Submarine Squadron 37

(SubRon 37)

of The Eleventh Naval Combat Fleet

Evolution and History

My interest in Submarines goes way back to my grade school days when I discovered in history class that the US Submarine fleet during World War II, which then comprised about 2% of the US Navy, destroyed over 50% of the Imperial Japanese Navy and their Merchant Marine. This so intrigued me that I continue researching the history, construction and tactics of the combat submarine to this day. In the fall 0f '98 I came across an article in the magazine Scale R/C (Nov 98) about a father and son who built an R/C submarine modeled after a Japanese "Kaiten" Submarine. I was amazed at how easy the construction was and decided to make my own R/C Sub. I chose for my model the Los Angeles Attack Submarine USS Albany (SSN 753). I drew my own plans from drawings and references in books, magazines and anything I could get my hands on. I came across several places to acquire components and information. One such place is Skip Asay's SubTech . He has just about everything the R/C Submariner needs to outfit his sub and can even advise you on construction.

While researching the Net for my model submarine I came across a publication known as "The SubCommittee Report". More than a publication, The SubCommittee is an International organization of submarine enthusiasts dedicated to the building of scale radio control and static display submarines. A lot of what I learned about subs can be attributed to my first year in The SubCommittee. During my first year in The SubCommittee I also discovered a hobby that sparked my interest called Model Warship Combat. After learning all I could from the members on-line I decided to check it out first hand and drove to Forest Hill, Maryland in June of '99 where the Spring Regional was being held. In the first five minutes of battle I knew I found a "new" hobby! To further solidify this conclusion I bought a warship hull and upon returning to Upstate New York started construction on the Battleship USS West Virginia. In October of '99 there was a lot of discussion on the Internet about Combat Submarines in this hobby. A lot of members including myself were planning on building combat submarines. I decided to take the initiative and incorporate a Submarine Squadron (SubRon 37) into my combat group, The Eleventh Naval Combat Fleet, and become the first to actively support the use of submarines in the hobby.

SubRon 37 was initially formed on November 18, 1999 and consisted of members of The Eleventh Naval Combat Fleet dedicated to the use of R/C model combat submarines in the hobby of Model Warship Combat. These "Officers" build and battle 1/144th scale submarines as a tribute to the thousands of submariners, on both sides, who fought and lost their lives during combat. The ability of the submarine to surface, fight and to submerge out of harms way is another consideration for choosing to build these unique fighting vessels. Because of their inherent design features, the "Officers"that build and battle these unique warships know that tactics, not firepower, is their sole advantage. The first combat sub under construction in the ENCF will be the 1938 French Submarine Surcouf designated as "Surcouf XP-I" for Experimental Prototype I. The XP-I , if successful, will be a model for future combat submarines in the hobby. The new SubRon 37, which was reformed on July 24, 2001 , consists of members dedicated primarily to the use of R/C model submarines, not only in the hobby of Model Warship Combat, but also for display and use during competitions scheduled with other members of The SubCommittee . The new SubRon37 is open to everyone who has an interest in Submarines, either combat or non - combat, radio-controlled or static display.

For more information on SubRon 37, e - mail Tim at SubRon37@aol.com

For more information on "The SubCommittee" e mail the member closest to your location.