I have been contemplating building the revell 1/400 scale uss enterprise and converting it into a scale R/C. Just wanted to see if anyone else has done so and how difficult it was. If not. I can write up a how 2 for it and post it. Let me know what you guys think.

Nuke,

I in fact did convert the 1/350th Tamiya Enterprise to R/C. As far as the conversion it is pretty straight forward. I made my own shafts & stuffing boxes, soldered some Raboesch screws (yup, they make them THAT small) and added motors, batteries, etc. The problem I ran into is that even though I kept the flight deck as light as could be, it still heeled over badly in a turn. I even have several details I could add to the deck but I opted to not put them on because of weight concerns. Add some ballast in the keel and it brings it down at or slightly lower than the scale waterline HOWEVER, the hangar openings are dangerously close to the water. Any wave at all and it would swamp it. I guess you could call it mixed results. So, for now, it is a static display ship in my office until I either sell it or just get tired of it taking up space.

Pete

do you think that the tamyia 1/350 battleship is a better bet because you could seal the bottom off with no openings?

Nuke,
Yes, I believe that is a better alternative. Obviously, it wouldn't be of much use in any type of chop but in calm water you would be able to sail her without much problem.

Pete

well let me ask a more broad question... What models have you heard of being successfully converted? I know that the revell subs have made the conversion with great success and everyone is awaiting the gato to be released but i kinda want to drive a target around for awhile

See my Tamiya Musashi at: http://www.geocities.com/y2patmat/

And several other plastic conversions have been discussed at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lindyfletcher/ (not just Fletchers)... there have been a couple CVNs mentioned.

Pat Matthews

I am currently in the process of converting an Imex Toyama to RC. I have enough done already to know this is going to work. Here is a few of the pictures I have so far: and if you want to follow my build thread here is a link.

R/C Groups build log
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=551519

R/C Universe build log
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4580553/tm.htm

This ship is 1/550 scale and would use running gear from the tamyia ships just fine.... In fact that is what I am using for a prop. (see threads). The Tamyia Yamato and Bismark both have gear drives for you to motorize the ships with, but you have to engineer a rudder mechanism. It is not too hard to build a rudder out of brass sheet and rod so it should not be a big deal. It looks as though you can convert the USS New Jersey and Missiouri into RC as well but neither of these kits come with gear drives or usable props. I do not know about the Brittish ships I do not own one of them as of yet. Good luck with your conversion on whatever ship you decide

Massey

here are two more examples of static kits converted to RC

USS Oregon Glencoe kit scale 1/225

Le Napoleon Imai kit scale 1/150 French steam battleship 1850

Rolf

That square rigger is gorgeous.

Rolf, where can i buy the Imai Le Napoleon kit ?

I bought the Napoleon in Japan.
see this link[link]http://www.hlj.com/product/AOS31735[/link]
but it is out of stock meanwhile.
sometimes I see this kit on Ebay-US or Germany- expect very high $$$$.
BTW my next project will be USS Kearsarge or CSS Alabama ,
their hulls are bigger and I think sail control might be possible.
Rolf

thanks [sm=thumbup.gif]

Hello

This is my first post on this forum. I have a Revell 1/72 ELCO PT-109 that has converted well, more details and pics here...

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/alan.shipman/boats.htm

Mark