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Looking for "Towboat Kits? There's only a few kits to choose from ... And also a small number of "Basic Hull - Kits" too. And there are sets of plans from other sources to be found as well. So Don't Be Discouraged - "You can make most of the "Fittings & Parts" needed - From Scratch or by modifying them from tug fittings. And this site will help you to understand how that's fairly - Easy to accomplish. As for complete kits and places where to find them, below I've listed details you will need to get more info on those ......
What Scale To Build?
Depending on a
models - real counterparts size, and the scale chosen to build its
model, even a small scale can become a Monstrous Thing - in some
cases. So before deciding upon any particular scale for any project
... "Check out the following Info ...
Visit Joe E. Brown's - Scale Chart" Page
.. My Buddy - Joe, has one of the best "Scale Model = Charts" on the web. And it will help you determine what scale, best suits your project. Whether its a simple model, or a boat with an entire tow of barges. With his scale charts, It will be much easier to plan ahead and build in a more manageable scale size. Joe's charts, also tell you - how large the model will be, with barges too. Because once its equipped with a barge ( Or number of them ), its size could easily cramp your ability to store and haul the model. So you may want to choose a smaller scale, than you - first planned. And Joe's charts are great for "Disabled Modelers", since It helps them avoid further strains & pains - on Already = BAD BACKS! _________________________________________________________________________________
"NEW - KITS" Tap Photos To Enlarge
There's "New Stuff" being introduced - All The Time!!! .... "So check out the newest Entry Level - Kits from Phil Pace at "Vac-U-Boats." A 1/48 scale towboat kit, which is one of the best looking, easy to assemble kits - I've ever Seen. And there's enough true towboat characteristics for even experienced modelers to appreciate and enjoy. And it also makes a Great - Recovery Vessel for R/C Events too! IN FACT .... "I liked Phil's lil towboat kit = "So Much", I ordered the very first- 2 kits that he produced on the model. And I modified the 2nd kit into a "Twin Screw" version, which get this guys...... "Phil is now using to produce a whole new - Twin Screw Kit Version" And he uses my modifications as the basis for this new kit, created from his originally single screw model. And the kit does depict an almost exact replication of newer towboats built for "Crounse Towing Corp.", which Jeffboat launched several years ago. And they are easy to construct for the Novice Builder, while having plenty of realism for the Experienced modeler too. And by the way guys... "While visiting Phil's - Great Website, I'd check out his newest idea, called Vac- U - Gator. ....... It looks so realistic - its SCARY!..... I've already got my order - In for One!! ___________________________________________________________________
Have purchased "Hartman Fiberglass" and will continue that line of kits, which the Late Dwight Hartman produced for many years! Anyone who built one of Dwight's kits, already knows the quality he put into his work and we're pleased to hear Loyal Hanna has bought the Hartman line and added them to their great line of kit boats & ships. So if you had planned to buy one of Dwight's fine kits, stay tuned and check with Loyal Hanna. They will soon be producing Dwight's kits and I'm told Loyal Hanna plans to expand the line to produce more kits & parts too, so this is exciting news!!!! The Generic Towboat Is one of the "Fiberglass Hull-Kits", Once Offered By The Late = Dwight Hartman and I couldn't be more pleased to hear that Loyal Hanna has added this Hull Kit to their own fine productions. And this Hull Kit - consists of a Hull & Deck Plate - ONLY! ...... Designed for modelers - wanting to build "John L. Fryant's" - Plans, called the "Generic Towboat". Loyal Hanna's - Generic Towboat Hull Kit, provides a ready made - Hull, for John L. Fryant;s Plans of this Model, which saves a great deal of time. and produced a quality model with this ready made hull. But you have to "Scratch Build" the rest of the model and many of its parts, which includes its = Structures, Fittings, and other Deck Fittings. The Hull Kit comes ready to assemble and paint, and can be used to create other versions of Generic Towboat, which I created several examples once, by modifying its structures - slightly. Tap Photos To Enlarge
All three decks of the model - were fully detailed "Inside & Out", even the two staterooms = had bunk beds, tables & lamps and carpeting. The Cook - setting in the galley on a bar-stool, was working on his cookie recipe, "Trying to figure out = Why, his cookies tasted like = Bilge Water?" And everything a Cook - needs, could be found inside the models - Galley, including Stove = with 4 burners, Tables & Chairs, Refrigerator, Wall Clock, Microwave Oven, Sugar, Flower, Coffee & Spice Containers. TV set & other items, all built from scratch, then installed. Powered by a 7 Amp - 12 volt gel cell battery, operating twin = Dumas 12 volt Motors, equipped with a pair of my - homemade "Electronic Speed Controls. The model also has working - Navigation & Deck, as well as "Interior lights", Working - radar, Duel - "Ram Diesel - Sound Effects" and Horns and twin working - Deck Winches. All functions were operated by hand or through a 4 - channel, twin stick Futaba 75 Mhz. radio. A large scale model = 1/2" scale, the boat was easy to detail, even if the items had to be - All Scratch Built ....... "Right Down to the CIGARETTE BUTTS - In The Helm = ASHTRAY!" ___________________________________________________________________
HARBOR MODELS.COM This direct web link will take you to a source, that has a collection of Towboat Kits, Parts & Fittings in several scales. One of their towboat kits, is called the "Barbara K." for example, designed to depict a small utility class - "Truckable Towboat" with twin screws & 6 - rudder steering. Its plans provide several - different structural styles, to choose from, and the kit was created from plans designed by SFSCO = That's me - Old River Bill. And the original plans are still available from Joe E. Brown's = WRWB Plans Source .... SEE his plans called the Truckable Towboat! .... Originally designed by Me!!" ___________________________________________________________________
Are Ya Building The American Beauty = Kit? A Line Haul Class Towboat Kit = By Dumas Here's some helpful info - to assist you - below
Below are more photos of the real vessel = M/V "American Beauty & her sister, Crimson Glory" as they look today. Outside of slightly different positions in some of their "Doorways & Windows", the two vessels are identical looking boats. Tap Photos To Enlarge
Above photos show - both vessels, owned by ( Artco. ), "American River Transportation Company." Inside the Helm = the inner details of their helms, in an old photo from one of shipyards booklets that built them = SLS. Note positions of the gauges & steering = Hand Tillers, as their called, including the twin engine throttles, Duel - Spot Light Controls and Duel Radar and Sonar systems. These vessels also carry several ( 2 to 3 ) = VHS Marine radios as a rule. And be aware, that these photos and details, are not provided in the Kit. These photo's were provided by "Barry Griffith", a fellow River Rat, who used to pilot on the Ohio. And a special thanks goes out to him and John Miller for providing these fine shots of these two beautiful vessels. Vessel Info - According to the "IRR" = Inland River Record The IRR = is Published "Annually by the Waterways Journal Weekly and the following info was taken from their yearly up dated - IRR Book. The M/V American Beauty, was built in 1968 by SLS = St. Louis Ship of St. Louis Mo. Her Hull size is = 170' x 45' x 12' drafts, and she's rated at 5400 horsepower with twin - EMD 16-V cylinder model 645-E7B engines. Equipped with "Kort Nozzles" and Falk Transmissions with Reductions of 3.968:1 gear ratio. The boat was originally owned and built for "Rose Barge Lines" of St. Louis, until it was transferred July of 1974, to Agri-Trans Corp., of St. Louis. Sold in 1992 to American River Transportation Company ( Artco ), of St. Louis Mo. and they still own the vessel - today. The M/V Crimson Glory ( Her Sister Boat ), was built in 1969 by SLS = St. Louis Ship and has the same hull and ratings of the American Beauty. Also equipped with "Kort Nozzles", and also owned by the same company = Artco. Both vessels used nearly - identical shipyard plans, except for some "Windows & Doorway = Positions" and some locations of fixtures = Vents & Intakes on her decks. Both vessels operate the upper Miss. river, between St. Paul Minn. & St, Louis during spring, summer & fall. Until the river is closed to all traffic, due to winter ice conditions, and they are laid-up in the company fleet at Woodriver Illinois, until spring. Kit Details - You Should Know About! Good Points ... The Americaqn beauty kits = Hull, is an exact copy of the SLS - Hydrodyne Hull Design and very nicely constructed. And if the models equipped with a 4-channel radio and "Duel Steering", it will operate exactly like its real counterpart. And allows the model to have Duel Engines & Twin Speed = Controls as well. Bad Points ..... The Kit is not 1.48 scale, but actually 1/55th, so its - odd sized scale means you won't be able to locate scale figures ( Crewmen or Fittings ), to add to its details. The closest scale figures are naturally "Lionel Scale = Train Figures", which are in 1/48 scale and when put on this model - look to large. Bluntly Put .... Lionel Crewmen, if placed on the American Beauty = look like GIANTS. And sadly that makes things = look fake and Way Out Of Proportion! Another Problem for which Dumas - is well known, is not providing good quality wood in many of their kits! Which means a lot of extra work - is required, just to finish them and for that reason, "We don't recommend Dumas kits = To Beginners!" Or for that matter - Experienced modelers - EITHER!!!! .....Since most builders end up totally replacing all the wood in the kit before they've completed it. And Dumas - American Beauty - FITTINGS, require a lot of extra - work, just to make them realistic looking. Made from lead, and very poor quality molds = I might add, they hardly come close to resembling real fittings. So be prepared and aware of Dumas Kit - Short Falls, before you buy one. Because beginners often get frustrated and give up, before they really get started good - A FACT, proven many times over. And experts have tried to tell Dumas that they're products need - improvement, but the company ignores such complaints. Thus being why many use the phrase - DUMB ASS! ....... Whenever somebody mentions this Kit Manufacture! The Dumas = Hopper Barge - Kit Designed for the American Beauty Specifically designed for the American Beauty, the barge kit - Is or Was, available from Dumas for about 60 bucks and contained parts to model = One - Raked Bow & One - Box End = Hopper Barge. Built in the same odd scale as the towboat, in 1/55 scale. NOTE - many saved these kits and used their parts - As Patterns, by copying their designs onto better grades of plywood. Remember the poor quality wood - issue, with the towboat Kit?!? ........... "Well, once again Dumas has made it difficult for novice builders and experts, by selling you = low grade wood in their kits. But these barges are very realistic - overall and do appear to be designed to replicate barges, built also by St. Louis Ship in that same period. Final Comments ..... While the American Beauty kit - is designed for "Display or Radio Control", you must be careful with the model, if its r/c powered. Be sure the hull & main deck are welded together = water tight. Because like all towboats, the model has very little - "Free Board", meaning only a very small amount of the - hull, is actually above the waterline. So it easily gets swamped & sunk - by small waves that wash over its decks. So we recommend the hull - interior, be provided with additional floatation = "Styrofoam Blocks", anywhere they can be placed inside the hull to provide added flotation safety. CAUTION = If you use - Expandable Spray-On Foam Insulation, be careful..... It can easily over expand and crack- the hull and deck plate. SO use it carefully and allow the material to expand - slowly, by adding only small tiny - amounts at a time, to avoid damage. ___________________________________________________________________
Scale Towboat & Barge - PLANS Worlds Biggest Source!
Looking for Worlds Largest Selection of" Scale Plans" to model Towboats & Barges? You'll soon discover there's only a few sources and the largest = is Joe E. Brown. Joe operates = Western Rivers Workboats Plans and has a huge collection of plans, covering many types of inland vessels from small- Utility to Large - LINE & LONG HAUL types. And includes both - Modern, as well as "Older Diesel - Boats & some Steam Powered vessels too. All unique and available only from his source - above, cause He spends a lot of time on the river, visiting shipyards, boats, owners and taking photos & video. Then turns this into scale plans for modelers to build replica boats. And he also has the entire = SFSCO plans collection too! ___________________________________________________________________
OTHER PLANS SOURCES
[ Taubman Plans Service Inc. ] This is a direct web link, to Taubman's - whom do have a few plans of towboats, within their huge collection of other ship and boat plans. Which makes them the largest source - In General, for all types of boat & ship - plans, in one collection. ___________________________________________________________________
Build The Rescue & Recovery = Barge! Picture yourself - down at the pond, running your r/c boat, when suddenly = It Quits! You don't have a rowboat around to row out and get it, and a long swim - is certainly out of the question. "So what do you do?" Grab another of your other model boats, attach - this rescue / recovery barge to it .... And just "Go Get - It!" Virtually any model boat that has a "Variable Electronic Speed Control" on its motor ('s ), can be used to recover another model boat, using this barges simple designs & features! Tap To Enlarge Drawings
Step # Two = ( PRINT OUT THIS PAGE! ) The recovery barge, is designed to fit a wide assortment of model boat - hulls, because you never know what size boat - will need rescue? Therefore - I've designed the barge, with twin pontoons, mounted upon a "SPREADER BAR", so the twin pontoons can be adjusted to fit various size models. "Dead In The Water", a model can often be a problem to reach, which this barge will recover anything you can steer between its pontoons. Made from simple 1/8" thick = Balsa Sheets, covering a "Styrofoam Core", mains the barge is "SINK PROOF", after the pontoons are "Fiberglass Cloth & Resin" covered. ( For More, See the = BUILDING FOAM HULLS - PAGE ) Once the twin pontoons are given several coats of polyester or fiberglass resin and sanded smooth, between each coat. Your ready to paint them, using just about any sort of water proof pant you wish to use. "But you do need to see the barge - Clearly, "At Great Distances!" So I recommend bright colors, , like White or Yellow, that provide plenty of Attention! NOTE .... Before the pontoons - upper "Deck Plates" are installed, be sure to drill holes for the recovery barges - Assembly "Bolts" They connect both pontoons to the "Spreader Bar" and must be installed 1st, before you seal the deck plates - Down, on each pontoon. The glue used to mount these bolts, should be a strong 50-50 epoxy, or similar type that will not break loose under stress or moisture. Noting the spreader - bar will encounter plenty of stress - when the barge is used, so it has to hold the pontoons = firmly! The Spreader Bar, can be made from 1/8" plywood - if you wish, given several coats of polyurethane to harden it. Or use Aluminum for the bar, but it also needs fittings too ( Remember the V- Notch push plate ), used to couple the barge to the boat that will push it! Final Tasks .... Install "Soft Foam Rubber = Weather Strips" as BUMPERS or RAILINGS around both pontoons. Mounted on the - Inner & Outer = sides of both pontoon, including a fashioned = "Foam Pad", mounted on the "Front & Back - SIDES" of the Spreader bar. These two pads provide a cushion against damage to the model = doing the work, and also the model being cradled between the pontoons, your recovering. Most hardware stores have rolls of door & window - weather striping, that has a removable glue strip, you can apply and replace - Easily! OPTIONS ..... LIGHTS for Navigation or Spot Lights for Night-time Recoveries, are something you also might consider. A pair of Mini = AA Battery types of Flashlights, mount onto each of the pontoons and adjusted for a beam of the light, will make "Night Operation" - Much easier. Here also, adding "flashing LED lights", enhances the barges - interest, when your recovering a model. Effects like these are extra work, but worth the effort in what they help you accomplish. SINKING BOAT - "CATCH NET" ....... Not everyone will need this - idea, but its nice to have as a barge - built-in Option, if you ever do need it! For Example = lets say your at a race boat event, and a model partially sinks and you need to recover it - with this barge. ONE THING = You Must Do, whenever recovering a sunk or sinking model. Remember, once you get it between the pontoons = "Never STOP!"...... Head Directly toward the nearest bank or "Safest Point" where you can capture the dead model without endangering yourself or it - Any Further. If you stop pushing, the dead boat will float out of the Barges - grasp, or the catch net, and likely sink. So once you get it in the net - Shove Steadily toward the bank and DON'T STOP!!! Building a "Catch Net" for the recovery barge - is simple, using ordinary "Flexible Control Rods or Cables", like those used in model airplanes, connecting rudders & tail surfaces to servos. You'll also need several small - Cotter Pins, and about ( 3 ) of those Flex-Control - Rods. The Cotter Pins, are used to clamp the Flex - Rods, into place on each of the pontoons ( See Drawings ). These rods or cables- become the framework ( which will flex ), but cradle a recovered - sinking model. And as long as you hold steady - Forward Thrust, will hold the model in the cradle - till its recovered. And they will bend and flex to avoid damaging the model too. Here also, you'll need to add a "NETTING" to these frames, which spreads or extends between the width - between the pontoons, no matter what width the spreader bar - is set. So all you have to do is, go get your old - Fishing Dip Net, remove its mesh netting and replace-it. Their available at most BASS PRO SHOPS too, and the old netting becomes your "Catch Net" once its woven onto the Flex-rods of the Recovery Barge. And the net & frame, can be removed easily, or used - as you wish, but sure is handy to have on this barge = Just In Case!
FINAL NOTES ..... Practice shows that "Pilots using this barge, need "Steady Hands" on the Throttles, and gentle movements on the Steering & Throttles too. Because you have to get to a dead boat - as fast as you can, but slow down once its cradled inside the barge to insure you don't add more damage in the recovery!! And as I said, the best type of boat to use to push this rescue barge, "Is A Towboat!" Here, there is no comparisons with other types of boats, unless their equipped with the unique abilities of a towboat, and capable of Steering = In REVERSE! Further enhanced by its abilities to use steering - in both directions, with gentle thrust in both directions - at once, where you can actually slide barges = SIDEWAYS....... OR AT ANGLES. No matter what type of model boat - you use, to push this recovery barge, even a powered sailboat will do the task. Just be sure to practice using the barge, to get used to the idea. You'll be surprised at what it does for your piloting skills too!! ....... SO PRACTICE and while your doing that, why not make up a few "Towing & Salvage" Recovery Bills, to hand out to customers - when yer called upon to do a recovery for them = Its all part of R/C Workboat'n F-U-N! ......... Old River Bill
I'll Add More - Later, so check back Often! ___________________________________________________________________
Last Updated On
06/29/23 .
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