I have been 'shadowing' this thread for some time now, as the Lindbergh 'Melvin' was my earliest attempt at putting R/C in a ship. That was in the 60's when the kit first came out. I had a single channel Citizenship radio and a "Boat-O-Matic" from Aristocraft that was supposed to provide left and right rudder, forward, reverse and stop. However, there was so much radio interference from the motor provided in the kit that it didn't matter how many or what sized capacitors I put on it, it would just go crazy once the 'forward' command was given, with the motor starting, stopping and reversing in spurts and the rudders kicking back and forth.
Prior to trying to put R/C in it, I nearly lost it in some fairly heavy wind, because the cam system kept trying to turn it into the wind,and it would just sit there and heel, until the deck went under, and then the whole ship. Had to do some swimming, and the water was COLD!!!
That model and an unbuilt kit have been with my 'model stuff' for at least 40 years in a long box, which I just came across the other day.
I had looked at the conversion on the Model Warships forum before and at a few on the RC Groups forum, but this one is really inspiring. FIrst time I have seen the Tom's photo-etch, which really dresses it up.
Yesterday kind of clinched the deal, because I found a Squadron/Signal USS Kidd, On Deck book that is full of photos. I am thinking single rudder conversion, but we shall see. Joined this Model Boat Mayhem today so I could get in on the fun. Can't wait to see your conversion in paint! She looks beautiful now!
PeeJay