Hi I have just read your post about your tug, I am one of those who modified mine to two new motors:-
A. Because the original gear box nylon pinion gears split and there was no way that one could get them to fix securely back on to the motor shaft, plus the fact that when initially refitted they would no longer mesh and if the motors stopped at the wrong point they would not restart they just jammed.
B. I wanted to make the tug more manoeuvrable so fitted separate speed controllers to each motor enabling me to run one motor forward and one in reverse this with suitable rudder positioning allows the tug to rotate on its axis with very little forward or reverse motion.
C. I was able to use a 6v 4Ah Gel type battery which gives a much greater runtime.

As to the old gearbox I think that because the gears were split it was disposed of. Somewhere in my harbour here there should be some photo’s of the conversion. I am now using speed 300 motors with a 2.5:1 reduction position much further forward in the hull an I made extension shafts to the original fitted ones, and it all works.

Hope this helps and perhaps explained the need to change the original setup. Graham

Hi, Doug.

I’ve been plugging away at some of the work that doesn’t call for really good eyesight, such as stripping off the “Richardson” name & repainting here & there. I still can’t see well enough to work on the microscopic circuit board modifications. The last of the parts that I ordered arrived last Thursday so everything is finally on hand. I hope the infection goes away for good soon & stays away. it’s really discouraging.

Fingers crossed for better days.

Pete

Hi Pete, How's the rest of the of upgrade going?
Cheers, Doug 😎