A 4th RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL MEECHING
Meeching
Andy Gilbert
Meeching
Andy Gilbert
Meeching
Andy Gilbert
Rear deck
Andy Gilbert
Internal electrics (click to enlarge)
Andy Gilbert
Props and rudders
Andy Gilbert
Working freeing ports
Andy Gilbert
Plans for Meeching
Andy Gilbert
But this one needs to be completed.
By Andy Gilbert
As some of you will know, I’m the historian for the former Newhaven harbour tug Meeching. I’ve been keeping a track of any models of the tug. Unbeknown to me, a friend who lives in Denton, near Newhaven, has had a partly built model of the tug for some years. For various reasons, the project has never been finished, though it’s probably around 90% done with just the above deck detailing and some minor repairs to the bow and stern left to do.
The owner is moving away soon and would like to find someone with the skills and time to finish what will be an excellent model. If it can stay local to the area, that would be preferred – or perhaps the owner might bring it down occasionally if they live further away! If I had the skills and time myself (and no darned RSI!) the model would be with me already!
Some details about the model:
It’s in 1:24th scale, which means it’s around 44” long and 12” wide. Not too heavy to move in its ‘light’ condition, but with the battery in place and around 20lbs of removable lead ballast in, it will weigh around 50lbs to go into the water. The owner has the plans for a suitable launching cradle!
All the electrics are in place. There are two digital speed controllers and two large motors. These are 12 volt, 12-pole motors running through 3:1 reduction gearbox, meaning that it is possible to turn the propellers as slow as 60 rpm, the same as the real tug. The motors give the tug a lot of power and the 12-volt battery should allow for a good 2 to 3 hours running time in normal use. There is a 40MHz radio control system, but it isn’t working. Most modellers would want to install a 2.4GHz system anyway.
There’s also a 12-volt water pump that could be used if the purchaser wanted to install a working fire monitor on top of the wheelhouse and the electrical connections are there to power extras such as working lights etc.
Many of the parts for the detailing have been made – as seen in the tin. For example, there’s an accurate copy of the original Clyde towing hook, complete with its ‘quick release’ mechanism – this could also be radio controlled. The davits for the lifeboat are done and the lifeboat itself has been partly carved, but with some size adjustments to be done. The twin anchors fit correctly into the openings and there is sufficient length of chain to reach the anchor windlass. Wire is provided for the railings on top of the wheelhouse. The tyre fenders, correct size for the scale, have been prepared and attach with chains through the correct holes in the bulwarks. The bow and stern fenders are not included. The bow fender is basically a simple rubber tube attached with chains. As built, Meeching’s stern fender was similar, so a rubber tube would suffice. However, it broke and was replaced with a simple rope fender. This didn’t last long either and was replaced with a section of wood and steel belting.
Amongst the parts are spare gear wheels for the gearboxes, though these are usually long-lived anyway.
The bow and stern sections are carved from solid wood and over the years there has been a little shrinkage, so some filling and blending in will be required.
The model comes with the General Arrangement plans and Docking Plans, both in A1 size, with other detailed information. If you have CAD software, the owner has plenty of CAD files that will help. I can also supply a lot of detailed photos that will allow the purchaser to get all the details correct. The model is of Meeching in her original 1960-1965 livery. Hull and deck colours are correct (the white line came and went depending on the wishes of the Master at the time), but she’ll need a fair bit of ‘British Railways Buff’ paint for the exhaust uptakes, mast, lower part of the superstructure, deck fittings and the inside of the bulwarks!
Given the power of the motors, it will be a great tug for towing. The superstructure actually bolts to the structure of the boat – the bolt carefully disguised inside the port engine room vent - so all that’s needed is for the towing hook to be firmly secured.
Can you take on the project and complete what is already a great model? If you’re seriously interested, send us an email at info@ournewhaven.org.uk and we will pass your details onto the owner, who will be able to give you more information.
When the model is completed, it is my intention to try to get at least three of the radio-controlled models on the water together and report back to Our Newhaven!
Update, 21/10/2022: The model has been sold and will be finished off by George Boyd, one the UK's premier builders of model tugs. I hope to update the page as the work progresses, and then maybe create one new page for all the models.