I am closing in on finishing my radetzky class pre-dread. (SMS/USS Zrinyi) and am having a tough time figuring out what to build next. I have plenty of wood and either good plans or a fiberglass hull for all of these. Big Gun: FNS Normandie- needs new motors/gearboxes, some wiring, batteries and some structural changes RM Capitani Romani- needs torpedoes remounted, barrel mounted, skin, paint, and super structure bits -Next projected use for these two is 6 -18months away unless I have a skirmish with Kotori and Gascan (local) Fast Gun: HNLMS Java- light cruiser(2.5 units), looks like it will have above average maneuverability, unique gun layout. (having a cruiser done in time for nats would be cool) HMS Queen Elizabeth- gorgeous Ralph Coles doubled bulged/ no casement hull, just gorgeous and begs to be built, big potential Treaty: FNS Normandie- a hull I built a long time ago, would be sooo cool to stick a quad stern gun in FNS Henri IV- very small pre-dread., big challenge to build, would be way fun KM Graf Zeppelin- fast, good lookin, something I haven't seen much USS Midway- huge, epic, heavily armed under treaty rules -Don't know when I'm gonna make it to a treaty event... hopefully soon'ish Battlestations: USS Puritan- a perfectly feasible monitor, straight forward build, simple hull Because I can: USS South Wind- have the hull, putting everything in its scale location does't put it at a disadvantage handling wise, slight changes in armament= multiple formats, I love icebreakers Josif Stalin- russian icebreaker, also would do well setup as scale, very tubby, 350ft long by 92ft wide!, deep draft,multi format, I really do have a thing for icebreakers If there is any one in particular I am favoring it is Java. Just because I could use it soonest, it is smaller, and should be less time intensive than some others. Followed by South Wind because I have the hull and it is small too. However, it isn't very worthwhile in MWC unless I could do 1/4units;-) I'm so conflicted! Please offer your $0.02! Das Butts
I think the prefix for Zrinyi is 'KuK' I actually have some decent 1:200 plans for HMNLS Java. I'll bring them to the April battle in Statesboro if you want to scope them out.
KuK wasn't used to prefix ship names, SMS was used in both the german and Austro-Hungarian navies prior to the end of WWI.
I have the Profile Morskie Java plans. I was thinking I might try my hand at making a plug and seeing if I can trade it to a vendor for some product. I figure I'll have to get in touch with Bob Pottle, Ralph Coles, or someone like that who has experience. Granted they are probably only good in fast gun because they have no torpedoes. What they do have is 3 shafts, 1 rudder, a visible armor belt that runs most of the length of the ship, and 10 different places to mount single cannons. Das Bütts
As much as I hate to say this, being an Axis captain in good standing but Ralph's QE is an absolutely gorgeous hull and it would be very cool to see one finished. I know he was exceptionally happy with that particular hull and I haven't heard of another being finished yet. Jusy my $0.02 (minus appropriate taxes and government fees) J
It is arguably the nicest hull I have ever seen. That is why I am so torn. On an expense note... I do already have almost everything needed to build the Java. With the QE I would have an extra several hundred above that to get it ready. Doing the Java plug might help me get what is needed to do the QE... Hmmm. Das Butts
I will supply wood, plans, a shop, and plenty of moral support! I really am interested in participating in AoS... I just have a handful of projects ahead of an AoS ship that I would be doing most of the work on. Those sailing ships are amazing though! Das Butts
That makes 3 strong votes for QE and 1 for Java... however, we just bought a new vehicle. We upsized to an SUV because our second kid is on the way and the third will come immediately after. Greater bills= less ship money. One thing that might sway me though... does anyone have/ want to make a nice QE super structure? I would gladly outsource that job to someone, ha! At least it is the big blocky version. Let's do a required components comparison for the two hulls: Already have and not in use: 2- solenoids 1- propulsion brushless esc 2- pump brushless esc's 2- appropriate TX's & RX's -misc cannon parts -tons of pneumatic fittings -tons of wiring supplies -tons of 1/8" and 1/4" aircraft grade plywood Both: 1-regulator ($60) 1-firing board ($30) Java: 1- gearbox ($20) 1- prop (all the ones I have are in pairs) ($10?) 1- superstructure supplies ($20) 1- misc. gun parts ($10) 1- misc. $50 $$ needed- $200+- QE: 1- extra firing board ($30) 1- gearbox ($35) 2- brushless motors ($70) 2- solenoids ($60) 1- turrets/termite armor/superstructure supplies ($80) 4- batteries 20ah LiFePo4 ($130) 2- misc. guns parts ($20) 1- misc. ($80) $$ needed- $595+- Das Butts
Yup... I flipping can't wait to build the QE. It sounds like it might have to wait till I save a few bucks from a second job delivering pizzas or something though. My Chain of Command already approved me to have one and it will help me get away from my now "shoe string" budget. Mike B
Working a second job as a squid is tough. If you are not a resident of the state that you are stationed at that opens you up to a different financial situation. Keep in mind any cash that you make will be taxed at your local rate. It also means that you will have to file State taxes too. Just some words on advice from an old retired squid.
I've done it before while sitting in a transient Div. It's a little annoying come tax time but not difficult. I appreciate the sage advice
We cancelled buying a storm door for the house. That's another $390 back in the account. The QE is being built!! I have already ordered drive motor, pump motor, firing board, batteries, and the gearbox. Just gotta order a couple more solenoids and pick up some termite resin stuff. Got some freebie stainless tubing for barrels from my local Parker guy as well as some T's at a discount Das Butts
I look forward to the build thread, I suspect you will be very happy with the hull, Ralph is very particular wrt his hulls and does extremely good work. J
Speaking of ordering stuff ... Just made an order for 10 Spartan solenoids, four of which are going into a certain Warspite hull. Heh.
You're going to have Warspite ready for Nats? If anyone but you said that, I'd laugh. Or, to steal a quote from one of the greatest B-grade movies of all time... 'If it was anyone but Buckaroo Banzai, I'd say commit the man!'
