Hi Geoff,
The thread developed from the basic moving of turrets to something more ( see the detail in the posts) - Lots of "whistles and bells" functionality was added to the basic movement solution which perhaps pushed it in the direction of what might be considered the gold standard.
The movement of turrets only using stepper motors controlled with an Adruino compared to your solution would be comparing apples with apples
So I would suggest that the Arduino/stepper route is a quick and easy way to achieve the outcome without investing time and effort in R&D and fine tuning of the engineered solution to get it to do what you want.
In my simple world placing 7 steppers motors into holes cut in the deck, ( very similar to mounting 7 servos) supplying each with power and a data signal , plugging these into an Arduino which in turn is connected to the receiver seems more simple than to devise and install a turret mount and pulley system and all that entails to control multiple turrets.
I think the stepper motor route is like a "pre-made solution" and you just install components and connect them together where as your route is the "Scratch Build" route which for many of us is the more challenging route as in essence you start with a blank piece of paper and have to go through the same learning curve you experienced with any "funnies" to iron them out - How create a mount, , pullies, cord, what amount of friction vs. slippage etc
Just my 2 pence worth - the good thing is people have a choice and should they wish to "move their turrets" could use either of of the 2 routes or make their own hybrid - they simply have to choose which they think is easier to construct and the functionality they desire.
To enable others to use the stepper route if they want to - it is the intention to publish a "How to guide" at some point in the future which would detail all that's involved, the code , the components and you simply choose what functionality you want from basic movement of a turret through to target tracking, synchronised sound/light/smoke/gun recoil
Bob's HMS Agincourt build thread will give more detail as things progress -
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,58070.msg605416.html#msg605416Regards
C-3PO