Hi, I must have joined 5 years ago and never posted, do you give a prize for lurking? A few years ago I bought a 1/144 Bismarck with Clippard valve guns. The previous owner finished it but never battled, and then it sat in a garage getting bumped around for years. I bought it with the intent to put it back together and get into the sport, but I think the project might be beyond me without a mentor, and I'm also wondering if this boat is obsolete now, or if I'm too far away from a club to make it worthwhile. I'm a little south of Syracuse. Please give me your thoughts. Here's how it looks now:
One of the great things about Big Gun ships is they last a long time. As long as the hull and guns are in good working order, everything else is relatively easy. Based on the photos you've supplied, here is my considered opinion: 1) The cannons themselves look fine. Assuming you have magazine tops and barrels, you could have this ship fighting in a week. 2) The electronics look a little old. The radio is probably still fine, but unless it was potted in epoxy, that old Traxxas ESC will probably smoke the first time you sink. You may also want to look into waterproof servos, skotchkote, or other preparations to recover the electronics after a sink. 3) The hull lacks water channeling and internal blast shields. That's OK, the builder probably didn't have the experience to know how important that stuff is. Blast shields can be as simple as screen door material laid inside the hull, or even cut-up soda bottles. Water channeling is a bit more difficult, but I am sure other people can provide tips for adding water channeling to a ship after construction. 4) I didn't see any motors in the back end. Do you have motors, shafts, and propellers?
Thanks, that is very helpful. I do have the magazine tops and 7 of 8 barrels. I think I have a old motor and a propeller but I would need two, so basically I am counting on getting two new motors, propellers and shafts. I have a NOS set of a radio (FM) and servos still in the box I could probably use. Would it be better to get a modern radio and servos? Also, anyone in my area with experience building these?
A modern radio setup can be had really cheaply and they work great. Also you will find having the computer features in the new radios a very huge plus. Big gun is not as active as it once was but there are things in the works that will hopefully soon change that. More on that at a later date as it develops. Most all of us are stuck having to travel to get to battles, unfortunately that is just how things are. We are pretty spread out but there are clubs throughout the country. Pretty sure there are guys in upstate N.Y. just not sure if there are still any big gunners. Great ship. Looks good. Hope you get to battle it soon.
Your Biz looks promising : ) Fastgun seems to be where it's at in NY but, there are some Big Gun guys in Ohio. You could try fastgun and see if you like it, then decide how to fit out your ship.
I'm posting in this old thread because I still have this boat and I haven't done a thing with it except move it around with me. So it's time to sell. I'll also be selling: 1/144 Big Gun Bismarck, shown above 1/144 Casablanca Class Escort Carrier, finished top half, the hull is missing, comes with planes 1/144 Casablanca Class Escort Carrier kit, complete wood kit, bought from a member here who sold them long ago 1/144 French Golo kit, complete wood kit, bought from a member here who sold them long ago 1/144 plastic airplane models, large assortment, mostly WW2 and some biplanes (not all shown), two U-Boat models, some tanks I have to see if I have receipts for any of this and work on prices, really not sure what to ask. If anyone can help with current pricing that would be much appreciated and I can make proper sale threads. Located in Ithaca, NY. Would be great if I didn't have to ship this. It's really nice this time of year, anyone want to take a trip to the Fingerlakes Wine Region and pick up some boats? Thanks for your help.
