Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Martin (Admin) on October 08, 2009, 09:04:09 pm

Title: Mark Weitzman's BIG Tug
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 08, 2009, 09:04:09 pm
Via email to Mayhem....

My name is Mark Weitzman and I am writing from Whittier California. I  
have been building rc boats for 30 years (although I have been flying  
rc aircraft for the last 10 years and came back to boating in early  
2008). I thought you might like to see my latest project. It is a  
stand off scale american harbor tug from around 1895. Scale is 1/12,  
length 80", beam 15", depth 11". Power is from a wheelchair motor  
turning a 4 blade prop. Weight in the water is 165 lbs. The model  
itself weights about 40 lbs, the rest is batteries and ballast.. I  
bought the hull in 1993, got it running, than let it sit until early  
last year. the superstructure is planked basswood with dollhouse doors  
and windows. the funnel has 350 straight pin rivets. I scratch built  
the deck fittings and purchased doll house details. 15 years ago it  
didn't seam so big, but now at age 51 I don't look forward to taking  
to the lake every week. I like building in 1/12, this will be the  
largest model I build.
Title: Re: Mark Weitzman's BIG Tug
Post by: Arrow5 on October 08, 2009, 10:10:25 pm
Very nice Mark,  we need details of the rest of the fleet too O0  What about the Springer and the other one ?   We must be told ! >>:-(
Title: Re: Mark Weitzman's BIG Tug
Post by: tobyker on October 09, 2009, 11:07:46 pm
Nice, Mark. I like the ship's cat!
Title: Re: Mark Weitzman's BIG Tug
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on October 10, 2009, 11:32:02 am

Very original, Guaranteed to attract the 'smaller 'visitors' when at the shows on display.  I want one.

ken
Title: Re: Mark Weitzman's BIG Tug
Post by: mark w on October 11, 2009, 07:12:25 pm
Thanks for the kind words. The springer tug in the picture is built from polycorbonate sheet and styrine. It is the standard size springer w/ 6v power. The pilot house is from a Harbor Models "PONO" tug semi kit. The deck fittings were scratch built or came out of the spare parts box. I have a Robbe diesel sound unit and a Robbe diesel horn installed. The other boat is a freelance push boat. It is 1/12 scale. Length is 25", beam 9". Power is 6v with a Master Airscrew gear head. I have 3 rudders under the stern. The hull is glassed over doorskin. I also have a interchangable enclosed pilot house. I built this model about 20 years ago I live in the Los Angeles area, but am currently working in Detroit MI. until mid December. I will post other pic's of my models when I return.