USS Alabama Build

Discussion in 'Construction' started by Slyfly, Apr 23, 2015.

  1. Slyfly

    Slyfly Member

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    Before I begin, I would like to ask some professionals about what materials to build the ship with:

    Wooden, plastic, or fiberglass hull? (Leaning towards one of the first 2)

    Stationary or swiveling cannons? (Leaning towards stationary)

    What is a good balsa and electronics supplier? (good quality but not over the roof prices)
     
  2. ish311

    ish311 Active Member

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    wood is cheapest and simplest to build with but you will need fiberglass to get a smooth keel.

    stationary is recommended for first cannon and are significantly cheaper.

    hobby king has some acceptable electronics but you will get some duds with them.

    balsa i tend to go to my local hobby stores but someone around here has a link for a website that has better quality balsa then i tend to get at hobby stores.
     
  3. Slyfly

    Slyfly Member

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    Ya Tugboat buys from some place online.
     
  4. jadfer

    jadfer Well-Known Member

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    Are you working with a local club? Do you live in Georgia? There are lots of guys in that area that can help you out in person which is the best way. Take a look at the member map and see how it goes.
     
  5. NickMyers

    NickMyers Admin RCWC Staff

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    He's moving to no-man's land in Idaho.
     
  6. Cannonman

    Cannonman Ultimate Hero :P -->> C T D <<--

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    You should try pick a format before going too far..... most fast guns ships do not have rotatable cannons, most big gun do. Most people who scratch build do so with wood, sometimes fiberglass sheet is used for decks. Most guys who are scratch building a one off hull don't go through the time and trouble to make a mold to make a full fiberglass hull from.
     
  7. Slyfly

    Slyfly Member

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    Well, seeing as I could move a lot and this is my first ship, stationary weapons sound good to me
     
  8. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I buy from National Balsa or Balsa USA (they both sell plywood as well as balsa), and sometimes from Rockler.com which is a woodworking supply place that has nice plywood.
     
  9. Slyfly

    Slyfly Member

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    Thanks tug. I remember you mentioning that to someone else.