Harbour directory

Marian Belle' Empire class tug (Mobile Marine.)

Listed by GaryLC ·

Photos

About this boat

This model has been on the go for the last three years and is now finally almost complete, this one as per the others is powered by a TVR1ABB steam engine and a 3 1/2" diameter x 6" gas fired boiler.

Comments

  1. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    I have just found this post by accident, as I was trying to find Mobile marine tug boats. This was completed some seven years ago, and still looks every bit as good as on completion. This was down to the current posts on tugs. this one was ideal because the huge lengthy super structure gives excellent access to the steam plant. Mobile marine does have a really good selection of model tugs, although one needs to be a touch physic, to figure out the instructions. The best kit ever has to be the ANTEO from Panart, a double skinned plank on frame kit.
  2. RNinMunichBronze
    Fleet Admiral
    Ye Gods and little fishes Gary,
    These are even better than museum or yard model quality😮
    Superlative👍👍👍
    Would really like to see some video of her huffing and puffing😉
    I envy you guys with the knowledge and GUTS to drive your models with true to original steam power. A mystic black art to me.
    Cheers, Doug😎
    Liked by stevedownunder and GaryLC
  3. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    I have just found this post by accident, as I was trying to find Mobile marine tug boats. This was completed some seven years ago, and still looks every bit as good as on completion. This was down to the current posts on tugs. this one was ideal because the huge lengthy super structure gives excellent access to the steam plant. Mobile marine does have a really good selection of model tugs, although one needs to be a touch physic, to figure out the instructions. The best kit ever has to be the ANTEO from Panart, a double skinned plank on frame kit.
    Liked by MartyV and EdW and
  4. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    The operating servo needs to be fastened to the base plate, with the servo arm securing screw at the same height as the operating rod in the mid-neutral position, in order for this to function properly. Go for the full metal jacket option as per my servos. Regards, Gary.
    Liked by hermank and stevedownunder and
  5. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    Hi Nick, and here we go with some sort of explanation regarding the servo for the TVR control. I am afraid I could not find the photos I was looking for which were definitely helpful. So we will have to manage without them. Right, first off you will need to remove the original operating rod with handle. Next, the square rod with the notches cut into it, carefully file the notches flat so that the rod will slide up and down without catching, be careful not to damage the highest and lowest stop, which gives you maximum revs in forward and reverse. You now need to replace the original operating rod with a piece of piano wire approx length 5". I will send a couple of photos and hope you can figure it out with regard to what to do and why. The operating rod needs to slide through the grommet thing on the servo arm. If you have any questions or problems what so ever then get in touch and I will try and help to get it sorted. Regards, Gary.
    Liked by EdW and chugalone100 and
  6. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    Hi Nick, I can definitely help you with that problem, as I have invented a method which works really well, having had a lot of teething problems as I have three TVR Engines in various boats. I took a set of photos that explain everything. As I am on my way out I will post them on here later. I promise this will solve your problem. Regards, Gary. ( which MMM tug are you building mine is Lady Jan, with a one-piece superstructure. )
    Liked by hermank and AlessandroSPQR and
  7. NickthesteamSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Hi Gary. I have just seen your engine room layout and thinking about adopting your method to operate the reversing lever. Does the operating rod slide in the servo arm fitting as it moves from forward to reverse? It looks a lot simpler than what I have done on the African Queen engine, I have had nothing but trouble with it since I built it...
    Liked by EdW and chugalone100 and
  8. ChrisG
    Commander
    Absolutely magnificent and such workmanship, most modellers like myself can only look on in envy.
    You are a true artist pleasure to see your models.
    Regards ChrisG
    Liked by GaryLC and hermank and
  9. RamseyA
    Able Seaman
    I love tugboats ! SEQUIN tug under construction; 1884 - oldest 🇺🇸 wooden steam-powered tugboat.
    Liked by GaryLC and hermank and
  10. pressonreguardlessSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Hi Gary,
    Yes, it is a shame about Graham. They were in the States so shipping wasn't a big deal for me.
    I have been looking at Chiltern Steam. They have some very fine engines, also walking beam engines!!
    some of the Chinese engines and boilers on ebay are very interesting. They have what the call a P5 regulator that moderates the fire based on boiler pressure. also they have a water pump that pumps the condensed steam back to the boiler.
    No matter where I look you are talking at least $1000.00 US for a boiler engine package.
    But I would be interested in any additional suppliers that you know of.
    Also, any experiences that you have had operating Marian Belle i would find most interesting
    Thanks,
    Trev
    Liked by hermank and RamseyA and
  11. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    Hi Trev, yes the TVR engine had a lot going for it at a very reasonable price, excellent machining, and ball race bearings on the crank-shaft. Also a good size for hulls from 30"ish, to 48"ish. If I had only known the company was in trouble, I would have bought a few engines as a very wise investment. We do have a few companies here in the U/K if you are looking for a twin-cylinder slide valve engine at a reasonable price. Regards, Gary.
    Liked by EdW and premecekcz and
  12. stevedownunder
    Commodore
    Hi Gary,
    Beautiful looking boat and steam plant. 👍👍
    Any chance of some on the water shots or a short video.

    Cheers,
    Stephen.
    Liked by RamseyA and GaryLC and
  13. GaryLCSilver
    Captain
    Hi Ken, and the answer is a definite YES, as I have just checked their website. Mind, a damn site more expensive than when I bought mine about five years ago. The company you want is Mobile Marine (Tugs,) and it is a pretty comprehensive kit including the running gear with two choices, either standard or turbo, and lighting. This can be bought in installments, with Packs one to five as you will see on their website. Her real name is Lady Jan, which you have to admit doesn't sound very exciting. The reason I went for this one is a large superstructure allowing for good access to its steam engine and boiler. A few more details built on the River Humber during 1941 and 1945 second World War, a Warrior class Empire Tug, scale 1:32, OAL 40" Beam 11". There you have it, let me know how you get on? Regards Gary.
    Liked by MartyV and EdW and

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