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Topic: PT-105 Build Thread |
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 26, 2011 - 7:15pm
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Some of you know I've restarted my PT-105 build. This is a 1:48 scale model based on the Bluejacket kit developed by Al Ross. This is an excellent kit in its own right and I highly recommend it to modelers with some skill. In other words I would not consider it a beginner kit. The kit is mixed media consisting of wood hull and structures as well as white metal and photoetch details.
That said every great kit can be made better and that is what I'm trying to do with this model. I actually started this one some time ago and have tortured Al Ross and others for some time with questions. I have also had the opportunity to exchange information with Mr. Keresey and Iles, both skippers of PT-105 and I'm to to the point where it's time to get off the pot and finish this puppy! The boat will appear after as configured after the 109 sinking so it will include an SO radar and .50 cal on the foredeck. Other than that it is mostly stock from when Mr. Keresey took her over.
Okay, so here is where I picked up the build again...
The first thing I wanted to tackle was the torpedo tubes and their mounts. The kit provides some excellent details. You can see below the cast white metal part (painted gray). However I decided to build up the mounting base higher as they are on the actual boat. I used the cast piece and the provided plans (excellent by the way) for laying out the new mounts. I then cut out the gearing from the cast piece which will be attached to the new base.
The kit provides photoetch rings to mount around the tubes. Looking at the detail photos I decided to take a stab ad adding the bands around the photoetch rings so that they look like the prototype. I'm very pleased with how these have come out on my first tube and I'm going to replicate them again.
Now I'm working on the training gear which is discussed in another thread but I'll be covering that here on some future posts.
David Waples |
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TED WALTHER
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Posted on: Dec 26, 2011 - 8:25pm
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David;
It looks great, make sure to send Mr. Iles some photos!!! He would love to see them.
Take care,
TED
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Dec 26, 2011 - 10:06pm
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This is another fine boat that is going to look awesome in my Exhibit. Great job David, looking forward to many more building shots and progress..................
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 8:46am
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Not this one Frank. It will remain in my collection. :-)
Dave
David Waples |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 8:48am
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I know Dave, you know me, I try to get every boat I can, lol. Can't wait for more photos.
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Drew Cook
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 10:45am
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Very nice, Dave.
Can't wait to see your finished model, although its great to watch your progress through the build photos. Keep them coming!.
Didn't know the SO radars were available or in use on the 105 so soon after the 109 incident, or that the 105's stern smoke generator's nozzle was to starboard (most PT's generators were fixed with the nozzles to port).
-- Drew
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 11:21am
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Hi Drew,
When I exchanged information with Mr. Keresey he confirmed that he had the SO radar while skipper of the boat. I didn't ask him when it was installed but from what I've read these radar units were being installed at the time of the Battle of Blackett Straight.
The smoke generator isn't secured at this point. It's just sitting there. In fact I intend to removed the molded straps and add some of my own with correct hardware. Currently nothing is attached except the mounts for the torpedo tubes. So I can still fix most things at this point. :-)
The only conflict I had between Mr. Iles and Mr. Keresey was the armament on the foredeck. Mr. Keresey recalls a .50 cal mounted to a pipe. Mr. Iles thought it was a 37mm but also remembers a .50 cal up there too. Both may be right. It was common for .50 cal to be mounted on the fore deck and I have a end of war picture of the 105 that shows a 37mm there. In my 105 photos it also shows .50 cal's mounted on the sides of the boat between the torpedoes which by now are roll off types. This boat will have the .50 cal on the foredeck.
Dave
David Waples |
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TED WALTHER
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 11:43am
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The Smoke generator position might have been reversed after Meachin hit it with the fire axe during exfilll of the daylight raid.on Elliot Cove, Kolombangara 22 August 1943. I am fairly certain 105 recieved radar between this date and 1 Nov 1943.I will look in the book later.
Take care,
TED
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alross2
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 11:51am
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Dave,
Plz send me your email address. I have something to send you that you might find useful.
Al
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 27, 2011 - 4:19pm
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David;
On page 164 of "PT 105", Iles has radar on the 105 and Kersey is on detatched duty with 1st Marine Para and their off Empress Augusta Baythis was late September-early October 1943. On page 159, Dick Kersey writes "Yes we had all been equipted with Radar for a couple of months", but I am inclined to think he meant PT's as a whole in the Solomon's not PT 105, but then he discribes the radar set on PT 105, so Late August-early September, before Keresy was temporarily detached from RON 5 and sent with the Para Marines.
Hope this helps,
TED
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