Blog

Rescue Vessel - Tug

Hello all, Even though I am in the middle of several projects, including refitting two of my boats, I can't resist starting a new one. I am sure that I am not the only one with this affliction, I get bored quickly and jump from project to project. To keep them moving, I mostly work simultaneously. So here goes, my first ever Build Blog, bear with me.... Picked the Tug as it is very simple and it will just be used ss a backup recovery vessel. I intend to build it a zero cost from my parts box and scrap wood pile. I put together my extra props, driveshaft, gearbox, motor, esc and RX. May have to buy a SLA Battery to get descent run time. Started last evening by making a template based on the plan in photo, credit goes to hull designer, see photo. Then I determined my motor location and Drive Line Angle so I could design the stuffing tube. Constructed that the same night using a 3/16" SS steel drive shaft. Bronze bushings from local hardware store and brass tubing from my supplies. See photos... Had the 500dc motor, Master Airscrew Gearbox, drive shaft, coupler and 2" brass prop. More to come..... Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Blog

Build Finalized

Hello, Finally put some finishing touches on my Rescue Vessel BUILD. Added rubber bumpers to assist in rescuing at bow and stern. Removed the smoker unit as these was complicating the build and was against one of my original objectives....Keep it Simple! Overal all I am pleased with is build, it was fun, quick and built mostly with scraps and parts on hand. The Tug design is a great starter design and can be easily modified to personal tastes. I recommend this to those out there to get some initial or just more experience at building. it's fun! Joe

4 years ago by Joe727

Blog

LED Nav. Lighting

Two days ago I put what I hope is the final paint on the hull, hatch and misc. parts. I like to let it sit for several days to cure, especially in cooler weather. I took the time to work out LED navigational lighting for my Brooklyn Tug and got that installed. I will photograph that tug later. Back to the tug, I had difficulty finding a good mounting spot for the starboard and port lighting so I decided to raise it on a light bar. Photos show the styrene structure in progress which will have the green and red side lights and a single white light on the top center post. Worked out the resistor values to reduce current and work off of my 6 volt supply, then soldered as shown. Fed the assembled LEDs through the plastic rectangular tunnel I created. The one photo I took with the red LED turned on is so bright that the camera just picked up a bright spot. I may have to reduce brightness but will test out in daylight first.... These LEDs are very bright and are 360 degree view! Ordered from "superbrigntleds.com" in order to get the full 360 as the ones at the local store were very limited to 18 to 60 degrees. Ordered red, green and white and they arrivedin about four days, great service. I have used this company several times and am happy with them, good to know. More to come, Joe

4 years ago by Joe727

Response

Pilot House Structure

Coming along nicely.That's the thing with hulls.The superstructure is not confined to one style.One of our members in the club had one hull but three different superstructures.He was able to change them throughout the days sailing.

4 years ago by Donnieboy

Response

Crack in seam Repaired!

Joe, I did as per the instructions! Guess it's one of those thing's. What can go wrong will go wrong! She's now repaired! Good as new so to speak! I also built the Jersey City. No problem's with that one at all! I can't wait to see your Tug! From what I've read you should seal her. Before you paint her! Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Response

Crack in seam Repaired!

Ed, I have the plastic hull. I used a strip of fiberglass per instructions and never have had a leak issue. At the time I did this, about 4 years ago, I was doing a lot of fiberglass work so I had the proper supplies. Adheres to plastic hull well. My current build is a Tug Rescue Vessel, I am hoping to get the plywood hull sealed only with paint. We will see... Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Blog

Day Two

build log for website Hello all, Even though I am in the middle of several projects, including refitting two of my boats, I can't resist starting a new one. I am sure that I am not the only one with this affliction, I get bored quickly and jump from project to project. To keep them moving, I mostly work simultaneously. So here goes, my first ever Build Blog, bear with me.... Picked the Tug as it is very simple and it will just be used ss a backup recovery vessel. I intend to build it a zero cost from my parts box and scrap wood pile. I put together my extra props, driveshaft, gearbox, motor, esc and RX. May have to buy a SLA Battery to get descent run time. Started last evening by making a template based on the plan in photo, credit goes to hull designer, see photo. Then I determined my motor location and Drive Line Angle so I could design the stuffing tube. Constructed that the same night using a 3/16" SS steel drive shaft. Bronze bushings from local hardware store and brass tubing from my supplies. See photos... Had the 500dc motor, Master Airscrew Gearbox, drive shaft, coupler and 2" brass prop. More to come..... Joe Day 2 Hello, Next I traced the hull sides on to 12mm/1/2" Baltic birch plywood from Woodcraft store. I nailed two pieces together prior to cutting so as to match. I don't have a scroll saw so I built a table mount for a jigsaw that attaches to my homemade drill press table. Cut them together, but the jigsaw does not cut well in terms of verticality. So I clamped them in a vise and hand sanded till they matched and were at 90 degrees. I showed my simple rig for the sabre saw / jigsaw table. if you need detail, just ask. I also showed my custom made 4 1/2 table that I made because I could not find a scaled down table saw for model making. (Could not afford, I am retired and have a low budget. Glued up the sides and ends tonight with Titebond 3, temporary nails to help hold it into place. Note: As to any joints whether it be electronic, woodworking, etc., a good practice is to use this both adhesive and mechanical fastener. I swear by these as one or the other will eventually fail This is as simple as using a screw, nail or rod, and the appropriate adhesive. Model building, as most will say is cheaper than therapy. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Response

Rescue Vessel - Tug

Hello, Next I traced the hull sides on to 12mm/1/2" Baltic birch plywood from Woodcraft store. I nailed two pieces together prior to cutting so as to match. I don't have a scroll saw so I built a table mount for a jigsaw that attaches to my homemade drill press table. Cut them together, but the jigsaw does not cut well in terms of verticality. So I clamped them in a vise and hand sanded till they matched and were at 90 degrees. I showed my simple rig for the sabre saw / jigsaw table. if you need detail, just ask. I also showed my custom made 4 1/2 table that I made because I could not find a scaled down table saw for model making. (Could not afford, I am retired and have a low budget. Glued up the sides and ends tonight with Titebond 3, temporary nails to help hold it into place. Note: As to any joints whether it be electronic, woodworking, etc., a good practice is to use this both adhesive and mechanical fastener. I swear by these as one or the other will eventually fail This is as simple as using a screw, nail or rod, and the appropriate adhesive. Model building, as most will say is cheaper than therapy. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

tug

tug

5 years ago by Will-I-Am

Forum

Er! and which direction would that be John?

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Thinking of building a Tug as my first full build project ...

5 years ago by Gardener

Forum

Thanks 👍

5 years ago by Gardener

Forum

When using ply be aware that ply bends more easily in one direction than the other.Use this KNOWLEDGE to make your planking a little easier. There is a BENDY ply that actually can roll very easily. The Orange store and the like stock it. it is used to encase cabinet frames such as round or oval islands etc. Happy bending👍

5 years ago by onetenor

Forum

Just ordered some birch ply from Slec to start on the hull of Tug !

5 years ago by Gardener

Response

Ribble Model Boat Club

Hi, yes nice pond. No not a , small scratch built boat ...

5 years ago by Gardener

Response

Ribble Model Boat Club

Very tranquil👍 Is that a front and centre? Cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

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Good to be aboard

One thing about the ,you are not restricted to on idea about the superstructer.Let your imagine set the theme.

5 years ago by Donnieboy

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Thanks for help👍

5 years ago by Gardener

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Good to be aboard

I'll Second that👍 Ahoy there Gardener. If you're thinking attached are some plans to help get you going. Click on the Adobe icon then on [Download] in the top left corner to view / save the file. Have fun, Cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Good to be aboard

Welcome aboard.There is a lot of help on this site.Enjoy yourself building your Tug.

5 years ago by Donnieboy

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Stuck in the middle.

You could always build a get-out-of-trouble tug model. So, when you get into trouble, you could send in the cavalry.

5 years ago by Delboy

Response

Fun Run

A magnificent collection! Well done gents 👍👍👍 Specially like the Victorian Launch 😊 Poor little girl, adrift on a runaway launch wiv no crew!!!! 😲 Hope one of the s could rescue her. Congrats all round, Cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

getting there

Hi Doug, it has been a bit of fun and yes its amazing how much stuff you can gather and hoard, tuck things away for those just in case moments etc and trying to make it all look tidy. as for the esc, it does have a buzz to it but it was a cheap item with a built in cheep (less than £10.). I must admit, I'm not very experienced with doing this, so a good bit of fun and experience of a first build from just an idea and a few odd photo's for direction. as for the hull design of the tug, not a Scooby..👍

5 years ago by Steve-Teresa

Response

getting there

You just NEVER know when 'stuff' will come in handy! 😉 Greetings from one 'stuff collector' to another👍 BTW; can you post a sound file of your 'cheeping' ESC? 😁 He He 😉 Nice build, but I'm sure that there was a reason why the Pusher Tug hull was designed that way!? Whatever, have fun. Cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Media

Fun Run

Enjoyable day.Light rain but lovely weather.Members from Kawartha Marine Modellers,Confederation Marine Modellers and Metro Marine Modellers attended.Wide variety of boats.Had BBQ afterwards.There is a couple of pictures of tugs for people to have an idea what to do to theirs.

5 years ago by Donnieboy

Forum

What do you do when...

I think I have found what I think is what I am looking for, a push tug...

5 years ago by Steve-Teresa

Response

The Lone Ranger Rides Again or Hull Finishing ;-))

Many thanks MT😊 You're sooo right! I may be slow but I want to end up with something worth looking at on the shelf as well as on the water😉 Have to admit that every time I walk past her on the bench I can't resist running my finger tips along the glassy deck and smiling 😁 Thanks to you too Krampus,👍 Temperatures should be back into double figures next week so maybe I can do some trials end of the week. Now cogitating how to fix the after deck, probably with neodymium magnets as I did on the cabin roof. BTW: where did you get the crew for your Triton ? Look about the right scale for my Sea Scout? Cheers All, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

Triton

Very nice.I've seen Tugs modified so they can play water polo.They push a ball into a goal that is set up at each end of the water.

5 years ago by Donnieboy

Media

Triton

Tug "Triton". Plain kit from the firm ZippKits, decorated with Spanish Coast Guard "Salvamento Maritimo" paint scheme.

5 years ago by Krampus

Directory

(Tug Boat)

Built as a rescue boat, the seemed to be the easiest to build as I am still a Novice and to while away the time after my knee replacement. Blew up some plans off the net to 23" length and 10" beam. Makes her about 1/12, I think. Built from 3mm ply in the main. Powered by the LRP 12v Truck puller and direct drive via 12" ball raced prop-shaft with home made oiler and 50mm 2 blade propeller to be changed to 3 blade asap. Led lights front, back and upper. Transmitter Turnigy TGY i6, Rx TGY iA6, Esc 320 amp with fan. Ballast yet to be added and should slow her to scale speed. interesting build had some problems with upscaled plans from a pdf. Goes well in the bath but will post video as soon as I can get to the water. (Motor: LRP 12v Truck Puller) (ESC: Chinese 320A with fan) (7/10)

6 years ago by AllenA

Forum

motors

Sorry Doug, no insult intended. As to revealing, I just remember Miner's Fortnight at Barry island in the 50s. Not a pretty sight. Sorry, also, to hijack the conversation I will go back to my now.

6 years ago by AllenA

Forum

Pusher Tug

Been a little quiet lately. The new knee is now settling in well and the is taking shape. She is 3mm ply mainly, 23" by 10" beam running on LRP 12v Truck Hauler motor, 2x 6v gel batteries in parallel, 12" ball raced propshaft and 50mm propeller. Just fitting lights and accessories and she should be on the water in early January. Have a feeling she will need some considerable ballast. Pleased with my homemade oiler and lights made from E-Vape plastic container caps.

6 years ago by AllenA

Forum

Pusher Tug

I think it's about time I added a recovery boat to my harbour. Something quite simple will do. I have seen the ZippKits /Pusher and fancy this as the nights draw in. Has anyone any experience of building the ZippKits model or any suggestions as to an alternative would be welcome.

6 years ago by AllenA

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tug

On their way, mostly hull form and 'class specifications' but some useful hints I think, especially re outfitting. Still following some other links😉 Happy tugging, cheers Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

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tug

i have a wooden tug hull as anyone got or can direct me to get some nice plans for a nice looking tug top to suit

6 years ago by Bezzo1951

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tug

thanks doug for replying if you could send me the pdf,s to my e mail that would be a great help if so please send to peterberesford_9@hotmail.com all the best pete , mr bezzo

6 years ago by Bezzo1951

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tug

Hi Bezzo, Just PMed you! I have a collection of pdf format plans but can't upload them here 🤔 Cheers Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

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Pusher Tug

If only i had a flock of sheep

6 years ago by AllenA

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Pusher Tug

No Mate, PRIORITIZE, leave the lawn, use the time to get all your bits together for the build, you will only be in dock for a few days but your mobility will be poor for a week or so, then you can get about better. BUILD not MOW, save that for next spring when you will be champing at the bit to escape!!!! Mark

6 years ago by jarvo

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Pusher Tug

At long last, in 7 days time, I will be having a new knee... bionic, of course. I have put it off too long. As i will be out of action for a while and unable to drive for six weeks I have upscaled a PDF plan of a tug to keep me busy. She will be 23" in length and and a 10" beam made from 3mm ply. Hopefully she will keep me from going stir crazy. Again, I will be relying on you knowledgeable lot to guide me...... and yes I will be cutting the lawn before I go in.

6 years ago by AllenA

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Pusher Tug

Hi Allen, I have a Zippkit as you can see from my picture. it was simple to make and works well. Only suggestion I have is get the single motor version. My friend bought the twin motor version at the same time and it is overpowered. John.

6 years ago by John2

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Pusher Tug

Hold hard there Jarvo. Just found a plan so now I can build and adapt to my own idiosyncrasies...and there are many!

6 years ago by AllenA

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Pusher Tug

Thanks Jarvo. I would build from plan but finding one is proving difficult.

6 years ago by AllenA

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Pusher Tug

Hi Allen, the Zippkits is a reasonable, cheap model, there are better, but usually from plans, several in my club no bad reports etc. A 600 size motor and 12 volt sla seems to do the job well. Mark

6 years ago by jarvo

Forum

Stabilit Express

I think those doublers will need explosives to get them off... I've hit a bit of a roadblock with the big K7, I need to get Donald built up so I can position the steering wheel & dash correctly, the animatronic resin upper torso & arms I bought came with no instructions or info on what servos to use. I got some micro servos & they didn't fit, Dremel out & all fits now but I'm now struggling with connecting the servo arm to the rotating neck. I'll suss it out eventually but I need a rest. I've been doing bits on my 1/12 scale K7 in the background, if all goes well it should be ready for paint in a couple of weeks. As normal I've been waiting for parts to arrive from China, the brushless motor & esc arrived today for the blue rigger, I can make a start on that soon.. I've just finished printing the parts for the cabin for a tug hull I got from Sonar & I've just started printing the first parts of a WW2 landing craft, its 1/16 scale nearly a metre long, I guess I'll be making a tank for it when it's completed. Then there's the Robbe Diabolo, on the instructions it says to use self tapping screws to hold the plastic dual rudders in place. No good to me as I've upgraded to dual aluminium rudders, these buggers need bolts! Trouble is the waterproof electronics box is used as a doubler for the central transom, when it's glued into place there isn't any room to access where the rudder bolts come through the doublers, ohhh the joy of problem solving.... So I'm keeping busy but my butter is spread a bit too thin. Cheers Wayne

6 years ago by Midlife306

Media

Triton

With my boats getting routinely stranded in the middle of nowhere, I felt compelled to commission a rescue vessel and "Triton" was born. "Triton" is a -type tug push boat. With a hull and superstructure consisting of an “Indiana” style command cabin, it was built using a pretty basic birch plywood American kit designed for swimming pool water polo. Kit altered to resemble a fictitious Salvamento Marítimo (Spanish Coast Guard) unit following Salvamento Marítimo’s actual boat markings. Equipment and deck layout inspired on actual tug push boats supporting larger vessels and barges found in US and European ports and rivers. Model built during September – October 2015. Approx. 1/18 scale. Real life boat could be a 30-footer (9.14m) vessel. Equipped with 9v LED navigation lights and sound system. Powered by an HPI Racing 1145 Gt 550 Motor, NiMH 7.4v battery, a 3-bladed 44mm propeller, and a 6-12V 320A RC Ship & Boat R/C Hobby Brushed Motor Speed Controller.

6 years ago by Krampus

Response

Muddys Tarpon 9

Not a problem Muddy we are here to help each other. I am converting all my boats (except my pusher tug) to brushless at the moment. They are more efficient. They cost more but they last longer and prices are dropping more people us them. John.

6 years ago by John2

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tug Hull

You may have got away with saying it was a toolbox. Then later said I have an idea for a tug boat.. Anyway Pleased you have it. and the possibilities for a design are endless..

6 years ago by none

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tug Hull

I have a tug hull to dispose of. Sorry all now moved on to new owners All GRP Approx 18 inches long x 8 inches wide 5 inches deep. All with a built in keel. Can be built into anything you can think of.. If anybody would like one and just pay the postage and maybe a small donation to the forum there more than welcome to one.

6 years ago by none

Forum

tug Hull

Hi Sonar. Mine arrived at 1.45 pm, well packed and just what I expected, as you say a bit of tidying up but nothing too involved. Of course, you know it has put the cat amongst the pigeons with "her in doors" !!! She took the delivery and said "Not another model boat" !!! Anyway, thanks very much. I have now got a nice little project to start when I get bored with the others !!! Cheers.😊 Ballast👍

6 years ago by Ballast