29 June 2005

June Mystery Model #2 - This model is the other shoe dropping. If the warship design of Mystery Model #1 was glorious deliberate excess, the design for Mystery Model #2 was elegant efficiency Can you identify the name of the ship, scale of the model and name of manufacturer? Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

28 June 2005

June Mystery Model #1 - This one is a no brainer for topic and producer. However, it is now available for those modelers who like guns, lots and lots of guns. Can you identify the name of the ship, scale of the model and name of manufacturer? Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

23 June 2005

HMCS Ontario, Swiftsure Class Cruiser, 1:600 Scale - Commissioned on April 26, 1945 HMCS Ontario joined the 4th Cruiser Squadron of the British Pacific fleet. She paid off October 15, 1958. A Swiftsure class cruiser this is a 1/600 Airfix kit bash by Steven Collins from Belfast and Tiger. Ontario shares the same bridge structure as Belfast but the hull is identical to Tiger, except that Ontario has 4 shafts. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

22 June 2005

SMS Radetzky, K.u.K. Austro-Hungarian Battleship at Pola Harbor, NNT 1:700 Scale - The diorama by Peter Plattner of Vienna features the SMS Radetzky moored at her buoy in Pola harbour. The Radetzky class was the last pre dreadnought battleships of the Austro Hungarian Navy. The major parts of the Radetzky are from the NNT kit in 1:700 scale, a highly recommended kit. Gun barrels are turned from brass. A couple of photo-etched items helped to finish the model. Added to the Diorama Gallery.

20 June 2005

HMS Agincourt, British Battleship 1:550 Scale – This is a scratch-built HMS Agincourt in 1:550 scale. G. Shoda used the plans in R. A. Burt’s British Battleships of World War One in his build. The model portrays the "Gin Palace" after the flying boat decks over the amidships turrets were removed. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

17 June 2005

HMS Queen Mary, British Battle Cruiser, NNT 1:700 Scale - Here are photographs of the NNT HMS Queen Mary, built by none other than Norbert Thiel of NNT. Norbert used his High-Tech kit and additional railings from Eduard for the complex rigging. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

HMS Vanguard, The Last British Battleship, HP/Fun Arrowmodels 1:700 Scale - These are pictures of the 1:700 scale HP-Fun/Arrowmodels HMS Vanguard, built by Christoph Mentzel. This ship is the last of the long line of battleships for the Royal Navy. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

16 June 2005

CSS Palmetto State, The Ladies' Gunboat, Cottage Industry Models 1:96 Scale - Charleston, South Carolina is known for its grace, charm and of course Southern hospitality but early in 1863 the Yankee blockading squadron had overstayed its welcome. The southern ram ironclads CSS Palmetto State and Chicora went out to greet the blockaders. Early in the morning of January 30, 1863 both ironclads made for the harbor entrance as they steamed past Fort Sumter. On that night the moon was only three days short of full, so there was plenty of light, even though it was in the middle of the night. Outside of the harbor the Union blockading squadron had no idea as to what was about to descend upon them. Cottage Industry Models produces an 1:96 scale model of one of the most successful ironclads of the Confederacy, CSS Palmetto State. Review by Steve Backer. Added to Reviews in the American Civil War Section.

15 June 2005

Tonijn, Modern Netherlands Submarine, Artitec 1:350 Scale - The submarine is the Dutch Tonijn from Artitec Models in 1:350 scale built by Oliviero Voyak. The sailors are photo-etched items. Added to the Submarine Gallery.

14 June 2005

USS Oriskany CVA-34, Jim Shirley Productions 1:700 Scale - With all of the talk about various versions and models of the Essex Class and especially the modernized USS Oriskany, many may like to see a long out of production model of the "Mighty O". This is the Jim Shirley Productions USS Oriskany CVA-34 in 1:700 scale built by Christoph Mentzel. Added to the Aircraft Carrier Gallery.

11 June 2005

Of Harpoons & Helicopters, Modern USN Detail Parts, Veteran Model 1:350 Scale - Very few modelers have heard of Veteran Model, unless you happen to live in Taiwan. Although Veteran Model is from Taiwan and started in specializing in producing 1:700 Scale Models of the warships of the Republic of China. They are also considering doing packages of Modern USN parts in 1:350 scale. Added to the Reviews under the Photo-Etch and Accessories Section.

9 June 2005

HMCS Stratford, Bangor Class Minelayer, 1:192 Scale - These are photographs of the model of the HMCS Stratford. The model is entirely scratch-built in 1:192 scale by Charles Matthews. The hull is a resin copy of his master, which was made from balsa wood and covered with sheet plastic plating. Everything else is made from bits of plastic, brass and resin. The pilot house is entirely open . The railing and stairways are from Gold Medal Models Photo-Etch in 1:192 scale. Added to the Transport and Auxiliaries Gallery.

Museum Mystery Warship Photographs - Here is a chance to help catalog a number of photographs received by the Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum located at the naval base at Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada. Over the years the museum has accumulated a large number of warship photographs that were not labeled or labeled incorrectly. The museum would appreciate any assistance rendered in their efforts to correctly identify and catalog these images for digital storage. Added to the Archives Section.

8 June 2005

HMS Royal Sovereign 1892, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The HMS Royal Sovereign was the first battleships design of the new Director of Naval Construction (DNC) William White. With this design the Royal Navy ended a period of hodge-podge designs and the overall design became the pattern established by the RN for their battleships. Peter Fulgoney has built HMS Royal Sovereign as she appeared in her full Victorian splendor in 1892 from the Combrig kit in 1:700 scale. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

7 June 2005

Royal Navy LCI-252, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale -Well, this LCI might be one day late for D-Day but it is still an allied effort. Piloted by Canadian Ryan Cameron, it represents an British and Canadian version of an American built craft. The model also reflects the allied effort with an American craft, photo-etch from the USA, paints from Great Britain and Oerlikon details from the Free French of L'Arsenal. This is the Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 scale LCI. Ryan Cameron converted it into a RN/RCN version by chopping down the wheelhouse and rebuilt all deck details from photos. Added to the Transports & Auxiliaries Gallery.

6 June 2005

Bofors Twin 40mm AA Gun Tubs & Ammunition Racks, L'Arsenal 1:350 Scale - L'Arsenal has long been known as one of the leading producers of multimedia models and super-detail parts to augment scratch-built kits and the models produced by other manufacturers. This item is a package of super-detail parts for the Bofors twin 40mm AA gun tubs in 1:350 scale. Added to the Reviews under the Photo-Etch & Accessories Section.

USS Cimarron AO-177, 1:350 Scale - From the Land of Oz comes John Sykes with his USS Cimarron AO-177. Here are some photos of John's 1:350 scale USS Cimarron (AO177) oiler that he built last year. It is completely scratch-built other than the Phalanx guns and some of the boat gear. Added to the Transports & Auxiliaries Gallery.

5 June 2005

Regia Marina - Coming Attractions - How about some glimpses of coming attractions from Regia Marina. One shows one of the photo-etch frets from the Regia Marina Roma. The Roma was different from the earlier two sisterships, Vittorio Veneto and Littorio. Another photograph shows photo-etch for machine guns. The third photograph, well, make up your own mind about that one. Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

USS Cone DD-866, Fram I Destroyer, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - This is a model of the ship on which John Crawford was stationed in 1965-68. It is the USS Cone, DD 866 Fram 1 Gearing Class destroyer. Built in 1945 and sold to Pakistan in 1982. The kit is the Commanders/Iron Shipwright, Fram 1 Johnston 1:350 scale. Added to the Destroyer Gallery.

4 June 2005

USS Springfield CLG-7, Providence Class Missile Cruiser, Ships & CO. 1:700 Scale - This is a test build by Maurizio Chiaro of the USS Springfield CLG-7, Providence Class missile cruiser, built on a hot night in June in Italy. This kit will be available from Ships & Co. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

3 June 2005

USS North Carolina Photo-Etch Super Set, Toms Modelworks 1:350 Scale - Only photo-etch is capable of the fine detail needed for some parts for the new Trumpeter 1:350 scale USS North Carolina. One of the fastest companies off the mark in providing this essential detail is Toms Modelworks with their set #3553. Toms provides a three-fret superset to super detail your Showboat, so she can be ready for the Big Show. Added to the Reviews under the Photo-Etch & Accessories Section.

2 June 2005

USS Truxtun CGN-35, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - These are pictures of the 1:350 scale USS Truxtun from Commanders/Iron Shipwright models. Ken Mackenzie served on her from 1979 to 1983 and built his former ship from the ISW kit.. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

1 June 2005

Evolution of the Later C Class Cruisers of the Royal Navy - Built during World War One to support the battle fleet, these cruisers did not have the range for a trade route protection mission. Between the wars the Royal Navy was in forefront of development of anti-aircraft defense for the fleet. Early in the 1930s it was decided to convert the Later C Class cruisers to fulfill a new mission, that of an AA cruiser. A great number of different fits were given to these ships, so they could be very different in appearance from one another. These plans and profiles show the evolution of the ships of the Ceres and Carlisle Classes from original World War One fit with 6-inch guns for surface action to the various AA fits which these cruisers adopted for World War Two. All drawings are by John Dominy, who retains copyright, and were received from Alan Raven, who is certainly no stranger to the cruisers of the Royal Navy. Added to the Feature Articles Section.

31 May 2005

U-96 Type VIIc U-Boat, Revell 1:125 Scale - This is the Revell 1:125 scale U-boat sold as U-99. Joe Passaseo chose to model U-96 as seen mid war. Joe did a lot of modifications and scratch-building on the kit until it passed his muster. Added to the Submarine Gallery.

30 May 2005

USS Oriskany CV-34, Last of the Essex Class - For this Memorial Day, May 30, 2005, the Essex Class aircraft carriers can be remembered, as well as the men that served aboard them. Built in greater numbers than any other fleet carrier, a handful are still left. Four are museum ships but that is not the fate reserved for USS Oriskany CV-34, the last Essex to be completed. Added to the Aircraft Carriers Section of Warship Photo Tours.

29 May 2005

Chance Vought F7U-3M "Cutlass" Jet Fighter - For anyone who grew up in the 1950s, one of the most memorable aircraft was the Chance Vought F7U "Cutlass". With its bat like shape and futuristic design, it seemed the very epitome of an advanced naval fighter. Every model company worth its salt had a version of the fighter and they also appeared as deck candy on carrier kits such as the Revell modernized USS Essex. However, all was not as it seemed. In the days before fly by wire and computers, the Cutlass was a difficult beast to fly and fully one fourth of the aircraft of the production run were lost in accidents. Fortunately the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola Naval Air Station has a copy of this interesting aircraft. Added to the Naval Aviation Section of Warship Photo Tours.

28 May 2005

USS Kalinin Bay, Casablanca Class Escort Carrier, National Museum of Naval Aviation, 1:96 Scale - How many modelers have their work displayed under the wing of a genuine F4F Wildcat? Bill Waldorf does as his scratch-built USS Kalinin Bay CVE-68 is prominently displayed with a real F4F Wildcat as the overhead backdrop at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Added to the Carrier Gallery.

27 May 2005

Bois Belleau, French Light Aircraft Carrier, 1:350 Scale - This is a 1:350 scale model of the Bois Belleau R97 of the French Marine Nationale. Of course it was originally the USS Belleau Wood, Independence Class light aircraft carrier. The ship was named after a World War One battle in France in which the USMC successfully countered the German Army and the name was Anglicized from the original French. When the carrier was transferred to France, the French Navy changed the name back to the original French. This model is scratch-built by French master builder, Pierre Marchal. Added to the Carrier Gallery.

25 May 2005

RN Pola, Italian Zara Class Heavy Cruiser, Mini Hobby Models 1:350 Scale - These photographs show the Regia Nave POLA, last of the Zara Class Italian heavy cruisers. The model is from Mini Hobby Models in 1:350 Scale and was built by Luciano Rizzato, a member of the Italian model club, Modellistica Monfalconese. Generic brass photo-etch was added from Toms Modelworks. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

24 May 2005

USS Maryland BB-46 1935 - These are pictures of the USS Maryland (BB-46) in 1935 based upon drawings by Alan Chesley. Records show that G. Shoda completed it in November 1996 and that he worked on it off and on for seven months. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

23 May 2005

Russian Deck Vehicles for the Admiral Kuznetsov, Brass Photo-Etch Set, White Ensign Models 1:350 Scale - Is your build of the Trumpeter 1:350 scale kit of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov organized? Are you up for the long haul? Without the latest set from Peter Hall and White Ensign Models, your brass teamsters won't have the big rigs that they need to haul the goods on this big Russian flat top. Added to Reviews under the Photo-Etch Section.

19 May 2005

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CV-42 1954, Original Revell 1954 Release - Come with us now to the days of Yester-Yore, when things were simpler and a fleet was a fleet. Get into the Way-Back Machine for a quick trip to the days of the Cisco Kid, and Ozzie and Harriet. Travel a half a century into the past to see injected plastic warship models in their infancy. Welcome to this edition of Blast from the Past, where we will examine the grand-pappy of all plastic aircraft carrier models, the original 1954 Revell release of the Franklin D. Roosevelt. Review by Steve Backer. Added to Reviews under Aircraft Carriers Section.

18 May 2005

I-400, Giant Japanese Submarine, Pit-Road 1:700 Scale - Ralph Kuo of Taiwan built this kit of the giant Japanese submarine I-400. The model is by Pit-Road in 1:700 scale. Added to the Submarine Gallery.

17 May 2005

Maya, Takao Class Heavy Cruiser October 1944, Super-Detailed Pitroad Kit 1:700 Scale - So you think you have to keep adding detail to a model before it is finished? Consider the case of Claudio Matteini from Ancona, Italy. He started with the 1:700 scale Japanese heavy cruiser Maya from Pit-Road. The kit starts with over 200 parts, however, Claudio was not satisfied until he had assembled over 3,500 parts into this 1:700 scale cruiser. Added to Feature Articles Section.

16 May 2005

USS Essex CVA-9, Essex Class Carrier in the Korean War - One of the squadrons assigned to USS Essex CVA-9 during a Korean War tour over the winter of 1952-53 was VF-821, an activated naval reserve squadron based in New Orleans, Louisiana. VF-821 was flying the Panther F9F-2 and one of the squadron members was AE2C Gerald Warneke, who took these photographs. Gerald's son, Jon Warneke, sent in the photographs. Added to the Photo Tours in the Aircraft Carriers Section.

12 May 2005

Wiener Modellbau Manufactur - SteelNavy is pleased to welcome Wiener Modellbau Manufactur of Vienna, Austria as a new sponsor. WMM produces many fine models of aircraft, armor figures, accessories and of course, ships. Based in Austria, it is not surprising that the warship kits of WMM are of subjects of the K.u.K. Imperial Austro-Hungarian Navy. The WMM icon/link can be found on the main page.

SMS Dukla, Triglav Class K.u.K. Austo-Hungarian Destroyer 1917, Wiener Modellbau Manufactur 1:350 Scale - Based on the 1912 and 1913 Tatra Class destroyers, the Austro-Hungarian Navy ordered four more large destroyers in 1916 to replace losses. These four were called the Triglav or Replacement Triglav Class. Peter Plattner of Wiener Modellbau Manufactur provides a preview in text and photographs of his latest kit from the model company in Vienna, Austria, a 1:350 scale model of the Triglav Class destroyer, which can be built as any of the four in the class. Found in the Reviews in the Destroyer Section.

11 May 2005

USS Tortuga LSD-26, Lindberg, Box-Scale - Ah, Lindberg, a name that evokes memories of the past. However, Lindberg is still kicking and here is one model by the company that builds into a surprisingly nice reproduction. Or at least that is how it looks from this build of USS Tortuga LSD-26 from Lindberg built by Kevin Mickna. Added to the Auxiliaries Gallery.

10 May 2005

SMS Zrinyi, K.u.K. Austo-Hungarian Battleship, NNT 1:700 Scale - This is the Austrian battleship SMS Zrinyi built by Frank O'Neill. It is the 1:700 scale NNT kit with Tom's Modelworks brass railings added. Rigging is done with 0.002" monofilament line and weathering, washes, dry-brushing etc. was done to bring out the details. The funnels were scratch-built from aluminum tubing and scored with a tubing cutter. Steam pipes were added with brass rod. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

9 May 2005

USS Randolph CV-15, Essex Class 1944, Dragon Models 1:700 Scale - Dragon Models has released another classic in 1:700 scale. This time it is the USS Randolph CV-15 1944 fit, showing an early version of the long-hull variant. The kit furnishes a tremendous amount of detail for the price. With over 500 parts, brass photo-etch fret, comprehensive decal sheet and a huge number of options for the modeler, the modeler can build the early long hull version of the class with a great degree of detail. Review by Steve Backer. Added to Reviews under Aircraft Carriers Section.

8 May 2005

Pacific Front May 2005 Update - With summer coming on it is time to reinforce the fleet with models and books from Bill Gruner's May 2005 Update for Pacific Front.

HMS Suffolk, County Class Heavy Cruiser 1944, Airfix 1:600 Scale - The Airfix 1:600 scale HMS Suffolk, County Class heavy cruiser, has been around for some time. However, it still can be built into an attractive model. Mark Leonard decided to build the Suffolk as she appeared in 1944 with the use of White Ensign Models photo-etch and accessories. Added to the Cruisers Gallery.

5 May 2005

Fairey Swordfish, British Torpedo Bombers, L'Arsenal 1:400 Scale - L'Arsenal has released a beautiful set of Fairey Swordfish in 1:400 scale. This set provides for resin and stainless steel photo-etch parts for five of these famous Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) torpedo bombers. Four can be built with wings extended and one with wings folded. Detail included relief etched photo-etch wings and even resin torpedoes with photo-etch fins. Added to the Reviews under the Brass Photo-Etch & Accessories section.

4 May 2005

USS North Carolina BB-55, Trumpeter 1:350 Scale - For some time modelers have been asking, "Has any one seen the Trumpeter North Carolina? What is it like?" You need no longer be in the dark because Guido Hopp has filed a full reconnaissance report in photographs and text on the USS North Carolina in 1:350 Scale from Trumpeter. Thanks to Guido, you can see that there is smooth sailing ahead. Added to the Reviews Section under Battleships.

3 May 2005

HMS Queen Elizabeth, Flagship Atlantic Fleet 1922, Modified White Ensign Models Kit 1:700 Scale - The HMS Queen Elizabeth 1918 from White Ensign Models in 1:700 scale is an award winner right from the box but Jim Baumann chose to use the kit as a basis for the depiction of the QE as she appeared from 1922 to 1924 as flagship of the Atlantic Fleet. In this article Jim tells and shows you how he did it. Added to the Feature Articles Section.

2 May 2005

HMS Ark Royal (IV), British Aircraft Carrier, Fujimi 1:700 Scale - This is the HMS Ark Royal (IV). Chee Wee Sim built this model from the Fujimi 1:700 scale kit. Added to the Aircraft Carrier Gallery.

1 May 2005

Dvenadsat Apostolov, Russian Battleship, Combrig 1:700 Scale - This is Combrig's 1:700 scale "Dvenadsat Apostolov" (12 Apostles) that Bob Cicconi recently completed. He acquired the model from Pacific Front Hobbies and added photo-etched rails, scratch-built masts, extra tertiary armament, and stretched sprue rigging. It is shown at anchor circa 1900. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

29 April 2005

Admiral Makarov Project 1134A Berkut A Kresta II, Combrig 1:700 Scale - The Admiral Makarov was the fourth of the ten ship class of Large Antisubmarine Ships (BPK) of Project 1134A Berkut A, NATO Code name Kresta II. A derivation of the previous Project 1134 Berkut, Kresta I, this class changed missions with a true ASW capability, rather than being a Rocket Cruiser (RKR) with a name change, as was the Kresta I. Combrig now has released models of four ships in the class, including the Admiral Makarov, in 1:700 scale. Review by Steve Backer. Added to the Reviews under the Cruisers section.

28 April 2005

Tone, Japanese Heavy Cruiser 1942, Minekaze 1:350 Scale - Jean Barby is with Air France, so he gets around. On one trip to Japan he acquired a copy of the Japanese Heavy cruiser Tone in 1:350 scale directly from the manufacturer Minekaze. This model depicts the cruiser in late 1942 at the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

27 April 2005

Admiral Kuznetsov, Russian Aircraft Carrier, Brass Photo-Etch Detail Set, Gold Medal Models 1:350 Scale - The first of the brass super sets for the Trumpeter 1:350 scale Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, has cruised into the Barents Sea and everywhere else, ready to join your Red Banner Northern Fleet. Loren Perry and Gold Medal Models have all of the detail any modeler could want for this big Russian in 1:350 scale. Added to the Reviews under the Brass Photo-Etch & Accessories section.

26 April 2005

USS Arizona with Full Interior, Modified Banner Kit 1:350 Scale - So you like to build model warships. You like to have them as faithful to the original as possible. Does your favorite build have an engine room with machinery? How about a boiler room with boilers? Interior barbettes? Magazines? Interior compartments? Well Glen Van Olden built his 1:350 scale Banner Arizona with all of the above! You decide, mad genius or one sick puppy! Added to the Feature Articles Section.

Mikuma, Japanese Light Cruiser 1937, Yankee Modelworks 1:350 Scale - Quintin Trammell seems to be pretty excited about his 1:350 scale Japanese cruiser Mikuma, 1937 fit, from Yankee Modelworks. Although Quintin has sent in many photographs before, he has never sent in photos showing just the parts dry-fitted. Seems like we will see it later on when he finishes the Mikuma. Added to the Cruiser Gallery.

25 April 2005

Ramming of the PT-109 August 1943 in 1:700 Scale - This diorama depicts the moment before the impact of the Japanese destroyer Amagiri into the PT-109, commanded by John F. Kennedy, in August 1943. Pete Randall used Tamiya Japanese destroyer kits for the Amagiri and the White Ensign Models PT-109. Added to the Diorama Gallery.

22 April 2005

USS Lexington CV-2, Brass Photo-Etch Detail Set, Tom's Modelworks 1:350 Scale - For the newest contestant in the Great Lexington Photo-Etch Derby we have set #3552, USS Lexington CV2 Trumpeter of China photo-etch super-detail set from Tom’s Modelworks. Tom’s provides two full sets of detail, which encompass not only the necessary standard gear for your Trumpeter Lexington, but also some extra goodies that go above and beyond the commonplace. Added to the Reviews under the Brass Photo-Etch & Accessories section.

21 April 2005

Work in Progress, April 2005 - Here are some products in the course of development. One set of photographs shows decals in 1:350 scale for Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW7) for the aircraft of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the late 1970s. The other product shows the progress made on the master of March Mystery Model #3. Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

20 April 2005

HMS Indomitable, Plan View of Flight Deck as Built 1941 - This is a drawing of the plan view of the flight deck of HMS Indomitable as built in 1941. It was drafted by Alan Raven and is presented courtesy of WR Press. Almost all annotations are found on the upper edge of the drawing, the port side of Indomitable, but normally apply to the starboard side as well, as indicated by the annotation p&s (port & starboard). Any are marked "A" indicates the presence of a safety net. HMS Indomitable was the fourth and last of the Illustrious Class Aircraft Carrier of the Royal Navy. Added to the Feature Articles Section.

19 April 2005

Almost two months ago, on February 21, 2005, the following review of the Old Steam Navy CSS Arkansas was posted. However, the review was only available for a couple of days because Old Steam Navy wished to redo some of the parts to make them better. That has now been done and the revised review is now again available, including photographs of some of the new parts.

CSS Arkansas, Red Ironclad of the Mississippi, Old Steam Navy 1:96 Scale - The operational life of the Confederate Steam Ram CSS Arkansas spanned the period of July 12 to August 6, 1862 but it was 25 days of glory. The Arkansas defied two Union squadrons and successfully fought three battles in one day. Through the skill and courage of her crew the Confederacy won a strategic victory, which was promptly thrown away by General Earl Van Dorn, CSA. Old Steam Navy has produced a 1:96 scale model of the fighting ironclad. Review by Steve Backer. Added to the Reviews under the American Civil War section.

Krasin to the Rescue, Soviet Icebreaker July 11, 1928, Combrig 1:700 Scale - Peter Fulgoney has built the Combrig 1:700 scale kit of the Soviet Icebreaker Krasin to depict her on July 11, 1928. She was already famous for coming to the rescue of ships of many nations, however, the greatest world fame came from the rescue of a crew of an airship. Added to the Diorama Gallery.

18 April 2005

RN Vittorio Veneto, Italian Battleship 1943, Regia Marina 1:700 Scale - This is the Regia Marina 1:700 scale Vittorio Veneto in it’s 1943 configuration. Joe Simon used White Ensign Models Colourcoats paints and rigging. The masts and yardarms are scratch-built. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

17 April 2005

Type IXB U-Boat, Academy 1:150 Scale - This is the Type IX-B U-Boat model in 1:150 scale from Academy. It started out as a RC diving model but Joe Passaseo of Montreal, Canada discarded the toy diving gear and added true to scale diving gear. The conning tower was rebuilt and detail added. Added to the Submarine Gallery.

13 April 2005

USS South Dakota, Washington Cherry Tree Battleship Design 1921, Imperial Hobby Productions 1:700 Scale - Hearing Mike Bartel's cries from the Wilderness for more IHP subjects for the gallery, Tim Denning has come steaming to the rescue. This is the USS South Dakota battleship design which was cancelled as result of the 1922 Washington Treaty. The model is in 1:700 scale from Imperial Hobby Productions. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

12 April 2005

USS Lexington CV-2, Brass Photo-Etch Detail Set, Yankee Modelworks 1:350 Scale - Welcome race fans, to the great Lady Lex Photo-Etch Derby. A mighty gathering of photo-etch fillies have come together for this first major photo-etch race of 2005. All of the established favorites are there but for this event the first to cross the finish line is the first time photo-etch set effort of Yankee Modelworks. YMW designed this two fret set specifically for the Trumpeter 1:350 scale Lexington. Added to the Reviews under the Brass Photo-Etch & Accessories section.

11 April 2005

HMS Queen Mary, Lion Class Battlecruiser, NNT 1:700 Scale, Photographic Preview - These photographs are fresh from NNT. They portray the new NNT model of HMS Queen Mary, modified Lion Class battlecruiser. NNT has the Queen Mary kit ready to go in 1:700 scale. Added to the Reviews under the Battleship section.

9 April 2005

April Mystery Model #1 - These photographs show the master pattern of a model that will appear. This particular producer is known for the exceptional quality of their products. You can be certain that when released, the model will be a superb product. Can you identify the name of the ship, scale of the model and name of manufacturer? Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

8 April 2005

USS Princeton CV-37, Essex Class Carrier in the Korean War - If you like the Essex Class carrier of the Grumann F9F Panther, you'll appreciate these photographs taken aboard USS Princeton CV-37 during the Korean War. These photos are from the collection of Ted Kauffman, who was the Catapult officer on the Princeton at the time. They were submitted by Alan Roy Millen, Ted Kauffman's son-in-law. Added to the Warship Photo Tours Section.

7 April 2005

USS Arkansas BB-33 1944, 1:192 Scale - These are photographs of the USS Arkansas BB-33 1944. Bill Everett scratch-built the ship in 1:192 scale using Floating Drydock plans and parts from HR Products and Bluejacket Marine. Added to the Battleship Gallery.

6 April 2005

Ray D. Bean's Secret Life as Naval Aviator - Most SteelNavy readers know Ray D. Bean as a photographer from Winnipeg, Canada. Some my know Ray a a charter member of the Cabal of Kit Consultants. However, Ray's love for the ships of the USN is based on his secret career as naval aviator. In this rare series of photographs, Ray's aviation career is chronicled. Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.

5 April 2005

USS Essex CV-9, Essex Class 1943-1944, Dragon Models 1:700 Scale - Dragon Models has released a new classic in 1:700 scale. This is the USS Essex CV-9 1943-1944 fit. The kit furnishes a tremendous amount of detail for the price. With over 500 parts, brass photo-etch fret, comprehensive decal sheet and a huge number of options for the modeler, the modeler can build the first of the class to a great degree of detail. Review by Steve Backer. Added to the Reviews under the Aircraft Carrier section.

4 April 2005

ORP Conrad, Polish D Class Light Cruiser 1944, Niko Model 1:700 Scale - Some ship designs seem to be caught between two wars. The Royal Navy D Class light cruiser was one of these designs. The first three were ordered in 1916 and two of these became the only two cruisers of the Polish Navy in World War Two. HMS Danae, the first of the D Class was transferred to the Polish Navy and renamed ORP Conrad in 1944 as a replacement for her sistership, ORP Dragon which was sunk off Caen, one week after D-Day. The newest 1:700 scale kit from Niko Model is the ORP Conrad, a unique mixture of old and new. Review by Steve Backer. Added to the Reviews under the Cruiser section.

2 April 2005

Model Barrels, Steve's CNC Cut Brass Replacement Barrels - Although there are a number of manufacturers that produce brass barrels in 1:700 scale, where do you go to find ordnance in a larger scale? The answer is Model Barrels, Steve Nuttall's emporium of excellent ordnance. This article examines two sets of 1:350 brass barrels from Model Barrels, the Royal Navy 12-Inch/45 Mk X and 15-Inch/42 Mk I. Added to the Reviews under the Brass Photo-Etch & Accessories section.

April 1, 2005

HMS Invincible, The First Battlecruiser December 1914, Commanders/Iron Shipwright 1:350 Scale - Admiral Jackie Fisher loved speed and when he became the First Sea Lord of the Admiralty in 1904 one of his first actions was to assemble a board to determine the next British battleship design, which was to become the HMS Dreadnought. The second order of business was to design a new armored cruiser design, which went further in departure in that type than Dreadnought did with the battleship type. That design became the HMS Invincible, the first of the battlecruisers. Commanders/Iron Shipwright has produced a 1:350 scale limited production kit of Fisher's beloved "Greyhound of the Sea". Review by Steve Backer. Added to the Reviews under the Battleships section.

Men of the Bainbridge - In the modern nuclear United States Navy, the only types of warships now on roll are either aircraft carriers or submarines. At one time however, there was another type, the CGN. Why did the navy decommission all CGNs? Who knows? What is known is that crewmen of the CGNs were a special breed and there are none more special than those proud veterans of USS Bainbridge CGN-25. On this April 1, 2005, we will take a candid look at it took to be a Man of the Bainbridge. Added to the Miscellaneous Gallery.