Frenchmen River Tugboat Model Kits
New Tug Kits
Near us at the train show in Hartford was Frenchmen River Model Works who produce a great line of resin model kits of various boats (along with other items).
This year they had on display some great steam tug kits, which will be ideal for my Bronx Terminal layout. I took a few shots of the models he had on display in the booth, which are at the top of this page. When he wasn’t looking, I swiped one of the models and placed it on my layout for a few shots. (Ok, I didn’t really swipe it, he was nice enough to let me take it, but I was willing to attempt a swipe once I saw his display versions.)
Of course, I had to buy one, which I am really looking forward to building in the near future.
This is a company from Nebraska producing model boat kits, which might seem odd. Of course I am from Southern Ontario building a model of a terminal in New York, so I guess its a good match.
If you get a chance, read the “about us” page on his site.
-T.
About the Author:
I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!
Posted by: Tim | 07-19-2009 | 10:07 AM
Posted in: 2009 NMRA Train Show - Hartford | Latest Posts
I have to agree, those tugs do look great. Sadly, they don’t have anything modern era in their catalogue, and nothing that matches a MIssissippi River towboat – which I need one of in N scale here soon for my layout.
O SO DAMM NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! 13 kids. He needs to sell a lot of boats!
The deck on the tug is way too tidy, not enough stuff on them. (rope/wire for tugging). Normally, there would be rope layed out (faked out) on deck. I’m not sure what the usual was when you are modeling, but I would expect it was hemp rope rather than wire. (wire is used out here extensively, for astern tows of large barges over long distances)
They look very nice though…there isn’t that much difference between the diesel and steam versions.
It is certainly a good looking addition to the layout. Make sure that you think through how the tug would get to any position though, as it is very easy to end up with boat positions that are not very realistic. (or, at the least, might have ended up with much cursing by the boat crew…)
I have a fair amount of experience with 70 ton shiphandling, with fast reversing diesels of 165 hp/screw. It can get exciting fast, and it comes down to judgement, and the old saw about judgement: good judgement comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgement.
James Powell
Hi James,
Thanks for the insight. I didn’t build these models, they were Frenchman River’s display versions. I suspect he would have liked to add deck clutter to the models, but as these are just to show what is all in the kit this would have likely been left off. When I build mine I will be sure to mess them up a bit, I have lots of steam tugboat images to study.
I’d like to position the tug to appear to be coming along side of the float preparing to tie up to it. The location of the float bridge required the tugs to tie up on the side.
I also plan of re-shaping the base of the model to add a noticeable cant to the boat, I want it to look like it is working choppy water and not sitting perfectly flat.
-T.
I am attempting to add some details to a tug on my model railroad. Could you provide me with information on what towlines or hawsers a tug of the 1940’s or 50’s would carry (while not towing anything)? Do they have eyes on both ends, where would they be laying on the deck, etc.? Including the stern line usually seen on the fantail. Any help you could give me would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Frank