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[tomzak]

Hi my names Thomas and I  hale from Lincoln UK. I'm 33 and an ex science teacher and materials engineer and into photography, pets (chickens, fish, rabbits, Guinea pigs), gardening and hopefully with your encouragement model boat making and 'playing'. Unfortunately I don't get to do much in the winter (or summer for that matter)  as I am disabled with ME/CFS so I am hoping boats will enhance my life .
I have been studying the construction and want to scratch build but thought I would attempt a kit at first. I have chosen Portgarth (Tug) from Mobile marine models.

q1/ Has anyone tried Portgarth (Tug) from Mobile marine models. How did it go?

q2/ What tools/power tools do I need, I have a coping saw at the moment...

q3/ I keep hearing about using Epoxy to glue? seal boats, what sort of epoxy is there a good place to get t from? I found Devcon 2 ton, is that what I need. I am limited to the interweb due to my wife/choffer going to work regularly and not taking me shopping 

Sorry if this is answered already, I have looked but I get tired easily at the mo so it's not easy research as much as I want.

I am looking forward to starting my boat and maybe one day going to a club to sail it.

[Roger in France]

Welcome, tomzac.

You have come to the right place as you will (I am confident) soon have some helpful replies fro Mayhemmers.

I think several have built "Portgarth". Have you tried putting the name in the Search box?

Do not apologise about the number or level of questions you may ask. We all just love helping out.

Go easy on buying tools, it can be addictive! Again, try putting "modelling tools" or similar expressions in the Search box, I am sure there were some lists and recommendations put up very recently.

Have a look at the Mayhem Traders Directory before you buy anything as you are pretty certain to find anything you need from one or other of the traders listed.

OK, I am out of the way so that others can flood you with answers!

Good luck, PM me if you need help.

Roger in France

[tomzak]

I did search but didn't find much info at all apart fro mmm are a good place to get kits from which is reassuring 

[jonny shoreboy]

Hi mate, Welcome aboard!

I'm not into tugs myself but thought I'd mention Cornwall Model Boats as a place to buy your epoxy from. I use a 5minute version for most of my boating needs. But the main reason I mention CMB is because you can actually call them up and have a brief chat with them to make sure your are ordering the bit you really need. They were VERY helpfull the first time I called and saved me from making a few silly mistakes. Sometimes, when starting out talking to someone who knows is quite handy..

I'm sure you would get the same service from many other model boat companies around, I'm just speaking from my own personal experience.
Also, once you get around to the electrickery part of things Action Electronics (link at the top) will be able to cater to all your needs.

And lastly, never be afraid to ask a questions on here. They Mayhemers here have been really helpfull to me and all my silly newbie questions..

[tonyH]

Hi Thomas,

You may want to look at a company called Squires who are in Bognor. They have a telephone directory sized catalogue which would be a good place to start your browsing for all things 'crafty'. They have a very good mail order service and could supply loads of the bits and pieces you could need.
 
As Roger said, don't get addicted.

I can understand your problem with CFS because my daughter has the same. It's a b****r.

That said, I've always found boat modelling to be rather therapeutic, especially with a fair sized scotch to help progress.

Good luck and keep asking the questions.

Tony

[Perkasaman2]

Hi Thomas welcome to the forum. Our member portside II was considering this tug and you can read his ideas: 

 http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20658.0

[tomzak]

I got an email today so I think the hull, plans, templates and wood should arrive tomorrow if I am lucky. I haven't ordered the running gear or the fittings yet as they are £160 a set and I can't afford £320 at the moment lol.
I am sure I will be asking many many more questions

I will probably get a bench top sanding machine to make things easier. Looking forward to seeing what I have let myself in for.

Thanks

Thomas

[sentry]

Hi Thomas,
 MMM is a great firm run by a great guy Brian, and this wife Ann  Brian is a very friendly gent and is all ways willing to help and answer your questions  if your mobile MMM is only about 5/6 miles out of Lincoln  just passed Scampton, Failing that Brian is only a phone call away  but its well worth a pop out to see them  as Ann makes a lovely cup of tea.
                                        regards, Sentry.

[tomzak]

Hi Sentry,

I realised they were close by to me. That was one of the reasons I bought from them as I like to buy local if I can and usually I only manage to buy from a UK manufacturer but this time I was lucky enough to find a company who are within walking distance (for a fit person who has all day )
I particularly like that they seem to make everything themselves although I would suspect that they don't make the electricals themselves, it's good to keep money local in these times of recession.
I got my order this morning and have had a quick  look and I am eager to get on when I get the templates photocopied so I have a backup.
I would like to say that that I have spent many hours reading post on this forum and would like to thank everyone involved as it has been a friendly, helpful and in many cases a detailed read. I will hopefully benefit from it and benefit others in the months and years to come. 

Thomas

[tigertiger]

If you are thinking of buying a desk top sander for the frames, well so was I.

But I found that the Permagrit tools do a fantastic job quickly and easily. These work like sandpaper, but no need to glue paper to blocks. They are tungsten carbide tools that come in two grades, course and medium. They come in many shapes. I used the flat ones for the frames, Some are also mounted on alloy blocks for ease of handling. Some are curved (convex/concave), the ones on blocks are great for hull sanding. I have all these.
I also now want some of the smaller shaped ones because they are so usefull.
These can be bought from Expotools.com as can a lot of other stuff, including materials like metal tubes.


As for epoxy. If you are still not sure what is meant. Think of the Araldite tubes. Small quantities are mixed for gluing. If you want to use on larger areas then larger tins can be bought from specialist suppliers, mail order may be best.