Topic: Springer Tugs (Read 191565 times)

toesupwa · « **Reply #245 on:** May 06, 2007, 04:31:46 PM »

Oh... by the way.. the high volume toesup boat werks division is hard at work..

arrow5 · « **Reply #246 on:** May 06, 2007, 08:06:01 PM »

Quote from: toesupwa on May 06, 2007, 04:31:46 PM

Oh... by the way.. the high volume toesup boat werks division is hard at work..

Obviously aimed at the export market

I hope the winglets ideas all die a natural death...what is the old saying about making a silk purse out of a pig`s ear. I much prefer detailing or imaginative style of craft and fun fun fun. Leave the super-tweaks to the hydroplane guys and F1 types. JMHO. Tut tut Toes "Union Jack"......only when it is flown on the Jackstaff otherwise Union Flag. Which may be out of date soon in view of the recent parliamentary elections where the Scottish National Party won a majority. Home rule next ? Independence ? "FREEDOM" as a famous Aussie film star shouted in a comedy film on the subject. John Paul Jones should have stayed at home, WE need a navy too. Hmmmm how did I get here , so far off topic...dont answer that ! Back on topic; Kendal I`m old enough to remember 6 volt systems in cars and vacuum driven winscreen-wipers, even starting handles, handy for winding the car out of a ditch !

kendalboatsman · « **Reply #247 on:** May 06, 2007, 08:54:24 PM »

Hi Arrow,

I am just old enough to remember the last two and yes the starting handle was great for getting vehicles out of ditches.

Clive :)

Willit · « **Reply #248 on:** May 06, 2007, 11:12:30 PM »

How about the bar that comes out from the keel to the bottom of the rudder, is anybody fitting them ? This could be the place to put "wings" or plates to stop the ploughing. I get the feeling some folk have forgotten the concept of a tug. If you want to go fast dont build a flat-sided pudding bowl. Or build a top that looks like the sail/conning tower of an Akula and charge full speed till it acts like a submarine on purpose

Hey good start killit, keep us informed when you next raid the parts-bin. BTW , I`d reduce the mass of the rear midship cross-brace if it isnt too late. Knock that one out and replace it with full depth ply same as hull-side to make a water-tight open top box. Keep weight down low. Are you going to support the prop shaft ?
[/quote]

Hiya, I'm afraid removing the cross brace is a no no, simply because its rather well glued and pinned into position

so any demolition will do damage to the rest of it. What I'll do is glue a piece of balsa or ply to it to make the thing go down to the bottom of the hull. I guess it didn't come out in the photos too well. If you look at the very end of the stern tube there is a bit of balsa that comes up from the bottom cross brace to engage in a notch with the stern tube. This has rendered the whole thing pretty solid. I realised I would need it when I first applied power to the motor (an old Monoperm by the way it runs very well), there was an awful lot of vibration from the tube, so I did the fix and its dead quiet now. Thanks for the info, given me things to think about (like keeping it dry!)

I considered putting a skeg in, but decided that no-one would see the rudder when its in the water!

arrow5 · « **Reply #249 on:** May 07, 2007, 07:08:48 AM »

How about cutting the rear brace just inboard of the pins to leave two blocks to support your full depth bulkhead, (ie remove about 80% of the weight.) Good you supported the prop-tube, couldn't see any in pics, external skeg will help with straight-line tracking I think. Waiting to see your top , some freelance "scale" details perhaps ? More pics please. Any more Springers in the pipeline ???????

cbr900 · « **Reply #250 on:** May 07, 2007, 10:34:52 AM »

My Springer is painted and drying as I write I will put up pics in the next two days......

Roy

boatmadman · « **Reply #251 on:** May 07, 2007, 01:42:09 PM »

Think I will have a go at one. I cant get to the Mayhem weekend, I have to work, so maybe a consolation buld next time on nights is in order!

I am using up whats left of the grey cells to try and come up with a unique superstructure at the moment - no luck yet!

Ian

arrow5 · « **Reply #252 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:10:06 PM »

Quote from: boatmadman on May 07, 2007, 01:42:09 PM

Think I will have a go at one. I cant get to the Mayhem weekend, I have to work, so maybe a consolation buld next time on nights is in order!

I am using up whats left of the grey cells to try and come up with a unique superstructure at the moment - no luck yet!

Ian

Something local perhaps, military, naval, Thames, Mersey, Clyde, Tyne. Or Continental , Rhine , even a....Venetian dust-cart ! My mate is thinking about an "Amphicar", not amphibious but with dummy wheels just stuck on ! He`s scouring the boot-sales for a large car body as we speak, oh dear a step too far methinks but anything goes. More pics , let us see what we`ve got so far.

kendalboatsman · « **Reply #253 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:17:11 PM »

Speaking of Tyne, Can anyone tell me the best paint colours to match RNLI livery for my Springer Lifeboat? I was going to use ordinary Humbrol paints but I think I saw somewhere about Ford colours for a lifeboat. Any ideas where?

Ta
Clive

mike_victoriabc · « **Reply #254 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:23:37 PM »

For matching paint colours you may want to try your local auto supply / paint store and see if they will mix the colour in a spay can. I wanted to match a tug colour here - turned out it was 'Pepsi Red' - a little more in cost but the colour was the answer.

chingdevil · « **Reply #255 on:** May 07, 2007, 05:27:44 PM »

My Springer got its bottom wet today, tried it in the test tank (cheep paddling pool). It took a lot of weight to get it down to the correct height, 2 x 6v 4Ah, 1 x 7.2v 1600Ah and the battery pack for my Hitec radio even then I think it is slightly high. If it ever goes under the fish are going to get a tingle. When I ran the motor the bow lifted quite nicely will now need to move the batteries to get a level tug when it is running.
After testing it in the local lake will post pictures.

The other Brian

Willit · « **Reply #256 on:** May 08, 2007, 08:47:52 AM »

Quote from: arrow5 on May 07, 2007, 07:08:48 AM

How about cutting the rear brace just inboard of the pins to leave two blocks to support your full depth bulkhead, (ie remove about 80% of the weight.) Good you supported the prop-tube, couldn't see any in pics, external skeg will help with straight-line tracking I think. Waiting to see your top , some freelance "scale" details perhaps ? More pics please. Any more Springers in the pipeline ???????

Its a plan, what I'll do is I'll fit the RC gear, sand seal the hull and then bath test it. If it floats alright with no tendency to rock I will leave the brace (its not too heavy anyway) but if it gives trouble I'll do your fix. I have hacksaw small enough for the job!

Willit · « **Reply #257 on:** May 09, 2007, 10:48:50 PM »

Here is my latest update on work on my Springer. The hull now has a servo coupled to the rudder and attached to the hull. The deck is on and the hull is practically finished, bar painting. It has had two coats of sanding sealer and a lot of rubbing down, and once I have primed it I will test it in the bath. The superstructure is basically a box at the mo, and will have things like doors and windows, portholes etc painted on within framing in order to keep all of it water tight still! Its a rough interpretation of a Bantam type tug sort of thing. I was able to have a bit of fun with the lathe (I felt like it :)) to make a good well aligned (aka not wonky like I usually do

) exhaust pipe. Its roughly blu tacked on so you can see it in "situ". I don't really know where to put it though, any suggestions?

arrow5 · « **Reply #258 on:** May 10, 2007, 10:57:56 AM »

Yep Willit, looking good. Maybe raise the bow with a block of wood like the Yank pushers with Knees for pushing, even if not on the BW Bantam it should cut down the chances of bow-wave spilling over deck when charging ! I`d think about reducing the height of the superstructure a wee bit too to reduce "wind effects", 1.5inch/4 cm should help. Plenty of "scale" bits in old junked toy trucks and cars for exhausts and lights, tyres for fenders, check the kids next door ! Look forward to the paintwork.

Willit · « **Reply #259 on:** May 10, 2007, 09:28:34 PM »

Quote from: arrow5 on May 10, 2007, 10:57:56 AM

Yep Willit, looking good. Maybe raise the bow with a block of wood like the Yank pushers with Knees for pushing, even if not on the BW Bantam it should cut down the chances of bow-wave spilling over deck when charging ! I`d think about reducing the height of the superstructure a wee bit too to reduce "wind effects", 1.5inch/4 cm should help. Plenty of "scale" bits in old junked toy trucks and cars for exhausts and lights, tyres for fenders, check the kids next door ! Look forward to the paintwork.

I just bath tested it, ARGHH!!! the sand sealer hasn't penetrated the hull side/base joints properly and the glue got wet! I have to let it dry out and then I'll ladle a load of sand sealer on with a spatula, and then spray on some primer. The thing practically just sits on its keel. Its going to need so much lead to bring the nose down

"update"

here is the painted (but not yet tidied up) hull. I decided, having seen pics of the Bantam tug, to omit antifoul paint and just do the whole lot black. Once the paints hardened off I'll do yet another bath test to see what happens.

kendalboatsman · « **Reply #260 on:** May 12, 2007, 05:24:55 PM »

My build has stalled horribly because of plastering and I haven't done anything for 5 or 6 days. I have now covered the main superstructure with Solar Film as I haven't got time to be sealing and rubbing down to get rid of balsa grain. I need to connect up the electrics and finish the superstructure and last of all paint it.

Clive

chingdevil · « **Reply #261 on:** May 12, 2007, 06:23:15 PM »

Have not been to the lake to test "Spruffer" so put back into test tank to try out the esc, keeps blowing 4amp fuses :'( while i cry into my beer thought I would post some pictures of it. Arrow5 named it "Spruffer" after I said I would stop working on my puffer to build a springer tug. I know the plate at the front is not straight, when I stuck it on I did not realise it had moved until I had started the paint scheme.

The other Brian

kendalboatsman · « **Reply #262 on:** May 12, 2007, 09:16:02 PM »

looks really good "the other Brian". Mine might not get wet until the mayhem weekend at this rate. :(

Mind you the decorating is going better now.

Clive

tobyker · « **Reply #263 on:** May 12, 2007, 10:17:24 PM »

Another contribution to the Springer dabate; Wasn't there a pusher tug for pushing VERY large barges that had the pilot house on a sort of scissors jack so that the driver could see over the barge? That would make an imteresting operating feature, but of course you'd have to remember to lower the bridge in fast turns!!

kendalboatsman · « **Reply #264 on:** May 12, 2007, 10:22:28 PM »

Hi Tobyker,

You are quite right, many many years ago Model Boats published a plan for Egrete (Rhine Pusher Tug) and that had a lifting wheel house. Someone on here has a model of it but I cannot remember who?

Clive

cbr900 · « **Reply #265 on:** May 13, 2007, 06:11:48 AM »

Finally remembered to take a photo of my Springer.........

arrow5 · « **Reply #266 on:** May 13, 2007, 10:22:20 PM »

" Arrow5 named it "Spruffer" after I said I would stop working on my puffer to build a springer tug." (quote/) I thought that would apply only to Puffer based Springers, it was Mrs Toesup who coined the word. Think we will have to introduce an advertisement rule too or is there a fee for promoting soft drinks?

chingdevil · « **Reply #267 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:00:41 AM »

Sorry arrow5, I thought you had come up with the name spruffer
I work for the company that produces Pepsi, I thought I would make my springer fun so I made the wheelhouse from a can, if people do not like I will paint over it.

The other Brian

arrow5 · « **Reply #268 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:09:16 PM »

Ching ; Looks great. Keep it in company livery, follow the lead of the F1 guys. Who knows maybe next year it will be " The Mayhem Springer Pepsi UK Championships" sponsored by Pepsico ! Now watch the rush of fag-packet paint jobs (for US readers that is "cigarette pack" , unless it is pink !) and the PR people from big companies vieing for space on our boats. Well maybe not...my MacSpringer puffer has a Steradent denture capsule for a funnel. Painted it so the world wouldn't know that I was a toothless old git. Re MacSpringer title, that would apply to any Scottish type vessel not just Puffers. Any of the small West Coast ferries or North Sea oil support ships out of Aberdeen would qualify. The puns are part of the fun. Whose is going to be the first to call their`s a "Spaniel" then there will be a Coc....oh better not that would be from a rival soft drink company.

chingdevil · « **Reply #269 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:12:44 PM »

Arrow5 the company livery should be dark green and orange for Britivc, I just thought the Pepsi colours are more fun.

The other Brian

arrow5 · « **Reply #270 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:41:24 PM »

.....is there a boating pond at Wimbledon ! Purple and Green = BIG MONEY !

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #271 on:** May 14, 2007, 02:49:40 PM »

Don't forget guys, if you are coming for the fun and games at the Mayhemers "Weekend at Wicksteed" - fit a hook or towing bollard somewhere near the back of your Springer!

arrow5 · « **Reply #272 on:** May 14, 2007, 03:05:04 PM »

...and door-stop type springs???????????

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #273 on:** May 14, 2007, 03:46:57 PM »

They MAY be an advantage....... or not!

arrow5 · « **Reply #274 on:** May 14, 2007, 05:50:42 PM »

I thought they were based on push tugs

. No water-polo teams ? Aw well you`ll all need to come to Loch Insh Splash-in come Sept.

chingdevil · « **Reply #275 on:** May 14, 2007, 08:41:35 PM »

Arrow5

We supply Robinsons soft drinks there

The other Brian

BobF · « **Reply #276 on:** May 14, 2007, 09:33:05 PM »

Hi All,

There was an Egrete with working raising wheel house for sale at Skipsea week auction.

Now I have finally managed to get my computer to down load a copy of the plan, I think that I will be starting to build one tomorrow. Springer that is. I'm thinking of using a 'petrol can' style top, and calling it a Jerry Springer.

Actually I think it will be a 'Club 500' style springer.

Bob

arrow5 · « **Reply #277 on:** May 14, 2007, 10:09:10 PM »

J ;Derry Springer , very good LMAO. We need the humorous touch.

arrow5 · « **Reply #278 on:** May 14, 2007, 10:19:20 PM »

Quote from: chingdevil on May 14, 2007, 08:41:35 PM

Arrow5

We supply Robinsons soft drinks there

The other Brian

Correct, that is why I mentioned it, very English livery. You`ll have to get in a stock of Irn Bru when the MacSpringers invade Englishland ::)

chingdevil · « **Reply #279 on:** May 15, 2007, 11:39:14 AM »

If a certain venture capitalist company has its way we will become a French company >:( >:( >:(

The other Brian

News:

Author Topic: Springer Tugs (Read 191565 times)

kendalboatsman

Willit

kendalboatsman

chingdevil

Willit

Willit

Willit

kendalboatsman

chingdevil

kendalboatsman

kendalboatsman

chingdevil

chingdevil

chingdevil

chingdevil