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[Espeefan]

Hello forum members.  This is my first post.  I spent a few hours searching for a good RC marine forum and found this one (thankfully)!  I must admitt, I know next to nothing about this end of the hobby, but I have been enjoying many other RC models of all kinds for the last few years.  I was at a friend's house a few weeks ago, helping him break in his new monster truck, when he showed me around the area, including a beautiful, and large pond, near his house.  It's actually in a natural depression, and is surrounded by trees, and hillside, nearly all the way around.  Even on windy days, the water remains calm, and internal combustion powered 1:1 boats are not allowed, so the water is very clean and peaceful.  So that got me thinking about trying a marine type RC model.  I've always been interested in the tug boats, so naturally I started searching the internet for more information on them.  I had done so a couple years earlier and found many models I liked, but I decided not to get one at that time, and instead persued other scale RC interests.  Now, after seeing that pond, it's sparked my interest again, so here I am.

I have to admitt, I don't have a clue as to where to begin, so I'm looking for a little advice.  I really want a scale tug boat.  I like big models and money isn't really a concern.  I am looking at a couple tugs by Graupner.  Their Parat Tractor Tug (with Voith-Schneider drives) and also their Tito Neri Tug (Z-drive).  I realize these models aren't exactly for beginners, but just how much experience does one need to build one?  I've challenged myself with many other RC builds, scale and non-scale, even including nitro helicopters, however a tug would be a much different experience.  What sort of previous experience should I have, if any, or could I learn as I go?  Would models like these be to much to bite off and chew for a beginner like myself?

Also, I am really curious to the performance of these larger tugs, so I have to ask.  Is it possible for these larger models to pull a substanial load in the water.  Maybe an adult or two in a row boat or a canoe? 

My thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[Roger in France]

Good to see you here (hope you got my "Welcome Message").

The two tugs you mention are ambitious for a beginner. They certainly make into large, impressive models and will certainly pull the kind of loads you are thinking about. Both have been built by Mayhem Members (try a search on the specific tug names).

Your current skills are certainly transferable and you will get plenty of advice, experience and help just for the asking.

If in doubt I suggest you go for a kit by one of our Traders in the "Traders Section". I say this not to be patronising of them but because with one of the smaller, local traders you will get all the help you need on the phone. Which you cannot get from the big international manufacturers.

The main Mayhem Site has a fairly comprehensive list of tug kits available (look in the extreme left column in yellow).

I am not going to suggest a specific model but I am confident that within 24hrs. you will get specific recommendations from Members about kits they have built and which they think are appropriate.

Above all else, ask any questions in this Forum.

Roger in France

[Reade Models]

Also see:

http://modeltugforum.com/index.php

Malc

[Bunkerbarge]

I was in a similar situation to you a few years ago when I made a concious decision to move away from RC cars and planes and take up RC boats.  Consequently I had a similar challenge as to what to start with.

I agree with Roger that a lot of skills are directly transferrable but one problem you are going to find will be the length of time involved in putting together any type of model and consequently the frustration you may then feel of not being able to get on the water.

My own approach therefore was to buy a second hand model off eBay, which needed the internals redoing and some finishing externally, so that I could get a model on the water as soon as possible.  This allowed me to get involved with a local club and enjoy actually operating a model while I also selected the model I wanted to make.  This proved to be a good way of doing it as now five years later my first model is still a couple of years away from completion but I have a few second hand models that I have adapted and modified along the way which also gave me the opportunity to test techniques and modelling skills on models that I don't have the same degree of 'ownership' of.

I would recommend that you think about a second hand tug model that you can enjoy having a play around with before committing yourself to a model as your experiences with that may well help you to make up your mind as to what to buy.  You will also get a much better feel of what is involved with building and maintaining one and how much you need to know to put one together.  That way you can take your time with your build and still enjoy having a model to sail on the pond.

[craftysod]

You have done exactly what i m doing now BB,got my first boat which i'm attempting to build now,and bought a second hand one off ebay to get used to it an rob parts for my main build

[andygh]

If money isn't a concern how about you buy 2 Parats, give one to me and I'll show you how to do it?               

[Wiggy]

Hi Espeefan,
Unfortunately you haven't said whereabouts you are but it depends on if you just want to sail a model tug or actually get involved in actually towing or events etc. There are various clubs and groups that may be worthwhile visiting to get more advice about models as some are sold as complete kits, others as kits with no build instructions but with plans and hulls that have plans and template packs but you buy the materials and fittings seperately. You can build any tug but it will need 'strengthening' to be able to tow a reasonable weight without ripping parts off. If you post your location then there may be local modellers that can help you more.

Cheers,

Paul.

[Espeefan]

Hi guys.  Thank you for the warm welcome.  I am located in the USA, and I don't think we do the towing events that are popular with some of you being over seas in the UK.  Also being the USA, I have really only found one good online store selling models, and that would be Harbor Models.  They seem to have a nicely put together website and they seem trustworthy enough to order from.  Unless someone knows otherwise?  Are there any other shops in the USA to consider?

On building a model, the time frame doesn't worry me.  I am used to working on scale models for a year or longer.  I wouldn't be in a huge rush.  The water freezes over in the winter anyway, so perhaps that would be the best time begin a model.  On the thought of buying a second hand model, I won't say I am opposed to it, however I would wonder about buying a model that had some short comings because of the way it's builder built it. 

Since looking around more at other models, I've read good things about Model Slipway's instructions, for their models.  I've started to consider their models because of that.  Building a model doesn't scare me to much.  It's just the things I don't know anything about yet.  Particularily the fitting of the drives, cutting holes in the hulll, bow thrusters, then sealing it up again so it doesn't leak. 

I still need to do some searching.  I would really like to see some photo documented builds, and I have seen some already too.  Very neat.

[oldiron]

Hi guys.  Thank you for the warm welcome.  I am located in the USA, and I don't think we do the towing events that are popular with some of you being over seas in the UK.  Also being the USA, I have really only found one good online store selling models, and that would be Harbor Models.  They seem to have a nicely put together website and they seem trustworthy enough to order from.  Unless someone knows otherwise?  Are there any other shops in the USA to consider?

  Siince you're in the States, try Loyalhanna Dockyard. They're located in Buffalo (or a suburb there of):http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/
They carry a full range of marine supplies and kits. There are also local manufacturers like Dumas who have produced such tugs as the "Brooklyn", a New York harbour tug, and "American Beauty" , a river barge tug.
  We, in Canada, have tug towing competitions and handling competitions. There used to be similar regattas in Buffalo. I'm sure there are many others in various parts of the States.

John

[bigford]

hi and welcome to the mad house
umi and the west coast crew seem to have more tugging comps then us poor
slobs on the east coast (new york ) gold coast hobbies in glen head,n.y. is
a r/c boaters dream come true the owner really knows his stuff and IS a boater