I'm still learning myself mate! But its not that difficult once you've done it a couple of times! I'm gonna do a much better job on USS California!! Each boat must be better made than the next!! Always learning from my previous builds.
It had been awhile since the tug had any work done on her and I'd like 2 have her running by end of September for a test run of drive setup atleast. I have started drawing out the superstructure bits on some styrene and still need 2 make up decks and deck supports.
Plenty still 2 do on her yet. Still got to settle on a good name for her!

P.s It takes 13.5kgs(29.8 lbs) of ballast to get her 2 the waterline!!

G'Day Bruce,

Nice tug but a question for you....

How may boats are you building. Each time I look at a new build, it has your name on it....

P.S. Have you spoken to Michael B re club motors???

Martin du

Looking really good there Bruce,
That things going to be a monster tow-er! Do you have an idea of the Bridge structure yet? or is this just going to be a make it up as you go? I'm lookig forward to seeing more on this puppy!
G-O

Thx G-O I have some plans drawn up for her Superstructure based loosely on A SEMCO AHST tug 'Salvanguard' based in Singapore. I just need 2 cut em out of Styrene sheet!!

G'day Martin!! I have 5 large models in various states of construction! If I get stuck I just work on different build!! Power for the Tug will probably be a pair of 550/600 sized Graupners driving 3.3:1 planetary gearboxes (for nice fat torque output) with 60mm 4 bladed props in Kort nozzles.


Cheers Bruce

P.s All up the most expensive part of this build has been the Fibre glass resin and cloth!! Total cost so far in wood and resin has been approx. $70AU !!

Here is a pic of the ship "Salvanguard" that she is loosely based on.

Bruce, here is a newer pic of her. I'm thinking of doing a build similar to this after I finish the Hunter. Your boat is looking very good, I admire your skills converting a PDF file into a working model!

Originally Posted by HeavyCruser9

Thx G-O I have some plans drawn up for her Superstructure based loosely on A SEMCO AHST tug 'Salvanguard' based in Singapore. I just need 2 cut em out of Styrene sheet!!

G'day Martin!! I have 5 large models in various states of construction! If I get stuck I just work on different build!! Power for the Tug will probably be a pair of 550/600 sized Graupners driving 3.3:1 planetary gearboxes (for nice fat torque output) with 60mm 4 bladed props in Kort nozzles.


Cheers Bruce

Hi Bruce
The tug is looking good. Have you thought of Graupner 720 BB Torque on a direct drive. Loads of power low RPM and low current draw

John

Great work yours.
Only to give inspiration.

bc850 It looks like as well as new hull color they have taken all the tires off the sides.

Jose That is a very RED boat great pic mate!

Cos918 I considered 720torque's but the cost is too high for my budget at the moment and I can get the proposed drive setup(motors,ESC's and gearboxes) for less than the price of the pair of 720's

Cheers Bruce

Hi Bruce
I hear what you mean on Graupner prices,they have sky rocketed in the last few years.

John

Yeah mate I luv the quality of em (and the grunt!!) but the prices on the larger size motor's R 2 high. I should be able 2 finish the tug within a reasonable budget( maybe!!LOL) which was always the plan (build a nice tug for under $300) total cost looks like will come to about $250ish.

Cheers Bruce

YIPPEE!!
Just discovered a pair of Geared Pittman motors in the Shed that I had forgotten about they will do nicely for the Tug!!. They R geared 5.6:1 but can be run up to 24volts if necessary they will be turning 60mm 4-bladed props in Kort nozzles.
Best of all I don't have 2 spend money on motors! can spend it on the ESC's instead!!

Cheers Bruce

Ace in the Hole!

Ya Mate!! I will probably get a pair of Electronize FR15 ESC's (max 24v) and set tug up on 12v first see how much power it has, if more needed then try 18v!!

Cheers Bruce