Article 1 - 2003
Getting Started
This, we hope is to be the beginning of a long line of articles teaching the finer points of warship construction. By now you all know that we at SCWA like to stress the fun that goes with the construction of your own warship, while other clubs seem to be bent on detail and high expense methods. We don't like expense, so we have come up with some low cost methods for your construction, and will also pass on tips and tricks we have conjered up.
I started my warship (USS Wasp CV-18)back in 2001. I know what you are all thinking, what was he thinking by choosing such an ambissious project ?? Well believe me, had I known what was involved with this particular ship at this scale 1/96 I probably would have chosen a different ship. but let me also tell you, that since I have started putting up ribs, and I can see a ship appearing from the gloom, I don't think now that it was a bad choice at all. After making your choice of warships (and please choose wisely)you then need to deside wether you want to buy plans for your chosen ship, or will you draw your plans up yourself? In hindsight, this is a choice I should have thought out a little more. I actually chose to draw my plans up myself (WOW, CRAZZZZY) wasn't I? Not so crazy as you might think, There are tons of websites out there that can provide measurements and diagrams on most any ship you want to build. The only problem is that there were very fiew sites that gave even a little information on the USS WASP. But I prevaled, I found measurments and pix, and after a whole year of drawing and redrawing plans I am underway. If you choose to draw your plans, Please take your time, your measurments must be exact for most warship clubs today.
Once your plans are finished to your satisfaction, you are ready to start construction. Remember, if you are part of our club, always keep us informed of your progress, so we can update our members page to show the level of construction you are at.
Coming next issue (January 15)....
Construction pix of the USS WASP. as well as detailed follow along instructions, so you can see how I progressed. Also, Links to great sites where you can purchase plans and other great stuff for your boat.