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Topic: 1/72 PT-109 redo |
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 16, 2014 - 4:24pm
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I learned a chemistry lesson about lead and how to create an acidic atmosphere causing lead to corrode. That has given me the motivation to correct my 109 model based on new information I've learned about these boats. Here's what we're doing...
1. Removing the old ignition wiring from the torpedo tubes and replacing them with copper. At least that's the plan right now.
2. Relocating the depth charge racks to the correct location.
3. Adding the armor plate to the front of the cockpit.
4. Removing the photo etch windscreen frame and replacing it with Archer rivet decal strips.
5. Fixing the toe rail.
6. Changing all but the the forward facing windows to black to match the photos I've seen of the interior shade system.
7. Do something more convincing with the ropes securing the 37mm.
Then I'm going to pray I get the color right!
Dave
David Waples |
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 16, 2014 - 4:57pm
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Go for it!
Will |
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David Buck
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 16, 2014 - 9:17pm
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Going to add the Palm Logs Dave?
D.buck |
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 16, 2014 - 10:02pm
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Quote:
Going to add the Palm Logs Dave?
D.buck
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Hi Dave,
No. This is one of those situations where we'll never know the right answer. In Donovan's book they were very specific about planks, how they were secured, and no wheels. That the planks were secured to the boat but who knows how. Barney Ross refers to the carpenters working on securing it to the deck so that it doesn't roll around and said the wheels were still on. He also refers to taking a "piece of wood" that the carpenters were using to swim to the island. Harris is the only one that refers to coconut logs.
There's just not enough to go on and the truth is lost to time. My version of the truth will be with the wheels off and no coconut logs. I think it's just as acceptable to honor any of these versions though. What would have been fun to do is get a 1/72 LCVP, crane, and do a water scene with the gun being transferred to the deck. I'll leave that idea to somebody else. It would make a great diorama though.
Dave
David Waples |
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David Buck
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 17, 2014 - 10:54pm
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Hi Dave,
OK my last was a little bit of a tongue in cheek bit of fun and I understand what you put forward as the way you wish to depict the 109. More power to you as each of us has his/her own idea as to what we see with the subjects of history being very hard to portray without either being there or some very accurate report covering every aspect at that time.
However as you have the Book from N.Hamilton try page 554 paragraph 3 starting with, This was no--
And also page 556 after, Barney Ross recalls,
Looking at it from a different angle one of the things that has to be taken into consideration is that the 37mm that was placed on the 109 was an antitank model not an automatic version that became standard on the boats over time, I do not know what the recoil forces on the 37mm was like however it was designed so that a fair proportion of the carriage recoil was transferred to the spades on the trail arms ( not to be confused with the recoil buffer that slowed, stopped then returned the barrel to battery) to be absorbed by digging the spades into the ground. Having been a member of an artillery unit in this country I have experienced first hand what that recoil can do, one 105 howitzer firing full charge with its spades dug into the ground hard up against a very large rock made such an impact on the rock that after a couple of dozen rounds we could fill sand bags with what used to be a rock!
Imagine that on a PT Boats deck, while the 37mm may not be as powerful it would still need to be contained.
But again it's only my two cents worth we will all build the 109 and other boats and other models and as long as we are happy with the result then what we say here, as far as I am concerned helps me to delve into a little bit of history( and sometimes add to the confusion as well as drive the wife nuts) with like minded people!
Ta Dave,
D.buck |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Nov 18, 2014 - 11:38am
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Dave, I'll send you my JROTC handbook so you can get the knots to Jerry's satisfaction.
What would have been fun to do is get a 1/72 LCVP, crane, and do a water scene with the gun being transferred to the deck.
That would eliminate some potential disagreement!
I don't think the lashed mounting was meant to be fired David B, it was temporary until the engineers mounted it.
Bummer about the lead, but I can't wait to see your finished rework. Is there a way to ventilate the case and still have it dust free?
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 18, 2014 - 1:35pm
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Jeff;
You are correct it was a temporarily secured to the deck, probably so another boat crew would not be able to " liberate" it for their own boat, while they were gone on patrol.
Take care,
TED
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 18, 2014 - 2:25pm
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IF it had the wheels still mounted, maybe planks to secure it and a log/logs as sort of wheel chocks.
....or not...
Will |
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined:
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 18, 2014 - 9:31pm
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With the lead gone it won't be an issue anymore. However the report recommended drilling small holes to allow outside air to flow through. I don't think dust will be an issue. I could put small amounts of cotton balls in the holes to act as filters.
I have to tell you I'm half tempted to remove the 37mm. I suspect I'll leave it. It's certainly a point of discussion and controversial as art often is. If I can get away with calling this art.
Dave
David Waples |
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 19, 2014 - 2:43am
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Great idea about drilling the holes David! I like the way your version looks with the 37mm mounted on there with the planks. I think you should keep it on there!
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR |
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