US Army & Navy 45ft Tug

I made the searchlight this morning - I found the body of one without its stand, so made the stand from brass and wood. Also added the 'collar' to the funnel, and gave it one coat of paint. I think It will have to do without the grill at the rear as I can't seen any way of fabricating that - etched brass would be the only way I think. I decided the decks required another coat of grey, so that has been done and the mast now has its lamp platforms in place with their stays. Its had one coat of paint and is waiting for its lamps. I think I can make those, so that will be the next challenge .
Here is my searchlight

and the current status with funnel and mast just for the photo - not fixed.


Barrie

Looking at that photo, I think the searchlight is too big

Thanks for that Barrie, it seems we have to be quite inventive in using what other folk throw away

This is what consumed most of my modelling time today, plus some painting of other fittings, I couldn't find the right style of anchor at the size I needed so decided to try and make one. The other parts are for the mast lights.  I just have to find suitable materials for the searchlight, or otherwise the one I have will have to do. Looking at the drawing its much too big. Looking at photos of one actual ship, it may be OK size wise.

Almost time to try to cut some vinyl for the 'names' - I fear the letters may be too small for my cutter, but I will have to try.

Barrie

I am gradually adding the final touches. The hull and decks have been given a coat of varnish - matt for the decks, satin for the hull. The mast lights are now made and fitted (one needs adjustment I see from the photos ) the funnel is glued in place, and the anchor I made has been painted and glued to the deck. I've just realised that I don't have any lights for the nav light boxes - will have to make those next.

Barrie
 

superb matey.......just superb.

Thanks Neil. I cut the vinyl names this afternoon and applied them. Then I took some glorious out of focus photos  so you will have to wait until tomorrow to see how they look.

Barrie

 A little ripper Barrie 

OK, some almost in focus shots with the'name' in place.



You will notice I've decided its an Army tug - because that is what I had a photograph of  I have done a little more painting, varnishing and making fittings, but nothing to photograph. Its now down to the nitty-gritty, so a bit slow.

The only thing I am stuck on is the horns - I can't seem to find the correct size, and I don't have any material or skills to make my own. At the moment the wheelhouse roof looks pretty bare.

Barrie

awh barrie..............she's gorgeous, matey.....................a really lovely build.

a horn........think laterally.............a golf ball tea cut down with a small piece of tubing cut to go at the other end of the trumpet filled with filler.........has worked for me in the past.

neil.

nhp651 wrote:

awh barrie..............she's gorgeous, matey.....................a really lovely build.

  what a lovely little boat    

nhp651 wrote:

awh barrie..............she's gorgeous, matey.....................a really lovely build.

a horn........think laterally.............a golf ball tea cut down with a small piece of tubing cut to go at the other end of the trumpet filled with filler.........has worked for me in the past.

neil.

That's an idea Neil - if I had  Golf T   It might be easier to find than a horn though. I was trying to think of something the right shape.

Thanks,

Barrie

What size is the horn Barrie? 

Mark..

Windy - I'm looking for a pair about 16 - 20 mm long. I think I've now found some on the Cornwall Model Boats site  - I thought I had searched exhaustively, but its seems not, so will be ordering a couple along with some more cleats and anything else I can find to 'dress it up' a bit. I was sure I had a fire extinguisher, but can't find it, and it needs some clutter.

Otherwise its about finished. I have re-installed the propshaft, motor and ESC. Just need to fit the receiver and then its ready for ballast.

As you will see from the photos, it also needs a good clean . The last job I did was to sand some plasticard 

Barrie
 

A little ripper Barrie. 

Damien wrote:

A little ripper Barrie. 

haven't heard that little phrase in a long while Damien, and I have to agree matey........it's bonza!!

Perhaps Wee ripper is more appropriate? 

Thanks guys - I have now located and ordered some horns and other items to add to the model. I also intend to rub down the hull with steel wool to remove some of the shine, then it will be finished and ready for ballast and test.

Barrie

Final bits arrived, have been painted and installed   All ready now for ballast and sea trials - this might have to wait a while.

  

Barrie

what a glorious little model.........have thoroughly enjoyed the build and really do like the boat itself..........perfectly formed, executed and looks great

Hope you get many many hours of enjoyment from her.

neil.

Thanks Neil - it was a nice project. Hope to get it in the water in the New Year if the weather permits.

Barrie

I took advantage of the milder weather we are having and set up the test tank yesterday. Putting the tug in the water it floated almost exactly on the water line, with a slight list to starboard due to the weight of the ESC. About an once of lead sorted that, so its ready for its maiden voyage.

Barrie

The tug finally had its maiden voyage on Sunday. As I expected, its overpowered - planing tug anyone? It was so overpowered that it was difficult to keep the throttle low enough. Other than that it sailed very nicely, and was admired by the club members.
I have now replaced the 385 motor with a 260, and will try to replace the 7.4 volt LiPo with a 6 volt AA NiMh, if I can fit it in the hull. If not I will have to buy a hump back 6 volt pack.

Barrie