Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Seaport Tugs => Topic started by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 03:26:25 pm

Title: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 03:26:25 pm

Got it for Christmas so thought I'd better start on it.
First thing to do is take it apart and throw all the innards away except the motor, rudder, prop and prop shaft.
Next throw away the bridge, stacks, crane, inflatable, rafts, handrail, rubber tyres and bow fender.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 03:41:09 pm

Next I connected the new servo to the rudder. Fortunately 2 of the screws lined up with the original fixing points
I then connected the speed controller, the Rx and the inline fuse and battery. This I tried and it worked well if a little noisy. Will have to see what it is like when lts in the water.
I then took all the electrics out again except the servo. The electrics wll be refixed when the hull and deck have been painted and fixed together.

Next job is to line the superstructure with 0.5mm plasticard and form the wheel house in 1.0mm plasticard.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 03:49:05 pm

The next job was to form the engine room superstructure out of 0.5mm and 1.0mm plasticard, including doors and hatch covers.
The stack was made from a piece of 1 1/4 inch basin waste pipe.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 03:59:18 pm

Holes were then drilled for the portholes/scuttles [Supplied by Redbank Models within 36 hours of ordering}

Each part was then primed and given its first coat of paint except the wheelhouse  and the stack

Had to stop there as the paint was affecting the breathing.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Stavros on January 26, 2008, 06:29:59 pm

Looking good old chap O0

Stavros

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: chingdevil on January 26, 2008, 06:31:36 pm

Nice looking job Dicky



Brian

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 26, 2008, 08:49:21 pm

Thanks chaps am quite pleased with it seeing as I dont like tugs.  :-\

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: offshore1987 on January 26, 2008, 10:00:54 pm

looks ace  O0 well done  :)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 27, 2008, 05:11:08 pm

Did a little more today.
Sprayed the anti fouling and the deck.
Finished off the inside of the wheel house and fixed the crew and roof.
Painted the wheel house white, painted first coat of paint to stack.
Fixed the port and starboard navigation lights.
Fixed the brass scuttles/portholes.
Now I have to wait for the paint to harden off before I fix the deck to the hull and refit the electrics.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on January 27, 2008, 07:58:19 pm

Excellent work there Richard.  or is it 'Tug Dicky' ?

She looks lovely. Cheers

Ken

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 27, 2008, 08:56:32 pm

Richard will do Ken, thanks. Keep it quiet, but I dont actually like tugs, I'm more interested in the grey line. O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on January 28, 2008, 10:48:50 am

Hi Richard

I was thinking of a grey one next time. They seem to be well detailed 'Above' deck, with not so much emphasis on the 'gubbins' below.  Something to get one's teeth into with the details.

I find that I'm standing and walking around the 'shed' all day instead of sitting to a bench with a fine tooth comb  (if you get my drift  ;D)

cheers...Ken

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: tolnedra on January 28, 2008, 11:32:30 am

Hi Richard,

Well done so far, and welcome to the tug fraternity! You're way ahead of me with the conversion, I've been too busy sailing mine after replacing all the radio gear! So far she has rescued three boats down at our lake, not bad for a £30 kid's toy!!! O0

Danny

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on January 28, 2008, 03:28:13 pm

Thanks Danny, did a little more today. Fixed thw handrail, the mast, ladders and a few fittings. Had to stop then as the glue and the paint fumes were affecting my breathing.
Will be in the shed again tomorrow.  O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 06, 2008, 03:18:10 pm

Did a bit more today.
Finished the electrics.
Fixed the engine room vents and fixed the stays to the stack.
Fixed the bars over the stern superstructure.
Fixed the handrail to the main superstructure.
Fixed the navigation lights to the mast.
Fixed the tyre fenders.
Just need to sort some davits out for the lifeboat and it will be about ready for the crew and the maiden voyage.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: tolnedra on February 06, 2008, 05:27:10 pm

Hi Richard,

For someone who doesn't really like tugs, you're making a lovely job of it! The Chairman of one of my clubs (Yeovil Warships) has painted his Battleship Grey! I'm still toying with the idea of painting mine in Alexandra Towing Company colours. I did manage to paint the inside of the wheelhouse this morning, still not decided what to do with the main deckhouse.

Danny

PS I noticed that I have now made CPO, my rank when I left the RN thirty years ago!

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 06, 2008, 06:08:19 pm

Hi Danny thanks for the comments. Sort of making it up as I go. Enjoying it actually, but dont tell anyone. Just the lifeboat, davits, a few bollards and the crew to go then I can see how it performs on the water. If its OK then I can start on my George Turner MTB. O0
Still only a CPO, got a way to go yet then. {-)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Stavros on February 06, 2008, 06:18:53 pm

TUG DICKY IS ALIVE AND WELL




Stavros

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: offshore1987 on February 06, 2008, 06:56:27 pm

 O0

Hi, Dickie how are you finding the speed controler ( not sure if you have used it yet in anything else ) Iv got 2 in my tito, they seem good imo just wonderin if what you think they are like?

Also lookin good :) very neat and clean cut  O0

All the best

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 06, 2008, 07:42:49 pm

Hi offshore1987 I have 4 boats with Tornado speed controllers in. I think they are great. Good price at A Model World plus just plug them in and go, no setting up.
Ideal for an electrical dunce like me.  O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 12, 2008, 04:37:49 pm

At long last found 1:48 scale davits, thanks to Paul of PSShips who does a whole range of 1:48 fittings. They are now fixed and the lifeboat is in place.
Fixed the rope fender to the bow and scattered a few bits of rope around all weathered with black coffee, no sugar.
Fixed the stays to the mast.
Painted and installed the crew.
Fixed the vinyl name decals.

All ready for the maiden voyage once I've checked her in the pool to make sure she floats upright.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: offshore1987 on February 12, 2008, 07:08:50 pm

Stunning  ;D Im truely shocked  8)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 12, 2008, 09:10:31 pm

Thankyou. You're Shocked. How do you think I feel. :embarrassed:

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Stavros on February 12, 2008, 10:23:24 pm

Well TUG DICKY 15/10 for the conversion it just goes to show that a bit of lateral thinking, time and practically not a lot of spending and you can transform a RTR to an awsome model


Stavros

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Ghost in the shell on February 12, 2008, 10:47:40 pm

bloody hell!

id be hard pressed to even see that as an RTR, a good job well done DD, expect tug fans now start asking "what kit is that?"

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 13, 2008, 09:46:30 am

Thanks for the comments chaps.  :)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Mr Andy on February 13, 2008, 07:48:44 pm

That is brilliant it's only looking at the stern and Kort I realised what it was.

Andy. O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Edward Pinniger on February 17, 2008, 03:18:49 pm

Great work!  O0 You've completely transformed this RTR into a very nice steam tug model.
(Looks like you've had a very similar idea to me, but have made a much better job of it! I'll post some more photos of my build soon, though)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: bbdave on February 21, 2008, 06:15:39 pm

Excellent! i just bought one of these but had only planned to change the innards i'm not so sure now O0

Did you seal the hull and deck or glue the joint?

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on February 21, 2008, 06:38:07 pm

Just screwed it back together using the existing seal. Haven't been well enough to try it on the lake yet, just the pond in the garden, so will have to see if I need to do more. :-\

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on April 06, 2008, 04:04:09 pm

Today was the day for the maiden voyage having now finished the wiring [done away with the BECC] and re routed the aireal up the inside of the stack.
You might have noticed today was not a good day for an idiot like me with emphysema to be sitting in a wheelchair alongside a lake in The New Forest.
So the maiden voyage was in a poly box in the back garden after the snow thawed.
Had her running for an hour on 6V and all well. Very lively and lovely and dry inside.
Roll on better weather.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Roger in France on April 06, 2008, 04:16:58 pm

She is looking good, Richard. You should have been here with me for your maiden voyage today, clear blue sky and warm sunshine.

I am shortly off sailing a model yacht as the wind has now picked up.

Roger in France.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on April 06, 2008, 04:35:52 pm

Clear blue skies and sun here now Roger just to damned cold for my breathing, enjoy your sail. O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: John W E on April 06, 2008, 05:37:01 pm

Dicky oh Wise one, Chinese proverb say When the tide rises, boats float higher - does the tide rise in your test tubby .... you cheaty ... floaty boaty in boxy  :D :D :D

Looks good mind Dicky....  O0 O0

john

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on April 20, 2008, 02:29:38 pm

Well beautiful day, sunny and warm, time for a maiden voyage.
All went well though she rides a tad high so will have to add a bit more ballast.
Prop joint a bit noisy but I can live with that.
Very nippy on 6V and very manouverable too.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Stavros on April 20, 2008, 05:31:23 pm

Tug Dicky rides the waves



Stavros

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: number-1 on April 21, 2008, 10:01:42 pm

great looking tug you have there, you mention its very manoeuvrable, I'm looking for a new project for scale steering competions, do you think this would be suitable? whats the length/beam? thanks for any replies. Les

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on April 21, 2008, 10:04:51 pm

Maneuverable when going ahead, rubbish when going astern  O0

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: tolnedra on April 21, 2008, 10:35:26 pm

Hi Richard,

You haven't changed the prop/kort nozzle, have you? Mine isn't too bad astern, but you have to give it time to react.

Danny

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on April 22, 2008, 08:16:02 am

No I kept the kort nozzle and prop Danny.
Got a lot of cavitation going astern, but I think it might have been riding a bit high in the water so I have added some more ballast and will try again.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Ghost in the shell on April 22, 2008, 03:06:12 pm

Quote from: DickyD on April 22, 2008, 08:16:02 am

No I kept the kort nozzle and prop Danny.
Got a lot of cavitation going astern, but I think it might have been riding a bit high in the water so I have added some more ballast and will try again.

My Miranda does that where identical ~Gemini does not, so a lil weight in her rear end will do it

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: rwalker on May 10, 2008, 11:14:38 pm

Here's that motor mount pic that Weeds asked for. It may look different than what you have, this is the Hen Long Work Boat. As you can see, a hotter Mabuchi can motor will fit nicely into the intended mount. HOWEVER! This image is possible because I had to open it up again.

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t316/soccerdad_photos/004.jpg)

It seems two things happened:

1. The motor loosened from its mounting screws

2. The resulting friction against the mount experienced by universal heated up the motor shaft  u-joint and the hole thing came loose from it.

It seems that with a stronger motor, the friction fit of the stock u-joint is inadequate for prolonged runing....or was the sudden reverse move by the Cub Scout at the controls the cause? Who knows, but I'm going to upgrade the u-joint to something proper.
And tighten those screws down with Loc-Tiite!

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Damien on May 17, 2008, 08:07:37 am

Richard,
What approx scale are these tugs ? I'm  trying to work out dimensions for superstructure, masts etc. I've filled all the imperfections in the hull and deck, and ready to tackle the cabin/deckhouse etc.
Damien. 

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on May 17, 2008, 09:49:36 am

Hi Damien I worked mine on a 1:48 scale more or less, the crew are 1:50. ;)

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Damien on May 17, 2008, 11:51:23 am

Thanks Richard, I'm going to base mine loosely on MT Lorraine, an Aussie tug based in Queensland.

  Lorraine: Specifications
General Specifications
Survey (QLD)   USL 2B (4 persons), USL 2D (6 persons)
Length   15.3 metres
Beam   4.7 metres
Draft   2.0 metres
Displacement   47.8 tonnes
Bollard Pull   7 tonnes
Fuel Cargo Capacity   20,500 litres
Water Cargo Capacity   2,000 litres
Machinery & Equipment
Main Engines   2 x 300 hp Cummins NT855
Generator   1 x 12 kva Nissan

(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg264/GardnerDG/lorraine_1.jpg)

(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg264/GardnerDG/lorraine_2.jpg)

 now it's calculator time to figure the scale, just on 1/48th so "O" Gauge figures will be close enough.
The only other pic I've found is from the bridge to rear over the stern.
Damien

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: DickyD on May 18, 2008, 04:55:15 pm

Put her back in the water again today after adding to the ballast and she behaves and looks a lot better.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Edward Pinniger on May 18, 2008, 05:40:47 pm

Looking very nice on the water! I hope to take some similar photos of my own boat soon, but it hasn't run since I finished it.

To Damien - the Workboat hull is about 56cm long, so your 15.3m prototype would scale out at 1/27. 1/24 figures would probably be OK for this.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: Damien on May 19, 2008, 03:47:51 am

Thanks Edward, School was too long ago it seems & i got the calc's wrong.
D.

Title: Re: Seaport Workboat RTR Alterations
Post by: timg on May 19, 2008, 08:46:33 pm

hi all
if your looking for a seaport tug have a look on ebay Item number: 260241947209
no connection just a customer
great conversion dickyd
cheers spud