JACKO

This is a model of a Thames 'tosher' tug. Full size would have been around 40'. They worked internally in the enclosed dock system gathering odd barges to make into trains of about six for the river tugs to take away. Quite strongly built they led a very hard life.
The hull is MMM 'X' hull ABS which cost about £14 but as it had a flat transom stern I have to lengthen slightly to give a rounded stern and also fit internal and external keels



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More pics to follow

WOW!!!!.........that is some transformation.......beautiful work...........very impressed and looking superb.

neil.

Thanks Neil

Bow fender knitted by 'er indoors' from garden string and attacked with wire brush. The good lady also knitted the stern fender.

These toshers were built with very low air draught so they could pass under the swing and bascule bridges in the docks without the bridge having to be opened. When occasionally used on the river the mast was put up and usually carried a mirror at the top [not seen in the pics but later fitted] so that an astern view could be obtained over any lightly laden craft that were being towed.

The tosher crewed by a particularly villainous looking lighterman which gives some idea of scale. Model approx 32" in length about 1/16 scale.

hi tuggie,

that is a very nice looking tug boat , I like the aero dynamics of it, very different from most tug boats we see, and very well built to. have you made it from plans our is it your own design

david

Hi David

No, no plans, just memories of a misspent childhood around the London Docks and a couple of odd photos. A lot of these in real life were built by barge builders and repairers at the side of the Thames and many powered by marinised lorry engines, AEC and Foden engines were quite common at one time. On the model the cabin/engine room top lifts off and is secured by a screw down the funnel.

its magnificent tuggie........superb looking model.............so whats next.        I look forward to it what ever it is.

neil.

Looks Awsome...Glad you have fitted some Decent Welsh Supplied Electronics in her


Dave

I'm a bit late to the party here, been out all week helping a friend.

I agree with all the comments others have made, what a wonderful build and ending up with a superb Tug Boat

Outstanding work tuggie with a beat model constructed from your minds eye view.

Well done