Ken Dyer’s Phoenix Rescue Tug (1)
This movie demonstrates the handling and sound system for Ken Dyer’s tug “Phoenix”. It is a 1/10th scale model of the “Sea Helper” tug/pilot boat made by McDuff Ship Engineers, nr Aberdeen. The model was based on a scaled up version of a plan published in MMI magazine plus extensive web research – mainly photos.
The model is named “Phoenix” in recognition of it being the first model he has built since a fire destroyed Ken’s workshop and his extensive collection of models in July 2008.
The tug is powered by two 12v car heater blower motors which provide massive torque to lazily turn the 75mm 4-blade propellers for a very modest current consumption. The motors are controlled by twin 15A ESCs and a rudder mixer, made by fellow SRCMBC club member Alan Bond. The motor sound is also one of Alan Bond’s units, which you can see elsewhere in this SRCMBC Video Channel or read the constructional article on the club website: http://www.srcmbc.uk/ht_afb_sound… .