How to get started?
 

Hey um, I guess i don't know how to explain my issue well but, I'm 15 years old and would love to build an RCModel Warship, specifically a WWIILST http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_LST-983 .... It looks like a really hard project to me but I would like to take pride in making such a fine ship. Ihave absolutely no idea where to begin, could anyone help me determine a budget, materials, tools necessary, and other factors?I'd like for it to be about 2 feet long maybe? I have no idea where Iwould get dimensions though and well yeah.... would any kind generous souls offer me the information to get me started?</p>

RE: How to get started?
 

Do you have the plan's? Of one I forget who has a set that they will make you a copy of them and send it to you. I think i have a set somewhere. If i find them i post them for you. :)

RE: How to get started?
 

Here you go. I have one more pic to upload yet. :)

RE: How to get started?
 

Num 13

RE: How to get started?
 

OOps that's a LCM not a LST lol. They had the LST-325 here in St Louis a couple of year's back. I got to go on it and take some picture's not for sure where they at but, i try and dig them out for you. :)

RE: How to get started?
 

I don't have any plans really, i guess that'd be my downfall, I'm still trying to get into the hobby and I guess I don't have some of the kinks worked out haha. Thanks for the plansthough and thanks for the pics!

RE: How to get started?
 

Oh oops your right that's not the right thing, though i'm sure my LST could use some little RC LCM's onboard right? ;)

RE: How to get started?
 

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

RE: How to get started?
 

Strike Models, at http://www.strikemodels.com/ , offers a fiberglass LST hull and much of the hardware necessary to complete it. The owner just demonstrated one of his LSTs in combat at the last battle. Asides from forgetting to charge the battery, it did pretty good.

BTW, I was 15 when I joined the hobby. It can be a challenge, but don't give up. The rewards are great!

RE: How to get started?
 

Well, Icould really go for either one I guess, I'm thinking i'll go for a combat ship. The LSTproject is starting to seem harder and harder though and perhaps since i'm a first timer I should just go for an easier ship?? I really appreciate all you guys' input and suggestions. This is truely a great and helpful community. :)