#1 is it worth it to buy John C White’s plans for a Rotating Gun System. from strike models.com for $30 or can I get them for free some where??? #2 what skills do I need to have to build these guns???
#1 It is worth it to buy them. I would hope that no one would copy the plans illegally and hand them out, because it'd be wrong. Strike Models purchased the rights to the plans, and they deserve to be compensated for the use of the plans that they own. If someone purchased a set, and then gave them to you when they were done, that'd be different. #2 Offhand, skills required would include skill with a milling machine, amongst others, and access to a milling machine.
yes tug is absolutely right about #1 for #2 you need lathe and lathe skills, drill press and skills among other things. I would highly suggest not attempting to build these cannons without an experienced builder with you over your shoulder. They seem simple but the cannons can be touchy and if not constructed properly they just wont work. Sometimes the best made guns decide they are not in the mood to work. Another reason to have someone there is so they can teach you any little tricks they learned fiddling with their cannons and to make sure you use the right materials. Good luck
As to #1 - the cost to copy the plans is about the same or more at my local copier store, and you would be violating copyright etc. Support the guys wo drew them up and the guys who sell them by buying them legitimately. That said, the principles of operation and diagrams are out there, so you can design your own if you have a mind to. But, it will take a lot of time, effort, and testing. As to #2 - You could probably build one with not much more than a drill press and/or a dremel and drill stand, IF you are clever enough on jigs, parience, etc. An Arizona style single barrel gun (often used as torps) is relatively simple to build (I have built a couple) and diagrams are on the internet. However, even for an Arizona, a lathe, mill, etc. are handy and make the job go easier. I believe the easiest would be to cast a lot of the parts, but then you need to come up with the molds...... Cheers,
Translation.... join the rest of us praying that strike makes cannons of all sizes suddenly appear out of thin air! lol
We're working on it! Stephen's made good progress on a fast gun cannon that he's testing out today at the pond.
I know, Im only kidding. After taking my cannons apart for some maintenance for the first time I got a good look at just how difficult these dang BG cannons are to make.
