Zwarte Zee Ship Tugboat Model Kit ABS 1:90

Tug Zwarte Zee model 1:90 RC model boat from Billing Boats

History of the original:

The ZWARTE ZEE, commissioned in 1963, is a propeller-driven ocean-going tugboat with a total tonnage of 1539 tonnes. She was built in accordance with Lloyd's Register Class 100 A1 Tug by the shipyard J. & K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V. in Kinderdijk, Holland.

Her overall dimensions are
Length overall 77.50 m
Waterline length 68.50 m
Mast height 12.35 m
Draft max. 6.90 m
Draught from waterline 5.75 m

The propulsion engines installed in the centre of the ship consist of two 4-stroke diesel engines with turbocharging, which can be operated individually and can be switched to reverse immediately, with a total output of 9000 HP. These engines drive the ship's shaft for the propeller via a Vulcan fluid coupling with reduction gear. In order to manoeuvre faster, one of the engines can be switched to counter-clockwise rotation and the other to clockwise rotation. This means that the direction of rotation of the propeller can be changed immediately by simply engaging one or the other machine. The travelling speed without towing is higher than 18 knots. The large bunker capacity makes it possible to tow even the heaviest objects over very long distances without having to refuel en route. Three generator groups, each producing 240 kW at 220 volts, supply the required power. A compressor-driven generator with an output of 20 kW is also installed for emergencies. Next to the engine room is a well-equipped workshop with a lathe, milling machine, grinding machines and welding machines, which can also be used for underwater welding or cutting work with a converter. The ZWARTE ZEE is equipped with two boats made of fibreglass-epoxy construction. The boats offer space for a total of 40 people. A work boat is carried on salvage trips, which can be lowered into the water using a hydraulic crane.

Kit contents description:

This kit contains a deep-drawn hull made of impact-resistant ABS. Reinforcements and superstructures are made of wood and are prefabricated by laser. Parts of the deck are planked. Rudders, a propeller shaft with plain bearings as well as a stern tube and propeller are provided and included for the optional drive with electric motor. The equipment set is extensive, the parts are mainly injection moulded from plastic. The funnel and lifeboats are deep-drawn components. Brass railing supports. Building plan and building instructions are included. A simple model stand is included.

Who is the kit suitable for?

The kit is aimed at modellers with extensive experience in ship modelling.

What else is needed?

Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our range.

What do the building instructions look like?

The multilingual building instructions consist of text instructions and explanatory drawings. Not every detail is explained quickly and easily...
There are parts lists and colour recommendations.  Good technical imagination is required here.

No recommendations are given in the instructions for the extension to the RC model - the conversion must be done on your own - but is unproblematic thanks to the space available.

The instructions are available for download.

Languages: German, Spanish, English, French, Italian

Technical data:

Scale 1:90
Length approx. 900 mm
Height approx. 370 mm
Width approx. 155 mm