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Cost Estimates and Comparisons The question is often asked - "Is R/C combat a Rich Man's game?" When you consider other hobbies' costs - startup and maintenance, the answer is "No". In fact, this hobby is cheaper than many others. Though these ships are not shelf displays and include many "exotic" components, their unique qualities don't place the ships above the price ranges of most R/C enthusiasts. A trick 1/4 scale biplane, compete with four stroke engine, oversized servos, smoke generator, 6 or 7 channel radio etc., can run as high as $3,000. The example I saw was loaded with many other goodies, and was worth near $4,500, right up until the time it plowed a hole in the ground. Unlike Combat Warships, which are regularly sunk, repaired, and fought again, this plane's plunging glory happened to be its one and only death scene. Various aircraft kits begin in the several hundred dollar range. My B-25 Mitchell bomber set me back $120 for the wood kit alone. The engines added another $220. At the point I stopped construction (because I convinced myself I would trash it after I smacked my trainer into the ground...), I had $670 invested, which included a 6 channel radio. I could easily have finished it for under $800, but that would be for a bomber that DIDN'T DROP BOMBS. Do you own snow skis; the associated boots, poles, suits, thermals, gloves, goggles and designer accessories? How about hunting gear; the rifle, camos, tree stands, heating equipment, truck? If so, you know about the price tags attached to them. A good golf set can easily run into the hundreds, and that doesn't include the course fees or club memberships. My most recent hobby was drag racing street cars. My engine was over $3,000 when finished. The car had approximately $1,500 in chassis work done. After figuring in the transmissions (they break), rear-ends (broke twice), tires, paint, shifter, gages, fuel system etc., etc., the whole thing came out to over $7,000. Whew! When compared to these and other hobbies, R/C Combat is much cheaper. A Big Gun battleship with these features:
- can cost around $1,300. It's just a bit more than the bomber mentioned above, and does a lot more than just LOOK like a battleship. Keep in mind, once the initial investment is made, you are left only with maintenance, ammo, club dues, and the price of your favorite lunch for the party after the game. This figure is based on buying your parts from reputable manufacturers and combining them to create your vessel. If you scratch build the ship, and purchase a previously owned radio, you may get it built for under $700. "Don't they get wrecked when they sink?" Not unless the builder ignores building suggestions. The electronics are protected by water-tight boxes, and the servos are waterproofed. After the sink, your ship is placed on the table, pumped dry, and temporarily patched up for the next sortie on the lake. They are typically designed to survive a sink with no ill effects. The only cost of battle damage is that to restore the ship to its original condition. If there is damage, it is usually to an unsealed servo. Some brands are as inexpensive as $10, and it makes good sense to have a couple spares on hand anyway. Here is a typical year's worth of materials you might use in your ship's up-keep.
It comes to around $130-ish. I could spend that much on a new outfit or a nice dinner and show with my lady. If your club gets in good with a hobby shop, you might swing a discount on supplies and building materials for more savings. "Is a Big Gun ship more expensive than an IR/CWCC or MWC ship?" -Marginally so. The main price difference is in the gun system. A Big Gun system for a heavy battleship is about $200 more. Whether you go Big Gun, MWC or IR/CWCC, your investment is similar. But starting up a ship is a one-time thing, unlike the cost of replacing a drag racing engine that decides it wants to diversify into many little blackened paperweights. After you have launched and passed inspection, it's free sailing... |