YTL-710
by Pat Matthews

1/10 YTL-710 (Scratchbuilt)

YTL-710 was a USN version of the Army 45 foot ST tug. Built in the Korean timeframe, the design dates from before WW2. This tug was the subject of a 1987 article by Tom Hershey in the old "Scale Ship Modeler" magazine. Tom photographed the tug in the mid 80's at the Washington Naval Yard.

The model is scratchbuilt in a big 1/10 scale, making it 54 inches long. Hull is 1/8" pine planking over futtock-built frames, sealed with fiberglass. The structure is plywood sheathed in styrene sheet. Original builder's plans were used, sourced from Paddlewheels & Props.

R/C functions include engine, whistle and bell sounds, lights, a rotatable searchlight, and a ship's wheel that rotates with the rudder. The model also features real glass in the windows and port lights, and operating dogs on the opening watertight doors. Masters for several cast resin parts were scratchbuilt, and various details were photoetched at home as well.