Calling all USN Landing Ship Medium (LSM/LSMR) & Inshore Fire Support Ship (IFS) fans

Post a reply

Confirmation code
Enter the code exactly as it appears. All letters are case insensitive.

BBCode is ON
[img] is ON
[url] is ON
Smilies are OFF

Topic review
   

Expand view Topic review: Calling all USN Landing Ship Medium (LSM/LSMR) & Inshore Fire Support Ship (IFS) fans

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:33 pm

Hello 'LoB' and David,

I look forward to seeing the LSM(R)-190 project. As David says, you can use my thread on the 198 as a starting point for your 190 model, but be aware that the deck on the first 6 ships, of which the 190 was one, was not raised. With the installation of the Mk 51 launchers on the 196 and subsequent ships, the deck was raised.

The 190 and her five sisterships had seventy-five Mk 36 launchers, grouped in banks, on the main deck, and thirty Mk 30 launchers on the gunwales. I believe by the time she was sunk, the Mk 30 launchers had been removed. Here is a drawing of the Mk 36 launcher:
Drawing courtesy of Historic Naval Ships Association.
Drawing courtesy of Historic Naval Ships Association.
Here are some photos of the 190 and sisterships that are available from various public sources:
LSMR_190.jpg
LSMR_193 resized.jpg
Still from video courtesy of CriticalPast
Still from video courtesy of CriticalPast
LSMR194_4.jpg
LSMR 194 09.jpg
LSMR 190.jpg
LSMR-Photo-1853-7 resized.jpg
Here is a link to a 1/48th scale model of the 192 that I built several years ago. It is a different scale but may give you ideas on how to build your 190: http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

There are printed parts available at Shapeways that will help, including the 5 inch 38 gun house and base ring, and single 40mm Bofors. I've seen an example of a Mk 36 launcher there, but it is pretty primitive. There may be other examples by other vendors there, though, so you'll need to look.

The Revell 'Early' LSM is just that; it is a model of the initial production LSMs, with twin bow gun tubs. The early LSMs were modified soon after construction because the bow 20mm's didn't provide enough defensive firepower. Maybe someday Revell will release a 'late' LSM, which would require less rework to make into an LSM(R). For now, you'll either have to do a lot of modification of the early LSM or, if you have both the early LSM kit and the Bundesmarine LSM kit, you could use parts from both to make an LSM(R).

I hope this helps and look forward to seeing your progress!

John :wave_1:

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by dhenning » Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:39 pm

Here is the link to John's build:

viewtopic.php?f=59&t=161301&hilit=LSM

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by dhenning » Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:38 pm

Navsource.org has photos of the 190 and her sisters. Here is a link to the page for the 190:

http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/06/06190.htm


In addition, John McKay has a build on this website for the LSMR-198 from the Revell kit. Might be useful for you.

Good luck!

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by LoB » Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:46 pm

Hello! I am up to do a Revell 1:144 LSM and bashing it to represent LSM(R)-190, sunk by Kamikazes on 4 May, 1945 at Radar Picket Station 12, 60 (give or take) miles NW of Okinawa.

I am also building the Revell 1:144 Fletcher to represent the USS Luce DD-522 which was also sunk at that location by Kamikazes. My Uncle served on the Luce and was one of the survivors.

Does anyone have any pics of USS LSM(R)-190 or her sister ship LSM(R)s??

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by docmackay » Sun Feb 26, 2017 4:18 pm

The Mike Gallant LSM Diorama is a fictional, non-historical depiction, and the three LSM models are factually inaccurate:

1. LSMs -201, -210 and -211 never landed together on the same Pacific beachheads, nor deployed or operated together during WWII:

LSM -201 landed on Iwo Jima 22 February 1945 on Red Beach 1 at 1010;
LSM -210 landed on Luzon, Lingayen Gulf 9 January 1945 on Orange Beach at 1120 and Green Beach at 1226; and landed on Okinawa 4 April 1945 on Orange Beach 2 at 1114;
LSM -211 landed on Iwo Jima 19 February 1945 on Yellow Beach 1 at 0942.

2. LSM model inaccuracies:

LSM-201: Both bow and stern 201 hull numbers appear identical sizes, and correct representations should be large 201 numbers on the bow and small 201 numbers on the stern. The forecastle�s original shipyard twin small 20mm gun tubs were replaced with a single large 40mm gun tub/splinter shield. The stern anchor on the fantail is still cradled but would have been deployed astern for retraction from beach. The national ensign (American flag) is on a staff on the stern but should be flown aloft the mainmast.

LSM-210: The forecastle�s original shipyard twin small 20mm gun tubs were replaced with a single large 40mm gun tub/splinter shield. The stern anchor on the fantail is still cradled but would have been deployed astern for retraction from beach. The national ensign (American flag) is on a staff on the stern but should be flown aloft the mainmast.

LSM-211: The starboard hull numbers appear as small 211 numbers on the bow and large 211 numbers on the stern, which should be the reverse, while the port side bow and stern hull numbers appear correct. The forecastle�s original shipyard twin small 20mm gun tubs were replaced with a single large 40mm gun tub/splinter shield. The stern anchor on the fantail is still cradled but would have been deployed astern for retraction from beach. The national ensign (American flag) is on a staff on the stern but should be flown aloft the mainmast.

For those interested in this diorama, I recommend disassembling and cannibalizing for re-purposing.

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by Gallant » Sun Jan 01, 2017 7:53 pm

Hi to you all. I am a Canadian modeller and have recently completed a diorama of three LSM's and wanted to donate it for for free to the LSM/LSMR Association. Initially they were interested but have now decided that they do not have anywhere to display it. The size is 24" x 30". Are there any members who may have contacts in the US navy who might be interested in having this diorama. I live near Toronto and would be willing to drive to Niagara Falls or Buffalo to deliver it. Can anyone help?
Thanks, Mike Gallant
Attachments
DSC00579-small.jpg
DSC00582-small.jpg
DSC00589-small.jpg

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by ModelMonkey » Sat Dec 24, 2016 11:05 am

For those interested in improving Lindberg's classic USS Carronade IFS-1 or converting the kit to an LSM(R)*, accurate, detailed, 3D-printed 5"/38 mounts are now available precisely scaled for the Lindberg kit.

USS Carronade 5" mount: https://www.shapeways.com/product/F4ZVD ... nade-ifs-1
LSM(R) 5" mount: https://www.shapeways.com/product/39NXP ... or-lsm-r-s

The mount includes a separate barrel and base ring stand.


*A modeler on this site is converting his Lindberg kit to an LSM(R) and it is looking beautiful.
Attachments
Model Monkey 1-164 5in-38 Single Mount for Lindberg Carronade.a.jpg
Model Monkey 1-164 5in-38 Single Mount for LSM(R).a.jpg

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Sat Nov 12, 2016 12:32 am

Hi everyone,

My brother Ron is the Historian for the USS LSM/LSMR Association and recently, he came across information of post-WW2 LSMs of which I was completely unaware. It turns out that Israel was among the many nations that operated surplus LSMs. Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel sought to expand its sealift capacity and determined that the best way to do this was by acquiring surplus landing ships. My brother wrote, "About 1972-73 Israel acquired three surplused LSMs purportedly through a Caribbean trading company, which some conjecture was a �buffer� or cover operation in Trinidad and possibly Guatemala. Purchasing contracts were arranged covertly and crews to sail the medium landing ships were not told their final destination. To this day, even the LSMs� original U.S. Navy hull numbers remain unknown. Once in Israel, the LSMs were designated Gashm class landing craft and commissioned INS (Israeli Navy Ship) Shva (P-61), INS Ophir (P-62), and INS Tarshish (P-63). Often called Shikmas, �Landers,� or simply LCTs, Israeli sailors on the other hand dubbed the
medium landing ships abu-nafkha (????-???), meaning Pufferfish, named after the small tropical poisonous fish which inflates to expose sharp outer spines when endangered."

This is just a tiny bit of the information that Ron has accumulated on these ships. In the near future, he will be publishing an article on the subject in the newsletter of the LSM/LSMR Association. In the meantime, I'm posting below some of the photos he's shared with me.
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
This would make for a cool diorama, IMHO.  Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection
This would make for a cool diorama, IMHO. Photograph courtesy Mike Eldar and the Israeli LCT Organization Collection

John :wave_1:

Newly-released Revell Germany 1/144th scale German LSM

by jcmackay » Wed Jun 15, 2016 12:09 am

Hi everyone,

I just received the new Revell Germany1/144th scale (Eidesche Class) German LSM. I'll do a more lengthy review later, but for starts, here's my initial comments.

Revell has substituted different sprues with the parts that are unique to the German LSMs. For that reason, you can't simply build this kit up as a WW2 USN ship. You also won't be able to build it into a replica of one of the ships used by allied navies, either. This kit reflects the significant modifications made to the German LSMs in two major areas: the armament and the conn superstructure. The kit includes the single bow 40mm tub with dual 40mm gun, but the German LSMs deleted the 20mm guns and tubs. I have leftover parts from my conversion of the early LSM kit, which I would be able to use in building a USN version, but if you are not in the same situation, the amount of work to modify the kit's armament would be foreboding. The conn superstructure was enlarged on German LSMs also. Although this can be reworked to reflect the USN variant, it would entail massive reconstruction of the aft decks of the superstructure. The bottom line is that if you want to build a later variant of a WW2 LSM, you might be better off waiting to see if Revell is forthcoming with that kit.

Markings are provided for LSMs L750, 751, 752, and 753. The decals appear to be very good. There is no option for camouflage, of course, since the German ships were overall gray. As with the early LSM kit, there is no PE and the kit has individual lifeline stanchions with a supply of thread for lifelines.

John :wave_1:

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Sat May 21, 2016 2:55 pm

Hi Andi,

For those not familiar with LSMs in Australian service, the ship you've chosen was one of the LSMs operated by the 32 Small Ship Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers. They didn't sport a camouflage scheme, but were painted overall green. The photo you attached shows its age, because the green appears purplish. Here's a photo of one of the other Australian LSMs that depicts the color better:
AV1354 01.jpg
Years ago, I corresponded with a gentleman, Mr. Ian Johnston, who had served aboard the Australian LSM, Clive Steele. He had built a model of his ship in 1/48th scale and I've attached some photos below:
An in-progress shot of the model.  The camera flash makes the green on the model appear not so dark.
An in-progress shot of the model. The camera flash makes the green on the model appear not so dark.
Ian Johnston - LSM AV-1356 Clive Steele Model 01.jpg
Ian Johnston - LSM AV-1356 Clive Steele Model 02.jpg
Ian Johnston - LSM AV-1356 Clive Steele Model 03.jpg
The model on display at the Royal Australian Engineer Corps Museum in Sydney.
The model on display at the Royal Australian Engineer Corps Museum in Sydney.
As for the actual name of the paint color, I cannot help there. Maybe one of the MW readers can tell us if Australia has their own official paints or uses Royal Navy colors. There is a lot of information on the internet about the 32 Small Ship Squadron and many photos to be had, which should help you.

Which kit are you building, btw?

John :wave_1:

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by Andi@Germany » Fri May 20, 2016 8:53 am

Hi everyone,

I plan to do an Australian LSM like the one in the link above.

Any idea for the camo / paint for this four LSM in Australian service ?

Image

Link --> http://grambo.us/atav/bayliss.htm

There are some other images on the site that doesn't allow 'hotlinks' .

cheers Andi

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Sat Oct 31, 2015 12:37 pm

Hi everyone,

Good news for LSM fans - Revell of Germany have confirmed that they will be issuing the late version of their 1/144th scale LSM in Spring 2016!

Their current kit is of the early version, with twin tubs on the bow for 20mm guns. The new kit will represent the later version with the single bow gun tub for the 40mm installation. So far, the only information I have on markings is that at least one of the ships represented will be an LSM of the Bundeswehr, with appropriate changes in vehicles.

Late war LSMs had a single bow 40mm, but although references are vague, it appears from photos that the Bundeswehr ships had dual 40mm guns on the bow. Regardless of whether the new kit comes with a single or dual 40mm on the bow, there are many ships that can be modeled in addition to the 4 ships employed by the Bundeswehr (ex-LSMs 491, 539, 553, and 558). Ex-US Navy LSMs were used by many allied nations after WWII, including the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, and Greece.

No word yet as to the possibility of Revell issuing an LSM(R). However, if you've just gotta have an LSMR in 1/144th right now, you can do what I did and convert one of the Revell's current LSMs:
This will be a model of the LSM(R)-198, which was equipped with 85 launchers for spin-stabilized rockets. As you can see, I've waterlined the kit.  Much work remains, including finishing the camouflage, building the launchers, and finishing the fantail 5 inch 38 gun house.
This will be a model of the LSM(R)-198, which was equipped with 85 launchers for spin-stabilized rockets. As you can see, I've waterlined the kit. Much work remains, including finishing the camouflage, building the launchers, and finishing the fantail 5 inch 38 gun house.
John :wave_1:

Paint colours for Revell 1/144 Landing ship

by panther » Mon Dec 29, 2014 6:44 am

Hello and seasons greetings to you all, hope Santa was good to you.
I haven't posted for sometime but following the closure of White Ensign in ther UK, my go to place for info and ship related accessories (I live in the UK) I have to ask if anyone can direct me to some off the shelf colours for this model.
The Revell mixes are as follows
C = 50-50 granite grey and sea green for the cargo deck
D = 80% Dark Green 20% Matt Black for camo
F = 50% Greyish Green 30% Green 20% White items on upper deck and inside walls of cargo hold
I hate mixing paints and much prefer out of a tin.
Any advice would be really welcome as I am slowly converting from braille scale armour to ships.
This kit for me meets both criteria and once fully stowed should look really good, just a pity Revell don't supply enough vehicles to fully stow it.
Thank you and all the best for the New Year :big_grin:
The kits on my bench at the moment are
Revell 1/144 US Navy Landing Ship Medium (Early)
Revell 1/72 Flower Class Corvette

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jepot » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:57 am

jepot wrote:ok sirs here is the corrected 40mm single gun...

Image
man look at how long it took me to this stage!

Image

almost done.... :woo_hoo:

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by docmackay » Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:41 am

I have been told that a model like an LSM or LSMR is not a "real" model unless it includes crewmen figures. I would like to hear modelers' comments.

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:56 pm

A new shot of the LSM-59 model on its base. I'm building the model to show the ship landing vehicles during the invasion of Iwo Jima, so I scoured the pages of this site to get pointers on how to build a base. I opted to go with the acrylic gel medium technique for the water. During the past couple of days, I've been painting away at the base, not getting exactly what I wanted until today. I am getting much closer to the appearance I wanted, so I took a couple of progress photos. This has been one of the scariest parts of building the model; I don't have any experience with building seascapes, but I think it is turning out alright.
2011 8 Feb 02.jpg

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Sun Jan 16, 2011 3:21 pm

Hi all,

I don't have a lot of experience making figures for models, but I decided to put some on the model of the LSM-59 I'm building.
Below is a photo of what is going to be the Stern Anchor Winch Phone Talker. He started out as a Monogram pilot figure like the one on the right in the photo and was heavily modified, including hacking off limbs, sculpting a life jacket out of Green Putty, building a sound-powered phone headset, and building a Phone Talker's helmet. I'm trying to finish up the area around the stern anchor winch before I paint the hull camouflage so that I don't have to mess around inside the tank well after the hull has its final paint job.

In the next couple of days, I'm going to try my hand at shading the phone talker figure.

John
:wave_1:
Attachments
Pilot who wanted to be a Phone Talker
Pilot who wanted to be a Phone Talker

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jepot » Tue Dec 28, 2010 5:45 pm

jcmackay wrote:Hi jepot,
I should've thought of this before - I'm posting an illustration of a single 40mm installation of the type that would have been on the bow of the ship you're modeling.
This should help you out. :wave_1:
40mm.jpg
thanks for the post- yep these are the types of single 40mm guns i commonly see in Philippine Navy ships with a circular elevated base mount ( kinda hard to build in 1/700, right?)...

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jcmackay » Mon Dec 27, 2010 6:40 pm

Hi jepot,
I should've thought of this before - I'm posting an illustration of a single 40mm installation of the type that would have been on the bow of the ship you're modeling.
This should help you out. :wave_1:
40mm.jpg

Re: Calling all LSM, LSMR, IFS Fans

by jepot » Sun Dec 26, 2010 11:19 pm

ok sirs here is the corrected 40mm single gun...

Image

Top