Obviously, like so many German projects, there was a prototype, but it seems iot was never really fielded.

Look at this and even wierder clearing vihicles at

http://strangevehicles.greyfalcon.us/Alkett.htm


Guido

I figure I should post what I plan on building.

I am wanting to build a small vignette of a large mine washed up on a beach somewhere with two British officers standing near it looking it over. I want to show it with a busted mooring line, some rust and maybe some barely legible German, or Japanese, markings. I plan on using two Italeri British officer figures and I am going to scratch-build the mine. That is about all I have planned so far.

Harv

Randy-
That sounds like a great project!
Cheers,
Guido

Interesting sounding project Harv.

As an aside to the Abdiel class, I have got my hands on these guys.



Am thinking Normandy beachhead, small vignette, probably only using 3 out of the 4 figures, but will will see how it goes.

Si

Nice one, Simon!
Looking forward to this!

On another note I am happy to announce that WEM has collected enough orders to start a production re-run of their Ledbury kit.
This production run is almost sold out, so if you are interested, better place your pre-order quickly. It is highly unlikely that the kit will re-enter the program permanently.

WEM 1/350 HMS Ledbury

Cheers,
Guido

Gentlemen-
Late last year L'Arsenal released the Korean/Cold War design Aggressive Class Minesweeper Ocean in 1/350. This kit just begs to be built for this campaign.
I have put together a review, which should be available in a couple of days in the NEWS/REVIEW section.



Cheers,
Guido

Quick question, if a subject has mine detecting equipment on it but is not a dedicated mine sweeper/layer is that acceptable for this campaign?

Hi, Jeremy!
(We talk a lot today, don't we? )
To answer the question: Maybe!
You know even Bismarck had mine clearning equiment, but she wasn't really famous for that, was she?
Put the cards on the table, man! What do you have in mind?

Guido

Yes indeed we have
I'm thinking the U.S.S. Independence LCS-2, what do you guys think?

Jeremy-
I have been brushing up my reading on cutting edge mine sweeping technology and find that the LCS indeed are to receive so called Mission Packages, indeed, one of which is a RMV (Remote Mine-hunting Vehilce) package.
According to the mission profile the LCS will receive a 20' container, which will hold a complete mine hunting OP center and RMVs. (In that the system takes after the system used on the Tripartite Rover system of the Dutch/Belgian/French navy). I haven't been able to ascertain, if the "package" will be stored on the aft platform or somewhere inside the vessel.
I tend to think that it will be stowed on the inside, otherwise it would probably mess up the low radar profile concept of these ships.
Now putting all that equipment inside and just say "This is LCS-2 on a anti mining mission" won't do. It would be like modelling of a 10x10 sea scape and say "This is a type VII-D laying mines off Portsmouth- submerged of cause".
You would need to show the LCS while loading or deploying the equipment, I'd say. In that of cause you'll have all freedoms of an artist.
That OK wth you?

Cheers,
Guido

RVM deployment pic

NDM article from 2009

]LCS on film

Gentlemen-
the review of the MSO wen't online yesterday.
L'Arsenal - 1/350 Minesweeper Ocean (MSO)
Please have a look.
Cheers,
Guido

Thanks for the links Guido, lots of great information
This is the kit I'm looking at:
http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=CHC1051
It includes a mine detection device that is stored internally and deployed underneath the hull when in use.
I don't know if this is intended to be used in conjunction with an RMV, but I do know that the kit does not include an RMV. Would I be able to purchase one of these separately?

Jeremy-
The Dragon LCS-2 looks really good. I am certain that there is not RMV available as a 1/350 kit. However these shouldn't be all too difficult to scratch-build






Picture from the Lockheed Martin page.

Oh here is some more very useful information on MSW

Here on MSW

Cheers,
Guido

Thanks Guido! I've never scratchbuilt anything before so I'll need your guys' help if I choose to stick with the LCS-2.

That's what we are here for!
Count on the help of the modellers collective.
You'll see that scratch building is about half as hard as it sounds!
Cheers,
Guido

Very good then, I'll start looking for more references

Hey Guido,
I have been looking and looking and here is what I came up with


can i enter with these guys looking for mines in a roadbed

By all means Yes, Sal!
I am looking forward to see you diorama!
Cheers,
Guido

I have not completely decided what to do for this campaign yet. However, I have done some research into the use of air dropped sea mines and the aircraft used to lay seamines.

It turns out the US are using a very clever method of changing a normal Mk. 82 bomb into a swallow water seamine to mine harbours, coastlines, riverways etc. The fuse is simply changed making the bomb into a magnetic or acustic seamine.
This mine is called the Mk. 62 quickstrike mine. I am planning to convert a full bombload for an 1/48 A-6E Intruder into quickstike mines. I will use the Monogram/Revell 1/48 kit.

This should turn out to be an interesting little project. I might change my mind again, but at least this is top of my list now.

Oh, yeah!
I am all for it! I hope you'll be able to do a good detailed WIP for us, as dealingwith such old treasures is always fun to look at!
Cheers,
Guido

Change of plans Guido, I'm going to go with the 1/700 Pit Road JMSDF DD113 Yamagumo / Hatsushima Minesweeper. I need to learn how to make a simple but nice looking water base since I am going to be working with waterline models..

Ask and you shall be given:

Devine Waterline

Cheers,
Guido

Great, thanks Guido!

There were a lot of broken image links, but I think that your method on the bottom pg 6 looks perfect for my 1/700 waterline projects. I'll ask you more about it once I get to that point

Gentlemen-
We have - roughly - 12 weeks to go until the start of the SOD campaign.
It's time to think about ordering your kits and goodies and have your references available for action.
Without taking any commercial interest, I want to point you towards the WEM 1/350 HMS Ledbury kit, again. WEM is now cashing in pre-orders, so the kit should be ready to ship any second now! According to WEM's own Dave Carter the production run will not be repeated any time soon, so get your kit while they're on the shelf.
I will have a review Ready for you as soon as the kit drops into my lap.
Cheers,
Guido

PS.: As an appitizer , here are number of moored contact and air deployed bottom magnetic mines as used in the German navy during the cold war.
If you ever get to Wilhelmshaven, don't miss out on visiting the local Marine Museum.

TicToc, gentlemen!
Three weeks to the day until we embark on our mission.
Time to get your gear ready.
Guido