Radio-Controlled Mini-Warships Battle It Out

Now here's a hobby I didn't know existed: members of the North Texas Battle Group build elaborate radio-controlled balsa warships armed to the teeth with CO2-powered BB guns, then launch them in a nearby lake and battle it out. Also on board are pumps to evacuate water taken on after direct hits, independent rudder and propeller assemblies, and an auto-deployed float to help salvage the not-so-fortunate sunken wrecks. And it's not just in Texas—similar clubs are staging regular mini-naval battles around the world. —John Mahoney

Check them out - ntxbg.org

The heavy artillery operates like paintball guns

The pump and motor assemblies

 

Comments

[Wreno]

Minor correction - up to 1/4" ball bearings are fired. And, though the hulls are sheathed with balsa (up to 1/8" thick), the hulls can be made of virtually anything (many are fiberglass or plywood ribs). The damage is thus minor and easily repaired, making it easy to battle again and again. Some ships have been sunk and re-battled as many as 5 times in a day.