Turbulator strips (and even downstream invigorators) are used all the time in FAI Free Flight models. They definitely can be effective in preventing/delaying flow separation at model-size Reynolds numbers. This has been proven over the years by back to back tests by many modellers (myself included). That said, there is an aspect of "conversation piece" to their use, as there are several styles and various people feel strongly that one may be better than another... etc.

-David