I am looking for a tug kit. I also have minimal building experience. It can be a harbor tug, but I would rather have an offshore tug. Anyone with any help or information to point me in the right way more than welcome to reply.

Jesse

so when you say !QUOT! I also have minimal building experience.!QUOT! what tools or things do you not have to build a kit? or is it just you don't feal you have the confidence to do a good job. im trying to see what you think is holding you back.
do you have any boats now?

I have the tools to do a job. I just can't build a model from scratch. I would like to get there someday, but as of now, I haven't the skills. I have an EP Hammer that I've tinkered with, but thats it.

If you are a first time builder this is a good company to start with for a tug model.
http://www.midwestproducts.com/catal...d=34&sa2_id=21
if you see anything interesting let us know. If not there are other sites.

Tug

Alright, thanks.

I want something that I can put all the gear in, but the hull is going to be near complete. I would like to paint it myself and put soe of teh rigging on it. Its just the hull and deck will need to be near complete. Is there anything out there???

highspeed jd,
You might take a look here; www.vac-u-boat.com
More a 'harbor' tug than anything, but It doesn't get any easier to put together, literally. It does require some very basic tools, and if you make a habit of gluing your fingers together you might wanna take a little extra care. After that, well, if you couldn't build the thing, you just ain't trying. There's an instruction manual on that site that will show you just how easy it is. We all start somewhere so having doubts is normal. Don't let it bother you very much. And as one of 'Vac-U-Boat's idiot customers once said, "If you can get your shoes on the right feet half the time, it's a snap!"...or something close to that, can't remember...
- 'Doc (<-- the idiot)

Doc I couldn't have said it any better. The Vac-U-Boats are very good kit for the first time builder.

I've found kits that have abs or glass hull to be a good start. thats half the work dun right there. putting the deck and pilot house or cab are just like gluing a 3d puzzle together. i wast most of my time thinking of how i wont to put all the gear in it and what kind or new things i can make move.
this hellen I've only put about 40 hrs into it. half of that was thinking of how to make the whistle, Angkor, lights and door with captain popping out. i still have about 10 hrs to put the rest of the details into it. i think you should get what ever boat you wont and just take your time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IBW2GY3xD4

I love that boat!

You should show us all the build pictures and electrical installations.

I am looking at the Aziz by Model Slipway. Seems like it will be challenging and the wheelhouse and deck are made of styrene which should make assembly easier. Any thoughts?

highspeed jd,
Don't misunderstand, I like the 'Aziz', it's designed very well. But I'm not real sure it's a 'beginner's boat. It's also not the most difficult you could find by any means. 'Model Slipway' is one of ~the~ best companies to deal with, very helpful, and don't mind if you ask questions (sometimes the "translation" gets a little murky, but ). The only thing is that you do need to pay attention to the instructions, and if you aren't sure about something, think about it some more. There are a few builds of the 'Aziz' on the forums and I would suggest that you read them to see what other people think of it. If you decide to try it, then have at it!
- 'Doc

I have found a few websites of people that have built and are in the middle of building this model. One of the things I like about the Aziz is that the styrene parts are already measured and marked for the wheelhouse and deck. That was my main worry. If I had to scratch build it from balsa, I would spend a fortune in balsa trying to get a piece to be cut and fit right. I can see where you are coming from, though as to this being for more expert modelers. Looks to be challenge and time consuming, but thats what I'm looking for.

Get an AquaCraft Atlantic Harbor Tug. It is all ready to go. Just pop in a battery and you are ready. It is made of fiberglass and is a very nice tug for the money. It even has lights. Use it get some experience and then try to build a kit. Good luck.

highspeed jd,
The only direct experience I've had with 'Model Slipway' kits are the 'Wyeforce' and the 'Maggie M.'. The 'Wyeforce' is a very easy kit to put together, but it is 'different' than what you normally find in the states. Instructions are good, plans are detailed. The 'Maggie M,' isn't exactly as 'easy', mainly because the instructions are sort of 'basic'. Not bad by any means, but not a great deal of detailed instructions (some of us need those - lol). I really thought about getting the 'Aziz' instead of the 'Maggie M.' but wanted to try something other than another tug. The 'Aziz' is still on the 'list', so will certainly pay attention to your build (hint, hint). If you should find 'problem' areas don't hesitate to ask 'Model Slipway's help, you won't believe how helpful they are...
- 'Doc

I decided against the Aziz for know. It is still on my list, but I wanted to get something less expensive incase I made any major mistakes. I went with the Shelley Foss from Dumas. The next boat I get will be the Aziz, though. But that will be after I put all the bells and whistles on the S.F.

Jesse