Forum

Being Sociable.

I have two steam boats, an Alexandra and a Tug which was destined for the bin, until my friend suggested that he may know someone who wanted it. I refurbished the boat and the steam plant went to Clevedon Steam who stripped it, reset the burner etc and added a few new bits, glass water gauge etc. The rudder is controlled by an electric motor, NOT a servo, so you have to return the motor to central after a manouevre, so you have to think well ahead of where you are, and where you want to be!!

5 years ago by CaptainFlack

Forum

Being Sociable.

I would have loved to put a steam plant in Tug Brooklyn. But, one is cost the other would be. The Brooklyn is all Plastic! Now really have you looked at the prices! Talk about sticker shock! And for that reason. I use electric motors! But for those fortunate to be able to get steam engines. Enjoy!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Blog

RAM48 Sound Generator!

Captain's Log: Tug Brooklyn is a 1910 . So, Why not have it sound like a boat! I ordered the RAM48 Steam engine sound generator. All I have to do is install it! The RAM48 doesn't go connected to the motor. Like other RAM sound Generators! The RAM48 uses a Magnet that is glued to the shaft! Or in my case the universal coupler! I didn't think it was right to glue the magnet to the shaft. What if the shaft has to be taken out for maintenance! Anyway the RAM48 works with a magnet and sensor chip! To make the Chuff and Hiss sound! OK, after you let the magnet dry over night! You then have to carefully. Place the sensor chip about 1/8". Away from the magnet! Since Tug Brooklyn is made of Plastic. I can use a scrap piece of Plastic. To hold the sensor chip in place! Well, that's it for now. I'll update this post. As I work on setting up the sensor chip connection!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Blog

Paddle Tug Iona- paddle boxes & superstructure

Building the paddle boxes was remarkably easy, once the 1mm ply had been steamed for bending. I decided to build the boxes first and make sure the paddles fitted inside later, the idea being that all this would come apart for maintenance should it be necessary. (it usually is!). There are few models to be found on the internet to use as reference and hardly any images of the original tug. And to confuse matters, PS Iona also existed as a passenger ship, as well as tug, and looked a bit different. The superstructure is really simple and quick to build, with some more planking! Am liking planking small areas now. The funnels came from some scrap plastic tubing in the garage... just the right diameter too, a lucky find. These will screwed in place from below once I have the other funnel parts made. I plan to run the tug on batteries rather than steam, as I am a relative novice to model boat building. The whole deck will be fitted with 1mm ply as a base before... more planking! Before all this is glued in place, I thought it best to water test the ship first and see how much ballast I am likely to need.

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Response

Fan Surround

Michael, Thank you for your interest and the questions, I appreciate it. 1. With regard to the rubber stopper, good question. I have not done a lengthy test as yet, but will do. My thinking was that it would not effect the rubber as heat generated seems to be concentrated on the oil. I like the idea of a a metal cap, you have given me an idea, I have some small plumbing pieces that may work. it would be good to eliminate all flammable materials! 2. Varying the smoker with the engine speed has not been one of my goals, here is my thinking. I plan to use this unit on a , steam boilers seem to put out a constant smoke as the burning does not vary on a steam engine, the steam is just regulated. Hence, I have not done this, many commercial units offer this. I recently purchased a commercial unit for over $100 USD and was not happy with the output, that is why I started this build. From my video you can see how the smoke shoots out. I wanted to slow it down so it just puffs. I have experimented with lowering the fan voltage, but it cuts out below 3 volts. The attached sketch shows my experimenting with allowing some of the air from the fan to npbe redirected out. The tin that I soldered up is shown, took a lot of effort, did not work as planned. I did like the fact that it looked like a whiskey still. 3. Yes, there are smaller fans available on line. I was just using some salvage ones I had - 28mm square. I may experiment with some small fans if budget allows. I am now retired and counting pennies... More on the puffing aspect to come... Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

de Mist Naval Tug

Hurray!! Located and received some plan scans for the "JR More" tug from an ex South African now living in the UK! Delighted! Apart from a few misaligned scans that loose some pretty important info for the stern, I have a lot to work from. The "JR" was built by Ferguson Brothers, Glasgow in 1961. 176.3ft LOA, displacement 1654.94 tonnes. She was the last oil fired in service in any South African port. Decommissioned in 1982. Now a poorly maintained (no money!) exhibit in the Durban Maritime Museum.

5 years ago by Joburg-sailor

Forum

de Mist Naval Tug

Hi again! Have you tried contacting the Durban Model Boat Club? On their Facebook page they appear to have at least one model of an old SAR&H (not sure which one). They'd probably be able to assist with sourcing plans. Regards, Glyn

5 years ago by Glyn

Forum

de Mist Naval Tug

As I have made no progress on finding any drawings of the De Mist naval harbour tug ex Simonstown, and as kindly advised by Glyn as having been built by Dorbyl in Durban with VS propulsion, I am now switching my attention to the old s of the the late 50's and 60's...particularly the JR More (built 1961) that is currently decaying in the Durban Maritime Museum. Again I am on the hunt for drawings that must be more easily available judging by the number of models build of this vessel. She had twin props (rather than Voith Schneider or Schottel) which is something that I can handle! Any help or advice gratefully accepted.

5 years ago by Joburg-sailor

Directory

(Tug Boat) Challenge

This little model was built to see how much my Parkinson's had affected my modelling abilities. Surprisingly little as it turned out but I cannot write legibly and find keyboards tricky too. it must be muscle-memory! The model is loosely based on Challenge and is built around a tug hull that I made as a boy I made in the sixties but with some modification. She is fully lit for night running. The crew figures are model railway lineside track gang models. They have been left in their modern high viz and helmets as the model is depicted as she is today operated in preservation as a Dunkirque little ship. She is equipped with 2 function R/C. She has not yet maidened at the time of photographing (ESC: Motroniks) (5/10)

5 years ago by wunwinglo

Forum

Dumas Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hi Joe727, I use the Harbor Models Steam Generator. On my tugboat Brooklyn. It works well and last 3 hours on one fill! https://www.harbormodels.com/smokegenerator.html Cheers, Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Being Sociable.

Hi Rick, I am going to try to post you a bit of video of the steam plant in my latest not completed as yet tug, the Lady Jane from Mobile Marine, I don't really rate the kit, it is more of a scratch build using their hull. I don,t know what this websites M.byte limit is so maybe I'll be unlucky, mind a really nice steam plant using a TVR engine which is very efficient and runs well at 30PSI. Regards. (Sorry it won't allow me to upload it.)

5 years ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Tug Boat) Anglia

Scale model of "Anglia" boat SOLD, as of 3/06/2018 (10/10)

6 years ago by misterbee

Forum

It's a sad day!.

Considering you can't run a pressurised boiler without a Vulcan steam certificate, there is no justification for banning steam, like New Brighton has. Mind you, when I saw what a silly little puddle they'd been left after the new developments on that town's seafront (hotel and retail) I wondered why they bothered turning up at all, but on 2 occasions I watched while I was staying there to visit a friend with my wife, there were two old boys with tugs and one of those had forgotten his batteries! Otherwise a Dad with a small boy and his off the shelf speedboat and even that was scowled at by the old farts. if a boat has a Mamod type of boiler it's not even considered a pressure vessel as its capacity is too low as is its "pressure", so you're covered all round. No need to ban anything as usual. Many parks have live steam railways and if they went bang they'd get their windows blown out in the town hall! Martin

6 years ago by Westquay

Forum

Our boating water

Following up on previous questions: There are no restrictions on using IC or steam just don't collide with any of the regulars! The big problem here is the wind, last Sunday was glorious but the water was very choppy and even the big tugs shipped some water (try getting a boat back against the wind when the rudder has failed). Couple of photos to show the conditions. We have alternative boating available in Turriff (but the pond gets filled with weed in summer and ice in winter) and at Portsoy (Loch Soy). One of our stalwarts took his fishing vessel to Banff Harbour last Saturday to play with the rowing skiffs - mad, yes he is!

6 years ago by aanside

Forum

deepdivers Rescue tug - Assurance class?

Thanks to Doug for all his help in finding the name of my Tug. So armed with this info I started to Goggle the name and below is the results. H.M.S. ATTENTIF W68 French Naval Tug. Allocated SNO Portland for towing Bombardons. Built 1938 Forges et Chantiers de la Gironde, Bordeaux. L114.75’. B27.75’. 672grt. 1000ihp 3cylTE steam engine. Armament 1x20mm AA, 2xMG. 1938 Delivered to French Navy. 19-6-1940 Arrived Plymouth. 3-7-1940 Seized and Req by RN. 9-1940 Based Devonport. 0-1940 Based at Aberdeen. 1-1941 Based at Milford Haven. 2-1941 – 1942 Based Aberdeen . 1942 – 1944 Based at Harwich. 5-1944 - 1945 Based Portsmouth. 6-1944 Towed 30ton crane 1206 Cardiff to Plymouth. 5-6-1945 Released from Overlord tug pool. 7-8-1945 Returned to French Navy, pennant A671. 1946-7 Renamed Locmine. 6-3-1964 Laid up at Brest. The Bombardons were large 200 ft (61 m) by 25 ft (7.6 m) cross-shaped floating breakwaters fabricated in steel that were anchored outside the main breakwaters that consisted of Gooseberries (scuttled ships) and Phoenixes (concrete caissons). 24 bombardon units, attached to one another with hemp ropes, would create a 1 mi (1.6 km) breakwater. During the storms at the end 1944 some Bombardons broke up and sank while others parted their anchors and drifted down onto the harbours, possibly causing more damage Fred

6 years ago by Fred

Forum

Unknown

Looks like it could be a Thames , I'm not sure ! I have just acquired this lovely hull and I am not sure of it's build or origin. It is fibreglass and is 57" (1450mm) LOA X 14.5" (370mm) Beam. It has a very basically built superstructure which I don't think is appropriate. I would be very grateful if anyone has any idea what she is and any other information as to weather it was a kit that has been modified. I would love more information as to scale etc. Regards your shipmate. Ballast AKA Alan.

6 years ago by Ballast

Forum

Unknown

If I'm not mistaken it looks like the flying kestral that if I remember correctly it was a free plan in model boats magazine

6 years ago by kmbcsecretary

Media

Steam Generator

Harbor Models Steam Generator! I have tested the steam generator. And it worked like it should. It makes quite a bit of smoke! It also smells like live steam. It should add some great detail. To my model tug Brooklyn!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Blog

Port lights in place!

All port lights are in place, all 26 of them! The aft cabin port lights are optional. I decided to put them. as it adds detail to the cabin. On most tugs of that era they had port lights aft. Brooklyn is a representation of a 1910 . They were dark green in color. But I want a light green. 30 years ago, when I worked in New York Harbor. I remember having to spray paint a GM6110 Diesel Engine. The green was a light green, Kind of light in shade. I believe the name of the color is Alpine Green! So, I won't be painting my tug yet. until I find the right shade of green that I want! The dark green makes the tug look menasing! Now if you look at the third picture on the right. That's the shade. I wouldn't mind painting her! If anybody can identify that shade of green. Please let me know who might have it. Or where can I purchase it from....

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Event

Steam,Tug & Hovercraft Day

Club open event. 10am - 4pm Join us with your model. Parking alongside lake. Club facilities. Disabled access.

6 years ago by Gascoigne

Response

Smoke Stack Completed!

Looking good Ed,👍 I've often wondered at the height of the stacks I've seen in old photos of s, so I don't think yours is over-tall. it's a pretty big model isn't it? I guess they wanted to keep the smoke clear of the work deck. Re 'getting wet': you could try sealing the tube with diluted white waterproof PVA wood glue? Or even with EzeKote from Deluxe Materials? Cheers Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Blog

Smoke Stack Completed!

I have completed the smoke stack! It seems a bit tall for a smoke stack! I know the s had Very tall stacks. But this one is about 10 1/4" inches tall! And that's measuring from the Ash Deflector! Other wise it's 11 1/2" inches over all....

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Thurl pin rack

I am building the Lady T . The drawing says that the halyards go to the Thurl pin rack, I have looked for images of these on google in order to make some and only come up with cycle racks for cars, but I have found belaying pins, would these be fitted in a rack and be the same thing as a thurl pin rack. As you will have gathered by now, I don't know what the hell I am talking about, so any help would be appreciated. Alan

6 years ago by AlanP

Forum

Thurl pin rack

"Thurl Pins are also the name for the two pins that are used as rowlocks on pilot gigs !" ... Can't imagine anyone trying to row a though!!! 😲 Before long we'll be better than Wiki 😉 Keep it up folks 👍

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Directory

(Tug Boat) Clare

Scratch built planking on frame free lance no plans has smoke and sound work in progress (Motor: Torpedo x2) (5/10)

6 years ago by Boatboi

Media

''Westbourne''

Westbourne is a Port of London Authority from the Caldercraft Mini-Fleet Range - it is 1:48 scale. This model was discontinued a few years ago but I did manage to purchase a brand new boxed one via ebay a couple of years ago. During her time Westbourne was hired by the Royal Navy as a rescue tug. She saw service with them between October 1916 and July 1919 in the HM Dockyard. Prior to that she was on general towing service duties on the Thames. She can be found mentioned in “SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVY, 1914-1919 - by TYPE & CLASS Section 3. SUPPORT and HARBOUR VESSELS” Following the first world war ‘Westbourne’ was one of three tugs attached to the Port of London Authority (PLA) Dredging Service, they were the "Westbourne", "Thorney" and "Brent", they were all fitted with a drag and under running gear.In 1940 during the Battle of Britain. ‘Westbourne’ and many other tugs were used in assisting the berthing of these large ships that entered the Thames. The photos show from box to construction plus her on the water.

6 years ago by ads90

Directory

(Tug Boat) HERO

Scratch built scale from original recovery/tug. Used by a Norfolk broads boat hire firm. This was originally steam powered,now diesel. Unique in the tug world. (Motor: Speed 600) (8/10)

6 years ago by Gascoigne

Forum

Steam sound unit (variable speed)

I have the following in my 'Alte Liebe' and I purchased it from Technobots originally but it is now sold by its original designer who now manufacture its under the name of Forge Electronics. http://forge-electronics.co.uk/index.php/boats/combo-mk3 You can change from petrol, diesel or steam and change each type according to how many cylinders you want to use. Simple programming via a plug and unit sound is proportional to speed and has an idle mode in the static position whereby the piston stops in steam or if using petrol/diesel the 'engine' shuts down then as soon as it receives a throttle input the 'engine' cranks over. I think it is a great unit.

6 years ago by ads90

Forum

Steam sound unit (variable speed)

Doug Whilst I agree the sound systems you have found are excellent, am I right in thinking they are designed for the model truck market? I am sure they can be modified. There are circuits in Practical Electronics and I am just waiting for someone else to produce a working design smaller than a large mobile phone. The best steam sound unit I found for my tugs of the IMARA era came from Technobots, coupled to a 20Watt amp and 8" speaker. Sadly they no longer supply the sound unit, but there are other suppliers. If I recall one of our members was involved and I suggest you visit http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/index.php. If you are using two ESCs you really need two units but one amp and speaker would be OK You did suggest similar using pre-amp mixer, which would allow mixing of other sounds. On my lake you can hear this system from the middle of the lake 50 yds+ so I have an on/off switch if it causes nuisance!?!

6 years ago by Dave M

Blog

Rhona,

Scratch built model of a staem tug based on the St Canute. Length is 24 inches, and is radio controlled. I have attempted to make the finish as working boat , rather than something from a show case. I have just about completed the build. I was in the Merchant navy and lefty the the sea as a 1st mate in 1973. I always fancied building a model and saw the St Canute and decided to build a scratch build rather that a kit. I will put a photograph up when finished.

7 years ago by Tcpal

Forum

What motor for my Sanson tug

I need to get an electric motor and digital speed controller which gives it a realistic movement of an old steam Sanson tugboat, any ideas or tips would be appreciated. I will start a build blog soon.

7 years ago by CplScotty

Forum

What paint type

I need to get an electric motor and digital speed controller which gives it a realistic movement of an old , any ideas or tips would be appreciated. I will start a build blog soon

7 years ago by CplScotty

Directory

(Tug Boat) J R MORE

1:48 SCALE Model of a Steam powered oil burning harbour tug built for South African Railways & Harbours in Scotland in 1960.Last of steam powered tugs built by Fergusons for South Africa.Decommisioned in 1982 and now on permanent display at the Maritime Museum in Durban,South Africa. (Motor: 2XDECAPERMS) (ESC: 2X ELECTRONISE) (9/10)

7 years ago by RoyLorentz

Forum

Flickering LED

Hi I think you have got a flickering LED, they are used in old , to imitate oil lamps. I hope this helps. Dave

7 years ago by EAGLE

Media

Sweet Sue and Imara.

A pleasant day out on the water with my mate Rod and his Imara and Sweet Sue.

7 years ago by sandkb

Forum

To resin cover or not my ulises

I would recommend you follow Mark's very sound advice. I built a Billings Mercantic (plank on frame with Cascamite) many years ago. Over time the planks split either side of the glue line. I had also followed the instructions but now cover all my wooden hulls as suggested. So much easier to do when building than several years later with all the paint removal and replacement of rotted wood. Good luck with the boat Dave

7 years ago by Dave M

Forum

To resin cover or not my ulises

Hi guys sorry if this is a newbie question but is it better to cover and epoxy my plank and frame hull or can I do as the instructions say and just seal fill and paint. Is the resin coating the only way to gets it really smooth.

7 years ago by Rochdaleblue

Forum

To resin cover or not my ulises

Hi Mate, welcome to the forum, First of all there is no such thing as newby question, only what you dont know or are uncertain. I would always resin cover the hull, added strength etc, less chance of dings. But, glass cloth or borrow the wifes tights!!! all good for the hull, Resin I have used polyester resin in the past but i now use epoxy layup resin, comes with different time hardeners, or the resin from delux, cant remember the name is water based, (very little smell) I would also pore resin inside the hull as a sealant (between bulkheads and roll the hull around to spread the resin over your planking, also great as you mention its a so oil etc wont affect the hull. Finish is down to detail sanding and filling, if its smooth to start with it will be far easier to get a smooth finish. Hope this has given you some guidance, shout again if you need more. PS. if your looking for a club, have a look at Etherow MBC we are in Romiley, just out of Stockport Regards Mark

7 years ago by jarvo

Forum

Smoke Generator

Hi All, Note your comments on the Vapourising Steam generators. I have fitted the one by Colin Graham as advertised in most Model Boats issues recently. it can be clearly seen in my Streamlinia articles (Sept and Oct issues Model Boats) and is a fantastic product, works instantly and reliably. Only 200ml of cold tap water so there is no trace of oily fall-out on your model. The 3D printed casing, with its sloping top, I had a small input with this design and it does make a difference, channeling a good amount of 'steam' up wards also being a one-piece unit there is no risk of seams or joints coming apart, because there aren't any!, a real bargain at about£50 all up. it also features in a forthcoming model tug build article (Rhonnda..in Model Boats early in 2017, I hope) Cheers..........Ron Rees.

8 years ago by ronrees

Response

Mamod ME1 Steam Marine Engine

I have a wilesco D48 steam marine model for sale(Brand new never been used) ,I saw a "Glasgow paddle tug" last year at Blackpool with one in.

8 years ago by skegness

Forum

advice on motor setup for 54'' live

Have a look here http://www.mobilemarinemodels.com/ They do some beefy low revving high torque motors and I suspect a phone call to them would result in some advice.

8 years ago by Haverlock

Forum

advice on motor setup for 54'' live

Hi, I have a large live with a stuart turner 4000 boiler and a twin engine with reverse etc plus all the gear. however as it is to large and heavy for me to handle at 83 I am hoping to convert it to electric motor with speed controller. it has all the servos fitted and a remote control, but would like some advice on how to fit it out with electric conversion,[ engine size etc ] 😊 the steam plant will soon be for sale

8 years ago by alansos

Directory

(Working Vessel) Enterprise

Hull is from Mobile Marine Models, much modified Tolman. Model is based on Vic Smeeds plans of Guardsman and Customs Steam Boat Enterprise moored at Gravesend in 1930's (Motor: Cheddar Pintail V Twin ) (5/10)

8 years ago by Fullsteamahead

Forum

Mobile Marine Lady Jan.

HI welcome to the site. I have built several Mobile Marine kits as well as kits from other suppliers and find that they all have their good points. The Lady Jan makes into a nice detailed model and the fact that you can buy it in easy stages appeals to many modellers but it does require some skill and effort on the part of the builder to achieve a reasonable finish. White metal fittings from whatever source need some careful fettling to remove the inevitable flash but this then makes the part much more of a personal product than one that may be mass produced. I agree the size fits well into most cars and the internal space coupled with the two piece superstructure would make a good project for a model steamer. There are pictures on the web site of finished models and if you search the internet under Empire Tugs you will find plenty of detail of the various craft of which this model is representative. I am attaching a picture of my model for your info. Good luck with your research and I hope you enjoy completing your model. Dave

9 years ago by Dave M

Response

Hull progress

HI My name is Paul Raymond and I have a live at the moment (Maxwell Hemmings 2 cyl) I enjoy the live steam aspect and have doing RC (all disciplines) for a long time. I am also interested in live steam paddle steamers and would like to get a MississippI river boat stern wheeler at some time. give us a call some time and swap stories etc. 😊

9 years ago by f1blackcat

Directory

(Tug Boat) Caldercraft 'JOFFRE'

A boat purchased from Caldercraft about 15 years ago and completed building in 2010. Goes very well and fitted with Graupner smoke module. (Motor: 540 type) (ESC: Electrolize J3) (9/10)

9 years ago by Quarryman1

Media

J.R. More and the Sir William Hoy

Both these models are scratch built Durban tugs in 1:48 scale. Built J.R. More between 2011 and 2012 and is 41 inches in length. The original oil fired tug was built 1961 on the Clyde and was one of the last s to be built on the Clyde. This tug still exists at the Durban Museum and is undergoing restoration. Started Sir William Hoy in 2013 and is 45 inches in length and I am still working on the fittings and finishing. The original coal fired tug was built 1929 in the N.E. of England. Both model tugs have twin motors geared down 6 to 1 and have differential steering.

9 years ago by ralphwilmot

Media

Fighting Cock

Fighting Cock was one of the fleet of North West Tugs (Liverpool Screw Towing and Lighterage Company) s, built by Cammell Laird in 1953. The model is built on a Kingston Mouldings Sun tug hull, the superstructure is scratchbuilt from styrene, with many fittings from Mobile Marine Models. The motor was 'rescued' from a mainframe computer data drive, and is direct drive to the propeller. Power is from 12V gell cell batteries with a speed control by EA Electronics. Both hull and motor were given to my father many many years ago, and the model was completed approx 7 years ago.

10 years ago by Trillium

Forum

Colwyn Bay Mayor's Cup Regatta

The lads who attended from Crewe And District Model Boat Club had a really enjoyable day weather nice and good sailing. I picked up a Trophy for my MSC Archer which was very nicely presented by the Mayoress. Thanks again to Colwyn Bay Club for the invite. 😎 The Capt..

10 years ago by THECAPT2012

Forum

Tug Day

Thank you to all those who attended our event, the first time for a couple of years where we have had good weather 😎 😓 I would like especially to thank Scale Hobbies from Skelmersdale and of course to those visiting the club for the first time for their support. 1st prize for the best Tug wet to THECAPT2012 (see post above) for his scratch built, including steam engine and boiler, MSC. ARCHER, a worthy winner. 2nd prize went to Paul Smith for his EMPIRE PAUL a wartime tug. 3rd prize went to Reg Crompton for his American Harbour Tug. A good day was had by all Slinger

10 years ago by slinger