Captain's Bio and Construction Photos
I was introduced to Model Warship Combat in Spring, 2001 by Dave Evans. He had this crazy idea that I would enjoy building and battling model warships. My first thought on it was "You spend your time and money to build these ships just to shoot them up!!"
In June I began to consider the possibility of becoming a part of this hobby. In July I saw some of the work Dave had done on his previous ship (USS Houston) and the one he is currently working on (USS Alabama). At this point, I became very interested. I wanted to learn more.
I started looking into what ship might suit me. Being a beginner, I didn't want to start off to big. I knew nothing about small parts or R/C modeling at all. I did know that I wanted to be able to fire more than just one gun. I narrowed it down to a choice between two ships, the SCN Espana and the USS South Carolina. These two ships have many similar qualities. I decided on the Espana because I like the way she looks. I also like the fact that there are not many Espana's out there.
I ordered my plans in August. Seeing the plans was all it took. I began construction. Now mid-November, I have, with the help of BAMA Dave, completed the superstructure and decking. I plan to have Espana ready for battle by the end of February. I can't wait to get on the water and do battle. Yes, even to get my ship a LITTLE shot up.
I attended the Atlanta "Salad Shooter-2001" in October. It was a wonderful weekend except for being unusually cold. I found that the people in the hobby are as nice and friendly as I was told. I was so excited being there with all the action going on and completely fascinated with all the ships that I managed to take about 200 pictures.
I do intend to build more ships in the future. I am not sure yet what they may be. I was very impressed with a couple of the German ships at the Atlanta battle. I will decide once I have some experience on the water and know how my battle style works.
Hope to see you on the water (or under it) soon,
Captain JJ
