The first thing is to see what type of clubs are in your area. There are "Big gun" and "Fast gun" clubs. Big gun has slower speed, bigger ammo (usually ball bearings), and the balsa hull thickness varies based on the armor of the original ship. Fast gun clubs use only "BB" cannons, 1/32" thick balsa sides and are about twice the speed of the Big gun ships. That I know of fast gun is only 1/144 scale, but big gun can be 1/144, 1/96, or 1/72. Let us know what area your in and someone here can help direct your options. A couple of websites to look at are www.modelwarshipcombat.com , www.rcwarships.com, and you can link from these to many other sites. Welcome to the fun!!