Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: ronkh on August 31, 2008, 02:16:35 pm

Title: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: ronkh on August 31, 2008, 02:16:35 pm: Hi all,

A few questions about Springer Tugs;

Are there rules regarding (modelling) sizes for these tugs.
Are they based on "real" tugs, and if not, where did the idea come from.
If real, where are they used - eg, ports/docks, rivers, etc.
Why have they such a strange shaped keel.
Where did the name "Springer" come from.
Are they an American-English or from what origin design.
Are they as addictive to make as they seem do be judging from some of your comments - eg, Footski.
Is there anywhere that I can get plans for a simple one to start of with (if there is such a thing as "Simple plans").
??? ??? ??? ???

With many thanks for any replies,

Ron.
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: boatmadman on August 31, 2008, 02:41:56 pm: They are very addictive and fun.

You will find the answers to your questions somewhere within this thread:

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3471.0

Ian
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: Arrow5 on August 31, 2008, 02:42:09 pm: Have you read the Springer thread? Early in it , first dozen or so posts,explains all. Yes there are rules, based roughly on real push-boats used on rivers in USA and Europe.( see Toeboatjoe`s posts and website) Not an American/English design, there some in Scotland and Wales and are spreading worldwide. A Mr. Springer invented the model class. Simple plans , Martin has posted the in the Springer thread. For the complete history go to www.RCGroups.com in the Springer Class boats section of Dock Talk and you will find the origins and history . Keel design ...strange in what way ? They are addictive beware O0
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: toesupwa on August 31, 2008, 03:30:23 pm: Quote from: ronkh on August 31, 2008, 02:16:35 pm

Are there rules regarding (modelling) sizes for these tugs.
Are they based on "real" tugs, and if not, where did the idea come from.
If real, where are they used - eg, ports/docks, rivers, etc.
Why have they such a strange shaped keel.
Where did the name "Springer" come from.
Are they an American-English or from what origin design.
Are they as addictive to make as they seem do be judging from some of your comments - eg, Footski.
Is there anywhere that I can get plans for a simple one to start of with (if there is such a thing as "Simple plans").

Yes: http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3471.0 and http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522762
Yes: See http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522762
They are mainly used in small harbours and rivers. Some of the larger push tugs are used on the larger rivers in the USA to transport large cargo's (in barges) between main cities.
Strange?...
The story is that the designers name was 'Springer'...
American
Addictive?.. I'm on my 7th and 8th, so i cant see them as being 'addictive' at all...
Yes: See http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3471.0 and http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522762 and http://nwrcsm.freeyellow.com/springer.PDF
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: ronkh on August 31, 2008, 04:30:57 pm: Thank you for replies so far.

They are clearing up some of the mysteries (to me) about Springers. I think I will now have to have a go at making one - if only one would be possible! The strange shape I asked about was meant to be the part under the waterline, like a half round, looking at the tug side-ways on. I'm sorry if I confused any of you but I get a bit lost with nautical terms. Hope I have not confused you anymore. ::)

Ron.
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: chingdevil on August 31, 2008, 05:47:38 pm: Hi Ron once you start making Springers you will be hooked, the bottom shape comes from the hull shape of the real tugs. The picture below is for a truckable tug made in the USA notice the bottom shape.

Brian
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: ronkh on September 01, 2008, 11:47:46 am: Thats the shape I meant!!
If I get hooked, can I blame you lot O0

Ron.
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: amdaylight on September 01, 2008, 05:18:34 pm: No, well maybe, ::) OK yes because that is how the lot of got hooked. :D {-) Welcome on board. O0

Andre in Portland Oregon
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: dan on September 07, 2008, 05:17:33 pm: hi guys,
this is going to be a stupid question, ive probly missed it somewhere but what ie the width of a springer?

cheers dan
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: mike_victoriabc on September 07, 2008, 05:21:41 pm: RC Groups (that other site!!) has pages on the Springer, including the original hull design plan. 8 inches max width if I recall.
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: dan on September 07, 2008, 05:45:54 pm: cheers mike
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: mike_victoriabc on September 07, 2008, 06:18:06 pm: I'm sleeping here - didn't look at the earlier posts - the link is a few posts back there from toesup - takes you right to the plan link, etc.

I'm going to see if I can build two more hulls here shortly as well.
Title: Re: Questions about Springer Tugs
Post by: SteamboatPhil on September 07, 2008, 11:23:41 pm: Oh you are so hooked, I know I'm just building my 5th !!!!!! :D