this is a small selection of tugs that I have built in the last few years, I have been building model tugs for about 45 years and have many pictures of them if anybody is interested the first is Ionia at 1/24th scale scratchbuilt,then 3 Sun tugs all at 1/24th scale
Nice selection of tugs. The detail looks very fine and are a credit to your modelling skills.
Perhaps you might consider a separate post for each model with four pictures in this section as there will be members who are contemplating or building similar models.
More pictures and brief details would certainly be most welcome. 😀
J. R. MORE - LAST OF THE LARGEST STEAM TUGS BUILT ON THE CLYDE. The best looking tugs ever built!
This model is scratch build at 1:48 scale of the SAR&H Durban tug J. R. More, which was the last large steam tug built on the Clyde in 1962.
It took over 2 years to complete this model, which was my first scratch build from the modified plans of a sister tug called the F.C Sturrock, which was also stationed at Durban as the shift tug for that harbour. Other tugs of the class were also stationed at Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
The J. R. More was the newer day tug in Durban, most often used to service the Union Castle ships and others in, out of Durban and remembered by so many visitors to South Africa of that time.
This model tug on the water has differential motor control, software linked with the rudder, can go about on the spot and a delight to sail as a model, capable of 6 or more hours on the water. Working Rotating Radar, lights and woop-woop sounder as per the original tug. I would also like to install the Telegraph bells, however these would drive fellow modellers to distraction, as they were a very distinctive sound and very regular, Implanted and well remembered by the crews and those in and around the harbour, even today. The engines on the other hand were almost quiet and by all accounts very reliable.
This model is ballasted mainly by two 7 Ah 12 Volt SLA Batteries for the main drive motors and a 2 Ah 12 Volt SLA (Aft ballast) for the Lights, Radar and Sound unit. All up weight is 14Kgs and capable of above scale speed from the two MFA 6:1 ratio Geared Motors driving two 4 bladed 70mm screws.
This model has onboard charge regulator circuit, built-in minature dual volt meter to allow quick on-board voltage inspection and single plug-in charge and regulator socket for charging all 3 Batteries together.
The actual full size J. R. More tug still survives and can be visited at the Durban Maritime Museum in Durban, South Africa. Local supporters are undergoing essential repairs, restoration and preservation with private and company financial support.
J R More is the only surviving large steam tug left of this class and as Important to the skills of the Scottish shipbuilders of the Clyde.
Well, it took 24 years of "on again-off again" building but now its finished. I started the model the day we put the CAMPBELL in commission(I'm a plankowner) in 1988.The model measures 6 feet in length and is scaled at 1:48. The entire model is scratchbuilt from wood (hull, superstructure, deck) and few commercial parts were used. it's powered by two Dumas 12 volt motors as a direct drive system. I had hopes of adding working features such as lights, rotating radar antennas, articulating gun, working anchor but I was just happy to get it finished! it will probably make at least one run at the lake come springtime but the models ultimate "homeport" will be a museum, at 6 feet in length(and 40 pounds of ballast) it's a bear to handle just to get it into the car for transport. Still, I'm happy with the results, it was a model of a lifetime(but I'd never build another one like it)! 😉
Time well spent and the end result justifies the time taken. Please let us see some pics or even a video on the water before you berth in the museum 😀
I know the feeling re large heavy models but on the water they look so magnificent. 😀
Looks fantastic and what an achievement. I agree with Dave, it would be great to see some action shots before you 'retire' her to a museum. My heaviest boat is 25lb and I don't like carrying that any distance! She doesn't bounce about though.
In 1963/64 my father built a 34" Fireboat for me. Being only about 12 the job was a little above my knowledge or expertise. Another chap in my class at school had the same boat but rigged as a Fireboat. So I wanted something different.My boat was painted Red.White and Black. When I migrated to Australia I sold the boat about 1970.Earlier this year I had an article published in a Melbourne newspaper saying I was looking to repurchase the boat I had sold 40 years ago. Although I was unable to get my boat, someone had a fireboat that had been sitting around for years.After purchasing the boat, I restored it to the same colours etc that I had had 40 years ago. Thereby naming it Phoenix.
The model is from a 'Veron' kit now produced in the sixties to early seventies. veron no longer exist. She was a Vosper fast patrol boat of the Trinty class. I am currently restoring one which has twin electric. The model was originally designed to run on a single screw powered by a 10/15cc Ic engine. Copies of the plans of the model are available on e bay. Fleetscale also prosecutor an accurate drawing of the vessel along with a grip hull.
This is pictures of the real boat in action. As soon as I get the outboards for the model it will be operational.It also flows water out of the deck gun.
Thanks for the ideas fellas,....as the motor was given free I will try it out with just brief runs and check the motor temperature.....I'll let you know the outcome
Well fellas, Sucess the boat performed pretty well, similar performance to the motor which burnt out, but without any drama. Checked the temperature of the motor occasionally, and it seemed warm but not excessive. The battery is a 7amp lead acid (Motorbike type) and gave well over an hour running time.
Unusual feature of the boat, is that being big (46") the wash is considerable.
This Is a scratch built paddle steamer named "Jeanie Deans "
This was scratch built apart from the fibre glass hull which I purchased.
Model is 65" long with a beam of 10". Power is by electric running via a gearbox at 300 rpm. Ihave taken almost 2years to complete the model working most days on it. Attention to detail was the order of the day.
I am using a Planet T5 Tx and Rx, 5 channels. I have a smoke generator pushing steam out of the twin funnels,synchronised to forward speed, faster the revs, faster the steam. Conventional rudder operation.
Have an operating Radar, ships horn, simulated steam noise varies as speed is altered, full navigation lights,all cabin lights can be switched on and to keep the 106 passengers happy I have a Banjo Band playing to complete the scene. Have sailed it recently at Peterborough and performs really really well. Have to say it tends to attract a lot of interest.
I am now constructing the Ayton Cross tug in 1:32 scale, with all the detail I want.Plan is to tow the Jeanie Deans around when completed as well assailing her
I have just completed this model - just waiting for the new prop to arrive along with a flag for the main mast, plus handrail staunchions. it was a Precedent all wood kit and not too Impressed with the materials but you only get what you pay for. I have fitted a Graupner 700 Speed Turbo and a Torpedo 50 Amp ESC. I am powering it with 2 6 volt SLA's wired in series. Overall I think it has turned out not too bad and it seemed to get better the more I worked on it (or is that psychlogical)Tested in the Marine testing laboratory (white bath) and floats OK with no sign of a leak (fingers crossed). Our boating pond will be frozen over at the moment so no real testing can take place yet.
HI Dave
Yes, my ESC is a Tornado 50 Amp which is the same as my friend's one - in fact I bought it on his recommendation, however I usually use Mtroniks. Our motors are not the same but both have similar RPM at 12 volt. I have ordered 3 more props of varying sizes and pitch to see how it will perform - had I have seen my friend down the lake in the last few months since I have been building my Perkasa, I might have got the prop right to start with ! I don't think I will get a 'pass' to get down the lake before Christmas so hopefully it will not be too cold and freeze the lake again before I get a chance to try her out.
Alan
Down at the lake this morning. Boat is now complete with hand rails fitted and painted. 40MM 2-blade X type prop fitted and with the batteries moved back she went really well. The bow lifted well out of the water and got on the plane very easily - would not want or need to go any faster.
Alan
Finally finished the project. This boat was built from scratch. I took pictures and measurements from a real fireboat that I operate. I built it on a 1/12 scale using wood that I had left over from scrap. This was my first project boat. I was able to get a lot of technical information from this forum. So thanks guys. I have really fallen in love with boat model building. I have wired the boat and am waiting on two model electric outboards to mount on the transom. it took almost 6 months to complete. 🕊
Love the look of it, awaiting the plans for my next project and like you will be scratch building her. To anyone interested if you are modelling about 1/32 scale and are looking for scale crew and get stuck purchase wwe 2" high micro wrestling figures. There solid plastic and can be cut about and re-modelled using hot glue to any position that you want. Coat with unI bond before using air drying modelling clay to sculpture the clothing. Let dry and apply a couple of coats of unI bond before painting with Humbrol or similar paint.
