Hi, Im new to this and was curious if there are any big gun groups in Southern California. I am also trying to determine what type of ship I should try for my first build, any suggestions would be great. Thanks
The southern CA group is here. http://www.scrapcombatships.com/ Looks like their next event is March 5.
I cant tell if that is big gun or fast gun, but thanks for the link. And unfortunately ill be taking a test March 5.
There are (were) two groups in SoCal, both in the same location (literally the same battle pond). The one mentioned already is the Southern California Rapid Attack Patrol, or SCRAP, a MWCI Fast Gun club. The other group is called the South Coast Battle Group, or SCBG, a big gun club. The SCBG has shown no sign of activity recently. Two years ago a few members of the WWCC (my club in the Bay Area) went down to battle them, and one member came up to visit us last year, but otherwise I have heard nothing for years now. Until I see real signs of life, I am forced to say that SCBG is dead. RIP. That leaves you with three possibilities. The first, and by far the simplest, possibility is to join SCRAP. They are a vibrant and growing group, with 11 ships on the water at their last battle. I was just down visiting them a week or two ago, and they clearly are excited to be on the pond and hold events regularly. After every battle is a build session, so you can learn how to build a boat and have easy access to help and advice. Fast gun may be a whole different game from big gun, but they are both boatloads of fun. The second option is to come and visit the Western Warship Combat Club, or WWCC, up in San Jose. That's where I am based. We are the largest big gun club in America, recently putting 18-20 ships on the water at every event last year. We will be holding a two-day event in March, with a Gunnery and Maneuvering on the 12th and a battle on the 13th. This will be my send-off to the Navy: I ship out to boot camp on the 23rd. In May 21st and 22nd the WWCC will host a battle at the Maker Faire, a huge robotics, technology, and DIY exposition that is well worth the drive north. This is a HUGE event, with lots to see and do besides just boats. We will build an artificial pond and battle all afternoon in front of literally thousands of spectators. We have plenty of experienced builders here, are a large and active group, and Stephen of Strike Models is based here. We'vehad people come from as far away as Oregon and Washington to battle with us. That, of course, highlights the problem: we are a long drive from SoCal, as I found out when I drove down to visit SCRAP. The third possibility is to revive the SCBG or start a new big gun club from the ashes. This will almost certainly be the most difficult option, since you will need to learn how to build a ship with minimal help, get permission to use the pond, hold regular events (this is the key to growing a club!), and a host of other problems that I can't even begin to imagine. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, this is NOT a good option. My personal recommendation is to simply join SCRAP. Joining an existing club is the surest way to learn what you need to learn and maintain motivation to complete your ship. If possible, come up and visit us in the WWCC, though that is a bit much of a drive to do regularly. If you can make it, the Maker Faire is an excellent event to come see. I highly recommend it to everyone, including other members of SCRAP. Cross-pollination is a good thing, and there's plenty to keep the Admirals and future sailors busy at the Maker Faire.
Alright. Well thank you very much for all the information. I will try to get in contact with SCRAP and Ill try to make it up there sometime as well.
