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[pcresser]

Hello everyone, can anyone suggest a plastic kit I could adapt to radio control,would like to try a British warship.
Many thanks,
Paul.

[Brian60]

Scale warships have the drawback that they are usually long and narrow in beam so making them not very stable as a sailing model.

So the answer to this is to build bigger- bigger the better! This will give yo more stability for sailing and of course to fit the required motors and control gear.

Now there are a few manufacturers that make larger plastic models but for really large try Trumpeter-google it with plastic models as well. They do some fantastic ships and are large, but the price is also large!

[Captain Povey]

Hi Brian, Well the Revelle kit, 1/72 scale, for the Flower class corvette Snowberry is quite popular for this sort of exercise and there is a lot of information on here on how to do it. I converted my part built, second hand model from the Canadian model to the Azalea using the available reference books. The kit has just been re released so should be available. Make sure the hull is well sealed, keep all the weight down low and she will sail well. A picture of the one I finished this year and was sailed at the International model Boat show is attached. Cheers Graham

[Allnightin]

The main issues are sufficient size and adequate access to the interior.  Lots of people have converted the Matchbox/Revell 1/72nd Flower class corvette to RC and this might be a good bet for a first effort - mine is in its 30th year although getting very tatty as bits tend to fall off.  If you want a battleship  or cruiser,  most of the existing options are a bit on the small side - at least until the 1/200th Trumpeter HMS HOOD comes out.  You could look for a Heller 1/400th HOOD - not that accurate but big enough and fairly cheap by comparison.  The Trumpeter HMS ROBERTS 1/350th monitor should be plenty stable but I don't know how well it would work out for floating on  its waterline or internal access.

[Captain Povey]

You could also consider Deans Marine kits. Most have fibre class hulls and plastic formed bits. Cheers Graham

[warspite]

Agree that the revel 1/72nd is a great start for a beginner, especially if you have built 'plastic' kits like airfix before, the advise on making it watertight extends to not just the hull, but the superstructure to the deck, using raised internal walls (looking for a better term for those who are unitiated - bund walls), these prevent water washing over the deck getting into the hull and damaging the electrics (believe me, water does wash over the decks in rough weather on a corvette), see the recent HMS Coventry build - where the upstands are put around the deck openings.

As experience is gained models like the Airfix vosper and german s boot (again at 1/72nd) and some of the battleships from other plastic manufactures can be converted.

[Plastic - RIP]

Most of my models are plastic conversions - The Revell Flower Class is the easiest to deal with - loads of space for equipment, batteries & a smoke generator. There's loads of build notes on the forums to help you.
 
I suppose you could consider what you call a British warship - RMS Olympic? QE2? Large-ish models available of both in plastic (convert a 1/350 Titanic?) The QE2 is available in 1/450 - if you are careful with your build and equipment, both can be successful (look on youtube for videos).

[essex2visuvesi]

Tamiya & Academy do some nice sized warships that can be converted fairly easily

[hmsantrim]

Hi Paul.
 Ok not GB but suitable for RC.
Lindberg Blue Devil Destroyer 1:125 Scale  (LN70815) 39in long
 
frank
 

[pcresser]

Thanks everyone For your input its given me food for thought.
regards,
Paul.

[morley bill 1]

hi paul if you look at the revel corvette Hannants had them on at half price two weeks ago....regards bill

[Netleyned]

Still on the website at half price today.
Ned

[Klunk]

dont forget the italeri 1/35 vosper/mas/schnellboat and pt boats. Also the revell 1/72 submarines are easily converted to surface runners. Deans compact kits are more for a second or third model. Or there are the Glenn Gyst free designs given away in Model Boat magazines for a scratch built warship.

[Netleyned]

Would that be Glynn Guest methinks ?


Ned

[Klunk]

yes ned and my fat fingers on a mobile phone!!!

[pcresser]

Hello Bill,just ordered the corvette good price.
Many thanks,
Paul.

[kinmel]

The 35inch "Hooben" version of the Perkasa is predominantly plastic and a straight forward build that comes complete with motors and running gear.. A suitable speed controller is available from the supplier too.

http://vosper-perkasa.com/estore/product_info.php/assembly-kit-vosper-perkasa-132-scale-radio-control-deluxe-version-hooben-model-kit-p-49

[Cobber]

does Deans marine have a RC KIT conversion for Flower corvette?
regards

[U-33]

Tamiya 1/350th USS Enterprise carrier...over a metre long, and makes a nice easy r/c project.


Rich

[Martin (Admin)]

The Revell Flower Class is the easiest to deal with - loads of space for equipment, batteries & a smoke generator.
There's loads of build notes on the forums to help you.

                 

[Harquebus]

I would love to see a build log on the corvette when you do start, Mr. OP. 

Saddened a bit  about the 'easy way out' using the Revell corvette. Too easy because there's lots of room and such but probably a good choice for a beginner (as long as you don't get bogged down trying to make the kit more accurate). But he said British war ships so I would be remiss in not mentioning:

1/350 HMS Warspite (Academy or Trumpeter)
1/350 HMS King George V/Prince of Wales (Tamiya)
1/200 HMS Hood (Trumpeter)
1/200 HMS Rodney (Trumpeter)
And on and on...

All these are battleships and have copious amounts of fiddly bits, especially the 1/200 choices (I think one or more have in excess of 100-200 parts) more so than a cruiser or destroyer perhaps but part of the charm is enjoying the assembly. The Tamiya kits have been popular subjects for conversion as early versions were motorized and included a gearbox and motor if memory serves.