What do you do if you want a model of your favourite tug boat but nobody makes one? This is exactly the problem that struck Tom Appleby and Les Thompson in 2003 when they decided that they wanted a model of Northsider, a Tyne tug on which they both served. They approached a UK model manufacturer about making a model but got the reply was that it was not the type of tug that they were interested in manufacturing.

So, what did Tom and Les do? Well, they decided to manufacture the Northsider model themselves and so Tyne Models of South Shields, Tyne and Wear was born.

Tyne Models' Northsider was certainly an ambitious project for a new model company to take on as their first kit. Measuring a relatively large 49" in length, the model leaves plenty of room for all the fine details that a model tug enthusiast would expect and so it was important for Tyne Models to use only the best quality materials and components.

Although this is a serious enthusiast's model, Tyne Models have made it as accessible as possible by offering it as a semi-kit. What this means is that as well as the ready-made GRP hull and superstructure, you also get high quality cast pewter fittings such as winches, handrails, tow-hook, and bollards.

After the success of their Northsider model, Tyne Models haven't rested on their laurels though. Instead, they have gone on to produce four other semi-kit model tugs:

Flying Phantom - Former Clyde Shipping Company fire-fighting tug that became part of the Cory Towage Fleet in 1995. Sadly, the Flying Phantom sank on the Clyde in thick fog on 19th December 2007 with the loss of three crew members' lives.

This semi-kit consists of GRP hull and superstructure, two sets of full-size plans, and cast pewter fittings such as winches, anchor, bollards, capstan, and fire-fighting monitors.

Albert - Alfred - Crosby - Victoria - 1:32 scale semi-kit model that can be used to build any one of these four former Alexandra Towing Company tugs.

The GRP hull measures 40" in length with a beam of 11" and comes complete with a one-piece GRP superstructure, GRP lifeboat, a styrene sheet for the deck, and two full-size sets of plans.

The kit also includes cast pewter fittings such as bollards, handrails, radar, navigation lights, searchlights and more.

Flying Spindrift - Former Clyde tug that was later transfered to the Tyne.

This is a 1:28 scale model giving it an overall length of 40" and a beam of 12".

This semi-kit comes with GRP hull, one-piece GRP superstructure, two GRP afterdeck housings, a styrene sheet for the deck, and over 250 metal fittings. The kit also comes complete with two full-size sets of plans and a CD containing many photos of deck-fittings and other details.

MCS Marlene - Multi-purpose workboat tug.

This 1:30 scale model measures 30" in length with a 10" beam.

The hull, superstructure, funnels, and deck are GRP while deck fixtures and fittings are cast pewter.

Tyne Models first model, Northsider, started out as a labour of love but you can see how this same level of dedication and attention to detail is now applied to every model that they produce. They certainly have some interesting tugs in their range that you won't find in kit form anywhere else.

All Tyne Models semi-kits encompass the same basic components: GRP hull and superstructure, full-size plans, and high-quality cast fixtures and fittings. They're also all designed with radio control in mind. This ensures that whichever one of their models you select, you're going to have a very pleasurable and satisfying experience not only whilst building it, but also whilst sailing or simply admiring it.

For more information on Tyne Models or to make a purchase, please click here.

Jason Webb

NOTE: All prices and specifications are correct at time of writing but are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion.

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