Manufacturer: Model Slipway

Specification:
Length approx. 840 mm
Beam approx. 290 mm
Displacement approx. : 10Kg
Scale 1:24
Twin screw

Manufacturers comments:
Built in 1994 by Hepworth Shipyards of Hull for Itchen Marine Wyeforce's work will include ship towage and liner berthing in and around Southampton. Her hard chine hull is heavily built, with a conventional twin-screw layout using fixed pitch propellers working within fixed Kort nozzles. On the water the performance of this model is outstanding due to the large Kort nozzles and propellers. Wyeforce is ideal for RC steering, and tug towing competitions with slight modifications in construction of the towing bollard. The kit is not difficult to build for model makers with some experience.

My comments:
I have been wanting to build a working Tug for a long time and since work on the Smit Rotterdam has come to bit of a stall I decided to look for another kit that also could be used in Tug towing as well. After looking the various model available I decide to go for the Wyeforce because I wanted something that would have some detail but not too much that you would not dare let anything else come to close incase it got damaged.

I ordered the model from Westbourne model Center whom where very helpful and shipped off the package immediately. 10 days later the package arrived and I must complement Westbourne model Center for excelent packing.

Although the original model does include a Bow Thruster I have been thinking about installing one, but will make the final decision once I have had a change to doe some basic test with the hull when the running gear has been installed.g

I contacted Model Slipway and they where kind enough to send me a copy of the original Wyeforce build article published in Model Boats Magazine in December 1996.
I have also manage to get a copy of Marine Modeling May 1996 (Thanks to Traplet Publications) which contains a detailing article for the Wyeforce tug written by John Doyle , the article includes adding/changing details that are missing from the original kit but exist on the original Wyeforce I also managed to get some additional notes in regards to this article and some detailed pictures thanks to Alans Boatyard .

Progress photo Gallery:
To see how far the model has progressed take a look at the Wyeforce building gallery, (Updated: 08.10.05)

Recomended Building tools and materials (so far):
Building Board (at least 80cm x 30cm)
Assortment of modelers knives, files, scissors.
Ruler, Sandpaper.
Electric modeling Drill (Dremel) & (MiniCraft).
Universal Epoxy, 5 minute Epoxy.
Flash medium CA glue and accelerator
UHU Plast & AllPlast Glues
clamps,
DupliColor Automotive paints (Oxide Red, Mat Black, Mat White) for the Hull
Humbrol Paints (rest of the model)

Running Equipment to be used:
Motor: 2x Graupner Speed 720 BB
Radio: Graupner MC 14 ,40Mhz FM/FMsss PPM
Receiver: Graupner C17, 8 channel Reciever
Rudder Servo: Hitec HS-525MG
Speed Controller: 2x Electronize FR30HX
Battery: Haze(6V, 12A) Lead Acid Battery
Bow Thruster: Graupner cat. no. 1785
Working Lights: Not yet decided
working radar: Not yet decided
1/24 scale Figures: Not yet decided