Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 02:26:41 am

Title: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 02:26:41 am
I thought some of you springer fans out there might just appreciate a few pictures of a real pusher tug relatively close up to give you some building inspiration and some detail ideas.

This one works for a fuel company in Port Canaveral and is used to ferry fuel barges around the port, more commonly called Bunker Barges.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 02:29:38 am
A few more, I think the detail is really interesting and can give you loads of ideas for adding those things that bring a model to life, such as the fire axe, the hydrant, the machinery space vents, the raft in front of the funnel, the satellite TV dish, etc...etc...
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 02:31:10 am
And the final set, I just hope they are of some use to someone.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Peter Fitness on October 08, 2007, 03:07:43 am
Bunkerbarge, your photos couldn't have come at a better time for me, as I have just started building a pusher from plans published in "Model Boats" a couple of years ago, which I had enlarged by 20%. The detail shown in the photos will be very useful - thank you O0
Peter
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: chingdevil on October 08, 2007, 06:31:27 am
Excellent pictures Bunkerbarge, some good detail shots.

Brian

Is this what you used to/or work on to get your forum name??
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: boatmadman on October 08, 2007, 08:33:23 am
Great pics Bunker, will be a great help as I develop my springer.

Ian
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: a3nige on October 08, 2007, 09:05:15 am
Fantastic, how much fuel did you take onboard?

Nige
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 11:38:51 am
I'm glad they are of some use guys.  One of the interesting things to note is that these particular tugs are so well maintained that there is no requirement for weathering on the models but the added detail will help to bring them to life.

Chingdevil, my name does come from the barge but not because I worked on one.  I have always been on the recieving end.

a3nige, yesterday we took just over 1000 tons which will last us for 11 days.

If anyone ever fancies building a model of the barge the tugs push let me know as I have a few shots of that as well.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Arrow5 on October 08, 2007, 12:17:29 pm
Great inspirational pics Bunkie, the high level shots make it look like a model. It is very clean for a work boat , a credit to the crew. Yes I think a few shots of the barge would be of interest , thanks. ....and when are YOU starting a Springer ? ::)
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 12:38:10 pm
I have thought about it but I have so many projects in the pipeline at the moment I'm not sure when I will get around to it.  I do have the Model Boats plan though so maybe one day...

I'll get the barge pictures together later.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Arrow5 on October 08, 2007, 03:12:27 pm
Bunkie, the Model Boats plan isnt a Springer but an average pusher towboat. There are plans here on Mayhem or on RCGroups.com in the Dock Talk section of Boats. Quite a cult developing and unlike the  Model Boats styrene sheet craft the Springers are wooden , very quick and easy to make from scrap wood (mine are old drawers from the skip) and tough enough to play water polo/soccer. You could be our International UK rep in your ports of call if you have the time. There is no regulation superstructure, anything goes above deck level.  Great for tug-towing , my next project, hence interest in pics of barge plus I`ve just found another chest of drawers !!!! :D
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 08, 2007, 03:48:58 pm
I see what you mean.  The springer design is obviously very simple and hence easy to replicate making it pretty easy to build.

I might just throw one together someday to see what fun I can have with it.  Thanks for the info.  I'm afraid I am of little use abroad as our ports of call are very limited but I am always happy to pass on information.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Arrow5 on October 08, 2007, 04:07:29 pm
How about a Springer "dirty British coaster" ?
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: kiteman1 on October 09, 2007, 07:28:58 pm
Thanks for those cracking pics, now enlarged and stored safely for the future if time permits.  O0 O0
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 09, 2007, 07:34:04 pm
You're welcome, my pleasure.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: azz126 on October 24, 2007, 05:14:40 pm
nice pics,was it a kit or a scratch built boat.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 25, 2007, 09:06:11 am
nice pics,was it a kit or a scratch built boat.


It's a real tug!!! ???
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: winham79 on September 13, 2008, 06:12:16 am
Very nice photographs of the Tug. I am building a pusher tug now and it will give me some ideas for the deck area. Did you take any photographs of the barge it self. That is my next project.
Thank You for posting the phootgraphs

William   O0
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: towboatjoe on September 13, 2008, 01:58:56 pm
Here's specs on the Coastal Canaveral.
Twin screw towboat, built 1971 by Main Iron Works, Houma, LA. 54.5 ft x 20 ft. GM 12V-71 diesels, 800 hp. Owned by Coastal Tug & Barge, Inc, Miami, FL.

Peter and windham79, if you have a drawing I can see of the boat you're building I may have something very close to it. I have over 5,000 photos of towboats and barges.

Anyone interested in learning more about details inside and outside of a towboat, check out http://www.towboatjoe.com

Here's me at the sticks of a 140 foot x 42 foot, 6,000 hp towboat pushing 15 barges.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: ronkh on September 13, 2008, 04:48:40 pm
Bunkerbarge,

Brilliant, I have been asking about Springers and had my doubts as to them being real boats. I was told they were but you know doubting Toms and all that!!
Gives me plenty to work out when I build my own. Hopefully soon.

Cheers,

Ron.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2008, 06:54:51 pm
Great pictures BB!

Joe, what makes for a good barge pusher  tug?

Martin
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: towboatjoe on September 13, 2008, 07:33:52 pm
Wow Martin, that covers a wide area that you could just about write a book about. Mainly twin screws with backing rudders and good horsepower. It also doesn't hurt to have a pilot house high enough to see over the head of the tow and a couple of good reliable deck winches.

Bunkerbarge... I have photos of a small boat that has a hull like a springer. Here's a pic of it.
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: ronkh on September 13, 2008, 08:29:16 pm
Great pictures BB!

Joe, what makes for a good barge pusher  tug?

Martin
Size!!
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Bunkerbarge on September 13, 2008, 08:41:35 pm
For pictures of the barge have a look here:

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6547.0

Your genuine original honest to goodness Bunkerbarge!!!
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2008, 09:21:17 pm
How long are your longest trips with a "tow"?
Title: Re: Barge Pusher
Post by: towboatjoe on September 13, 2008, 11:48:06 pm
How long are your longest trips with a "tow"?

My trips have been around 300 miles and 14 days on.