Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Tugs and Towing => Topic started by: adamD98 on January 10, 2015, 12:35:07 am
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Hi all,
Ok so I have started my build of Mobile Marines Portgarth (pictures to follow soon), and I am just looking into bow thruster options.mimwonder, what dia. Tube would you all recommend? I have a motor and prop shaft already.
I'm also going to be asking some advice on lights, as I have very basic electrical knowledge I'm a little concerned over the installation of the nav lights, towing lights, bulkhead lights etc.
So far I've done the various cut outs and have started the installation of running gear, and cut and prepared the parts for the Skeg.
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Plumbing pipe sizes 3/4" 1,I/4" 1,1/2" in plastic.
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Pretty sure I've got a bundle of 1 1/4" somewhere!
Thanks for that anyway :-))
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If you choose to use Plumbing Pipe make sure that you rough up the outside of the pipe where it will be in contact with Hull, Glue, Filler, Resin or any sealing compound as it doesn,t take too kindly to bonding...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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Thanks Norry, received and understood :-))
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Next question is on ESC's, I usually use electronize but I've been considering action electronics. Should I stick with the electronize?
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Hi Adam
What size motors are you using? 12 volt? I think action will only take up to 12 volt but electronize will take up to 24 volt if you need a bit more beef for towing.
thanks
Big Cheese
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NO you are wrong about ACTion electronics they Do make them that will take 24v and more
Dave
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Thanks you two, the motors are 12V, plus a separate motor for bow thruster and one for a working winch.
I've never used ACTion electronics gear, as I say I've always used electronize. Should I stick to what I know?
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Allways used ACTion used and abused it for years and it allways bounces back....had serious issues with Electronise in the past so will never use them....at least you have a dammed good back up the ACTion gear
Dave.........no connection with ACTion only a happy custoer
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Thanks Dave, appreciate the reply. I know a few who have had trouble with electronize gear but I haven't (not yet anyway).
For the tug, which I will be towing with, which ACTion units would you recommend me if I went down that route?
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Milbs over to you
Dave
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Adam
You say that you will be running the main motors on 12v but there's no mention of the voltage of the thruster and winch motors. Can you tell me what it is/they are?
Do you want to use a motor mixer or have independent throttles (tank steering)? Not sure - see "Do they both go round, mister" here http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/art.php (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/art.php)
How many batteries will you use i.e. one big one or two smaller ones, the latter either in parallel or 2 @ half-voltage in series?
Are you planning on adding further working functions such as lights?
I ask because there will probably be a suitable wiring diagram already on the ACTion website here http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/wd.php (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/wd.php) although it might not be headed Portgarth. If not then one can easily be adapted - there's only so much you can fit into a tug.
Stavros is indeed a loyal customer and he seems to be getting more sensible now he's become a dad. I can't remember the last time I mended anything for him!
Dave M
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Thanks Dave...and Dave!
My motors are 12V, BT is 7.2V and my winch motor..as yet undecided.
I have however, whilst beavering away this afternoon, got apair of electronize FR30HX speed controllers handy, brand new. So, I may just fit these for the time being. However I still wanting to go along the ACTion route at some point.
I'm unsure of weather or not I'll want nor need tank steering for the tug. Unlikely I think, but not out of the question. I will however be adding working lights yes.
Also, I have a few different type of batteries but I think 2 smaller batteries will be the case.
Today, I've finished the Skeg off, sealed, sanded and smoothed. Running gear is part way through fitting, which I will finish tomorrow.
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Hi Adam,
I use complete action electronics running gear in all 20 of my model boats, esc's/mixers,power boards,fuse holders,amps,sound units etc...
Ive never had any issues with Action units all are top quality and back-up service is A1.
All the best with the build. :-))
Cheers
Dave.
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Thanks Dave appreciate the advice re. ACTion gear, I'll absolutely be ordering some up for several boats, both built and and future builds.
As far as this build goes, I've take some 20 photos so far and I will (honest :embarrassed: ) get around to uploading some! I'm about to start with stringers and so forth for my decks, once I am happy with all that lot, I will make sure everything below decks is as I require before final setting of the decks.
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I wouldnt bother with a bow thruster in a twin screw tug, more expense, more to go wrong.
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Thanks for the input, however I've already fitted the bow thruster in Portgarth.
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Really should introduce some photos into this thread!
Having a bit of bother with the curves on the front of the deck house, but perseverance will pay off I hope!
Got the hull primed and ready to accept colour now.
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Any chance of some build progress photos of
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Either this evening or tomorrow Andy. I've taken plenty as I've been going along :-))
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Ok folks, it's been a long time coming that I put some photos up of this little beasty.
Now, be gentle, but comments and critics are all welcome as it's advice I'll gladly take on board for future builds!
The hull as it comes:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%202_zpsbqclb1c4.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%202_zpsbqclb1c4.jpg.html)
The work begins, with cut outs for the running gear and wash ports etc.
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%204_zpsmpo4f9b5.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%204_zpsmpo4f9b5.jpg.html)
Fitting running gear:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2010_zpsyktuaacg.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2010_zpsyktuaacg.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2014_zpssxhxas7p.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2014_zpssxhxas7p.jpg.html)
Bow thruster fitted and sealed inside and out. Ready to be smoothed down:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2015_zpsxpajweq5.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2015_zpsxpajweq5.jpg.html)
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Next up, I fitted and tested the running gear/motors etc (but no pics as they came out blurry for some reason!).
Then on to the decks, gunwhales etc:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2020_zpsnemk3kbw.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2020_zpsnemk3kbw.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2021_zpsrkclzkkx.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2021_zpsrkclzkkx.jpg.html)
A coat (or several) of primer and the red oxide for the lower hull:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2025_zpslbs7akww.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2025_zpslbs7akww.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2026_zpssz36awvf.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2026_zpssz36awvf.jpg.html)
Each time, running down smooth with very fine grade wet & dry paper (but used dry).
I also started the superstructure:
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2024_zpsq3nmjcrl.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2024_zpsq3nmjcrl.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2027_zpshrnofslk.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2027_zpshrnofslk.jpg.html)
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I have now moved on somewhat, and have applied the blue (Svitzer colours) to the hull. I applied several coats over a period of time, and I am pretty pleased with how it has turned out so far.
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2029_zpsqenjluwt.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2029_zpsqenjluwt.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2030_zps8yd901ru.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2030_zps8yd901ru.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2031_zpskcwqxm6o.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2031_zpskcwqxm6o.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2032_zpsmiy4u3b1.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2032_zpsmiy4u3b1.jpg.html)
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab88/adamgoodin/Portgarth%2034_zpsogxjxqb4.jpg) (http://s852.photobucket.com/user/adamgoodin/media/Portgarth%2034_zpsogxjxqb4.jpg.html)
I did a lot of searching and viewing photos of the real tug, and the waterline appears to alter on occasion so I have gone with what I think looks right for the model, and I think it looks right.
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Looking good Adam, what colour is the blue?
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Thanks Andy.
The blue is 'Stahl Blue' (translates as Steel blue I believe).
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Thanks for that, I have finished the deck on my Svitzer M Class, and almost completed the bare deck house, all at a stand still now for three weeks, away with work
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No worries.
Ah your making me jealous talking about the M class. I so wish I'd kept that boat to build. Could have had it done by now!
Any photo's of the boat so far?
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Looking very nice Adam :-)) keep pictures coming O0
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Thanks tugnut, much appreciated.
I've just fitted the shafts/props and korts after the paint, ready to fit my electrics. I'm slow with electrical work but I drew myself a proper diagram so it shouldn't be to bad.
Once this is done, I'll give it a first dipping in the test tank (bath!). Then, crack on with the superstructure.
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Looking good, great Blue on the hull looking forward to the rest of the build :-))
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Thank you, much appreciated.
I'm just on with the electrics, which is not my strongest point but I'm getting there!
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Hi Adam,
I am in process of setting up the running gear - very stressful!
Did you install the korts before the motors and shafts?
thanks
Regards
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Hi Jeff,
I fit korts loosely first, then fit shafts, again just tacked in with a dab of superglue, then check everything lines up before applying resin. It's difficult, because you need to line korts up with each other. On my Svitzer Maltby hull I then did final fit of shafts after korts fitted. You don't have much clearance if you use MMM korts and Prop Shop props. Hope this helps, regards Andy
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Hi Andy,
Yes it does help, thanks.
Confirms, if nothing else that I should be patient!
This is my first tug build.
Kind regards
Jeff
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hat is a lovely job so far. I do like that tug.
Cheers
Tom
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Hi Andy,
Yes it does help, thanks.
Confirms, if nothing else that I should be patient!
This is my first tug build.
Kind regards
Jeff
It's worth be patient with this bit, it has to be right, the other is lining the motors up, that needs to be spot on as well, so as not to waste power with friction
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The hull has this finished look - but the bow thruster tubes look like they need to be finished off and made level with the hull??
Or am I missing something?
Cheers
Bruce
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With thrusters the longer the tube the more thrust you have. So not really necessary to trim tubes if you don't wish to .
Looking nice :-))
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On shallow draft vessels, despite the mouths of the thruster tunnels usually having mesh guards, the extension of the tunnels also help in pushing away any low floating 'flotsam and jetsam'
Deeper draft vessels do not have such tunnel protrusions .......
Although the output power of such thrusters is such that it would make minced or sliced meat of just about anything unfortunate enough to be sucked in {-)...............Derek