instructions are in two Being made of steel this sucker must have T-4 languages, one of which is English. That’s been heavy; it has eight wheels on each a big help to me as I just get by in my main bogie. The engine housing is part of native tongue, let alone one with half the the wing-body assembly, so that’s no by Bill Osborn letters backward. Everything is numbered problem. However, the exhaust cans are in on the sprue layout on the plans, but not five parts and may require some work. The Did you guys really expect me to pass up on the sprue itself. Paint colors are inlet has ten parts with very little indexing this model? It’s Russian and expensive. referenced to Humbrol colors, but names to work with. The other items such as gear The kit is produced by Amodel and are also given. There are a few photos on struts, doors, canards, nose, and assorted doesn’t look too bad. The surprise was the the plans and the box lid. small parts should be straightforward. size; I expected a model that compared to the B-70. However, it’s closer to a B-58, but The decals longer. look very good. You O.K., let’s look in the box. The first thing get six red you see is the wing/body resin assembly. stars, two That’s right, Amodel puts it together for red “101s”, you. The parts are hollow - top and bottom two gray and glued together with what looks like a and yellow crude epoxy. The vertical fin is also resin intake and in two parts, all other parts are injected warning plastic. I think I found out where the mold In the cockpit you get bulkheads, seats, signs, an antiglare panel and red decals for makers from Matchbox went to work. side consoles, instrument panels, and the inlet, and also exhaust covers should Every rivet line is a nice groove, or maybe control columns. Of course, you won’t see you want to make them. they are weld lines as this plane was made any of this unless you open the two top of steel! They forgot to put the big “S” on hatches. This beast must have been a bear If I didn’t have three models in work now, it. to handle on the ground and during this would have been started before the landing, as there are only three front mailman got back in his jeep. But you never The leading edges of the wing, the rudder, windows and a small window on the port know, I’ve put models aside for lesser the elevons, and the rest of the parts are side of each hatch. I hope the G.I.B. wasn’t reasons. the typical Amodel white plastic. The parts claustrophobic. look good, with little flash, and the trailing

Meeting Reminder Saturday, August 10 10 AM - 1 PM

North Bellevue Community/Senior Center 4063-148th Ave NE, Bellevue

Directions: From Seattle or from I-405, take 520 East to the 148th Ave NE exit. Take the 148th Ave North exit (the second of the two 148th Ave. exits) and continue north on 148th until you reach the Senior Center. The Senior Center will be on your left. The Center itself is not easily visible from the road, but there is a signpost in the median.