The 2003 Task Force 100 Regatta/Fun Float scheduled for June 8, 2003 has been
The 2003 Regatta/FunFloat has been downgraded to a Sunday sailing event.
Check our schedule next year for the 2004 Task Force 100 Regatta/FunFloat information.
TASK FORCE 100 is a Constant Scale Radio Controlled Model Ship Club, based at Laurel Acres Park,
Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Task Force 100 is a charter member of the Northeast Commodores
Conference (NECC) of Model Ship/Boat Clubs located in the northeastern section of the United
States. In addition to the NECC, TASK FORCE 100 is a member of the Scale Ship Modelers
Association of North America (SSMA).
The Club Purpose for TASK FORCE 100 is as follows:
TASK FORCE 100 is a group of people united for the purpose
of building Radio Controlled model warships of present day Navies. In addition to model
construction, TASK FORCE 100 members provide assistance to area modelers in model operations,
construction techniques, and ordering information for ship construction materials.
TASK FORCE 100 members operate "constant scale" model warships in various formations
consistent with Naval Operations (Carrier Screening, Surface Action Group, Anti-Submarine
Patrol, Salvage and Recovery, and Battle Group Operations). TF100 members also assist in the
training of future unit "Captains" in Task Force Operations.
A "CONSTANT SCALE" club constructs scale models to the same scale. All ship units of TF100 that
takes part in Task Force Operations are built to either 1/100 (1"=100") or 1/96 (1/8"=1') Scales.
Ship models not in these scales generally will not operate with these units except during "free sail"
operations or "Fun Floats". Gasoline powered vessels are not permited.
There are several Constant Scale Clubs in the United States. Two other Constant Scale Clubs are
TASK FORCE 50, based in York, Pennsylvania, and TASK FORCE 96, based in Long Beach, California.
These clubs build their models to the same scales (1/100 and 1/96). TASK FORCE 50 provides an
added distinction by building models that were in operation during World War II. Because of the
same scales, TASK FORCE 50 and TASK FORCE 100 have, on several occasions, combined fleets for
Joint Task Force Operations. Outside the United States, TASK FORCE 72, based in Australia,
builds to the 1/72 Scale.
During Naval Officer Training, ship models are often used to teach junior Officers Ship
maneuvering characteristics for different propulsion configurations of the various ship classes.
This training affords the Officers with valuable information needed when operating full scale
counterparts in rough seas and when operating with other units during Tactical Operations.
The concept of operating same scale ship models just like their full scale counterparts is the
cornerstone for the establishment of TASK FORCE 100. In 1978, the first unit of TF100 was
constructed, in 1/100 scale, USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG20). The model was constructed by TF100
member, Dom Baysic, when he was stationed aboard the real USS RICHMOND K. TURNER, in Charleston,
South Carolina. Other constant scale models were constructed thereafter, and joined the R.K.
Turner in Naval Operations at Charleston's Colonial Lake. While corresponding with scale
modelers in Long Beach, California, operations and constant scale modeling was discussed and
soon TASK FORCE 96 was started on the west coast. In 1980, TASK FORCE 100 changed homeport to
the Virginia Beach/Norfolk, Virginia area. Once again, more units were constructed to join the
Task Force. The first aircraft carrier in 1/100 scale to join the Force was USS NIMITZ (CVN68).
In 1984, TASK FORCE 100 changed homeport to Laurel Acres Lake in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, and
has continued to conduct Naval Operations at Laurel Acres and surrounding lakes to the present
day.
The TASK FORCE 100 Operating Season begins in early April to late October, weather permitting.
The Task Force meets usually once a month to conduct Naval Operations or test out new Task Force
units (Sea Trials). These operations are termed LAKEX's (Lake Exercises) or SAT SAIL (Saturday
Sailing). During June, TASK FORCE 100 hosts a Fun Float Regatta at Laurel Acres. Area Clubs
and NECC Clubs are invited to come to Laurel Acres for fun and sailing. The scheduling of these
events can be found in the TF100 SCHEDULE section of this homepage.
Throughout the year, TASK FORCE 100 supports area Club Regattas, from the Empire State Model
Mariners in New York, the Valley Forge Model Boat Society, Valley forge, Pennsylvania, to the
TASK FORCE 50 Regatta in York, Pennsylvania. In addition, the Task Force participates each year
in June to support the Coast Guard Auxiliary's "Safe Boating Week" at Penns' Landing,
Philadelphia, Pa. In early August, the Task force supports the annual NECC "Fun Float" at South
Orange, New Jersey.
Membership to TASK FORCE 100 is open to all individuals interested in Scale Models and Naval
Operations. Model ownership of a Task Force capable unit is not a requirement, although
preferred. Your interest in Constant Scale model construction and operation; Captaining such a
unit in Naval Operations; along with payment of membership dues and your avid participation in
many of the Club's functions, makes you an active Club Member. Contact any TASK FORCE 100 member
if you are interested in joining.
CLUB OVERVIEW
