It's been awhile since I've partaken in the madness. I was an early member of the South Coast Battle Group, in Southern California, back in the late eighties through early nineties, until my real job in the U.S. Navy shipped me off to a different coast and further adventures elsewhere around the globe. My family and I will be moving back to the LA area this coming August and I hope to once again join in the madness. Back in the day I had built and commanded the following ships: - HMS Repulse (operational) - USS Benson DD-421 (operational) - HSK-9 Michel - German Commerce Merchant Raider (operational) - SMS B-110 - Torpedo Boat Destroyer (operational) - Schnellboot (successful sea trials only) - USS Fletcher (unfinished) - "O" class German Battle Cruiser (unfinished) - SS Gato class submarine (unfinished) Alas those fine ships went off to serve different skippers as a result of my transfer, however I have managed over the years to reacquire many of my original blueprints and drawings (as well as a few more) and can't wait to once again smell the balsa in the morning. Iron Beard (aka Doc Nichols...USN retired)
Welcome Back IB, I retired from the USN a year ago, and have been loving life. I am sure you will also. You are definately going to an area with a lot of activity. I look forward to seeing your future builds. Ken
Welcome back! Shoot me a PM with your email. I am currently in the process of starting/restarting a club in the LA area for big gun. I can fill you in with more details later but the club will be closely affiliated with the WWCC whcih I am a current member of. Jon
THANKS!! Yes Ken I know - military retirement is AWESOME! After 22 years I retired from the navy in 1998:blink: Hard to believe it was that long ago and while there are some things I miss, I don't miss all the deployments and time away from the family. PM sent Jon. I look forward to hearing from you. Although it's been some time since my last adventures in R/C combat, I can't wait to get my shipyard (shop) up and running and started on my next project. Not sure just what I'll build first....sooooo many choices, so little balsa! What ships are already operational or on the ways in SoCal? What is needed?
Why ohh why do not folks move to Alaska? Great place to retire...lots of fishing, plenty of water all around.
Its a balmy 68 something degree... http://www.bing.com/weather/search?...ORM=DTPWEA Water is about 45 degrees I think - still lots of snow in the mountains...
There is a SCRAP (Fast Gun) battle next Saturday Aug 4 at Prado Regional Park in Chino, CA. www.scrapcombatships.com
THANKS Claudius, Unfortunately I'm still packing up and won't be out there until the second or third week of August. DANG!!:cry: Steve
