I think the best plastic model for RC conversion is the 1/72 FLower
class Corvette. The model is abotu 33 inches long,
with a beam of about 6 inches, with plenty of displacement. I
used a 6 volt, 4.5 amp/hr gel cell for the battery, and a 6 volt Dumas
Pittman motor on direct drive. That combo gave a nice running
model that could sail forever, with a max speed slightly over scale
speed. An advantage of using 6 volts for the power system is that you
can also power the radio system from the same battery.
A lot of people have used the Lindberg Fletcher Class DD ("Blue Devil
Destroyer") as a first RC model. Personally, I don't think this
is as good a subject. The model is about the same length, but
with a much shallower hull with only a 3 inch beam. The Fletcher
class will be much more weight sensitive, and less stable and less
seaworthy as a result.
A number of folks have converted the Flower to RC over the years-- a
web search should turn up a number of hits. I recommend a couple
of changes to the model if you go the RC route-- I'd replace some of
the fragile parts with brass rod, such as the railings and J
davits.
The Flower class is very seaworthy-- you'll be able to run the model in
all sorts of conditions. Make sure that you secure the battery so
that it can't shift around in a seaway.
Keep in mind that it is a violation of FCC regulations (in the USA) to
use radios on model aircraft frequencies in surface models (cars or
boats) and vice versa. You won't be allowed to run your model at
a club or other organized activity if you're using an "aircraft only"
frequency radio.
The great thing about RC scale boating is that a good model can last
for years and years-- they aren't subject to the attrition that flying
models seem to go through....
There are a number of plastic models that can be converted to RC. Some others that can be done:
Lindberg Diesel Tug-- 13 inches long
Revell 1/96 USS Kearsarge or CSS Alabama 30"
Lindberg or Revell North Atlantic Trawler-- 18"
Revell NYC Fireboat 18"
Revell 1/72 Type VII U-boat-- 33 "
Tamiya 1/72 PT-15
Lindberg 1/32 PT-109
Hope this helps....
-Bill
Current Project: RC conversion of Trumpeter 1/35 scale LCM(3), 21" long.(About 95% complete.)