From: Think Tank Subject: Think Tank Vol. 0045 23/07/2000 Think.tank@tesco.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS' INDEX 1: Old references 2: Traction engines 3: WW1 workshop bodies 4: Models in 1/76 scale 5: WANTED: Sealion barge details 6: World War One tanks 7: World War One workshop bodies 8: MSTAR system 9: Tanks in odd places? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: 2000 UK MAFVA Nationals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John Baumann [john.baumann@talk21.com] Subject: Old references I am sure that most of the old hands will remember the Modelworld issues with fondness. To my knowledge the bridging equipment articles have not been superseded, although I believe one or two were revamped in later editions of Airfix. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: John Baumann [john.baumann@talk21.com] Subject: Traction engines I have some traction engine drawings on file if these are of any use to anyone. Makes and dates unknown, but for the cost of an SAE I can forward. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: John Baumann [john.baumann@talk21.com] Subject: WW1 workshop bodies In response to Mike Cooper's request, London Group member Jeff Dorman, a superb 1/35-scale modeller, constructed a WW1 Workshop lorry some years ago which took an award at the Model Engineer Exhibition. I would suggest you obtain his details via Gary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: John Baumann [john.baumann@talk21.com] Subject: Models in 1/76 scale Further to Grant Parkin's enquiry, while there may not have been a comprehensive study of which kits are true 4mm, some of the Scottish MAFVA Centurion Newsletters featured articles on this very theme by devotees of accuracy. I can forward the index for the price of an SAE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: John Baumann [john.baumann@talk21.com] Subject: WANTED: Sealion barge details Has anyone got suitable drawings for any of the 'Operation Sealion' barges please? I have the usual references with pictures and some rough dimensions etc but no plans. Better still if I can locate drawings on an un-modified vessel. I know MGM are producing resins of these and they promised to send me details, but nothing has reached me to date. Contrary to what one fellow modeller stated, these barges were not all the same 'except for bows and stern fittings'. For a start, the Germans used converted Rhine barges, some Dutch carriers, and the more dilapidated but larger French Peniche. Alas, all three were different in length, breadth and draught. If someone can suggest a good web-site to search I would be obliged. Thanks in anticipation. JB This is probably worth posting on the Ship Modeller's Mailing List as well, being a boat-type query. You can subscribe by emailing to shipmodels@tac.com.au and typing "Subscribe" in the subject line. It is a daily digest like Think Tank and includes some of the most knowledgeable people in the ship modelling world. Indeed, it inspired this particular imitation ;-)) Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Grant Parkin [granty_p@hotmail.com] Subject: World War One tanks Dear Robert, In reply to Mike about WW1 tanks. 'Allegedly' the next release from Emhar will be an A7V in 1/72 scale. Raretanks did this model as a vac-form, roughly 76 scale kit, in the late 70s, early 80s. I've never seen this before so can't really comment, but if the Emhar rumour is true, what a welcome new kit this will be, even if it is 72 scale. Well you can't have it all ways, can you! The new Emhar 72 artillery kits contain two field guns per box, not one as is normal with some manufacturers. I bought the British and German sets at a recent show, and whilst the figures have no appeal for me the guns aren't bad for 'soft plastic'. @3.99 each the prices aren't bad if you just want the guns (like I did). I only wish their kits were 76 scale as this is still the preferred smaller scale. Welcome kits nonetheless. Hopefully Emhar will do a better job researching the shape of the thing than it managed with the British tanks. After all, it is not that much more difficult to get the thing right than wrong, considering that examples of all the subjects for their WW1 kits do exist in the world. Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: nickbalmer [nickbalmer@ukonline.co.uk] Subject: World War One workshop bodies There is a 1917 British workshop body undergoing restoration at Duxford at present. I was lucky enough to see this on a MAFVA visit in May this year. It is currently stripped down, but Curator Jack Livesey assumed us that it was very complete. Certainly parts of lathes, pillar drills and other machinery were present under dust sheets. It is hoped to mount it onto a Subsidy lorry that they have (sorry I have forgotten what model). Unfortunately members of the public have been levering bits off it when the staff's backs were turned. If you are offered a data plate of a machinery lorry, it was nicked earlier this year. Regards Nick Balmer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) From: PSmith6328@aol.com Subject: MSTAR system Can anybody help me with information on how the MSTAR mast stows on an OPV Warrior? I know it fits between the rear bins but does it break down into sections or is it telescopic? Any info would be gratefully accepted. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Tanks in odd places? Hello all, Hopefully we will all have enjoyed Beltring by the time you read this, however those that didn't make a long weekend of the show might have caught "Air Show" on BBC2, Thursday evening. Well, the show was at RAF Marham in Norfolk and in passing I noticed an SA-8 'Gecko', in green and I presume not an ex-Duxford machine, and a four-barrelled AA towed gun, sadly only glimpsed in a reflection in a window (should I get out more?). Now, I think either of these are particularly remarkable, both being "the enemy", less oblivious and of no clear link were a Chieftain (Mk.??) on a roundabout and an M110A2 parked nearby. Both of these were in superficially good condition, re-painted and looking shiny and bright in British Army colours (green/black). Can anyone add to this list, are AFVs common on RAF bases? Regards to all John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Listmaster Subject: 2000 UK MAFVA Nationals The results from this year's UK MAFVA National Championships will shortly be posted to the MAFVA website. There is likely to be photo coverage in at least two of the UK magazines as well as representatives from them were in attendance and Fraser Gray was observed taking copious pictures of many of the entries. Congratulations to Neil Hewlett for taking Best of Show with a very impressive scratchbuilt Guy FBAX GS truck and to all those other entrants who helped to make the day a success, whether or not they were rewarded with a certificate. It was also good to see several visitors from abroad, including Canada, the US and Australia. Interestingly, some 50% of the entries were small (1/48 or smaller) scale, which is perhaps surprising considering that that small scale modelling is reputedly "dead" these days. Finally, I wish to thank everyone who helped out by moving and laying out tables, acting as security guards, judging, and all the other thankless and boring tasks without which events like this would be unable to run. I hope you got to see more of the event than I did!. Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Lockie (Think Tank Listmaster) Visit the Miniature AFV Association website at http://homepages.go.com/~mafva/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume