Model Boat Mayhem

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length.
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down

Author Topic: Small Tug  (Read 29090 times)

dhb141

  • Guest
Small Tug
« on: January 03, 2012, 11:41:57 am »

Although I've posted on the forum before, it's been about yachts but this is the first time about tugs.   At the moment, I'm converting a Seaport Workboat into a 'steam' tug (details when it's finished!) but after that I'm looking to make a fairly detailed  tug, under 24", and wondered about the Deans Marine 'Seaman' or 'Empire Susan'.   Has anyone built one of these and can tell me what they're like?   I realise that being small, their sailing qualities will probably be limited but I'm prepared to accept that if they sail reasonably well in calm conditions.   Any comments would be gratefully received.

Don
Logged

longshanks

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 691
Small tug
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2012, 11:21:17 pm »

Hi,

Anyone out there know of a small (12 " ) vac formed tug hull being manufactured. Looking for something on the lines that George Turner used to do - grand children !!  %%
Logged

john s 2

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,172
  • Location: Southend on Sea Essex
Re: Small tug
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2012, 01:56:41 am »

Pesonally i feel that a boat the size your looking for is a bit on the small size,as its challenging to get everything in a small Hull. Have you thought about converting a childrens toy boat? Playmobil sell some that float as an example. These types of boat are colourful and appeal to youngsters and are strong enough to take the knocks that can occur. Its nice to know that they are getting an interest in boats. John.
Logged

Norseman

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3,466
  • Location: Huyton, Liverpool
Re: Small tug
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2012, 03:51:34 am »

Hi Longshanks

Maybe not for the grandkids but this little tug has a charm http://rcmb.forumotion.com/t306-small-tug-sir-gilbert

Dave
Logged

vnkiwi

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,593
  • Location: SE Asia
Re: Small tug
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2012, 03:54:53 am »

HI,
I know its not a vac formed plastic hull, but why not try a mini-springer. For myself i found the 18" std springer a bit big, so designed and built my own at 12" long.
That's 66% size. They are very easy and quick to make, mine all balsa, but any cheap ply and scrap wood can be used, just seal / paint it well, and it will withstand any sort of abuse.
Mine uses an off the shelf motor, coupler, shaft and prop from the local hobby shop, can run on anything from 4.8 to 7.2 NiMH rechargeables, and I use a very cheap 2.4Ghz 4-channel r/c unit.
Springer plans are free, and you design whatever you want in the way of superstructure.
Simples
cheers
vnkiwi
Logged
If it ain't broke. Don't fix it !

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Online Online
  • Posts: 23,361
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: Small tug
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2012, 08:44:15 am »

There was a simple plans built tug in Model Boats...
Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

Dreadstar

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,061
  • Location: Glasgow
Re: Small tug
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2012, 08:50:47 am »

The SHG King Midas tug may be a little big for you then,at 18" long,but she is a vac-formed model. :-)
Logged
Vosper MkIII Corvette
Type 24 Frigate
HMS Cyclops
King Midas tug
Sovremenny GMD
Geobukseon(Turtle ship).

vnkiwi

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,593
  • Location: SE Asia
Re: Small tug
« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2012, 08:56:07 am »

What a neat little tug Martin.
Missed that one, don't see Model Boats, as get MMI by subscription.
Will have to see about getting that one, very nice.
cheers
vnkiwi
Logged
If it ain't broke. Don't fix it !

dodgy geezer

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3,948
  • Location: London
Re: Small tug
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2012, 10:15:33 am »

The eezebilt Otter tug is 10 3/4" long. Here is a picture (scroll down) - free plans elsewhere on the site. Our Kiwi friend is looking to improve it somewhat...

http://modelboats.hobby-site.com/Range.html
Logged

Mad_Mike

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2,596
  • Lincolnshire
  • Location: Lincolnshire
Re: Small tug
« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2012, 11:29:04 am »

how about this, look at the small hull at the bottom:

http://www.orionmouldings.com/varioushulls.htm
Logged

Netleyned

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9,051
  • Location: Meridian Line, Mouth of the Humber
    • cleethorpes mba
Re: Small tug
« Reply #10 on: April 15, 2012, 11:39:18 am »

What's wrong
with a Dickie?

Two foot long and my Grandchildren love the one I've converted for them.



http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10945.0

Ned



Logged
Smooth seas never made skilful sailors
Up Spirits  Stand fast the Holy Ghost.
http://www.cleethorpesmba.co.uk/

bwmarks

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 37
  • Location: Mineral, VA USA 23117
Re: Small tug
« Reply #11 on: April 15, 2012, 02:31:44 pm »

Here is a nice, inexpensive kit

http://www.vac-u-boat.com/Vacutug.htm
Logged

HUNTER

  • Hunter
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,081
  • Is my cocoa ready yet?
  • Location: Eastbourne
    • Hunter Systems
Re: Small tug
« Reply #12 on: April 15, 2012, 03:29:45 pm »

You could also look at our 12 inch vac formed, low priced boat kits at www.huntersystems.co.uk
Graham
Logged
Is my cocoa ready yet?

Capt Podge

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,443
Re: Small tug
« Reply #13 on: April 15, 2012, 04:34:14 pm »

Don't know if this one is still around in the shops or not: Graupner "Pollux" kit. Comes complete with geared motor, proptube/shaft and rudder.
Cost was about £25.
I've modified this one slightly coz I don't like black "stick-on" windows ! >>:-(
Mods: Cut out bridge windows and glazed. Drilled out portholes and left unglazed for airflow. Cut out scuttles for deckwash, added a crew (ex Airfix E-boat crew) some cordage, tyres for fenders and a towing hook.
All the running gear is standard - nothing miniature in this little baby !   %%






Image 4 is a bit blurred but is as follows: From the left - geared motor, rudder servo, 6v 1.2amp/hr battery, 27mhz rx on a plastic shelf above, Mtronics speed controller.

This little tug actually tows another plastic kit: SHG's "Saucy Sue" trawler, which is another possible starter for the young 'uns.












Regards,

Ray.
Logged

vnkiwi

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,593
  • Location: SE Asia
Re: Small tug
« Reply #14 on: April 15, 2012, 08:22:30 pm »

Here's the Eezebilt 'Otter', awaiting some brass tube etc to make the prop and shaft
The other boats in the range would be a goer for you as well
cheers
vnkiwi
Logged
If it ain't broke. Don't fix it !

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Online Online
  • Posts: 23,361
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: Small tug
« Reply #15 on: April 15, 2012, 10:29:39 pm »

Another one...
Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Online Online
  • Posts: 23,361
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: Small tug
« Reply #16 on: April 15, 2012, 10:46:20 pm »

Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

longshanks

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 691
Re: Small tug
« Reply #17 on: April 15, 2012, 10:52:31 pm »

Wow !!

What can I say............spoilt for choice.

Thanks very much guys, plenty of food for thought here.  :-))
Logged

vnkiwi

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,593
  • Location: SE Asia
Re: Small tug
« Reply #18 on: April 15, 2012, 11:16:53 pm »

Cool little tugs Martin.
Wonder if I can slip them in between my other builds?
No time, so much to do.
Oh well.
cheers
vnkiwi O0
Logged
If it ain't broke. Don't fix it !

longshanks

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 691
Re: Small tug
« Reply #19 on: April 16, 2012, 10:33:22 pm »

Hi Martin,

Checked out your suggestion of MB 's Thomas - what a great idea!

Cut 5 pieces of plastic card, glue them together and you have a hull !!!!

I think this is the route I shall be taking for speed and cost. I have no doubt when No 2 grandson see s No 1 boat etc etc.

I think I will give some thought to replacing the superstructure with something more modern.

Once again thank you to everyone s suggestions
Logged

steve pickstock

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 104
Re: Small tug
« Reply #20 on: May 30, 2012, 08:44:23 am »

This might also be useful to people

http://www.amera.co.uk/product.php?range=w

a picture of the hull and other parts
http://www.amera.co.uk/images.php?p=W103&d=Tug&c=2&i=1

Additional info:

An exciting new range of model boats. Made of white high impact polystyrene, these kits require minimal building experience, and can be completed in a very short time.

They are an ideal base for further detailing with commercially available accessories. The kits come with all parts to make the model as shown, with detailed instructions and photographs. The model can be used as a static model, or a small electric motor can be fitted. It is even large enough for small radio control, but note that these items are not included.

You will need limited tools to construct (a sharp craft knife, glass paper, paint and styrene glue), and scrap peices of wood to complete the models.

These items are supplied in matt white polystyrene, ready for painting and decorating as required. Please note that some of our images now show the items after painting and decoration.

Click on any image for further views
W103 Tug
View larger image of Tug    Model of a Tug. The kit comes with all parts to make the boat, comprising; vacuum formed parts, rudder tube, and well detailed instructions and photographs
Dimensions: 35cm x 11.5 cm
Logged

Norseman

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 3,466
  • Location: Huyton, Liverpool
Re: Small tug
« Reply #21 on: May 31, 2012, 05:53:27 am »

There was a simple plans built tug in Model Boats...

I bought the mag on flea bay - but no plans inside - oh silly me O0 {-)

Dave
Logged

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Online Online
  • Posts: 23,361
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: Small tug
« Reply #22 on: May 31, 2012, 10:01:13 am »

I bought the mag on flea bay - but no plans inside - oh silly me O0 {-)

Dave

I have them if you want them.   :-))
Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

tony52

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 218
  • Location: Bury, Lancashire.
Re: Small tug
« Reply #23 on: June 02, 2012, 07:58:11 pm »

The next edition of Model Boats magazine (July 2012 on sale June 8th), has an item/special feature on a miniature radio controlled tug - Motor Tug Rana.
Logged

longshanks

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 691
Small Tug
« Reply #24 on: June 04, 2012, 08:06:43 am »

Further to my request for ideas for building grandchildren a tug I thought you would like to see the outcome.




All the pieces came out of a sheet of 1mm thick plastic 625 x 225mm

Two hours later I had a hull !! Thats what I call a quick build.










The only thing I did different from the article was to use plastic rod to reinforce the joints. The article in MB suggest using  'goopy ' liquid poly
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up
 

Page created in 0.093 seconds with 23 queries.