Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: Langsford on May 13, 2010, 08:36:59 pm

Title: Thames River Tugs
Post by: Langsford on May 13, 2010, 08:36:59 pm
I have just been fortunate to be given an old model for refurbishment. I am told it is a Thames River Tug built to go under the low bridges.
Can anyone give me more information or any sites to look at? What would be the date of this sort of vessel?
Title: Re: Thames River Tugs
Post by: tolnedra on May 13, 2010, 09:03:42 pm
Having built two of them over the years, I can tell you it is a model representative of a typical Thames river tug. It was originally maketed as a kit by Caldercraft, now taken over by Jotika, and named suprisingly enough, "Riverman"! Designed by the late Frank Hinchcliffe, as far as I am aware, not based on any particlur tug, just a general impression of the type. Hope this helps you.

Danny
Title: Re: Thames River Tugs
Post by: barryfoote on May 13, 2010, 09:14:55 pm
Bang on there Danny. It was designed by Franks just as you say.. :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Thames River Tugs
Post by: alan colson on May 13, 2010, 09:37:42 pm
I have a Riverman and it is an ideal regatta boat, with it's steerable kort nozzle it is very manouverable and because of the low superstucture it does not catch as much wind as some other models. I run mine on a 540 motor and a 7.2 volt NiCad pack, the reason for this is that as I like attending the odd show or two I can recharge the battery on site.
Happy sailing.
Alan
Title: Re: Thames River Tugs
Post by: Mike S on May 14, 2010, 11:40:05 am
Looks like a typical example of a Thames lighterage (as oposed to ship handling) motor tug from the 1950's / 1960's, with the low profile superstructure to reach the wharves up-river from London Bridge.

For further info. on the WWW just Google 'Thames lighter tugs'.

Hope this helps.


Cheers,

Mike
Title: Re: Thames River Tugs
Post by: BoatyBoy on May 14, 2010, 12:29:04 pm
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Common/Images_Tugs/RIVERMAN_lrg.jpg (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Common/Images_Tugs/RIVERMAN_lrg.jpg)


(http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Common/Images_Tugs/RIVERMAN_lrg.jpg)