American Inland River Towboat
	'George F. Wills'
	Towboat 'Debi Sharp' Picture courtesy of Bill Alden
Model Scale:	1:42 (not original plan scale)
Hull Material:	GRP covered Balsa Wood, Scratch Built - Plank on Frame
Plan:	Towboat Joe,s plan of 'Debi Sharp'
Model Length:	900 mm (351/2")
Build Time:	To end of August 2001 - total 130.5 hours
Progress:	Pictures as of August 2001
Propulsion:	Twin Propellers, with Six (6) Rudders
Electrics:	Twin electric motors independently controlled with Electronize speed controls
Notes:	'George F. Wills' is based on Joe E. Browns plans of the 'Debi Sharp'. I am altering the deck and superstructure layout from those of 'Debi' to give me a slightly different model. Joe's plans were at a different scale, I have had them enlarged via a plan copy shop. Like my model of 'Daisy B', this boat will also have a set of flanking rudders enabling a high degree of manoeuvrability. (see Towboat Rudders)
	The hull has been built using Balsa Wood which has been covered inside with GRP resin and outside with resin and tissue. The hull has recesses above the propellers to reduce the overall depth of the vessel (Towboats often work in shallow rivers). I intend having independent control of each motor and the flanking rudders working separately to the main rudders as per the real boat. See my Towboat Page for more Towboat Information
	Progress pictures, more will be added as the model advances
	Click on thumbnail to enlarge picture
	Hull frames fitted to full width deck, I cut out the openings in the deck once fully planked. The curved cut outs are to form the recesses for the propellers		Balsa wood planking at the bow, as the hull has a box like shape the sides are formed from sheet
	Stern planking, I used thin strips in this area to form the propeller recess shapes		After covering with GRP resin and tissue, shaping and filling blemishes, the cut out in the side is for the dummy "Grid Coolers" (engine radiators)
	Styrene deck (edge still to be shaped) and equipment box fitted, the two small rectangle cut outs at the stern are for the rudder servo's, the slot is to enable the rudder post tubes to be sealed.
	Deck edges shaped, Tow Post's rudder tubes and hull rubbing strakes fitted.
	Towboat Joe web site, Thanks Joe for your help with technical information
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	Material Copyright © 2002 Alan Rose