Mountfleet Models
LOWGARTH

               

This kit is being made by myself in memory of Alan Herring, a former member of our Society who sadly passed away recently. He purchased this kit however, sadly he never got to make it before passing away. Alan was an expert modeller with many years experience. I am a complete novice so this is going to be a steep learning curve. I hope I can do it justice. The finished kit will differ from the original slightly so that I can put my own 'extras' on it. It will also have the name Herring Bay on the rear instead of Cardiff' in memory of Alan.

Details

Type:              Tug
Name:             Lowgarth
Class:             Plumgarth/Avongarth
Builder:           Richards Shipbuiders, Lowestoft
Year:              1965
Length:            29m
Beam:             8m
Power:            7 cylinder engine built by Ruston & Horsby
                      Single fixed pitch propeller operated by a Kort steerable nozzle
Worked at:      Avonmouth docks in the 80`s
Owned by:       Rea Towage Liverpool. (Cory fleet) between 1965 and 2003
Owned by:       Rigg M, Ipswich between  2003 and 2007
Owned by:       FenderCare,  Lagos, West Africa between February 2007 and present

Used as Marine Launch Tug For Nigerian STS Operations
In December 2007, the tug was renamed Charles Plane and was  refitted. On completion it  was held in Lowestoft before it’s journey to Nigeria. The tug is assisting in the FenderCare Marine STS operations in the region and has been named after FenderCare’s Chairman and Managing Director’s father. The tug was refurbished in the UK by Paul Mitchell of FenderCare Marine & Clone Shipping.

Kit details
Scale 1/32
Length  = 950mm
Beam = 270mm

Date commenced - February 2012
Part One

Bilge Keels fitted                                                                                 Anchor tubes installed                                            Rudder tube installed & V Support secured to hull

           

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 2
Korg, prop shaft and supports fitted                                                   Battery box, motor support and 6:1 geared motor installed            Speed controller, Motor and Receiver wiring completed
     

 

Battery, BEC, Receiver & Charge Socket installed
  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 3
Deck shaped to size                                                                        Superstructure  doorways cut out & structure painted                         Wheelhouse windows cut out & structure painted   
     

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 4

Potholes painted and mounted - over-door lighting fitted                     Rear deck working lights and ALDI Morse light                                  Wheelhouse furntiture built, painted  and set in place
     
 

Radar motor, switch and battery box                                                Six Grain of wheat bulbs fitted to mast head                                              Tow hitch assembled
         

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 5
Superstructure virtually completed
     

Bow thruster ports installed and hull primed
  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 6

Hull painted & motifs attached                                                        Hull painted & motifs attached - 2                                                      Bow thruster fitted and wired up
     

 Water pump fitted for water cannon                                                 Water pump and Bow thruster location                                              Water pick-up for pump
     

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 7

Fuse Box                                                                                       Charging Sockets 6v/12v and Double Pole Master Switch 6v/12v         Diesel Sound & Horn Sound Speaker - Aldis
     

 

    Internal - Rear End                                Side edges fitted (rear)                        Side edges fitted (front)                        Rear Deck                                         Front Deck
                  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 8

          

      

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 9 - Completed
The final part differs from the original Lowgarth as I wanted to make it 'my' ship. Difference and additions are:

1. Working radar
2. Tyres around the edge
3. Working water monitor with Robbe pump
4. Bow Thrusters
5. Rubber top edging around structure
6. Working twin horns
7. Lighting on radio switch
8. Video camera mounted on front


 
        

     

     

        

  
Member's Project Index