Apache fleet tug, Hull (1:144, RC)

Parts in "Versatile Plastic" material to complete the model of the US Navy fleet ocean tug "T-ATF-172 Apache" in 1:144 scale:

• hull
• aft deck
• deck under davit

 To complete ATF-172 Apache, the following sets of 3D prints are needed:

• Apache fleet tug, Hull (in "Versatile") - this set
• Apache fleet tug, Superstructure (in "Versatile Processed")
• Apache fleet tug, Details  (in "Versatile Processed")

To get an idea of the assembly required to complete the model, please see the assembly manual. It also contains the list of parts needed to complete the model as an RC model. (coming soon)

Size of the model:
    scale        1:144
    length      47,6 cm
    width        10,3 cm

The Model is designed in 1:144 scale. It can be built as a working RC boat. It is set up to enable radio control functions (RC), both for the two shafts (in Kort nozzles), the rudder and the bow thruster. Additionally, the radar and lights can be set up to work, and additional functionality can be designed. However, this model is not set up to be ready to run, it requires refinement and is only suitable for skilled model builders. For an assembly manual, details and further background information: see www.microboathobby.com (download section)

To complete the boat as an radio controlled model, further components are needed. It requires the advanced skills and experience to complete this.

For the drive, the following parts are needed:

• one  servo for rudder control
• two motors of RE-280 type for main propulsion
• two shafts of approx 130 mm length (recommended: Graupner 408)
• two propellers of no more than 24,5 mm diameter
  (recommended: Prop Shop KNP/0911/4/LH/BR and  KNP/0911/4/RH/BR or similar)
• 2mm coupling, or coupling hose (recommended: Robbe R 1386)
• micro motor N20 for bow thruster (e.g. by https://shop.kkpmo.com)
• gears for the bow thruster: M0,4, 10 teeth for 1mm shaft) and 20 teeth (for 1mm shaft) (e.g. by https://shop.kkpmo.com)

The seven Powhatan Class tugs were built and operated by the Military Sealift Command of the US navy since the late 1970‘ies for all kinds of fleet ocean tug duties. In 2014, four were still active with the US navy.

The following vessels were originally built

T-ATF-166 USNS Powhatan, built in 1979, later sold to Turkey
T-ATF-167 USNS Narragansett, built in 1979, now leased to commercial services
T-ATF-168 USNS Catawba, built in 1980
T-ATF-169 USNS Navajo, built in 1980
T-ATF-170 USNS Mohawk, built in 1980, now inactive
T-ATF-171 USNS Sioux, built in 1981
T-ATF-172 USNS Apache, built in 1981

Each vessel is used to tow vessels, barges, and gun exercise targets, and they are used for salvage and rescue operations. With their twin diesel engines, they have a bollard pull of approximately 54 tons. Additional equipment includes a ten ton crane, a dinghy and firefighting equipment. The ships are propelled by twin propellers in kort nozzles, and they have an additional bow thruster for maneuverability.

Technical data
    Length          68,9 m  
    Width            12,8 m  
    Weight          2290 tons (full)

More details on the original vessels

• Powhatan Class fleet ocean tugs on Wikipedia
• USNS Apache (T-ATF-172) on Wikipedia
• USNS Apache (T-ATF-172) on NavSource
• US Military Sealift Command
• Commercially available model ship plans (in 1/96 scale and in 1/48 scale)