PT Boat Forum


Moderated by: Dick, Jeff D

The PT Boat Forum ª PT Boats of WWII ª  PT Boats - General

Next Page » | Page: 1 of 2

« Back to Topic Index Page 36 | Replies: 14 | Pages: [1] 2

 Author  Topic: Huckins 1/72 and 1/35 Models
Andy Small

MASTER
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Andy Small  Posted on: Dec 10, 2014 - 9:11am
All,

Here's a status on my Huckins PT Boat kit project. I started with the 1/72 version and am also working on an R/C capable 1/35 scale version and have posted a few photos showing the slow progress (darn that real job). Taking full advantage of the boxy design, these kits will be laser cut (laserboard and plywood).

Biggest challenge was in determining the actual layout and making the boat drawings. The Huckins drawings from Jacksonville were helpful, but almost all were early drawings and not of the actual production boats. Fortunately the awesome photo collection at Memphis and Battleship Cove, coupled with the National Archives material (a thousand thanks to Chip Marshall) allowed me to gather all the needed material. I couldn't believe how many variations these 18 boats went through, but my favorite is the early 1944 Ron 26 version. These all had been fitted out with SO Radars before they left Florida and had the port bow mounted 20mm, four Mk13 torps, three depth charges, aft 40mm, and for about a month, either a bow mounted single 50 cal, or twin 30 cal (aircraft). Boat color was gray with white block numbers.

The plan is to rely on donor kits for most of the boat weapons. I'm working on an SO radar for the 1/72 scale to fill that void. Deck hatches will all be cut out and can be detailed open (or closed). I will also provide a sep detail kit for the engine compartment complete with bulkheads, vents, exhaust, supports, and 3 cast Packard engines (both scales) by my friends at Crow River.

The below photos show the early work (the superstructure and gun tubs are just sitting on the deck). The deck framing was a fun project and gives the boat the deck shear and camber. The engine compartment, and in the 1/35 scale the fuel tank compartment, can be accessed. The GRP hulls are by Christian Sheppard-Capurro and are beautiful works of art.

I don't have any estimate on when these will be ready as kits, but will continue to squeeze in the work when I can and provide updates on this thread. The first 1/35 scale build is destined for the PT Boat Museum and I've promised the first kit to Frank. Huckins Yachts will receive one of my 1/72 builds as a thanks for all their support on my book project.

Happy Holidays!

Cheers,
Andy

photo
photo
photo


Total Posts: 259 | Joined: Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP Logged

Will Day

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Will Day   Send Email To Will Day Posted on: Dec 10, 2014 - 9:37am
Lookin' good!

Will

Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm | IP Logged

Frank Andruss

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Frank Andruss   Send Email To Frank Andruss Posted on: Dec 10, 2014 - 10:42am
This is going to be wonderful and a much needed addition to those of us that love the PT BOATS. Although Huckins only built 18 boats, they are still a part of history and thanks to Andy, they will one day be available to build. In 1/35 scale this is going to be an impressive boat.


Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am | IP Logged

cdsc123

New Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Dec 10, 2014 - 3:19pm
Just.............Wow!


Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered | IP Logged

Michael Vorrasi

Advanced Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Michael Vorrasi  Posted on: Dec 11, 2014 - 11:02am
Hi Andy, nice work! Are you going to release kits of these? Also, are those 50 cal. tubs made of the brass ends of shotgun shells? I think I see a drilled out primer pocket in the bottom of them!

Mike

Total Posts: 72 | Joined: Jul 1, 2013 - 11:46am | IP Logged

Andy Small

MASTER
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Andy Small  Posted on: Dec 11, 2014 - 1:59pm
Hi Mike,

These will be kits and the tubes are from cut 19/32 brass tubing. I also have a small company called Train Troll http://www.traintroll.com, and make mostly waterline craft for HO and O scale train layouts. Right now I'm in the process of trying to complete the instructions for my HO scale towboat release.

The Huckins kits are the first in a new line of kits I hope to release under Naval Classics.com. I've also been puttering around with a Revell Elco decking update, but trying to splice my deck in with the Revell injection molded pieces has just not worked to my liking. Below is a photo of the decking.

photo


Total Posts: 259 | Joined: Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP Logged

  TED WALTHER

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of TED WALTHER   Send Email To TED WALTHER Posted on: Dec 11, 2014 - 5:56pm
Andy;
What a nice looking model, as Frank said it will be a nice addition.
While in Hawaii this week I saw a hand full of possible ¨survivors¨¨ at the Waikiki yatch basin/marina, however, I was driving with the family and could not stop to investigate them, other priorities you know:0)
I know most of RON 26 and at least two RON 1 77´ ELCO boats were sold off in Hawaii after the war, I wonder how many survive today. RON 26 CO, Lester Gamble remained in Hawaii after the war and became a successful businessman, he would probably been the best local source for info on this subject.
Take care,
TED


Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am | IP Logged

Andy Small

MASTER
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Andy Small  Posted on: Dec 12, 2014 - 10:31am
Puttered a bit more. first photo shows the deck framing for the 1/35 scale and the other shows the 1/72 spray shield. A bit of a chore to create the shield in 1/72 scale (reason I normally model in 1/48 scale). Pat's 3D printing would make short work of this

Cheers,
Andy

photo
photo


Total Posts: 259 | Joined: Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP Logged

ROSS FISHER

Advanced Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of ROSS FISHER  Posted on: Dec 13, 2014 - 10:53am
Andy,
Three things I did not ever expect to see:

1) World peace
2) Chicago Cubs in the World Series
3) 1/72 Huckins type Pt boat KIT

Still standing by for #'s 1+2.

Beautiful job, keep up the good work.

ROSS FISHER

ross@dupagels.lib.il.us

Total Posts: 82 | Joined: Jul 23, 2008 - 10:03am | IP Logged

Andy Small

MASTER
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Andy Small  Posted on: Dec 26, 2014 - 5:02am
Puttered some more recently on the 1/72 scale. Added more hull and deck items, as well as positioned (not glued yet) the Revell torpedoes for the Ron 14, PT 98-102 original version. Will need to detail the tubes, tube mounts and training details.

Starting to look like the boat.
- Andy

photo




Total Posts: 259 | Joined: Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP Logged

Next Page »

Pages: [1] 2


Lock Topic

 

Forum Legend

New Member

Reply to topic

More than 25 posts | Full Member

Reply to topic with quoted message

More than 50 posts | Advanced Member

Edit Message

More than 150 posts | MASTER

View profile

More than 300 posts | TOP BOSS

Email member