I am a friend of USSNH. I have been interested in doing this for some time. Now that I have a friend who just purchased a used SMS Von der Tann I think it is time for me to get going! So I am really interested and have purchased plans for the U.S.S. Massachusetts a number of years ago from Swampworks. I would still like to build Big Mamie but it seems intimidating. So I thought I might start with the U.S.S. Salem if I can find plans for her. Anyone have any thoughts? Or even possably a used DES MOINES or SOUTH DAKOTA class they may be willing to sell? Would love to know some thoughts, suggestions, or comments. Thanks!
Welcome aboard CM !!! It is good that you have a friend that it close. Ya'll can draw motivation from eachother while working on your builds. The decision to build your first ship is always a tough one. I think one of the biggest factors will be which format you chose to participate in. For Big Guns, the larger the ship the easier it will be for you to work on. My first Big Gun ship was an Iowa Class battleship. It was a great experience and I have had a lot of fun with her. The USS Massachusetts or any other SODAK class would work well for Big Guns. Fast guns is not forte, however on the Strike Models site, they list the Brooklyn and and Atlanta as good rookie ships. They are light cruisers and seem to have a fair amount of room. Once again, good lucj and welcome aboard. Ken
Welcome aboard! I would actually stick with the 'build the battleship' plan. She should have plenty of hull volume to work in and the build would be fairly forgiving. We have a good number of very helpful, and experienced, builders here that can offer suggestions if you have questions or problems.
Awesome, good to hear USSNH is getting more people local to him involved! Big Mamie is on the larger end for a first build but it is doable if you're dedicated. I can't say I'd recommend a Des Moines or any crusier really. As I assume you'll be battling under IRCWCC rules with USSNH, and while I thought they changed the crusier rules a quick look at the website doesn't reflect that so I'll go off the assumption that they didn't. This means that cruisers are too slow to be viable under IRCWCC rules. (if the rules were in fact changed and cruisers sped up then a Des Moines becomes a good choice for a rookie boat. as it is under MWC rules) Anyway assuming slow cruisers under IRCWCC rules then a class 4 or 5 ship becomes a good starting point.(Class is roughly how many units a boat has and determines rudder size as well, a unit is either a gun or a pump, your choice) If you're looking for allied boats a Colorado/Maryland/West Virgina is a good option as well as an Arizona/Penn. The brits have a few good ones as well (I-boat and Iron Duke come to mind). If you like cookies and want to be axis then there are a number of good german and Jap ships to check out. (VDT, Baden, Kongo...) Anyway welcome to the hobby, I' sure you and USSNH are going to have fun building together and fighting it out on the water! (Or if you build axis you two could work on becoming your own wolf pack.)
There is a rule change request on this year's IRCWCC ballot to change cruisers built after 1922 to 23 seconds. The ballot has not come out for vote yet, so we'll have to wait and see how that goes.
Thanks for all the kind words! I am a bit of a hard head and being from Massachusetts I am kind of hooked on the U.S.S. Salem and Massachusetts as I do like to visit them with my family. As I said I have the plans for the Massachusetts and was planning on taking the winter to slowly build her up. I had cosidered purchasing the kit for the Salem from Battlersconnection.com to hopefully battle next summer. Or if you know someone I can purchase a used one from I am open to negotiate terms!
I have a Tennessee class hull with windows cut and beautiful Strike foam superstructure, all main and secondary turrets. Send me a PM.
