Scratch built 1:50 scale model of Steam Tug Alwyn Vintcent. Last operating steam tug in South Africa. model.

Having completed Sanson (Artesania Latina kit) and Anteo (scratch built using plans from internet scaled to 1:50) I had the "Tug Bug".

Wanting to do a South African tug I scanned the internet and found the Alwyn Vintcent. Not only did she "have the look" but there were numerous photographs, and as a bonus I found she was being restored in Villiersdorp, South Africa. Alas I could find no plans.

Using photos resized to 1:50 scale I traced all lines (using MS PowerPoint) producing a set of plans to scale. The photos I used for reference attached.

I finally found a set of plans, but only after I completed the model. My plans were nearly a perfect match 😊

Hull was plank on frame construction, using balsa, which was then used as a blank to make a fibre glass mold. The hull was then cast using the mold to facilitate converting the tug to RC.

The rest, with the exception of the anchor chain, was scratch built.

Balsa for all structural elements, 1mm brass rod for all railings, 0.5mm for handles, hinges, portholes, hydrant wheels, pill containers for barrels, wood dowel for vents, liferafts and tyres.

Detail photos posted in Harbour.

Took just over 3 months to complete. My next challange is to scratch build the JR More (South African Steam Tug) in 1:50 scale.