Sure its about a boat and not a train...but it is for my layout.

I'm searching for a source where I can either purchase a finished product or at least make some scale sized rope fenders for my tug to be placed in my harbour. I've come across a few decent sources, however I'd appreciate it if you fine folks have come across some really good sources of information in your travels. More specifically I'm looking for the large triangular shaped one that sits on the front of the hull.

Thanks as always.

[attachment=4638]

This was the Lindberg "Coast Guard Tug" kit,(82' in HO scale),before modifications.
The fenders were fashioned from strands of a standard Navy swab (mop for you land lubbers).
The side fenders were four strand, "box weave"( like the plastic strand key chain craft project) The bow fender was a "tassle" of several strands, inside out, frayed and arranged, and set with a thin wash of white glue.
The "Ship Chandler" 518 East Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect, Illinois, 60056 (847)577-8044 (No web site on the business card) might have metal castings for fenders for a tug. If you want to join Finescale.com, Kalmbach's board, you could ask in the SHIPS forum, and might get better answers from some of the modelers there.

A great model and another reason to find some place for some (salt) water on my tiny layout...

have you tried one of the model ship suppliers.
jim

Thanks for the suggestions and help folks. I have looked at a number of sites, and come across a small number who do supply ready made rope fenders.

However, as I commented to one our members via pm, I sat there the other night watching my 10 y.o. daughter knitting a small piece for one of many craft projects she was working on and asked her if she would mind teaching her old man how to knit.

It could work out one of two ways. I manage to stitch a neat little rope fender for my tug, or I tie my fingers up in knots.

tetters Wrote:...watching my 10 y.o. daughter knitting a small piece...

I suggest another approach... How much candy costs a fender if you "buy" it from your daughter

faraway Wrote:

tetters Wrote:...watching my 10 y.o. daughter knitting a small piece...

I suggest another approach... How much candy costs a fender if you "buy" it from your daughter

I thought of that approach. However when I told her what I wanted and showed her a picture, she just kind of looked at me like I had two heads. :oops:

You might be best asking around the local crafting community for someone who can use a crochet hook with a length of garden twine. An advert in your local crafting shop might get you just what you need - remember, them as don't ask - don't get!

faraway Wrote:I suggest another approach... How much candy costs a fender if you "buy" it from your daughter

tetters Wrote:I thought of that approach. However when I told her what I wanted and showed her a picture, she just kind of looked at me like I had two heads. :oops:

Well,............you probably said "fender" and then showed her the picture.....and it didn't look anything like an automobile!
I have four daughters, I know that "look".

Sumpter250 Wrote:I have four daughters, I know that "look".

All women have mastered "the look", and it's something reserved for use only in regard to "men!" I like to think that it's because we're so inspirational and endearing.

Wayne (who originally thought that she was "givin' me the eye")

Someone did an article on upgrading the Walthers tugboat and if I'm remembering it right he used fake fur over the bow fender in the kit, then brushed it to get the proper look. He also used an old terry cloth washcloth with small wood dowels to make the smaller boat fenders.

Bruce

I finally got around to adding "fenders" to my modified Revell Harbor tug. The tires are A-line truck dress-up parts ( Walthers # 116-50105 ) The current status of my modified Lindberg CG tug is also in the picture.
[attachment=4753]

this photo, from a link in http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic...=17&t=2774 was the inspiration for using the tires, and the method of attaching them to the hull.
[attachment=4752]

Thanks, e-paw, for that link. There were lots of really good photos there!
Also, note the bow fender, a hard rubber type that was also commonly used. This could be built up with laminated card stock, wrapped around a form. Once the glue had set, the fender could be sealed, gently sanded smooth, and painted.
This tug saw service in the Harlem River, and wasn't in salt water all that much.

Here is the modified Lindberg "Coast Guard" tug:
[attachment=4755]
[attachment=4754]
It's hard to see in the last picture, but the boat on the port side, is a soft metal casting that I've had for "many" years. I used card stock to make the frames and thwarts (seats)

Beautiful tugs Pete!
Ralph

Many thanks, Ralph.
The Sea, and ships were and to some degree remain, my first love.
Ship models came first, and the rest ( a large list now ) grew from there.