Duca 1/144

Discussion in 'Warship Builds' started by USS Shields, Jul 12, 2017.

  1. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Hello!

    After the debate of if I should build the USS Shields or a larger ship I have decided to commence work on the USS Alaska heavy cruiser. Being in class 5 with 5 units, that should be enough space and units to make a good beginners ship. My 2 major questions are scale plans and possible rotating turrets (PLEASE!!)

    Thanks,
    USS Shields
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2017
  2. Beaver

    Beaver 2020 Rookie of the Year Admiral (Supporter)

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    An Alaska isn't one of the greatest ships to start out with. It's long, doesn't turn well, and a rather large, complicated build for a beginner.
    If you can swing it, these new Duca D’Aosta kits from Strike Models would be a great first ship.
    http://www.strikemodels.com/duca-daosta/
    With one of those and a few build sessions at Steve's you'd be on the water in no time.
     
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  3. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Oh. Is there another large American ship that is easy to build?
     
  4. NickMyers

    NickMyers Admin RCWC Staff

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    something like Northampton or Cleveland . 3 units, stern guns w\ lower back half of the ship.
    Or go Baltimore/Des Moines, don't turn as well, be more of a target, but get the extra half unit so you could go either 2.5 units of gun and a full pump or 3 units worth of guns and a half unit pump.
     
  5. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Okay. How do you make a hull? I saw the balsa siding but dont gut those weird diagrams with what. Looks like ribs
     
  6. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    A Des Moines with trip sterns would be somewhat economical.

    http://battlersconnection.com/des-moines/
    Best bet is to buy the hull kit. A Des Moines with trip sterns would be somewhat economical.

    http://battlersconnection.com/des-moines/
     
  7. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    What's your budget?
     
  8. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    I still think a Chester would be a great starter boat. Short, wide, 1.5 units, 23 sec, four props, minimal super.

    upload_2017-7-12_14-32-8.png
     
  9. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Ehh, $150 ish? There's that Home Depot in NW DC that is pretty low-cost
     
  10. Beaver

    Beaver 2020 Rookie of the Year Admiral (Supporter)

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    Know a place to get plans?
     
  11. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    Nope
     
  12. Beaver

    Beaver 2020 Rookie of the Year Admiral (Supporter)

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    Eh, too bad. Would make a simple fiberglass hull. I'll have to keep my eye out for some.
     
  13. GeekSpeed

    GeekSpeed Active Member

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    I would love to have a special battle for WWI era stuff only. That would be awesome.

    Anyway, Northampton is a good ship. I don't have a set of plans for her, but I have a bunch of other Class 3 cruisers, like the Cleveland. Let me know if you want something and I'll see if I have it.

    I got started building wood ships by checking out Mike's Bearn build thread that is stickied. It is a really good place to get started.
    https://rcwarshipcombat.com/threads/on-the-ways-bearn-cv.407920/
     
  14. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    Ok Shields. Strike is having a sale on their new Italian light cruiser kit. $20 for the hull and deck (plus $25 shipping). This deal can't be beat. This is the cheapest point of entry to the hobby right now. If you can get a parent involved to drive you to my shop, I can help you get it on the water. If your parent is interested, buy two hulls and we'll build them both out.

    http://www.strikemodels.com/duca-daosta/
     
  15. Beaver

    Beaver 2020 Rookie of the Year Admiral (Supporter)

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    ^This is your best option to get in the hobby quickly. You CAN NOT beat the price of the Duca hull, even if you used wood.
     
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  16. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    My dad might want to do this, and I will. I can ask them for the hull and explain the other stuff and that would probably be fine. At least I get 3 units:) The build sessions might have to be at a group build if I can convince them that this group does exist. I might be able to get my friend into the hobby too, we had plans to make a big R/C navy with sizes like the Rapidnadion ships, but they were scrapped because we were 10 and didn't know how to machine plywood:D
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2017
  17. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Is it possible on bigger ships to have one person controlling the boat and the other person control the turrets using an on-board camera? That would be pretty powerful.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2017
  18. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Do I have to build the Duca or can I just use the hull?
     
  19. USS Shields

    USS Shields Member

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    Okay, Duca hull has been bought! Step 1 complete! There is a maker day today and tomorrow at my library, is there anything that I can 3D print? Mount, Bilge Pump, anything?
     
  20. SteveT44

    SteveT44 Well-Known Member

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    Look under Resources.

    https://rcwarshipcombat.com/resources/