1/96 SCALE R/C WARSHIP COMBAT CLUB
WHAT IS R/C WARSHIP COMBAT?
Have you ever seen radio controlled model ships sailing along on a pond and thought, "Wow!. Wouldn't it be cool if you could make them shoot and sink each other?" Well, now you can! Our newly formed club battles radio controlled, 1/96 scale model warships representing vessels launched from 1905 to the end of WWII in 1945. The ships are armed with CO2 powered cannons ranging from .177" BBs to 1/4" ball bearings, depending on the caliber used on the real vessel. The ships are constructed with penetrable balsa sheeted hulls so that they are vulnerable to cannon fire. If enough damage is sustained, the ship will sink! Onboard radio gear is waterproofed to protect against damage. Battles are held on shallow ponds to allow ships to be recovered, drained, patched up and ready for the next battle!
WHY 1/96?
You may have seen similar clubs in 1/144 scale. One of the drawbacks of 1/144 is that smaller vessels such as destroyers and submarines are difficult to build because of the lack of internal space for equipment. Generally speaking, 1/96 scale allows for a greater range of boats than 1/144. For example: a Gearing class destroyer, 32.5" long in 1/144 scale, is over 48" long in 1/96. Therefore, it is as easy to build as a cruiser is in 1/144. Also, as submarine warfare was a big part of WWII, they will make for some exciting combat!
What about battleships? Won't they be too large? Not necessarily. For example, an Iowa class would be 145.6 lbs. and 110.88" Long. A large model such as this would probably be designed to disassemble for easier transport and would need to utilize special recovery methods. However, some members find that part of the fun is solving engineering challenges such as these. Most likely though, the 'Big Boat' of choice will be the Heavy Cruiser, as the average size ranges from 30 to 40 lbs.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Click here to subscribe to the BATTLE STATIONS EMAIL LIST. Here you can join in discussion with current members and ask questions.
Also, click on "ASK THE CHIEF!" to find answers to the most asked questions about R/C Warship Combat.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Step into our Recruiting Office and someone will be right with you.