My tug was based on a kit from Mobile Marine Models. Grp Hull and wooden superstructure. Two brushed motors with Kort Nozzles, oal 42inches. Named after two of my other grandchildren Ollie and George (Ollie G). Nice project but like all tugs it is heavy at 24kgs.
Keeping with the tradition of Tees Towing (now Svitzer / Wijsmuller) these boats, retaining the word (name) Cross, after the Crossthwaite family, who owned and operated Tees Towing for many years, like there predecessors, were named after villages situated around the Tees area.
The Ayton Cross and her sistership, Ormesby Cross.
Completed by Astilleros Zamacona, Spain in 1999, these Wijsmuller 34m ASD (Aazimuthing Stern Drive) boats are powered by 2 x 2000hp engines, delivering a Bollard-Pull in excess of 55 tons.
Originally 'stationed' on the Tees, both boats worked the River until 2005 when the Ayton was relocated to the Mersey, from where 'she' has travelled / operated in various parts of the globe.
