Samson - Ocean going salvage tug.
I bought this model on EBay and on a cold but crisp spring morning drove to Hull to pick it up. Samson is based on the Robbe Happy Hunter model and is an ocean going salvage tug. Samson has twin fixed Kort nozzles with 60mm 3 bladed props fed by twin buhler ungeared motors running at 12v.
Comments, observations and details on modifying Samson.
Samson also has a bow thruster and working Navigation lights - a first for me! She was supplied with a barge for towing and I'm told that she was formally used in towing competitions.
The model was well made but dirty, smelly and tired overall - generally in need of some TLC. Electrics were poor due dry joints and glues were failing due to age (Samson is 15 years old!).
Overall the tasks that needed attention were :
-> Thorough inspection and clean to determine work required.
-> Remove and replace all electrics.
-> Remove and replace internal trays and fittings.
-> Repair and revamp shafts and rear inner hull.
-> Repair windows and ports.
-> Repaint and retouch paintwork overall.
-> Rework ballasting.
-> Rework and refurbish the stand.