| Waterline – Actual Size: L. 10 5/8 in. W. 2-1/2 in. Scale Size HO: L. 78 ft. (1) in pack
NEWLY REDESIGNED KIT – 12/14/2019
The highlights of this new kit release are as follows:
1. NEW RESIN HULL COMPLETELY REDESIGNED CUTTING HOURS OF ASSEMBLY TIME
2. SUPERSTRUCTURE COMPONENTS ARE NOW HIGHLY DETAILED LASER CUT WOOD THAT ASSEMBLE WITH EASE
3. NEW LIFE BOAT DESIGN
4. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS CONSISTING OF DETAILED DRAWINGS. LESS TEXT AND MORE DRAWINGS.
5. ACTUAL PHOTOS OF “ON THE BENCH” ASSEMBLY
6. 3D ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS
The Exeter is a freelance design that incorporates features from some prototype vessels. Our HO tug represents a wooden hull steam tug built for RR car float service. This is evident by her “Boot Heel” pilothouse, which raises the forward part of the pilothouse so the skipper can see over the freight cars on the car float. Along with RR service the ” EXETER” is designed to be a jack of all trades with small passenger & freight cabins in the after portion of the deckhouse.
Specifications:
Length……………………………………. 78’6”
Beam………………………………………18′ 6″
Engine……………………………………..F&A Compound 12 & 26 X 18
Boiler……………………………………….Scotch
Built…………………………………… 1908 Essex Mass.
The above specifications could very well apply to this vessel. TugBoats, like Short Line Railroad Equipment, beg to be modified, weathered and cluttered. A waterfront scene can open up a new scenery and rail operation possibilities. Tugboat pens or docks, especially in the days of steam, would have had fresh water for the boilers, some type of coal bunker, a shack of some type and also an office. These docks would have all types of clutter, line (rope), buckets, lockers, lobster traps, anchors, sea gulls, hanging nets, etc.
Another consideration is the use of your tug. You could simply tie her up at the pier with the crew working on her or loading coal into the scutties. Put her to work hauling a loaded car float or getting ready to pick up a float. A car float is not only interesting piece of scenery; it can also generate new types of operations. Special types of rolling stock can be used such as idler cars, as heavy locomotives, for example, couldn’t go onto the car float slip. Consider oil and coal barges which can be used to make a busy scene or a barge (as supplied by Sea Port Model Works) could be in tow. Our kit includes many detail parts for dressing up your model tug. Another option available to you is illumination. Drill holes in the main hull casting for wires. The deckhouse and pilothouse are hollow. Wire a couple of bulbs in series to reduce brightness so the cabin walls won’t glow. Also, dim lighting will appear realistic.
A couple of crew members on deck will add to the scene, also many tug crews had mascots so man’s best friend would give your tug added realism. Coiled lines on the transom grating (placed there for drying) are almost a must.
We sincerely hope you enjoy building and installing this unique piece of model railroad scenery on your layout or diorama.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In keeping with prior acknowledgments, Thank You To:
*Artist Steve Cryan & George Barrett for their help and offering their vast knowledge of tugboats and their operation.
*Leo & Randi from Crow River Products for designing, organizing & originally putting this kit in a box many years ago with a plaster hull and etched brass details. |
