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Article
One Year and One Month
by
Joe Dworniczak
After one year and one month I finally got the Von der Tann built and in the wasser as a rookie. It was a totally new experience as it's not the kind of building that you normally find in hobby stores. I was to build a boat that was to face fierce and overwhelming battle, and where everyone is out to sink you. At that, with overwhelming odds but I accepted with realization that the more sinks or damage one receives, a proportionate improvement of ones design as well as battling and driving skills would come about.
I was sunk in my first event but I must add that it occurred in the very last moments of the last sortie of the day having survived the first battle with little damage. I almost made it through the day, but I think I became a little too aggressive in battle and positioned myself to recieve some good shots in my hull.
The teams for the day were Axis versus Allied. This doesn't happen very often out here in SCRAP as the Axis is usually outnumbered. However, with an increased Axis building program and with Brian Eliassen deciding to leave his South Dakota (a.k.a Blue Death) on shore for the day, the Axis actually outnumbered the Allies. Here was the breakdown for the fleets:
Team Allied
Name Ship Units Speed
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Mark De Antonio USS Brooklyn 3 22
Ty Siouxpancic HMS Inflexible 4 26
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Team Axis
Name Ship Units Speed
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David Asman DKM Z-43 1.5 21
Joe Dwoniczak SMS Von der Tan 4 26
John Flores SMS Moltk 4 26
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Pretty even teams...on paper.
I was aggressive enough that I was often ramming other boats and causing damage of course with my ram bow. I saw that as a rookie the first time on the water, I needed to watch the ramming aspect. And I truly apologize to everyone whom I smashed into. I must say that I have respect for all those who got rammed because they didn't get overly mad at me. I think this is one of the better attributes I have seen in the members of SCRAP. I think that we will be a great club for that reason alone. Every one was understanding and helpful in putting up with me. Its obvious we have comradery in this club.
Generally the VDT handled quite well the first time in a battle. I attribute this to all the helpful construction and advice that was given to me by everyone. I really want to thank Brian for his unerring devotion and emphatic attention to detailed instruction to me making the VDT right in accordance with MWCI rules. Its not only me that he helped, as he does that with everyone else. He has the untiring desire to help all, and is an asset to the club. But all the SCRAP members also helped me too, in the emails, build sessions, and elsewhere. Its amazing how much information and instruction that all of you SCRAPers have given to me. Frankly, I feel very confident about what I'm doing now. But I must learn how to steer.
Results from the first battle were:
Team Allied
Captain Ship A O B Pen Sink Total
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Mark De Antonio Brooklyn 1 0 0 0 0 10
Ty Siouxpancic Inflexible 12 0 1 0 0 170
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Total 180
Team Axis
Captain Ship A O B Pen Sink Total
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David Asman Z-43 2 0 0 0 0 20
Joe Dworniczak Von der Tann 10 2 2 200 0 250
John Flores Moltke 5 0 0 0 0 50
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Total 320
Due to my ram, the Axis actually ended up with -20 points for the battle.
After my sink, I was very proud that the waterproof receiver box did not leak. The stressed instruction and attention to detail in making and sealing the box paid off very well. I still have to make a rescue float system that is worth a hoot. The final touches on the deck and superstructure need to be finished and a transportation box will be in the making soon. I want to be somewhat of a prepared rookie for the upcoming 2002 Nats.
The results for the second battle were:
Team Allied
Captain Ship A O B Pen Sink Total
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Mark De Antonio Brooklyn 4 0 0 0 0 40
Ty Siouxpancic Inflexible 5 1 0 0 0 75
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Total 115
Team Axis
Captain Ship A O B Pen Sink Total
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David Asman Z-43 1 0 1 0 800 20*
Joe Dworniczak Von der Tann 12 3 15 200 800 1745
John Flores Moltke 6 0 0 0 0 60
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Total 2665
* David declared after getting tangled in the weeds.
Yep, once again. My ram caused the Axis to end in negative territory with a -85.
Despite this, I want you to know that I was really thrilled putting the VDT on the water for the March Battle. Thank you Daniel for helping me lift her from the water; Mark for your patience and roll of tape to fix your boat and in retrieving the VDT from the sink; and everyone else at the event for their patience and assistance.
Zieg Heil!
 | The usual suspects. All the SCRAP members who were at the March event.
From left to right: John Flores, Mark De Antonio, David Asman, Ty Siouxpancic, Joe Dworniczak and Daniel Louwsma.
Not shown as he was taking the picture: Brian Eliassen |
Copyright © 2002 Joe Dworniczak
Photo courtesy of Brian Eliassen
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