discussion Jim R's Revell 1/72 Torpedo Boat, PT-109

[Jim R]

First off thanks to Geoff for coming up with the idea for this GB and for being brave enough to try to keep the rabble in order.

My contribution will be this ....


The kit is a 1963 tooling although this is the 2011 re-release. The kit has two options. PT-167, as shown on the box art, and PT-109. No way am I tackling the box art camo.

PT-109 was commanded by Lieutenant John F Kennedy towards the end of WW2. Regardless of his politics or his personal life JFK was certainly a very courageous man. Those interested can read the story of his survival from the wreck of PT109 HERE

I also have the Eduard PE set and some 3D printed crew.






I think the boat and the man are "US iconic"

 

[BattleshipBob]

On-board Jim

 

[Steven000]

Interesting project Jim

 

[Neil]

I think ‘driven by the President’ is more than enough qualification as ‘iconic’.

 

[flyjoe180]

US iconic for sure, nice choice Jim

 

[Geoffers]

Great choice Jim, they don’t come more iconic than JFK so that and the boat captained by him during WW2 certainly fits the bill

Geoff.

 

[pjgtech]

Nice one, looks good and a great back story, following along....

 

[Jim R]

So June has arrived so a start can be made. Can I apologise for the terrible photos. My camera won't photograph white - I hate this white plastic

I always thought that Revell started as an American company and then was bought out and moved to Germany. I didn't realise that they out sourced some of their moulding to China.


Sprue shots. Not many parts.






First problem was that the PE kit I have bought is for the new (2018) Revell kit and not for this ancient beast. Consequently lots of it will not be used

The hull is about 2mm narrower than the deck! I fitted a brace to even things out.


I then tackled the torpedoes. The two halves went together nicely. The bands around the torpedoes matched up perfectly


The little "panels" on the top were pretty poor so were replaced.


The torpedo mounts on the deck can certainly be improved with the PE. The clunky detail had to be removed. The ones on the right have been sanded back.


The deck cleats were solid.


Hopefully they look better being cut out.


Thanks for looking in.

 

[papa 695]

Nice start Jim, pity about the PE not being good enough for this kit.

 

[Neil]

Good start, looks like it will require some delicate work, but if the cleat is anything to go by, it will be better for it.
An alternative is to buy the 2018 kit too - you already have the PE for it

 

[Geoffers]

Good start Jim, looks like plenty to get your teeth into

Shame about the PE but follow Neil’s advice and all will be good

Geoff.

 

[Neil]

Good start Jim, looks like plenty to get your teeth into

Shame about the PE but follow Neil’s advice and all will be good

Geoff.

I'm still tempted to buy the 1/48 P47 to go with the PE

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Nice choice Jim. Great work so far.

 

[Jim R]

Some progress to report. Only a fortnight into this GB and I've been away for part of that so not going badly.

Managed to get the hull and the deck joined using plenty of clamps and working in sections. Cut a piece of styrofoam as a base and dug out for the hull.


Epoxied a small block of wood into the hull so I can fit a "handle".


A lot of clean up and dry fittting. Very little actual construction.
Bridge parts.


AA guns. Wire handles and drilled out barrels and sights.


Exhausts??


PE hatch covers


PE torpedo mounts

 

[Jim R]

Figures removed from their cages. Still to be cleaned up. 3D printing does make for quality.


Two panels fit over the deck.




There is no interior and when the panels are fitted you can see inside.




So I'll have to fit some baffles to prevent "seeing in". Just block off the line of sight and paint it black.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Your adding some great detail to this one Jim. Its going together well.

 

[Geoffers]

Coming together well Jim

Geoff.

 

[Neil]

It is looking good - but that white plastic doesn't get any better over time, does it? You'll be glad to get the primer on.