Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: kno3 on July 29, 2008, 03:29:08 pm
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Hello all!
I've read several of the Springer topics and found some of your builds really nice. But I don't really understand where the whole idea with the standard hull comes from. Are they some sort of boat class? What are they used for?
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The class orignated in the pacific North west of USA as a simple to build fun model based roughly on pusher towboats used on the great American rivers. There are basic hull sizes and motor restrictions. I`m sure Martin will post some of the background but if you go to www.RCGroups.com in the Model Boats Section look for the first dozen posts in "Springer Class Boats" and all will be explained. Oh BTW you`ve got to build one now ....its the law {-)
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Arrow
How does he get away with only building one ??? ??? ??? ???
Brian
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Springers are real model boats! They are simple, cheap and fun!
These are actually boats you can take to the lake, river, sea, canal, swimming pool and actually have fun with!
We play football, tag, races, push and tugging competitions with them and the odd boxing match!
They are inherently strong as they push and barge anything around them.
They are relatively small, quite stable and not prone to bit being knocked off them unlike most of our other "serious"
models, these are our our escape, 'let our hair down' models!
Not many models you would laugh when someone bashes into you but you do when it's a SPRINGER! O0
Plans here and here! O0
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10759.msg100987#msg100987 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10759.msg100987#msg100987)
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3471.msg49453;topicseen#msg49453 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3471.msg49453;topicseen#msg49453)
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Springers are what is making this forum BORING. >>:-( >>:-(
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Richard,
Do I hear a hint of jealousy.............
Roy
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Not at all mate, I can see that they can be a lot of fun, but I did not join the forum to be greeted everytime I log on by a majority of postings about a not to scale, not even a good look alike obscure American tug thingy that probably the Americans could not identify. Also this has been going on for over a year.
Could this be the reason that the number of members viewing at any one time seems to be dropping and a lot of members dont appear to come on here anymore ? :-\ >>:-(
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Not at all mate, I can see that they can be a lot of fun, but I did not join the forum to be greeted everytime I log on by a majority of postings about a not to scale, not even a good look alike obscure American tug thingy that probably the Americans could not identify. Also this has been going on for over a year.
Could this be the reason that the number of members viewing at any one time seems to be dropping and a lot of members dont appear to come on here anymore ? :-\ >>:-(
Each to thier own I guess Dicky, there are some people who feel similarly about the "Name that Ship" threads ::) but we all have to accept each others differences and preferences.
If they don't interest you then simply ignore those postings and continue to support the areas of the forum that you find more worthwhile.
It is obviously a very popular area of the hobby so I suspect that rather than put some people off it has actually attracted more members who may well go on to try other areas of model boating based on what they see here.
That has to be a good thing. O0
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Just a grumpy old gits opinion Bunkerbarge, dont want to upset anyone.
We need more interesting builds such as yours, bluebirds and BY's, where we can actually look and learn. O0
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As the native American said to the Lone Ranger when surrounded by bad injuns in reply to "Looks like we`ve had it this time Tonto" "What do you mean WE Kimosabe?" Name that ship is informative but "Name that plane" ????? Not even seaplane or naval aircraft in a boat forum. Shoorlie shum mishtaik.
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Chin up Dicky my mate, do not be so depressed and down-hearted! No doubt the Springer 'thing' will be like a new fangled fad - here today - gone tomorrow! Only to be put in the archives along with certain competition prizes that never arrived yet.
What we have to remember - is - that Name that Ship - not only being informative, but, has been around now for a good while now eh - Dicky we have to be like the British Army when they were fighting the Zulu's i.e. outnumbered but we have the power of endurance and vitality to go on....now get on with your build Dicky - no more complaining......winter will soon be upon us :D :o
aye
john e
bluebird
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When they get me medication sorted out so I can get to me shed I will get on with it John.
Now what can I have a go about next, planes, cats hmmm?? :-\
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Guys, thanks for the info regarding Springers. I've downloaded the plans to have a look.
Don't know if I'm going to build one, but some I've seen around here were rather cute.
I'm stilll put off by the very boxy and seeminglz inefficient shape of the hull...
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So there you have it Kno3. Hope this has answered your question and encouraged you to see if there are any Springers local to you in Berlin and Bucharest. As you see we Brits have a sense of humour {-) {-) {-) O0 Oops! EDIT: we were typing at the same time. The box-like hull is one of the Springers charms , easy build and surprisingly stable. Have a look at some of the videos on www.youtube.com/MacSpringer. To see some rough water action, try www.putfile.com/Arrow5 Some football trials by Bluezugspitze on Youtube too.
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Haven't seen any around here yet...
By the way, would a steam engine be allowed in a Springer? I just don't like electric motors...
What about a Kitchen rudder for reverse?
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A Steam Springer? There has been talk but not seen one yet! O0
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OK ok, I've been busy getting my V4 flash steam plant ready for Mayhem Llanberis so poor old "Bruce Springsteam" has taken a bit of a back burner (oops pun intended). Going back down the workshop now, will work hard, toil late into the wee hours and have it ready to steam up Stavros's glasses.
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Steamboatphil, any pictures of your boat under construction?
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Kno3
If you go to the "Design Office" section on the forum, then "Steam" scroll down and you should find my posting on the steam springer. I will post a few more pics here showing the progress.
Phil
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A last chime in ....I am a new member here and understand that this forum was / is based on scale model making and it's appreciation. Currently my skill set is very , very basic. I have been testing the waters with restoration to some very simple and basic design hulls. I am inching my way towards a more skilled goal. I just don't know where that is yet. I see things like the Dickie kit bashing and Springer- making as a way to develop some rapport with r/c , hulls at their simplest, gluing and clamping fundamentals etc.
It is very humbling to admire many of the boats the members here produce with such care.....There are many and I have only been browsing a few weeks.
One aside- as a "Yank" with a little taste-- modeling I am sure is a world wide appreciated hobby and poorly designed crafts can arise from any side of the pond- Pacific to the Atlantic..... Springers and the like are what draw new and younger people to see what this craft is all about...Call it pre-school or juvenile or what have you--- It is the same on the live steam forum I am a member of. The membership is made up of 15 year old's and 50 year old alike.. It is a odd mix at times -but the lads keep it amusing and fun to boot when we older ones get a little serious..
I am sure there is room for both here- mentors and students alike- I look forward to learning from all ..
Cheers O0
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...to be greeted everytime I log on by a majority of postings about a not to scale, not even a good look alike obscure American tug thingy...
Pardon?...
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Alright, I beg your pardon, there had to be one and very nice to. But it still doesn't change my opinion in general. >>:-(
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My mother always said "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" :-X :-X :-X You could learn something there Richard!! >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
So Hannahs Springer is a waste of time and effort is it!! >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
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SPRINGER TUGS - The antidote to over serious marine modelling! ;)
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Hi there,
if I can put me serious non-aggravating heed on ::) >>:-( ::) O0 ...... thinking about the Springers they are one good way of introducing someone to the model boating world......and they are basically very simple to build; require no great skill; they are all of the similar design (the hull that is) it is the top part which allows one to expand the imagination which IS GOOD - I had considered actually making one myself - but, slightly off-standard - I was wondering if we could make a 'Tunnel Hull' one....
it would have maybe a step in the hull - I know this is deviating from the basic concept of the design but, it is just my imagination running wild AGAIN :D
On another note, what I do see as an unfair advantage, if say, we had 6 or so people at the lakeside with Springers - we know they have all been constructed basically the same - from plywood and pieces of wood etc., - and if they are damaged - it is quite easy to do repairs. So, where does this put the fibre glass hulled Springer?
aye
john e
bluebird
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Alright, I beg your pardon, there had to be one and very nice to. But it still doesn't change my opinion in general. >>:-(
I dont particularly like warships or fast noisy smelly boats, so i dont often look at their threads. But i dont decry the skill and workmanship that goes in to the building of these type of models... i also (however) appreciate that there is a different skill level involved, probably over and above the skills that i have.
A basic Springer hull has been 'converted' in to a wide variety of different looking models by modellers accross the globe and has bought together modellers of all different ages and skill levels. The current RC Groups thread on the Springer stands at close to 300 pages, 242,350 views and 4,500 replies. Obviously its not a popular vessel. :-\
If you dont like Springers DickyD, then you can always change the channel.. :-X
... or ...
You could always build one, and show us all how it should be done... :P
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:-X :'(
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I have been running straight running boats since I could dip my toes in the pond. Never had much to do this new radio control thingy-----then last year for the first Mayhem weekend, I thought !!!!well lets build one, which I did in 4 days.
Now I'm hooked, I have since built battleship springer, nearly finished a steam springer, and I'm also in the process of building one that will run reverse way round (backwards ! Mark sic long story)
Might even need a "spring clean" soon
So have a go DicKD, you might even surprise yourself----I did
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A last chime in ....I am a new member here and understand that this forum was / is based on scale model making and it's appreciation.
Now I have to step in here, I don't believe it says anywhere that we are a scale model boat forum. We remain open to all forms of model boating and welcome all types from Omra to Scale to Sail to Steam to Plastic and, yes, of course Springers.
Don't be put off by thinking we are only scale, everyone is welcome.
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and I'm also in the process of building one that will run reverse way round (backwards ! Mark sic long story)
Is this to be the 2nd model in the Regnirps class?... something similar to WW Douglas Corrigan?
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Hi guys...i have been building model boats since the sixties and enjoy all areas of the hobby.....personally i have made a couple of springers and i think they are a great way to let off steam and have fun ! Personally i wouldn't like to play football or tag with my sun tug or my hms intrepid or my type 21 frigate......i dont particularly like sail boats but i wouldn't try to get them off the forum..........there's room for all !
As they say whatever floats your boat !
regards.bob.
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You lot amaze me, I'll bet if I was to say the weather today was rubbish there are those amongst you who would take it personally.
I DIDN'T put down people who make springers.
I DIDN'T put down the fun people have with them.
I DIDN'T put down individual postings.
I DIDN'T pick on any one person.
What I did say was , could we not have something else on here rather than springer this and springer that all the time.
I am expressing my opinion on the forum, not marching into Poland, or anywhere else for that matter. >>:-(
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Oooh Dicky, you are awful!
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Oooh Dicky, you are awful!
Come on you, whats that bl**dy ship called >>:-(
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Wrong topic Richard! But you lot are too clever so I had to toss that one in...
Colin
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Actually Richard if you check the new postings you will find there are subjects that are not Springer related in any way.
Also in case you missed it this thread was a question from a member asking what a Springer was, and you effectively high jacked it with your disparaging remarks.
Martin started this forum for discussion on all types of model boating not just the ones you like.
Perhaps if you have nothing constructive to say about Springers, then saying nothing is your best option.
Brian
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Sorry Brian, not going to bite. :-X
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That will be a first.
Brian
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Ooh that hurts :'(
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Oh well, I'm in trouble I am in the middle of building a Springer with a barbecue on the back.. :D
Proteus
;D
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Funny that,half of this lot think thats what my steam springer will end up being (bring sausages Brian !)
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It may well be just that {-) BBQ fish is nice as well
I am not into steam (it hurts , well it did when I worked with it) are you lining the springer with flame retardent materials?
I have seen that sort of burners and they can make short work of wood!
Though I think you know what you are doing ;D
Watching your threads with eager eyes, and resisting as much as I can to build a springer.
R,
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Resistance is useless---build
I don't usualy line the boats as the idea is to keep the flame (from the vaporising petrol blowlamp) firing under the boiler through the coils underneath. The boiler is lagged and then has a stainless steel casing over the top (still gets bl**dy hot though) Mind you there are a few scorch marks on a couple of my boats (and the hairs on the back of my hand are a thing of the past during the boating season)