Hello, my name is Jackson , and I am new to this hobby. Well, I've known about it and watched videos on it for a while, it's just that now I am saving up to build the mighty DKM Scharnhorst. You see, I contacted the Mid-Atlantic Battle Group and the person that responded said that a great ship for me would be the DKM Scharnhorst. So, now, I have started a 'journey' of sorts to make my own big-gun Scharnhorst. Now, with $70 dollars in my pockets and a treasure trove of naval knowledge and history in my brain, I will set out on the 'Quest to Build the DKM Scharnhorst', otherwise known as 'Project Scharnhorst'. Construction probably won't start until Summer 2016. But, I am working on step one. And that is saving up the money to build the Scharnhorst! -Jackson
Hi Jackson, Just to let you know there are a bunch of IRCWCC fast gun boys (and girls) in the Annapolis MD area. They have semi-regular build sessions that wouldn't be too far from you. You may want to check them out at the Maryland Attack Group. Read about their last event here ‘Victory at Sea’ – Greenbrier style - Columns - Frederick News-Post Yahoo! Groups people there can help you find resources.
Well, I am already in contact with the Mid-Atlantic Battle Group, a big-gun club, but thanks for telling me!
There is another thing to consider that most new guys don't think about. You see a video you get excited and you make all your decisions on the first contact. Richmond VA to Dayton OH (further still to the MABG Pond) is 7.5hrs apprx.. plus hotel. Richmond VA to Annapolis MD is 2.5 hrs.. short enough that you could conceivable drive out in the morning and drive home at night. Seems you are on a budget so take into account that EVERY big gun battle you attend you will have to spend at LEAST $150 in fuel costs (20mph 1000 miles) plus hotel. ($150 and up). So min $300 for just a local battle.... AND it would be hard for you to attend a battle for the whole weekend ... because you have to drive 7.5 hours home. So you would get into town on Friday night late (if you don't get off early) wake up early and battle.. spend the night and head out Sunday morning. That is a lot of time and money for a single day of battling. If you make Maryland your local club and area then ... you are looking at $45 in fuel (20mpg 290 miles), you can arrive on Friday night after work (you wouldn't have to lose work or take vacation) .. put you there by 9pm. Good night of rest battle Saturday... spend the night .. battle Sunday all day if they have it or half day and drive home. You could be home by 5-9pm Sunday for about $200 total. If there is a 1 day battle then you get up early on Saturday maybe leave at 5:30 or 6am.. get there by 9am battle at 10... drive home .. get there by 9pm. Cost $45 bucks. I think big gun is great, however in your case.. a fast-gun ship is less expensive to build on a budget (based on cannon cost alone at this time), you will be able to attend more battles due to the lower cost, and may be able to get your boat built sooner due to the lower level of complexity and cost. However I wouldn't suggest a Scharnhorst for a beginner... try a cruiser or 4 unit slugger... you will love it, I promise you. We have a rookie on a budget we are helping and most likely if he had to drive 8 hours to a battle.. he might not ever make it. That extra travel money could be spent on his boat. Of course traveling with others lowers the cost and I am sure captains in any format or area will help you out with that. Consider this before you start and you will have a better chance of getting your boat investment on the water AND getting your money's worth out of it. See ya and good luck!
All the formats and clubs have great guys in them, but you can talk to other groups. Unless you signed a 3 year contract.. then I guess you are locked in!!
When the Mid-Atlantic Battle Group site was up it said nothing about Ohio in it. You may be thinking about the Mid-West Battle Group. I wouldn't necessarily think Ohio as a Mid-Atlantic state, it is more Midwestern.
You are right, I mis-read it and as a result have no idea where the MABG group is. That said... read over the rest of the post and see if it makes sense. Later
The clubs are not exclusive, the MD club would certainly be worth checking out for building tips and collective experience. Big gun/ Little gun it is still warship combat and there are more similarities than differences. I would try to visit both clubs and see what they have to offer. You could always join both!
Yeah, I see what you are saying. Actually, jch72 (John) says that on the 29th, the Maryland guys will be traveling back up to Maryland from IRCWCC NATS, and he will give them a Scharnhorst hull. We would meet in Richmond, and they would give me the hull. When we meet, I could ask for building tips, and maybe ask to watch a battle in Maryland. I think I would have to spend a while at one club, before I join two clubs at the same time.
