BMK announces the latest releases of their turned brass barrels. First up is the 4,1"/65 (10,5cm/65) Gun Barrels 1:350 version 2. These MS 58 alloy barrels can be used for the German Deutschland, Scharnhorst, Bismarck, "H," Admiral Hipper and Prinz Eugen classes as well as the French Guichen. These barrels are priced at $1.45 each. Next up is the 16 piece 5.25" (13,3cm) Gun Barrel 1:400. These barrels are for the Heller "King Georg V" and can also be used for the "Duke of York", "Anson", "Howe", "Dido", "Spartan", "Lion" and the Vanguard-class. This 16 piece set retails for $23.20.

Model Art announces their latest two releases in their maritime series of books. The first new title is the Super Illustration "Japanese Battleship Yamato" with English translations. This looks like another one of those “must have” have books for all the Yamato fans. Next up from Model Art is the Water Line Model Special #27 - The Operations in North Pacific (Aleutian Operation to Kiska Evacuation Operation). This special edition will cover the participants in the often forgotten naval battle of the north Pacific. The price of these titles have yet to be announced. Availability is upcoming.

Iron Bottom Sound goes the extra mile to give the modeler everything they would need to make an accurate USN submarine. Mario from IBS has announced that all IBS 1/144 and 1/72 conning towers and sails will include the new Flood Hole Template. Mario also goes on to say that if you have bought an aftermarket sail or conning tower from IBS before this template was available, please contact him and IBS will issue you one for free.

Dragon Models goes back in time to World War 2 with their upcoming 1/350 release. Coming soon, the 1/350 USS Buchanan DD-484 will mark the first time a pre-Fletcher class destroyer is released in 1/350 scale. Loaded with details, Dragon offers us a Premium Edition right from the start with the inclusion of a photo etch fret. This kit features two different 5” barrels, on that can be elevated and the other with a molded blast bag. This kit represents the early war USS Buchanan. The release date and price has yet to be announced.

This year's Nürnberg Toy Fair is proving to be quite exciting for model shipwrights. Italeri has brought out the big guns with their 1/35 S-100 Schnellboote this year. Also from Italeri, we can expect a 1/35 Elco '80 PT Boat crew, 1/35 Schnellboote crew and a 1/72 MAS 500.

Here are some photos of the Schnellboote.

Do you like to build small scale ships? How about really small scale ships? Hobby Boss enters the super small model ship world with their latest offerings. Available now, the 1/1250 USS Ticonderoga CG47, 1/1250 USS Princeton CG-59 and the 1/1250 USS Vincennes CG-49 feature full or waterline hull options, decals for the deck and hull markings and a pre-finished base. When finished, these little gems measure 5.5 inches. Retail price is $7.50.

The latest news from The Airbrush Company Ltd.

The Brazilian Navy's submarine force is based at Base Almirante Castro e Silva, Mocangue Island, which is near Niteroi, just across the bay to the east of Rio de Janeiro.

The first of class submarine, Tupi (S30), was designed and built in Kiel, Germany, by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and commissioned into the Brazilian Navy in 1989.

The Arsenal de Marinha naval shipyard in Rio de Janeiro constructed the Tamoio (S31), commissioned in 1994, Timbira (S32), commissioned in 1996, and Tapajo (S33), commissioned in 1999.

Do you enjoy building something of the beaten path? Flagship Models may have what you are looking for with their latest release, the USS Winslow. According to Flagship’s Rusty White, the upcoming 1/192 1898 USS Winslow Torpedo Boat (TB-5) has many additions and modifications that will improve the look and accuracy over the old Lone Star kit. The release date and price have yet to be announced and pre-orders will begin soon.

The Russian Navy operates seven Delta IV class strategic missile submarines. The submarines operate in the Northern Fleet and are based at the Saida Guba Naval Base.

The submarines were built at the Severodvinsk Shipyard from 1981 to 1992. The first of class, K51, was commissioned in December 1985. In Russia, they are referred to as the Delfin or Dolphin class Project 667 submarines.

Are you wanting to build a 1/350 pier side diorama? Are you looking for something a little more rustic than the standard concrete pier? The Resin Shipyard may just have what you are looking for with the upcoming release. Their 1/350 Old style wooden Jetty with small building and yard set features an old post and beam style jetty complete with tire bumpers tied to the wharf’s side. Also included in this set is three small wharfside buildings, a fuel tank and several pieces of deck cargo all ready for your freighter to tie up and load. Retail cost of this kit is $35.00 Canadian. The Resin Shipyard has yet to set a release date.

Aoshima Models brings out the big guns with the release of two 1/700 waterline Japanese battleships. These two kits, the IJN Mutsu 1943 Katsura Island and the IJN Nagato 1944 Leyte Sea, showcases one of these majestic ships just before her tragic end and the other in her last glorious battle. These kits will retail for $21.35 each and be available at the end of February 2008.

Aoshima Models sets sails in a big way with four new 1/350 sailing ship due out this February. All reasonably priced at $16.85, these beautiful kits will add to any model shipwright’s collection. Due to release are the Kaiwo Maru, the USCG Eagle, the Nippon Maru and the Cutty Sark.

Building on the success of their 1/700 offering, Bronco Models proudly announces the upcoming release of their new 1/350 "Kang Ding" Class Frigate . This newly tooled entry in the 1/350 ship world is due to hit the shelves March 2008. Retail price on this nice kit will be $74.98.

Adding to their line of beautifully cast resin ships, Midship Models proudly announces the upcoming release of their 1/700 USS Alaska CB-1. This sleek resin man-of-war comes complete with photo etch details. Midship Models 1/700 USS Alaska will retail for $79.99.

Continuing with their line up of interesting ship subjects, Revell Germany Models proudly announces their latest release, the 1/150 Sailing Bark "Alexander von Humboldt". This kit comes with the von Humboldt’s trademark green sails and simulated wood deck. This 224 part kit retails for $46.90 and is available know.

DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class - Multimission Destroyer: Advanced Technology Surface Combatants, USA

In November 2001, the US Department of Defense announced that the DD 21 program for the future surface combatant had been revised and would now be known as DD(X). The program focus would now be on a family of advanced technology surface combatants, rather than a single ship class.

A revised request for proposals was issued and in April 2002, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Ingalls was selected as the lead design agent for DD(X). Northrop Grumman led the 'gold team' which included Raytheon Systems Company as the systems integrator.

John Snyder proves again that White Ensign Models produces quality resin ship kits along with their quality photo etch sets. Now shipping from WEM is their new 1/700 Lake-class US Coast Guard Cutter. These pre-war built cutters roamed the North Atlantic on ice patrol and catching smugglers before being pressed in to wartime duties. WEM’s 1/700 Lake-class US Coast Guard Cutter, kit number K744, can be built as any of the ships in the class even though the directions only indicate the USCGC Itasca and Tahoe. Retail price for this little beauty is $50.05.

There is no better way to get the look of wood than with wood. Sinsengumi Models proudly announces their latest releases, the 1/350 Wood Deck Set for Battleship Nagato and 1/350 Wood Deck Set for Battleship Yamato. These wood decks are pre-cut and ready for installation on Hasegawa’s Nagato and Tamiya’s Yamato. No cutting is necessary, just apply the wood directly to the plastic deck. Retail price for these sets are $86.84 for the Nagato and $88.80 for the Yamato.

Are you looking to model a prewar USN submarine? Loose Cannon Productions proudly announces their latest release, the USN “R” Class Submarines, Early and Late Versions. This kit, containing two “R” Class submarines, will retail for $20.00 and is available now.

The Aviation Workshop’s latest addition to their On-Target series will be of interest to fans of Royal Navy aircraft carriers. The book, HMS Ark Royal Fifty Years of Flight 1955-2005, tells the story of the fourth and fifth ships to carry the proud name “Ark Royal” for the Royal Navy. Written by by Denis J. Calvert and Gary Madgwick and illustrated by Jon Freeman, the book will retail for $43.36

Not even remotely finished, LionRoar Model Art has announces more February releases. Including all the major navies of World War II, LionRoar’s new releases cover everything from bulkhead and hull details to weapon sets. Again, these sets will be available in February of 2008. Retail cost is to be announced at a later date.

Once again, LionRoar Model Art has put the art in model art. Their 1/700 WWII USS North Carolina Detail Set is the latest in LionRoar’s beautiful full ship set. Giving the modeler the same quality and quantity as in their 1/350 photo etch sets, LionRoar’s 1/700 North Carolina Detail set will make a nice addition to anyone wanting to build a small scale “Showboat.” This set will be available in February of 2008. Retail cost is to be announced at a later date.

Continuing with their New Vanguard line of books, Osprey Publishing proudly announces their latest upcoming title, Tudor Warships - Henry VIII’s Navy. This 48 page paperback covers the growth of the British Navy from five warships to a deadly force of 53. Available in April of 2008, this book will retail for $17.95.

Flyhawk Models proudly announces their latest photo etch set, the 1/700 Aoshima IJN Fuso Photo Etch. This comprehensive set offers everything you expect in a 1/350 photo etch set. Flyhawk has included hatches, superstructures, masts, turret railings, aircraft details and aircraft trolley rails along with the more common ships railings, catapults and crane details found in most photo etch sets. Retail price is to be announced and this kit should be available by the end of the month.

NEWS in from Nautilus Models of a new USS Tang conversion set now available for the Revell 1/72 scale Gato kit!

On the heels of Dragon’s new 1/700 USS Boxer release, Starfighter Decals announces the release of two new decal sets for this kit. Available now, 700-24 LPH-4, LPH-5 and LPH-8 1960-65 and 700-61 LPH-4, LPH-5 and LPH-8 1966-70+ pick up where the Dragon decals leave off. The 1960 – 1965 set retails for $12.50 while the 1966 – 1970 decal set retails for $10.00.

John Snyder from White Ensign Models announces the release of their new Photo Etch Kriegsmarine Cable Reels. These nicely etched reels are sure to dress up any Kriegsmarine ship. The sets come in 1/700, 1/400 and 1/350 scales and retail for $3.75 for 1/700 and $5.81 for the 1/400 and 1/350 sets each. Look for them to be available by the end of January. White Ensign Models is taking pre-orders now.

The Osprey class ships are the world's largest Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) ships and are the first US Navy ships designed solely for minehunting. The technique used to locate mines is by high-definition sonar and the mines are neutralised with a remotely controlled underwater vehicle.

The platform has been designed with exceptionally low magnetic and acoustic signatures to protect against mine detonations during minehunting operations.

Continuing to bring interesting subjects to the ship modeling world, Hasegawa Models announces the release of their new 1/700 Triple Flight Deck Akagi . Converted to a aircraft carrier in 1922, the Akagi was built with two hangars, a flush flight deck, and two hangar deck forward platforms for take off. In addition, she was equipped with two funnels, one which curved downwards and a smaller which curved upwards. This very interesting and unusual kit will be available in July of 2008.

Building on their current 1/72 Gato class accessory line, Nautilus Models announces the release of their new US 3” Mount MK 19 Mod 0 and US Submarine Machine Gun Set. Both of these sets are tailor made to portray and early war Gatos or those boats that did not have a 4” or 5” gun due to availability of those weapons. Retail cost on these accessories will be $20.00 for the 3” mount and $15.00 for the machine gun set. Release date has yet to be announced.

Following on the heels of their new 1/350 Bismarck, Revell Germany announces the release of their new 1/144 Fletcher Class German Z-5 Destroyer. This completely new kit is scheduled to be released in November of 2008. The retail price of this kit is listed at $87.52 USD

In response to the growing 1/350 ship market, Hasegawa Models announces the release of two new Imperial Japanese Navy Ship Equipment Sets. The first of these sets, with will be available in March 2008, is the 1/350 Japanese Navy Ship Equipment Set A. This set contains World War 2 Japanese small caliber ship weapons and range finders along with photo etch details and figures. Retail cost for this set will be $20.00. Also to be released is the 1/350 Japanese Navy Warship's Boats Set A. This set contains everything to equip you IJN ship with all the boats and launches it carried. Along with those boats come the photo etch to dress them up. This kit also will retail for $20.00.

NEWS in from Pavel Vacata, of Admiralty Modelworks, of his next 1/700 scale full resin ship kit, HMS Courageous, 1917.

Expanding on our earlier report of this subject, Trumpeter Models sends us more details on one of their early summer releases for 2008, with the 100% newly tooled French Battleship Richelieu!

China based aftermarket accessory manufacturer Flyhawk sends us an announcement, with images, of their latest scheduled releases for early 2008.

Squadron/Signal Books has been providing the scale modeler quality reference books of a variety of subjects for years. Keeping with this tradition, they are proud to announce their latest release, Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers in Action. This 52 page book covers all the Burke class destroyers with lots of photos, plans and color renderings. The modeler will find references for proposed variants, DDG-1000, RQ-8 Fire Scout helo, WLD mine hunting system and the AESD 'Sea Jet' test bed. Retail price is $12.50.

Continuing their Premium Edition line of ships, Dragon Models proudly announces their 3 in 1 Premium Edition 1/700 Russian Navy Pyotr Veliky. Dragon’s Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great) has been released before, but as with their other Premium Edition kits, it has been completely reworked and is offered as a 3-in-1 kit. The other Kirov-class large missile cruisers that can be assembled from this kit are Admiral Nakhimov (formerly christened Kalinin, and which is also actively serving in the Northern Fleet) and Frunze. All parts necessary to accurately render any of these three vessels are included in the kit, offering modelers more choice. As with other Premium Edition releases, there is photo-etched parts for items like helicopter's rotor blades, railings, antennas and radar. This kit from Dragon represents one of the most powerful naval ships patrolling modern-day oceans.

Starfighter Decals is best known for their line of decals to equip just about any air group in almost any scale for any carrier. Mark Tutton, owner of Starfighter, is proud to announce the latest and last of the Ship decal sets for 2007. These new sets include pre-war air wings for the Yorktown, Enterprise, Saratoga and Lexington in 1/700 and two sets for the FDR in 1/700.

Schelde Shipbuilding of the Royal Schelde Company, based in Vlissingen in the Netherlands, has built the Rotterdam class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

The Royal Schelde Company was awarded the contract to build Hr Ms Rotterdam (L801) in April 1993 – the ship was launched in 1997 and commissioned in 1998. In 2002, the Royal Netherlands Navy ordered a second Rotterdam Class LPD, HrMs Johan de Witt (L801).

Trumpeter Models has been setting the model ship world on fire since the release of their 1/350 USS Hornet CV-8. After the Hornet, Trumpeter gave us enough 1/350 Essex class carriers to build the entire Task Force 38/58. They continued to surprise us with the North Carolina and the Hood and their wonderful selection 1/700 kits. Today, they continue their blockbuster releases with the upcoming 1/350 French Battleship Richelieu and 1/350 HMS Repulse along with a squadron of 1/700 US cruisers.

AP News Story
SAN DIEGO - An Illinois teenager whose appendix ruptured at sea, hundreds of miles from help, got safely to shore Tuesday after an unusual rescue in which the Navy airlifted her from a cruise ship for emergency surgery.

Laura Montero, 14, of Albion, Ill., fell ill aboard the Dawn Princess cruise ship off the coast of Baja California. The Bahamian-registered ship sent out a distress call Friday that was answered by the USS Ronald Reagan, which was on training maneuvers about 500 miles away.

Gold Medal Models has proven themselves to be one of the top photo etch manufacturers for ship models of all scales. Always staying up to date with the latest releases, they work hard to help model shipwrights dress up their favorite kits. With the new 1/350 IJN Takao in stores, Gold Metal Models is proud to announce the upcoming release of their 1/350 IJN Takao Photo Etch Set. The release date and retail price have yet to be announced.

Tamiya Models follows up their Pearl Harbor box sets with the new Battle of Malaya Box Set. This set focuses on the infamous voyage of Force Z on December 8, 1941. Featuring Tamiya’s new HMS Repulse and HMAS Vampire, the kit contains everything to portray the fateful moment in which the Japanese Navy attacked Force Z in route to Singapore. The set will retail for $92.63 USD.

Tamiya Models sends us news of their latest 1/700 offering, the HMAS Vampire. This brand new waterline kit represents the Vampire as she was when she sailed with Force Z on their infamous 1941 cruise. The kit features positional gun mounts and torpedo tubes along with a quality decal sheet. The Vampire will retail for $18.50

Loose Cannon Productions sends us news of a rather large number of new releases available online now. Offering everything from submarines to the old Langley CV-1, there is something here for everyone. Are you interested in the Battle of Midway? Loose Cannon now has resin replacement islands for all four Japanese carriers involved in the battle. They even have a couple of new auxiliaries, too. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new.

Pit-Road Models sends us a photo update of their new 1/700 JMSDF AEGIS Destroyer "ATAGO". In looking at the details of this model, it is hard to believe that it is in 1:700 scale. This model will retail for $25.93 and is scheduled to release this month.

Six Barracuda nuclear powered attack submarines are to be built for the French Navy.

The Barracuda class is being introduced to replace the existing force of the four SSN Rubis submarines which entered service from 1983 to 1988 and the two SSN Amethyst class submarines which entered service in 1992 and 1993.

Yankee Modelworks announces the upcoming release of three 1:350 resin cruisers. First up is the YKM35151 USS Miami CL-89 Light Cruiser 1944 outfit. This kit comes complete with photo etch details and white metal fittings and carries a MSRP of $285.00. Next up is the YKM35144 USS Baltimore CA-68 Heavy Cruiser 1944 outfit. This kit also comes with photo etch and white metal fittings. The Baltimore’s suggested retail price is $325.00. Last but certainly not least is the YKM35074 IJN Chikuma WWII Heavy Cruiser 1942 outfit. As with the Baltimore, she comes complete with photo etch and white metal fittings and a suggested retail price is $325.00. All of these fine kits feature hulls that are split at waterline, with NO casting plugs on the hulls.

The upgrades for Hasegawa’s IJN Nagato keep on coming. Fukuya Works announces their new turned brass 1/350 Nagato Class Main Gun Barrels and 1/350 Nagato Class 14cm and 12.7cm Gun Barrels. The main gun barrel set contains eight barrels and will retail for $38.79. The secondary armament set contains 18 14cm barrels and four 12.7cm barrels and retails for $55.41. Both sets are available now.