R/C Naval Combat

Hey Jim!
You're right that the majority of the folks around these parts are Fast Gun, I myself am up in Wharton. We have a couple of "local" ponds that other captains own which we have small battles on in upstate NY (about 90 min north of me.) in addition to going to the regionals and NATS and other larger events. This area is generally IRCWCC members but there are a few such as myself that are MWCI and IRCWCC members as the rule sets are similar enough to allow ships to cross over easy. For a first build the general advice to people completely new to this sort of thing is something in class 4 or 5 range. (Possibly a class 3 like the Pinz Eugen but only if the IRCWCC made them faster, which I think they did but im not 100% sure of that.) Right now there aren't many battles going on, winter is typically building season. That said if you were to start a boat now you could be battling it this spring. First thing I would do is pick a side or boat that you want to build (Axis vs Allies). A fiberglass hull from either battlers connection or strike models can be a good starting point but if you have the tools and skills scratching building a hull is allowed too of course. (For a first boat fiberglass is generally faster, easier, and cheaper believe it or not, again depending on what tools you may already have.)

On the Axis side a SKS VDT (Von Der Tonn), Konig, Moltke, or IJN Kongo would all be good starters.

For Allies I'd suggest a Maryland class (or similar), HMS Lion, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Invincible (I-Boat), or USS Arizona.

Pick something you like, it takes a lot of effort to get one of these things built before you can even start playing with it. Find out who all is close to you (not sure exactly where you are or how close we are) but if you can meet you with people to see ships in person that will be a big help for you. Generally you'll find this is a very welcoming community so ask away and we'll answer your questions the best we can.

I like the axis side personally, however I'd like to actually get my fiance's father involved if I can as he still builds small plastic models...I think this would be a great change of pace now that he's retired.

Where can I learn more about fast gun rule sets and how it has a bearing on the build?

Tools I'll be able to get, don't have many of my own, but by the looks of it a good dremel set would be a place to start?

man_o_war,
Hello, I two Have a soft spot for Prinz Eugen!! Welcome to the Hobby!!
Nikki

Check out the portpolarbear.com web site. Look at the articles page. There are several things to read for new guys and also some interior layouts for different ships. A good place to start.

Welcome to the hobby!
I'm sure you'll get all the advice and help you'll need to get a ship on the water by spring, there's lots of folk here that will be only too glad to help.
Can't go past a good dremel kit, plus the usual cordless drill/screwdrivers/ruler/2B pencil....
Try to keep away from those smelly axis pigboats though, and ignore their propoganda....lol.

Hi Jim and welcome;

A good thing to do before you get started is to visit the groups near you of different rule sets. See first hand which one suits you best. Meet the people. You will be building a close friendship with members of the group. Find out which club has the folks that you get along with the best. These folks will be working very closely with you to teach you the ins and outs of ship building and sailing.