Welcome to the Fleet!
The North Texas Battle Group (NTXBG) is your home for Big Gun Model Warship Combat in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. If you’ve ever been fascinated by naval history, enjoyed building models, or just like the idea of some friendly competition, you’ve come to the right place. We are a community of builders and captains who share a passion for creating and battling 1/144th scale model warships.
What We Do
At NTXBG, we bring history to life in a way you’ve never experienced before. We build and battle radio-controlled models of World War I and II-era warships. These aren’t just display pieces; they are fully functional fighting machines. Armed with CO2-powered cannons that fire steel ball bearings, our ships engage in combat.
The goal? To strategically outmaneuver your opponents, land decisive shots, and sink their vessels before they sink yours. Our ships are built with penetrable balsa wood covered hulls, so every hit counts. When a ship’s bilge pump can no longer keep up with the incoming water, it sinks. Sunken ships are recovered, patched up, and ready for the next battle!
Learn more in this Servo Magazine article.
Your Journey to Captain Begins Here
Here’s how you can join the action:
Step 1: Come See Us in Action!
The best way to get a feel for the hobby is to see it for yourself. We invite you to come out to one of our battles or build sessions to meet the members, see the ships up close, and witness the excitement firsthand. Check our Calendar for the next event date and location. We are always happy to answer your questions and share our love for the hobby. You can also reach out using our Contact page or on Facebook.
Step 2: Choose Your First Command
The first step on your building journey is to select a ship. With a rich history of naval warfare to draw from, the choices are nearly endless. Will you command a mighty battleship, a versatile cruiser, or a swift destroyer?
For your first build, we usually recommend starting with a 3d printed ship kit. These are much quicker and easier to build out than fiberglass hulls. Kits are available from CombatWarships.com. You might also consider starting with a used, battle-tested ship to get you into the action faster. This is a great way to learn the ropes of ship handling and combat strategy before you embark on your own build. Unarmed convoy ships are another excellent, lower-cost option to get your feet wet.
Step 3: Building and Outfitting Your Warship
Once you have a ship in mind, it’s time to start building. Here’s a general overview of the main components:
- The Hull: Most ships use a fiberglass or 3d printed ABS hull, which provides a sturdy and waterproof foundation for the ship. Hulls have penetrable windows which are covered with balsa, allowing the ball bearings to punch through.
- The Superstructure: This is where your modeling skills come to shine as you construct (or print) the decks, bridges, and turrets that give your ship its character.
- The Internals: You’ll install the motors, shafts, propellers, and rudder for movement, all controlled by a radio receiver, electronic speed controllers, and servos.
- The Armament: The heart of a warship is its guns. You’ll install the CO2-powered cannons and the associated gas system that will give your ship its punch.
- The Finishing Touches: A good paint job will bring your ship to life and make it a vessel you can be proud of.
Step 4: We’re Here to Help!
Building a warship can be a complex undertaking, but you don’t have to do it alone. The NTXBG is a club built on camaraderie and a willingness to help new members. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we’re always happy to share it. Whether you have questions about construction techniques, electronics, or a particularly tricky part of a build, there’s always someone in the club who can help.
Why Big Gun?
You’ll hear us talk about “Big Gun” combat. This is the format of model warship combat that we participate in. Big Gun rules are designed to be more realistic, with cannon sizes, armor thickness, and speeds scaled to the actual warships. This presents unique engineering challenges and a strategic style of combat, where each ship has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you’re ready to start your adventure in Big Gun Model Warship Combat, we’re ready to welcome you aboard.
- Check out our Calendar to find our next event.
- Look through available ships at CombatWarships.com and BattlersConnection.com
- Contact Us: Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our Contact page.
We look forward to seeing you at the pond!