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[Mike in MI]

Hello All,

Great Forum - just joined but a lot of very informative stuff here.  In fact I'm inspired to get back into the hobby - a lifetime ago a built up a scale steam tug with a Saito engine and had a lot of fun with it.

Apologies for starting off my contribution with a question, but here goes..

I'd like to build another steam tug - this one maybe around 48" overall either a period harbor or coastal tug.  Will the TVR1A be up to the job for power?  I also have a S-T D10 which will fit, but may be more than I need(?).  I'd prefer to use the D10 but from other posts it seems impractical.  I'd like to hear from anyone with first-hand experience.

Any experience/advice would be appreciated -

Best,

Mike

[gondolier88]

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum.

As for questions, that's a good one, so don't apologise!!

I don't know what displacement you'll be looking at witn your tug design, but I wouldn't think it would be an inconsiderable amount- I would have thought the TVR1 might push it along at scale speed, but nothing else, and you certainly wouldn't be able tow anything with it.

The D10 on the other hand would be perfect for powering your tug, however you would need a larger boiler and your tug would weigh more.

You pays your money...

Greg

[Mike in MI]

Hi Greg, and Thanks.

Since I already have the D10, the cost is not the big issue (I understand everything will get bigger with that engine).  It seems like the right fit from a scale perspective, and yes, the hull profile is typical harbor tug - large rectangle in the water with rounded corners!).  In truth I think I am more trying to fit a hull around the engine than find an engine for the hull.  At 1/32 an 85 ft harbor tug is 31" roughly - too small I think, but 1/20 gets me close to 48" and a lot more room.

My main concern is that I am able to put together a package with a commercially available boiler (4-6" Maccsteam or S-T), burner, and fuel combination to make it workable.

It seems I have seen a few examples, but not many, and I'm looking for some positive reinforcement before I go in with both feet.   

Mike

[Underpressure]

I have a number of tugs, between 36" and 46" and it's all really down to weight.

Typically a 40" tug ballasted to the waterline can easily be pushed along by an engine like the TVR1A and would probably be overpowered by anything bigger.

Put another four to six inches on the length and the weight really starts to go up. My Muimota tug has to be ballasted in the water, as it is just too heavy to carry around lakeside. It's 46", weighs around 40 Kgs and is powered by a Cheddar V4 Pegasus.

I have little knowledge of the D10 other than it's specs, but I think it would be the better engine to use on a tug of the size you are planning.

[Mike in MI]

Underpressure,  thanks for the comments.  Yes, I think this is one that may have to be ballasted in the water as well.  Can you tell me what the bore/stroke are on the Cheddar V4 engine?

I am considering using G scale (1/22.5) which would end up at about 45"

Mike

[Underpressure]

The Pegasus engine has an 11mm bore and 11mm stroke.

[flashtwo]

Hi,

I'm powering a 72lb experimental, 60inch boat with a D10 and a 5 inch prop. Although the hull is of a rather primitive square section, the performance is quite adequate.

It is not the same system of a boat with a conventional boiler, since I'm experimenting with monotube boilers of between 150 to 200sq.inch and feed heaters of 50sq.inch.

There is a member of the Guildford Model Engineers Society with an 82lb tug with a D10 and a 164 sq.inch boiler, although I've not seen it go through it's paces as yet.

Ian.

[KBIO]

Good evening
I'm experimenting with monotube boilers of between 150 to 200sq.inch and feed heaters of 50sq.inch.
Something different & vey interesting!
Would you have photos of it Flashtwo??? O0I'd love to see that boiler in this big boat with a D10 "fellaw"!
Regards