Newsletter of the Midwest Model Shipwrights April 2009

●● Scuttlebutt ●● April Meeting Notice ommodore Sid Wotman rang the meeting to order promptly at 7:30 with 28 hands present and welcomed “Stropping Deadeyes” a guest, Tom Wilcox, aboard. For those of you that are subscribers, we were told that By Bob Filipowski “Model Shipwright” magazine would be going to a single 200+ page annual publication. Bob strops the neatest deadeye you ever urser Ken Goetz reminded everyone that he is now saw. Come learn his unique techniques and collecting dues for 2009 and that you must be paid up make your models shine with that air of au- as of the March meeting to continue receiving the Fore- thenticity they deserve. See you there. castle Report. So square yourself away and send Ken your dues. Thanks mates. ($20 check made payable The concluding segment of Bob Filipowski’s article on “The to: “Midwest Model Shipwrights” • mail to: Ken Battle Off Samar” appears on page 4. Goetz, 3302 Sarah St., Franklin Park, IL 60131). Kurt Van Dahm is thinking of hosting an airbrush work- Fourth in our new series, Historic American Warships, fea- shop at his shop on some Saturday. If you’d be inter- tures the USS , the first commissioned ironclad war- ested, please let Kurt know. Kurt also gave us a first look ship in the US Navy. Read about her on page 5. at “Badger’s” new spray paint brush line (Velocity, Spirit, Rage) and they are beauties. Give Kurt a call at 630-968- 3189 for details or visit the “Badger” web site for more Our next meeting will be at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, information. April 15, 2009 Kurt also gives us a heads up on a At the Community Presbyterian Church “Fiskar” brand tool called a Fingertip 407 Main Street in Mount Prospect Control Craft Knife that he learned about from Ed Urbanczyk during a recent planking workshop. Tool slips over your finger with your fingertip on top of the knurled area to give precise control. ●● Models of Japan ●● An FYI to all from Kurt Van Dahm concerning colors for By Gus Agustin the Vasa: there is a link to the English language side of the Vasa Museum’s web site showing the painting of the We were treated to a non-stop parade of gorgeous ship 1:10 scale model they built. The colors are very vivid and model photos taken at the “Rope Conference - 2008” held are said to be an exact match to the original paint. Go to: in Japan. Just about every- http://www.vasamuseet.se/sitecore/content/Vasamuseet/InEnglish/ thing was covered from Exhibitions/vasa model.aspx#. conventional kits to unique Jerry Reed’s tip of the month is to use a dental glass scratch built models of mixing slab placed in a shallow container over crushed ships found only in the far ice to help maintain small amounts of CA glue in a worka- east. Of particular interest ble condition for extended periods of time. Prevents the were the views of very fine CA from setting up quickly. Thanks, Jerry. carving details which Bill Short has just completed a re-write of his book clearly demonstrated the “Carving Ornamentation for Ship Models”. Go to: http:// carving-book.wikispaces.com/English+Carving+Book+Ordering+Details

OFFICERS high level of modeling Commodore (President) - Sid Wotman.……… (847) 680-1256 techniques being done in Flag Captain (Vice Pres) - Tim Riggs…...……..(847) 697-9552 Japan. Feast your eyes Ship’s Purser (Treasurer) - Ken Goetz ..…….....(847) 678-4249 on these images and set Ship’s Clerk (Secretary) - Jim Merritt………... (847) 888-3882 Signals Officer (Editor) - John Mitchell ……. .(847) 392-2259 your sights on what can M. Chief (Photographer ) - Leon Sirota ..…… ...(847) 541-6285 be achieved. See Models, Page 3 The Forecastle Report, Apr. 2009 - P.2P.2

Walt Philips is working on a “Hybrid” version of the ●● Ships on Deck ●● “Model Shipways” kit of the Emma C. Berry lobster smack Helmut Reiter was very happy with the startup of the rigging work on his La Belle model (1:36), as well he should be. Rope used was “Morope” and, in using CA glue to fix the knots,

(1:32). Hybrid means he is building her from scratch but using the plans supplied by “Model Shipways”. Additional he found a CA detail was added inside the cabin to really make this solvent from model unique. Great choice of materials, mate. “Woodcraft” very useful in correct- John Pocius has begun work on an Aleut Sea Otter ing any small Hunter Diorama to depict one phase of the history of the errors that Aleuts, an indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands. cropped up. Thanks for the tip, mate.

Kurt Van Dahm has started work on the 1884 stern wheel packet boat Chaperon (1:48). This is a new “Model Ship- ways” kit that Kurt is trying on for size and he says he is very happy with the materi- als and layout so far. She has a 24” hull and an amazing 29 bulkheads! Very rigid. Included is a study bust of an Doc Williams has, as far as Kurt Van Dahm is con- Aleut to aid in creating the figures cerned, finally seen the light, as he has begun work on a in the diorama. All works of art, “semi-kit” of the Hartman Tug. Doc says “the power train mate.

Bob Filipowski has pronounced his half-hull model of the Clipper Staghound (1:96) all finished save for painting. Of particular note was the detail on mounting the forecastle deck with an added support as well as the cap rails. Airbrush painting tech- nique will be used after masking all the chain plates. Brush painting is reserved for some of is essentially installed with rudder, crankshaft, bearing and motor”. In addition, installation of the the tight areas where deck supports was also be- spray may not gun on the inside of the fiber- reach. Copper glass hull using fiberglass plates were sealed resin for attachment. Doc with “Dullcoat”. plans to christen her the Phyllis Best of luck at Mani- L. Nice touch, mate, and a great towoc, mate. It’s good looking start to a fine model. for a medal in our eyes. See Ships-on-Deck, Page 3 The Forecastle Report, Apr. 2009 - P.3P.3

Ships-on-Deck, continued from page 2 Models, continued from page 1 Ken Goetz, despite claiming to have been “sidetracked” this past month, still managed to add coamings, gratings,

hatch covers and gun port lids to his “Model Shipways” USS Constitution (1:76) - and beautifully done, too.

Next in line will be the deck planking and Ken plans to experiment with sev- eral woods to find the best in appearance. Birch, maple or bass wood are being consid- ered.

Jim Merritt showed us the progress he has made on his 1:54 scale “Mamoli” kit of the Yacht Mary. All the plank- ing is now done complete with treenails. Planking tools were also dis- played, includ- ing a plank bender, belt sander (for cut- ting planks in lieu of a knife) and the clamps he uses to hold multiple planks together while shaping (Jim cuts port and star- board planks simultaneously). To hold planks when glu- ing, Jim uses mini-nails, which he later removes and re- places with treenails. Thanks for the great ideas, mate.

Bob Sykes says he made good use of his “Model Expo Block Sander” in setting up the rig- ging on his model of the USS Constella- tion (1:85). Sails were modified by soaking in tea to give them the weathered look. Great looking re- sults, mate. The Forecastle Report, Apr. 2009 - P.4P.4

The Battle Off Samar range of the Japa- Continued from March 2009 Issue nese heavies, but as the 40mm’s It may have been divine providence, but as Taffy III turned opened up, and south to avoid the onrushing then the 20’s, he Japanese, this actually really became con- brought the CVE’s into the cerned! wind. It was a bizarre scene In spite of the as ships belched smoke, gritty courage be- multi-colored shell splashes ing shown by the The Gambier Bay (right) making smoke along with enveloped the carriers, and U.S. tin cans and other Taffy III vessels early in the battle. deck crews frantically tried to Navy fliers, the arm aircraft with whatever Japanese continued to press home their attack, and eventually was handy. Many planes began to find the range. The USS Gambier Bay was hit repeat- attacked the enemy with edly, and staggered out of formation. The Japanese depth charges, rockets, and USS White Plaines is bracketed by en- and destroyers sensing a kill, closed in on the baby flattop, and finally nothing as they made emy fire (background) as the Kitkun Bay for over an hour pounded her mercilessly. She would be the “dry” runs over the enemy, frantically scrambles aircraft. only US carrier sunk by enemy naval gunfire in World War II. hoping to distract them. There are many theories as to why Admiral Kurita decided to The 3 Fletcher class DD’s along with the DE Samuel B. Rob- abort the attack, but nobody knows for sure. As the remnants of erts were the first to attack with torpedoes. The Hoel, Johnston his fleet began withdrawing, it’s been recorded that one resolute and Roberts would eventually be sunk, but not before exacting gob aboard a jeep carrier exclaimed: “Damn it! They’re getting some measure on at least three heavy cruisers. The Heermann, away!” However, Taffy III’s ordeal was not over, and the Dennis in spite of sustaining substantial damage, would actually engage would perform yet another heroic task. the mighty Yamato, forcing her to turn away from this tin can’s This battered task group would have the distinction of suffering spread of 10 “fish.” the first Kamikaze attack of the war. A Zero loaded with a 500- As things became more pound bomb penetrated the hail of AA fire and slammed into the critical, the Dennis along St. Lo, setting off internal with the other two remaining explosions from munitions DE’s were ordered to en- and aviation fuel. One deter- gage. Although these ves- mined pilot, willing to die, had sels carried three torpedo done more damage than the tubes, they were never in- 18” guns of the mighty Ya- tended to attack capital mato. ships. Due to the smoke The Dennis immediately and confusion, a coordi- began picking up survivors. nated attack could not be She would account for 434 mounted. As the Dennis men out of the 932 rescued! turned towards a column of One of Sam’s anecdotes four heavy cruisers, she relates to a sailor from realized that she was alone. aboard this carrier, which he Nonetheless, the Dennis met many years later at a closed to less than 8000 Taffy III reunion. yards, and fired. Sam stated With almost 700 men with justifiable pride that his crammed aboard this small ship nailed one be- DE, finding a place to sleep fore returning to screen the that night was very difficult. carriers. Palermo didn’t find out This particular seaman, who until years later at a reunion, but was completely exhausted from his ordeal, found some sacks the gunnery officer in charge of on top of the torpedo tubes, which he quickly claimed as his torpedoes was Lt. John M. “bunk.” It wasn’t until the next morning that he realized that he Smyth. If that name sounds had spent the night on top of five stuffed body bags! familiar, it should. He would As part of Sam’s presentation, he brought in a number of me- eventually start the large Chi- mentos, which the membership found very interesting. They cago furniture store chain. included some awesome photos, two pieces of shrapnel from an As mentioned earlier, Sam had 8” shell, and a Navy survival no way of knowing what was fishing kit, complete with happening, but he felt the vio- heavy line and lure! lent maneuvers of the Dennis, Sam, we want to thank you the impact of shells, the rattle of for a great presentation. Your shrapnel on the hull from near story helps keep alive the misses, and the recoil of the sacrifices made by all Ameri- ship’s guns as she charged. cans during World War II. When the ship started firing her You make us all very proud! two 5” 38 cal. guns, Palermo knew they were well within The Forecastle Report, Apr. 2009 - P.4aP.4a

The Photo Gallery Sam Palermo, as part of his presentation, brought two photo albums just loaded with great snapshots, which portrayed life aboard a Destroyer Escort during World War II. For those of you who didn’t get a chance to look at these gems, here is just a sample.

The USS Dennis in circa 1944 Pacific Theater camouflage.

USS Solace off Iwo Jima. She would be filled to The forward 40mm gun mount and crew. capacity within 24 hours of arriving on station.

Spoils of war. A Japanese gun emplacement.

Loading torpedoes aboard a Fletcher class destroyer. Heading for some R&R on Eniwetok.

King Neptune’s Court crossing the Equator.

Nothing but beer, beaches, and baseball! Hey! This stuff aint half bad! Hey guys! Are you sure this is my lookout station?

USS Sangamon The large object sticking up Dennis approaches an Independence class CVL. from the flight deck is the stern elevator after a These carriers were originally going to be light Refueling at sea from a Cimarron class tanker. Kamikaze hit. Somehow, she survived! cruisers, but were changed before completion. The Forecastle Report, Apr. 2009 - P.5P.5

Planking Workshop III ●● USS Monitor ●●

ay Oswalt and Bob Filipowski took their “Dog & Pony Fourth in our RR Show” on the road as Kurt Van Dahm and the Chi- series on His- cago Nautical Research and Model Ship Society hosted toric American the third edition of their planking workshop. If you have Warships is the never visited Kurt’s studio, you’re missing out on some- USS Monitor , thing special. The spa- which was the cious room is filled with first ironclad various models he has warship com- featured in Ships in missioned by Scale as well as an inter- the United States Navy. She is most famous for her par- esting collection of tow- ticipation in the first-ever naval battle between two iron- boat, fireboat and nauti- clad warships, the Battle of on March 9, cal memorabilia. 1862 during the , in which Monitor Those in attendance fought the ironclad CSS Virginia (Merrimack) of the Con- included NRMS mem- federate States Navy. bers John Brackett, Bill Ironclads were only a recent innovation, started with the Cera, Jerry Heninger, 1859 French battleship La Gloire. Afterwards, the design Toni Levine, Ed Urbanc- of ships and the nature zyk, David Watt and Kurt Ordered: October 4, 1861 of naval warfare VanDahm. The discus- Builder: Continental Iron Works & changed dramatically. sion opened with tips on DeLamater Iron Works, & others Designed by the Swed- hull preparation, and the Laid down: 1861 ish engineer John importance of being sure Launched: January 30, 1862 Ericsson, Monitor was your hull is symmetrical and all bulkheads or frames are Commissioned: February 25, 1862 described as a beveled properly. John Bracket brought in a framed up Fate: Lost at sea, 12/31/1862 “cheesebox on a raft”, Swift kit, which exhibited the problems that can be en- consisting of a heavy countered when a manufacturer markets an inferior prod- Length: 172 feet round revolving iron uct. Bob Filipowski took the opportunity to point out poten- Beam: 41 ft., 6 in. on the deck, tial trouble spots, and how they could be remedied. Draft: 10 ft., 6 in. housing two 11-inch Planking theory was next with emphasis being placed on Displacement: 987 long tons Dahlgren guns, paired how a ship’s hull Speed: 8 knots side by side. The ar- shape can affect Crew: 59 officers and men mored deck was barely the proportions of Armament: 2 x 11 in. (280 mm) above the waterline. a strake as you Dahlgren smoothbores Aside from a small boxy proceed either Armor: Iron pilothouse, a detach- forward or aft. able smokestack and a After discussing few fittings, the bulk of the ship was below the waterline to the various types prevent damage from cannon fire. In addition to its rotat- of stealer and ing turret, Monitor was also fitted with Ericsson’s novel drop plank con- marine screw, whose efficiency and reliability allowed the figurations, it was warship to be one of the on to a little first to rely exclusively hands-on prac- upon steam propulsion. tice. Using the training aids, Ray had everyone try their While the design of Monitor hand at laying out a garboard and first broad strake. Day was well suited for river two started out with a review on determining plank propor- combat, her low freeboard tions, followed by hands-on drop plank and half-check and heavy turret made her stealer applications. highly un-seaworthy in Over the last three months feedback from all three work- rough waters. Swamped shops has been very positive. As new members join the by high waves while under Tri-Club Association, Ray and Bob will probably hold an- tow, she sank on Decem- other class on this method of planking, but for now, Plank- ber 31, 1862 in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras, NC. ing Workshop III concluded this series of presentations for In 1973, the wreck of the Monitor was located and, in 2009. Future workshops will include airbrushing hosted by 1986, designated a National Historic Landmark. Since Kurt Van Dahm as well as possibly ship’s boats by Ray then, many artifacts have been recovered and conserved. Oswalt. Stay tuned, mates! This article was compiled from information provided on the web site: www.wikipedia.org.

John R. Mitchell, Editor 2011 N Charter Point Dr. ● Arlington Hts., IL 60004