M_M_I_2015_04_

68 APRIL 2015 http://www.marinemodelmagazine.com

T

he full sized version was built in April 1994 for Hong Kong

Salvage & Towage and sold to Australian Maritime Services,

renamed ‘Cook’ as my model represents. Subsequently sold

to P.B. Towage and renamed P.B. Cook.

I scratch-built the model over a period of four years with only

a small amount left to finish, just connecting the lights, water

monitors and a few ‘odds & ends’. When I completed the model it

was then my first attempt at ‘weathering’ – a few washes of red/

brown rust, black washes and some dry brushing to highlight deck

and edge wear were added. Still holding my breath from the first

wash – hope it’s okay!

Thanks to Martin (Macs Mouldings) for inspiration and photos of

the full size vessel.

Stern roller and towing pin – (not on drawings) this was fitted

retrospectively on the full size tug when it was sold to P.B. Towing.

Colour changed to red hull, blue superstructure and mast with grey

decks, also an extra winch, tugger winch and other details were

added.

DIMENSIONS

Principle sizes & weights of the model

Hull 46 lb

Length 58"

Superstructure 13 lb

Width 18"

Motors/Batteries 35 lb

Height 38"

Overall Weight 94 lb

MAIN CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Hull – Fibreglass made by the usual methods of building a plug,

taking a mould and then obtaining the hull from this. The mould was

destroyed after use due to storage space issues!

Sub-deck – ply covered with Plasticard.

Two lower superstructures – ply framework covered by Plasticard.

Fully detailed bridge and tripod mast – constructed entirely of

Plasticard except for brass handrails.

All other hand railings – built from Plasticard strip and Evergreen

plastic rods in an effort to keep the top weight as low as possible.

There are a lot of railings!

TUG COOK

ALLAN SHARES SOME INTERESTING

DETAILS ON SCRATCH-BUILDING AND

SAILING A 58" MODEL OF THE TUG

COOK

GREAT BRITAIN

AUTHOR: ALLAN GRAFTON

Detail of the forward section of the bridge

RIGHT: Tri pod mast with

fire-fighting monitors

The completed tug Cook on the water

Tri pod mast with

fire-fighting monitors

p68_MMAPR15_TugCook.indd 68 9/3/15 15:37:24