This Model of the J. R. More tug which was one of the very last large Steam Tugs built on the Clyde in 1961.
Scratchbuilt from the 1:48 scale plans of a sistership the F.C. Sturrock with various modifications for J. R. More. Powered by twin 12v geared motors.
The J. R. More Tug is a large tug and still exists as a Museum exhibit at the Durban Maritime Museum and well worth a visit in South Africa.
My thanks to Keith Marks who was a Master of J. R. More and the F. C. Sturrock among others for his photographs, help and interest during the construction of this model and is now a good friend.
This video was taken at the Sumner Ponds which is used on alternate Thursday by the Southwater Dabblers MBC.
Video is not very good quality but will remake with a better video.
This model was built from a model slipway Tamar kit. it was modified substantially.all rails are soldered brass. info was from the website of Peterhead R.N.L.I. Station were there are excellent photos. The models engines are thumper motors 4240' at 900kv and run on three cell lipos @ 5000ma. Which give me at least an hour. With a speed of at least 10 mph, which lifts her bow out of the water,way passed the bow thruster , which is a graupner 400. Radar works through an old servo . Flashing blue light on mast. Running and accommodation lights. These boats are normally red below waterline however Scarborough life boats have always been white below the waterline. The crew are star war figures modified with plastic putty and a sharp knife. Not an easy build but very enjoyable. Eric Plaxton was the chairman of plaxtons coaches, and platoons building services. He left 9 million pounds to the boro of Scarborough, and 3 million to scarborough R.N.L.I., for a new boat .
Many thanks , Yes I like the colour scheme as well. I have several projects I would like to start one being the jet drive boat. as I already have the jet drives in the drawer for the last 12 months,regards Jim clark
As for burning out 3 motors, try dropping back to the original prop, perhaps the one you have fitted is too large for the motor.
I can see the boat has water cooling, but make sure the coling hoses are not bent too sharply and slowing the coling water flow.
My little Hungry Sailor aboard AMELIE ROSE OF POOLE,
Scale model of a Scilly isle pilot cutter from the ITV series
THE HUNGRY SAILORS. She is scratch built 3/4 to 1 ft. The hull is fibre glass on balsa plank with OpepI Oak deck, shes powered by a 700 auxiliary motor and Lipo battery, can be seen at Boundery Water Park.
Lady Wooes, by Mobile Marine of Lincoln. SemI kit. I bought the hull all the timber and drawings along with dozens of white metal fittings ages ago, started it and left it for 5 years, moved to North wales and finished it. Drive is 2 Ford Cortina fan heater motors driving a pair of 55mm Prop Shop props by tank steering, reciprocating steam engine sound board, smoke unit and full working lights all from 2 X 12 v 7 Amp batteries........a good and interesting but very frustrating build to get things right.
Sailed at Erias Park, Colwyn Bay Model Boat Club and sometimes at West Shore LLandudno.
The fitted motors expired so had to open her up and have now fitted some more standard motors 400's I think but they work and run time is reasonable. The motors are coupled through 3:1 gearboxes and positioned more to the front so as to allow for a larger battery.
HI Jelly Baby
Regarding crew figures, I used SIKU which are 1/32 they are German and good quality. SIKU do farming toys and the ones I use are the Tractor drivers. I have fitted them on the seats in the rear of the bridge. They are available from the UK via
SIKUDIRECT.COM on the sites Page 3 4. Part No 7071 for a 6pcs @ £5.90 all inc or 0887 (2pcs) @£2.40 inc. I use them for other 1/32 boats as well.
Hope this info will help. Regards Doug.
Hello from Australia Thought it was time I made a an effort. Three of my models shown here at last years local model show in Port Macquarie. L to R they are Cervia,now 20 years old,Wyola, an Australian built tug.Twin motors and Kort nozzles.and Old Trafford, MSC paddle tuc in 1/35 scale. All are totally scratch built. The only things bought were materials,paint and glue, Except the stantions for Old Trafford. Currenly finishing a Maycraft Mercury(started in 1962 in England) and a Vosper fireboat.Hope this may be of interest
Scratch built in 2004 from my own plan. Two layers of planks on ply frames, ply deck planked with 3/8 1/16 strips. Length of hull 50" by 13" breath. No motor sail only, winch for main & mizzen, sail arm for fore sails. Featuers a centre plate lowered by gravity and raized be a drum winch, also an expanding rudder, this has two servos to opperate. sails can be reefed or removed depending on weather conditions. Very good sailer Just goes in my car with the top mast & gaff boom lowered.
Sorry for the delay Cap'n, please don't keel haul me. Have posted 2 sailing photos. Reefed right down in a blow & in a breeze. Close to rocks no problem. HAMMER.
Converted George Turner garden railways static boat for scenic layouts. 2CH RC with novel means of rudder/servo operation - geared via idler because of limited space.
Better than scale speed, a bit of fun and works well on very small through to large ponds.
Colour scheme references the bird of the same name.. Lots of cut outs to provide under deck access.
HI Capn. Jim,
I have a set of mouldings for one of these and was wondering what to do with it. What motor / prop / esc are you using ?. Have you any further photos. Would be very interested in any other details you can give .
John w.
There were several different versions using the same hull. Either way I think the conversion will be fine.
The prop is a standard item. I think I might have cut it down a bit but with the brass bush reused.
Receiver is a 2.4GHz Planet R6M (6gms MICRO 6CH) with a 1A Action ESC (with reverse). All housed in the forward cabin accessed through forward hatch (added by me).
Rudder control is achieved with a micro (cheap) servo tightly fitted into a styrene box below the stern seat. I attached a tube to the rear of this box to provide the axle for the idler gear. Nylon gears part of a standard set you see at trade fairs. Rudder an old KielKraft (1" wide and 1.5" deep blade). I've made the stern access in two parts the seat and a rear plate over the transom to ensure complete access to servo, rudder and gears.
I used a small old brushed electric motor from my 'come in handy box' on 6v. this drives a 25mm 3 bladed plastic prop via tubing universal joint.
A 4xAA pack of rechargeable cells is stored under the deck as close to CofG as possible and in a resealable bag. I can just remove it if required through a deck amidships. The main deck is planked and non-removable.
The switch and charge point is mounted by the helm and easily accessble.
All up weight is 295gms. Freeboard is fine even when a little choppy and she is quite stable. I was going to put a cover over the cockpit but have not found the need.
I do have some more photos and will try an upload them. Good luck, this was a very satisfying conversion and I still enjoy her as a quick an easy boat to prepare/handle/carry and operate.
