Glasgow

[Alistair Deayton]

I understand there is a commercially produced model of a paddle tug named
GLASGOW.
Is that based on a prototype. Was there a real paddle tug named GLASGOW. If
so, when and where was she built, etc.

Alistair Deayton

[Derek Warner]

Alistair - go to the Graupner web site - you will find a model paddle wheeler "Glasgow" number 2126 which
lists it as a semi scale model, 1010 mm long, suitable for steam or electric drive - regards Derek

[wsnowdon]

Hello Allistair, the answer is no- there never was a tug of that name
and the kit bears little or no resemblence to any UK paddle tug. Herr
Graupner has taken a good idea and altered it to suit vac-forming
techniques- the paddle box and box housing is all wrong as is the
superstructure. the proportions of the funnel is too skinny. It looks
a lot like a german screw tug to which paddles have been added. The
hull and paddles are good. With some alterations it could be made
into a passibly good Clyde or Tyne tug. Remember that paddle tugs
were very utility craft and cuves other than in the hull did not
exist. Paddle boxws were made out of wood as they got damaged
frequently- a crushed meetal paddle box would foul and jam the
whheels where broken wood just splinters! the graupner paddle boxes
have beautifuly curved edges and look as though they are made in
metal on a Porsche production line. Sorry to knock this kit, but it
is a classic case of 'spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar'.