1877 Salvage Tug Hercules build.

[Tug--Kenny]

It is indeed  'Cool'

If that's the finish after the undercoat then I can't wait to see the top coat.

She's looking gorgeous Stuart.

Ken

[Eddy Matthews]

I agree totally Derek and Ken, I just love this model! 

Regards
Eddy

[PeeWee]

Hi All
that's one beautiful looking hull and as for under coat you should see my top coat!!

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs!

Thank you all for the appreciation (very good for the ego!)

The temperature here has hit the 100 mark and we have had guests so progress has been slow. At least the glue and paint dry quickly in the heat!

I have started on the foredeck of Hercules. This is one of the 'busiest' areas of the model and also one of the most challanging in terms of the build. I have planked the deck using 5mm X 1.5mm lime with black paper caulking and a boxwood margin plank (the waterway will be painted a cement colour later).
I have fitted the winch (a modified Caldercraft one) and also fitted the two deck lights and the steam pipe cover.
Hercules carried a salvage pump which was supplied with steam from a vertical boiler. I have made a start on the pump and gearbox and the machinery base. The whole thing was powered by a small 2 cylinder steam engine which I will make from bits from the scrapbox. The pump and gearbox are made from PVC - sprayed with car enamel.

More later!

all the best

Stuart

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs!

Well have been slogging on with the foredeck of Hercules.
The deck carries an enormous salvage pump and a lot of associated pipework. I was at a loss as to how to realistically model this. My friend Thanasis (a traditional Greek ship modeller from Volos) was visiting and between the two of us we worked it out.

The pipework is of large cast iron sections on the real ship - bolted together with flanges and consisting of straight sections and 90 degree bends. I decided to use 12mm dismeter PVC rod to represent the pipes. The flanges were turned from larger dia rod and made to slip over the 12mm dia stuff. each flange was made by turning a piece of rod down to the outside diameter of the flange. Next I drilled six holes for the bolts around the end of the rod. I then sliced off 10 of these on the lathe to produce the flanges. The bends were made by putting one end of the 12mm rod in the vice and then gently heating the rod with a gas torch (HELD AT A DISTANCE! you must not actually touch the plastic or you will damage it) once the rod was 'plastic' I bent it to the 90 degree angle and then cut off the section I needed.

I then positioned the pump on the deck and fitted the pipework, so far I have completed the heavy pipes and will start on the valve branch tomorrow.

I have mounted the boiler and fitted the steam supply, exhaust, blow down pipes and hand valves.

The joint in the deck is designed to be under the pipes so you won't see it. Next job is to fit the hatch, companionway, mast foot and various hand and winch equipment

I hope the pictures explain the words - if not PLEASE ask!

All the best

stuart

[Eddy Matthews]

Absolutely magnificent Stuart! All that clutter on the foredeck really makes the Hercules stand out from the crowd....

Mind you, I have an easier way of sorting out stuff like the steam pump and pipework - I know a chap in Greece that's pretty good with his hands, so I just drop him an email and the parts arrive in a week or so. Saves a LOT of work!

Regards
Eddy

[PeeWee]

she's certainly looking the part, great flange idea with the pipe.  always looking forward to the next instalment.

[neil howard-pritchard]

absolutely stunning workmanship, stuart..can't wait to see more.
neil

[marinemole]

Well done that man!

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's.....& Stuart says....... "the pipework is of large cast iron sections on the real ship"....

  ,..would that have been the old Victortolic cast pipework & flanges Stuart?.....looks supurb

......but I cannot figure what type of pump is installed.........is it a form of gear pump....or could it be a reciprocating horizontal piston pump.......the latter would prime to gain suction ......Derek

[Thanasis]

Thank you for mention me Stuart... but what I have to say is that  I was amazed and in fact I had  remained speechless watching you working these pipes....   
I have already told you about but I have-want to write it also...
Excellent work my friend...

[Stuart Badger]

You are too modest Thanasis!

Derek! - not being a pump expert I merely make what is drawn.

All the best

stuart

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs!

Thanks for the interest and comments - it keeps me going!

This morning our visitors are off exploring Naxos - so I can get in the workshop for longer than usual in August!

I have finally completed the pipework - the last item was the valve chest and although simple it does have an awful lot of fiddly bits on it. I have also made the companionway with its door and the deck hatch and fitted both in place. there is still a fair amount of small stuff to fit forard - but I shall leave these (davits, handpump. chain stops and channels etc) until I am nearer completion as I'll probably knock them off!

I have ordered the motors and drive components from the UK so this time I hope I wont be 'stalled' on the build.

All the best

Stuart

[marinemole]

Superb stuff Stuart. Judging by the pipes the pump must have been designed to shift a fair volume of water.

Andy

[kno3]

Beautiful details, keep up the good work!