I got an itch to build a scale warship when i was up in Oshkosh at airventure (strange eh) after looking around rc model combat seems like alot of fun but sadly not many clubs near me. working on a 1/144 scale shimakaze now and have the plans for a kongo class. debating if i would rather make the shima a working display with all the extras, lighting and as many moving parts as i have time (and space) for, or trying for the more stripped down but able to fight version. this will be my first ship but far from my first model and about my third scratch build total ( cozy MKIV sitting at 90% completion for the past 2 years) unfortunately i doubt i will finish it before i have to leave the country next year but it should keep me occupied inbetween classes. working on the shima first as i have to be able to get the thing packed away into a shipping box for longterm storage after i finish it. that and the materials im using are scraps from a failed 1/200 Yamato that i cut wrong( didn't account for sloping in the deck height nor reinforce the ribs so that they won't warp the wrong direction.)
I'm in downstate Illinois but bouncing between here and about 2 hours outside Orlando Fl about every 3 months this year... kinda why I'm working on the shimakaze instead of the kongo now as it will fit boxed up in the back of my car. (who needs luggage other than a boat) having a full workshop on both ends is fairly handy as well. sadly losing the workshop in Illinois in Nov but it's just moving to Fl. shimakaze is coming along fairly nicely now after scraping it on rib 5 of 20 as i was realllllly crooked. adopted some techniques i know from making aircraft (full size) and putting the hull stringer in on the keel line (simplicity) debating just carving the kongo from foam when i get to it and doing full glass. wouldn't make it much lighter nor stronger as i would still need to put wood strips in the keel to keep the minimal compression stress from bending it. but I'm extremely used to doing that sort of thing. Any time i work with glass i wear long sleeves, a resp and goggles. (want a full face mask but not bad enough to actually order one). done this in 113 degree weather about 2 years ago mid summer and stopped only cause my micro slurry was turning into a volcano even just as a film burned my finger and a fair bit of foam that day just glad it didn't actually burn.
about two to two and a half hours from Orlando. I will be staying in Lake City which is about an hour from Valdosta Georgia as well. currently about 4 hours south of Chicago IL and two north of St Louis, MO
Lake City is 2 hours from Astatula. I have a pond. I should also have my BB27 USS Michigan ready by Oct. I have to just have to add paint and the internal components. May your journey be without incident. MMJR
