Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: mikearace on October 23, 2013, 07:56:17 pm

Title: Metcalf Mouldings Lady Laura Tug
Post by: mikearace on October 23, 2013, 07:56:17 pm
Thought I would share a few photos of my just finished build of the Dave Metcalf Lady Laura Tug.
 
Looking around the clubs, shows, build logs etc whilst tug kits are as they always have been a very popular build subject, mostly though it seems that the offerings by MS, MMS, Mountfleet and Caldercraft are the most popular and very fine kits they are too especially the MS ones IMHO.  Although there have been a couple of build reviews in Model Boats and Marine Modelling, I haven't seen anywhere near as many versions of Dave Metcalf's Lady Laura build as some of the tugs by the manafacturers listed above. 
 
I started this a couple of months ago and it has turned out to be a lovely model to build.  The Hull is of a very good quality and it is as comprehensive as any kit I have done in terms of fittings and building material.  The white metal fittings are excellent. The printed parts are also very well done with almost all of them a perfect fit.  I did make some minor personal changes during the build as the access to the shafts was limited especially where the couplings fit so I inserted another access hatch there.  I also changed the plasticard deck for ply as it is a very substantial model and ply was in my view better for the deck.  And of course as you can see from the photos I build her in a made up scheme with a made up name chosen by my daughter to reflect her nickname. 
 
Havent sailed her yet although she is now ballasted but will do so next weekend.  Hopefully she will be a good steady sail.  Accepting that I cant yet recommend her from a sailing perspective from the build I certainly would recommend her to anyone thinking of this kit.  Its certainly value at £199 and the only really quibble I had is some of the parts (very few) aren't fully clear on the two sheet drawings.   
Title: Re: Metcalf Mouldings Lady Laura Tug
Post by: tugnut on October 23, 2013, 08:24:39 pm
Very nice build,she is a good looking tug  O0 , :-))
 
regards John B
Title: Re: Metcalf Mouldings Lady Laura Tug
Post by: Neil on October 23, 2013, 10:13:17 pm
it is a lovely model and they are as you say a nice model to build.
the only thing I ever found wrong with mine was the very fine pitch on the props, and I changed them on mine for brass ones.
 
I made the top of the wheel house removable on mine for some reason best be known to myself......think it was to get at the windows for repair should the double sided sticky tape dry out and the windows fall inside.
Title: Re: Metcalf Mouldings Lady Laura Tug
Post by: mikearace on October 23, 2013, 10:21:17 pm
I have changed my props to four bladed brass props in advance.
 
I did contemplate making the wheelhouse removable but for different reasons.  The roof was about the only plastic part that was not accurate - probably not because the printing was wrong but more because as the wheelhouse was built it naturally despite best efforts was a mil or two out as it went together despite my best efforts.  It was hard to get it an exact match and I did contemplate modifying it to have a windbreak at the top and a lip around over the windows as it was a B***er to get a good fit and it was chicken and egg.  The cabin had to be painted before the windows were glazed and the roof join couldn't be done until the windows were glazed and the sanding of the edge then ruined the paint etc etc.  But I persevered with touching up and sanding and blending the paint in and sanding etc.  Doesn't look too bad after all that.
Title: Re: Metcalf Mouldings Lady Laura Tug
Post by: ixion on October 24, 2013, 06:36:16 am
Lady Laura built as she is today FORTH DRUMMER, thanks Mark.