Hi Plattypus, The best known custom built manned (ooh er ! ) tug was the late Bill Wikinson`s paddle tug HMS Cracker. I wonder if it was the one NHP651 saw on Ebay. Platty you should have a look at the Yahoo Group Manned_Model_Ships_International for some other examples. If you look closely at my avatar check the background, that might have brought on my heart attack not the big Springer tug. BTW I`ve made a 110% recovery , just putting on weight, that was the extra 10% for stopping smoking ! Havent seen a picture of your tug with the top on in your blog. Attached pic of the real "Cracker", the second picture was taken at a hydroplane meeting on Lake Como some years ago, I have no idea what it is but seems a little on the minimalist side ! Also a pic of a couple of entries in the local Gravity Race (down the access road to Cairngorm Mountain Ski area) since you are interested in that sort of thing only these have NO engines, how green is that ? You dont mention where you are in Oz ?