I'm very new to this hobby so I'm not quite sure where to start, there is so much. *title* I have also heard Tug has some plans on his hard drive. [?]
Well, it first helps to decide which format youre going to battle in: fast gun, big gun, treaty, battlestations or queen's own (forgive me if i missed any) there are different good choices for each one. And yes, tuggy has several plans, but so do others.
Best advice I can give Dan, is to read read read. I think there is a discussion on this forum somewhere as to which type of ship is best for rookies, as far as easiest to build, battle, how much damage there is to repair after a sink, how hard they are to maintain... stuff like that. If I can find the link, I'll post it, or maybe someone else can point in the right direction. It's good to read all the arguments and decide what your personal strong points may be, then decide on a ship. If you are good with your hands, maybe you wont mind repairing a ship that takes lots of damage to sink, or if you are talented at the R/C control thing, maybe you would be more tolerante of a slightly harder to control ship, if it had other attributes you like. One way or the other, Boomer is right, choose a club type first, be it fast gun or big gun, then choose a ship. The different club types play into which ship is better to start with.
Also, look at the club finder on this site. One huge requirement of combat is somebody to fight with! If there's only 1 group that's convenient for you, then that makes your choice simple. If there's more than 1, visit them all. See who you like for whatever reason, who seems active, helpful, similar in age, or whatever you think is important. If there are none, then your only real option if you want to proceed is to start your own club & recruit others to join. In that case, you'll want to do a lot of research, to figure out what format, scale, etc. you think you'll like best - or even come up with a new one based on what you learn! Every single one of us was new to this once. JM
I believe there is both big gun and fast gun relatively close, but i think fast gun is closer. The major differences: Fast Gun Big gun - 1/32 balsa armor - 1/32 up to 1/8 (maybe larger) - number of guns based on size - number of guns based on actual ships - one gun size caliber - .177" up to 1/4" guns based on size - unlimited firing - regulated time between shots relatively fast, speed based on type+ tonnage - relatively slow, speed based on scale ships only guns allowed - guns, torpedoes, mines, planes, ect allowed - only actually built ships (completed) - hypothetical ships too - Good starter: cruiser, battle cruiser - good starter: unarmed convoy ship - slight pump restrictions based on 1 or 1/2 units - much more pumping limits What ever i missed, sorry, im sure ill be corrected, but (as long as im not horribly off, which i dont think i am) this is the major differences
Thats very cool, i believe that the BAMA club is near you (and mwc to boot) http://www.angelfire.com/al4/bama/
Ok, I've bookmarked that site to be able to email them for the next battle of their division, now I'm thinking towards ships. I would think something small would be the best thing to start on, maybe the Graf Spee? Thanks for your help!
I am, incidentally, doing a graf spee. Its fast (especially in mwc, soon to be faster in ircwcc), large (enough for everything, esp with bulges), can mount triple stern guns, and to me, looks sweet. If you want to go allied, a similar ship is the uss baltimore. Also, look at http://www.battlersconnection.com/html/catalog_new.htm for ship kits for fast gun. Good luck.
Hi Dan, when decididing on a ship, your level of building experience is also a factor. Do you have a table top to build on or a large workshop. Do you have paople nearby that can come over and give you hands on help? Take a look at a fiberglass hull from Battlers Connection or from somebody on this site. However, if you are comfortable with building from a set of plans, there is a lot of experience on this website and the people who will help you in all aspects during your build. (I have gotten numerous ideas for my Littorio build here recently!) I have built several ships and my favorite was the Italian battleship Andrea Doria. The reason she was my favorite was that in fast guns she was a 4.5 unit ship, was moderate in size and had a decent speed. With her, I could use stern guns as well as slide up next to someone and use a sidemount. The sidemount can give a little more pleasure then just having stern guns.(pop pop pop pop!) But whatever ship and way to build you decide on, most people on this site can help point you in the right direction and if you make contact with the club, their support will be the difference between success and frustration. That's just my two cents worth anyway. Good luck!
I agree that you should drop in on several groups. See not only what the ships are like but also members of the club. They may even let you have some 'stick time' on one of their ships. Then you will be in a better position to decide which fits you the best.
I have an empty garage, another person to help with whatever, and most tools I would need. Don't have a drill press for holes but I have a bit to go on a drill that will do the same job. I have looked at almost all the ship hulls and kits on BC and want to go with a Graf Spee, but from wood plans, not the fiberglass hull. Where would I find some plans? (can buy but if someone has a it scanned I'd love some Adobe, [] )
You dont need many tools, all i have is a good dremel and a jigsaw(believe me, if you dont have a dremel, get one). I have plans, but i havent scanned, nor am i likely to(sorry), but, i think you should meet with people in your area, and talk with them, before finallizing plans for a ship. I was always told go for a class 4 ship, but i really wanted and found a good deal for the spee. In the end, do what you want, but learn from those who know what theyre doing (thanks Rob, Fred, Chris, thats why i have you guys). Also, if you want sidemounts(the best weapon), but a similar look to the graf spee, go with the Scharnhorst, it's the ship im going to go to after my spee. good luck.
Awesome! If I make another ship it would be the one I had in mind originally, (USS Alabama) but this is small and would be best to start on, I would think. Just emailed you. Thanks to everyone for their help!
