The most beautiful ship you will ever see is that which you make yourself, even if it has a superstructure that only a mother could love.
HMS Lion is probably the best in your list. It's a little long, so turning won't be as good as shorter ships, but it has two rudders which helps. 4.5 units, so 3 guns, doable for the beginner. I'm assuming you'll be getting help with this hypothetical build from vet battlers. One thing to consider is hull availability. For example, Strike is out of stock of the Kongo hull, so I'm not sure if there's a way you can get one unless someone has one lying around. Also battlecruisers will be a little more expensive then a cruiser. Though you do get sidemounts.
Tiger is very very similar to Lion. Pretty much the same length, has 4.5 units and two rudders as well. Even has the same speed. If you're willing to scratch build hulls then the Kongo would be an option. It's also very similar to tiger and Lion.
Plans for Lion Tiger and Kongo can be bought here: http://www.strikemodels.com/products/ship-plans/ You'd have to ask more experienced battlers on how good or not they are. Ask Barry too. Personally I think you'll be fine. It's more important to like what you build. None of your ships you listed are terrible. An example of a not so good combat ship is the Alaska: very very long, and single rudder so bad turning. Bigger ship= bigger target too.
I debated getting an Alaska but bought a different ship for that reason. I have battled a borrowed Scharnhorst, which has a better turning ability due to it's two rudders. An NC and SD easily out turned the Scharnhorst during battle. I shudder about what would happen with an Alaska.
That's fine. We're here to help. If you haven't done so I recommend starting taking notes too, so you have a clear understanding of what to do next.
My particular DKM Scharnhorst turns quite well, so well that the fishtail rudders I run are now voted out but my set are grandfathered in hehe.
Interesting. I mean with two rudders it shouldn't be a bad turner. Probably because I was against veteran battlers with well designed NorCar's and SoDaks!
