OK, I going to show my ignorance but I'm way beyond the age of caring anyway.
I didn't know that there was a scale steering competition but I'll guess that there are 'classes' and design limits within each class.
Here's my thoughts on it though.
Take two tugs, exactly the same design i.e. SMIT PANAMA ( I prefer the modern designs) but one very small say 1/96 scale and one at 1/32 competing against each other, I'd put my money on the little tug every time. The little boy should be more maneuverable as you've less to 'throw around' in weight, size, and you'll get a better power to weight ratio. I built a small Panama ASD 12" long (1/96 scale). The asd span it so fast I felt giddy let alone the little wooden helmsman I'd put in the seat.
Modern asd and VSD tugs are far more maneuverable than 'conventional designs' which I suppose means that they have to have their own competitions lest they show up the older traditional designs. (One reason why I like the continental approach ZZ56
).
Following that line I suppose you need a single shaft no Kort league, a harbour tug circa 1950 league, no bow thrusters league, etc.
Now no rude replies please, I'm not trying to antagonize you competition purists. It just seems that unless you have loads of little classes you aren't playing fairly.
The carousel I'm building is a tractor and not an ASD
BUT it does have a z-drive fitted. There's a big lump of rubber on the front though so it can push too although it wouldn't pass for a springer even on a dark night. Can I use it in all the different competitions? Probably not. I'm not too bothered. Why, because to me it's just a bit of fun!
As for the judge Poll, him I liked, and like all good gentlemen, I never kiss and tell!
Paul