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
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.
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.
Okay. How do you make a hull? I saw the balsa siding but dont gut those weird diagrams with what. Looks like ribs
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/
I still think a Chester would be a great starter boat. Short, wide, 1.5 units, 23 sec, four props, minimal super.
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/
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/
^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.
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
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.
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?
