Tugboats

TUGBOAT COLLECTION

Written and Edited by F. Carrington Weems II
Models Owned by F. Carrington Weems II
Click on a photo for full enlargement

“TYPHOON”

The “Typhoon” was launched in 1959. She was built and engineered by Messrs. Henry Robb Limited in Leith, Scotland. She is 180’ B.P. by 38’ 6” MLD., by 18’ MLD. These measurements in our maritime language translate to 180’ long, 38’ 6” beam, and 18’ draft. She displaced 1,380 tons with a deep hull.

The Typhoon was used in the recent Falklands War to tow a disabled British warship back to England for repairs. As far as we know, she is still in service as a “Workhorse of the Sea,” A true ocean-going tugboat with immense power for her size.

The Model

The Typhoon is a builder’s model, or dockyard model, so called because the naval architect has the model built to present to the prospective ship-owner prior to the construction of the actual ship. Such models are usually unveiled at the shipbuilder’s offices with the designer and owner also present. Last minute changes can be made while studying this highly accurate model. A good shipwright could build a ship from a carefully made builder’s model with calipers. The frames are laid out in proportion. This model is built to the scale of 1/8” = 1’. The model maker is unknown.

Sea-going Tug
1,380 Tons
Length: 180 feet
Beam: 38 feet 6 inches
Draft: 18 feet