First, are you wanting to get into Model Warship Combat or just build a model of a military ship?

If you are wanting to get into combat, my suggestion is that you start with reading the article from Servo Magazine that you will find on the [link=http://ntxbg.org]ntxbg.org[/link] site here: [link=https://ntxbg.org/articles/servo20051rcmw.pdf]ntxbg.org/articles/servo20051rcmw.pdf[/link]. That will give you an overview of the concepts.

Then, I would find the closest club/captain for advice, input, help, etc. There is a club/captain finder on RCNavalcombat.com, and links to various clubs on the NTXBG site (and other club sites).

One thing you might want to consider with an LST - that is a cargo ship. In some Big Gun clubs, cargo ships are used a lot. In many Small/Fast Gun groups, they are rarely used except for special events.

I believe Strike Models (which is the company that took over all the Swampworks stuff when Swampworks ceased business) has a fibreglass LST hull and plans.

You are correct, by the way, that building a combat warship is not a trivial, ore "really easy" task. It takes a fair amount of work and commitment. But, it is a great hobby. Rob Wood, at Western Warships in California, actually built an LST with working doors and loading ramp for combat. He had to make custom gears, etc. to do so, but it is pretty cool to watch.

Welcome to the obsession,

Wreno