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Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
Model Expo has confirmed that production will soon begin on a new Midwest kit: the Fireboat, presented at a scale of 1/2" = 1 foot.
To clarify, Model Expo has acquired the licensing rights from Midwest to produce all of their models. At the moment, they have 27 kits in production, with more on the way. I previously worked with Model Expo in customer service, answering model-building questions and handling replacement-part requests. Now, I am one of the model builders who assemble their prototypesโthe models they intend to release to the public.
With that being said, I invite all of you to follow along with this build. I introduced only a limited number of modificationsโmostly to make the vessel more suitable for radio-control operation and to enhance its realismโwhile preserving the essential character of the original design.
Many of you have probably built this classic kit before; however, this is my first time working with it. Please feel free to share your opinions and past experiences with this charming little model.
History of the Fireboats
This model represents a small fireboat equipped with twin monitors, a type of vessel historically stationed in nearly every major working harbor throughout the United States and abroad. Its configuration is based on a combination of plans and photographic references from several representative examples. Because of this, it serves as an accurate portrayal of the smaller fireboatsโmany of which are still in service in various ports today.
chugalone100
23 days ago
Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Thatโs all for now.
In my next post, I will cover how I painted the hull and the cabin, as well as the simple electronics setup I came up with.
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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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For the rear fire monitor, I made several modifications to improve realism, as the original configuration is quite basic and leaves room for interpretation.
According to the instructions, the monitor base is mounted without visible supports, giving the appearance that it is floating above the deck. I was not satisfied with this look, so I added support legs to the base. This modification provides a more realistic structural appearance while maintaining the original proportions of the monitor.
It should be noted that the original method shown in the instructions is the simplest and fastest approach. For this reason, it is recommended for beginners or those building the model strictly as designed.
Below is a reference image showing the original configuration as indicated in the instructions.
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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
2 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Sorry for taking so long to post again, but Iโve been very busy painting all of the deck items.
So here it is.
FIRE MONITORS
The new version of this model from me will include 3D-printed fire monitor components, along with all the other parts needed to complete the model. At first, I was a bit doubtful about this method compared to the traditional Britannia metal parts, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw and compared the sharpness and level of detail that 3D printing offers. It definitely gets a thumbs-up from me.
Here is my interpretation of how to enhance these exposed parts of the model for improved realism.
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๐ฌ Re: Planking the rear lower deck.
12 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Beautiful job, very realistic.
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๐ Tugboats to the sacred island
14 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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You guys really got me fired up!
I went straight up to the attic and pulled the model out.
Iโm going to do a full photo session of all the scratch-built parts Iโve made so far, and Iโll start posting a building log.
Canโt wait to share the progress!
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๐ Tugboats to the sacred island
14 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Alessandro:
That photo looks a lot like my model, at list the structure.
When Zamakina Yards built the Statia Relaint, they also built three more sister ships.
They varied very little but that main structure remained in all of them.
Maybe your picture is one of them.
I had the entire story long time ago when I started building her but now I will have to research it again to know the name of the others.
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๐ Tugboats to the sacred island
14 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Philuck:
Yepโsheโs completely scratch-built! I was lucky to have a designer friend and former coworker who helped me clean up the blueprint I found online and scale it up to exactly the size I needed.
Iโm planning to post the full build soon, with plenty of detailed photos showing how this tug came together. Canโt wait to share it!
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๐ Tugboats to the sacred island
14 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Alessandro:
I completely agree with youโour members definitely have a strong attraction to tugboats! Iโm one of those tug-guys myself. Thereโs just something special about these hardworking vessels and the incredible maneuvers they perform to get the job done.
Here are a few photos of my most beloved tugboat project. I managed to obtain the blueprints and began building her from scratch. Unfortunately, other models (and life!) got in the way, so she ended up on the back burner. But someday she will be finished.
STATIA RELIANT
Built in 2007 by Zamakona Yards of the Canary Islands (Hull #658), originally for SeaBulk Inland Transportation, a subsidiary of SeaBulk Towing Services of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In 2016, she was acquired by Svitzer Ltd. of Copenhagen, Denmark, retaining her original name.
Technical Specs:
Power: Two Caterpillar 3516 V16 diesel engines
Horsepower: 4,000 HP
Propulsion: Two NiAlBr fixed-pitch props in kort nozzles
Generators: Two 70 kW sets
Capacities:
Fuel: 35,600 gallons
Lube oil: 1,585 gallons
Dispersant: 1,300 gallons
Water: 6,600 gallons
Towing Gear: Iberc towing winch with windlass, 2,296 ft of 1.9" wire, tow hook, deck crane
Registry Details:
Vessel Service: Towing Vessel
IMO: 9417983
Call Sign: V7UC9
Hull Material: Steel
Builder: Astilleros Zamakona S.A.
Year Built: 2007
Length: 92 ft
Hailing Port: Marshall Islands
Sheโs a beautiful, powerful vesselโand one day my model of her will finally reach the finish line!
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๐ฌ Re: A little detailing and sheโs ready to maiden!!
15 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Cash:
Your Patriot is looking fantastic! The paint job is outstanding, and I really love the color combination you chose for the hull. Your hard work is definitely shining through.
Keep it upโsheโs turning into a beauty!
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๐ Brackengarth Tug
17 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Merchant, have you shared a picture of your newly acquired tug yet? Iโd really like to see it.
Thank you!
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๐ Scottish Trawler
17 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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As far as I can tell, the website is fully up and running, and they offer a great selection of Model Slipway kits.
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| https://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/MS%20HEADER.htm |
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๐ฌ Re: Midwest/Model Expo Fireboat
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Jumpugly;
Is this the model to which you were referring?
| https://www.modelexpo-online.com/products/midwest-muscongus-bay-lobster-smack-1- |
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๐ Our fellow Model-Boats contributor is ill
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Ronald:
How could I send him a note? Can you send me his link?
Thanks.
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๐ฌ Re: Hafenschlepper
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Bern:
Do you have more pictures of your amazing tugboat?
Iโd love to see moreโespecially your electronics setup! Iโm just starting to learn from all of you here, and itโs been so exciting.
I used to build only static model ships, but discovering this incredible, informative forum has completely opened up a whole new world for me!
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๐ Modelexpo MS6006 Model Trailways Allerton Steam Pump Fire Engine 1:12 Modeling
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ Modelexpo MS6006 Model Trailways Allerton Steam Pump Fire Engine 1:12 Modeling
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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๐ Modelexpo MS6006 Model Trailways Allerton Steam Pump Fire Engine 1:12 Modeling
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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This is a refurbishing job that Model Expo assigned to me because it will be one of the models exhibited at the Vegas Model Table Top Show.
Itโs an incredibly intricate pieceโpacked with what feels like a billion partsโand itโs heavy.
This particular model is the one we originally received from Ken Foran, our designer, and over the years itโs been a bit neglected.
Itโs traveled to multiple shows, taken some bumps along the way, and they couldnโt find anyone locally who was able to bring it back to life.
So I accepted the endeavor.
To get the proper copper color, I used these paints and applied them with the airbrush.
A lot of time went into carefully masking off the model to prevent overspray. I also had to spray very gently so that when the tape was removed, it wouldnโt lift or damage any of the parts underneath.
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๐ฌ Re: 1930 Cris Craft Runabout Dumas Kit 1230
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Your build is coming alone well.
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๐ Model Expo Prototypes "Mighty Might".
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Marty:
Thereโs no need to apologize. It was simply a misspelling, and I took your correction in that spirit.
As Scripture says: โThe taking of offense rests in the bosom of fools.โ โ Ecclesiastes 7:9.โ
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๐ Model Expo/Seguin tug 1:32 scale
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Pressonreguardless:
Your 1/48 Mount Washington avatar caught my eye right away.
Iโve had that model on my mind for a while, and seeing yoursโan absolute masterpieceโreally shows the depth of your model-making talent.
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๐ Model Expo/Seguin tug 1:32 scale
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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โBruce,
Thanks for the link. I took that photo a few days before the model hit the shelvesโstill in โpre-launch mode.โ
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๐ฌ Re: ATSF Railroad tug and barge.
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Algon โ
I really love what you did with your tug and the scratch-built train barge โ they look incredibly realistic. Did you follow any blueprints for your barge, or was it entirely your own design?
Iโm asking because Iโm looking for 1:24 barge blueprints to build one for my Juanita. I know New Port Crown Model from China has a very nice barge, but the tariffs make it too expensive to import. So Iโd like to scratch-build one using a good set of plans.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks โ Julian ๐
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๐ฌ Re: Seguin
21 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Pressonreguardless,
After reviewing all your posts, Iโm convinced youโve got a secret shipyard hidden somewhere.
That model looks outstandingโseriously impressive stuff!
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๐ Model Expo/Seguin tug 1:32 scale
21 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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โBruce, fantastic news!
Is that your coffee tableโฆ or your secret shipyard in disguise?
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๐ Model Expo/Nauticurso Pesqueiro 1:32 Scale
21 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ chugalone100 (

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Artur is one of the most popular fishing vessels among Brazilian fishermen, and many are still active in Brazilian waters today.
During my research, I discovered that similar vessels were also used in countries such as Russia, Norway, and Switzerland.
This type of boat even played a role in WWII, carrying ammunition for the French resistance in the fight against Hitler.
The Nauticurso kit has gone through several upgrades over the years. The version I built was their earliest release, so after doing some research, I decided to replaceโor scratch-buildโmany of the components myself.
The kit includes all the running hardware needed for full radio-control operation. Model Shipways, Inc. carefully translates the manual into English and provides a photo-rich, step-by-step assembly guide.
All parts are laser-cut from Amazonian hardwood.
Length: 22"
Scale: 1:32
This kit is guaranteed to bring plenty of fun and a good challenge for both beginners and experienced builders.
Maybe some of you know even more about this vessel than I do.
In the last picture, you can see the little photo setup I use for shooting my models. ๐
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