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[ixion]

Hi,
This is my first attempt at marine modelling, model railways is my speciality and I have a exhibition layout. Rather than build kits I prefer to modify/detail ready to run items. I have always had a slight interest in ships but rather than ocean liners I prefer the more mundane tugs, workboats etc.
Anyway I bought myself a Hobby Engine RTR 'Southampton' tug which is of course based on Itchen Marine's WYEFORCE. So on a budget here is my first attempt at modifying/detailing a boat, any comments or advice would be great, thanks.


As I didn't want to do a full respray the first thing to do was remove the printed name from the superstructure. Using cotton buds soaked in white spirit the printed name was gently rubbed away.

[ixion]

The printed 'Southampton' name was removed from both sides.

[ixion]

WYEFORCE and Itchen Marine lettering has now been applied, not the correct font and probably the wrong size but its what I had to hand. After the lettering was applied it was sprayed with matt varnish to seal it and the lower windows were then glazed. On the port side a orange coloured lifebelt was fixed to the handrails and on the starboard side a red/white lifebelt was fixed to the railings as per the prototype

[ixion]

The two plasticky liferafts on the front of the superstructure were removed and more realistic items fitted.

A white liferaft cannister was fitted to the rear of the wheelhouse and a orange liferaft fitted on the wheelhouse roof just like the real Wyeforce now carries.

[ixion]

Did a bit of work on the hull, the white line was painted out as the real WYEFORCE doesn't seem to have it. The Southampton names on the hull were painted out and WYEFORCE applied to the stern.

[ixion]

The RTR Southampton model has a blue band around the superstructure, looking at photos WYEFORCE doesn't have this so I carefully mixed some paint to as close to the shade I could get and carefully started painting the blue band so it was the same colour as the rest of the superstructure.

[ixion]

Took my WYEFORCE for its maiden voyage today running 2.4ghz and now with extended rudders that hugely improve the steering.

[ronkh]

Looking very nice

Weren't you making another boat on here somewhere?
Just gone back and seen it, Thunder Tiger!
Keep it up.

Ron.