sunxxitug

This is a scale model of a single-screw 1300hp diesel tug that entered service on the River Thames in 1960, subsequently operating in several other UK ports, and finally ending up in Gibraltar. Along with near sister Deben, Sun XXI was one of the last vessels to be launched at the yard of Phillip & Son who were situated on the river Dart, just north of Dartmouth in Devon. The tug’s rounded front superstructure and the streamlined funnel surrounding the diesel exhaust were considered very modern features at the time. There have been very few changes over the years, and Sun XXI is a handsome vessel in comparison with the angular lines of many other modern small tugs. Our hull and plan were produced with assistance from Alexandra Towing the vessel's first Owners, who provided copies of the original Shipbuilder's drawings. The drawing shows lots of scale detail, together with some model construction information. The first photo below shows a typical Sun XXI model, and the second photo shows the full size vessel shortly after delivery to Alexandra Towing in 1960.