Bustler Class Tug-Returns to the water

 

We are very pleased to be able to feature the story of an old rusting model of a Bustler Class Rescue Tug which itself was in need of rescue, cue Dave who also sent in this story along with pictures of his refurbishment of this great metal model.

The model needed a lot of care and attention but this was a worthwhile project that Dave took on and we can see the results of his hard work and attention to detail on this Blog-

This model of a Bustler Class Tug was bought from a Barn, it was unnamed, covered in dust and mess and had an old electric motor in it. I bought it because it was big enough to fit a steam plant in and also the hull, decks and superstructure are made from metal, which is uncommon. The model is at 1:48 scale complete with her war time configuration.

Her shell plates, are clearly seen in this picture showing her portside stern plates, complete with seams and butts which would have been all rivets in the real ship.

 

Ready for one of her first tests on the water, one which she passed with flying colours, as you will see in the following pictures.

Dave tells me that I had no idea at the time just how interesting the history of real Bustler Tugs is. The hull is constructed from small, individual, metal plates that have been soldered together so the plates look like they would have done on real Bustler Tugs.

The hull had rusted through in a couple of places and was leaking. I decided to keep as much as possible original so undertook a sympathetic restoration. I cleaned and kept all the paint work above the water line original. I striped the hull below the water line, back to almost bare metal and repaired it. The plating was protected and left visible by the application of a clear coat of resin to display the skill of the craftsman that built this model. The model is now powered by an old Cheddar Proteus steam plant with full automatic boiler controls. The work on the renovation is not yet complete, there is more work to do to repair the superstructure and fittings, but whilst time consuming its only minor work that is left.

The photos are taken from the 2nd and 3rd trial runs of this boat, the video is of the second trial run, so please bear in mind that the model is not yet in its finished restored condition.

We have more images and video to show you so keep checking back, we also have news on the new Bustler Class rescue Tug book which will now be released at the same time as the new Volume III of the Leith-Built Ships series, all this will be revealed later so keep checking back.