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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Elco PT Cradle - Does anyone know what color it was painted?
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Greetings I'm completing a scratch built Elco cradle for my 1/72 PT-109. By chance does anyone know what color these were painted?
Thank you
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 14, 2008 - 8:02pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Dave

As you may or may not know I am just starting an Elco project that will include the Elco Crane, putting in PT 105 into the water. Might you shot me some shots of your Cradle, that I can pass along to my builder. You can reach me at mosquitofleet@comcast.net I have given him the blueprint of the cradle, but the more photo's he has the better for him.....



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 14, 2008 - 8:40pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Sure thing. I'm trying to work out the hull supports now. The blueprints that I have don't show these. I'm also having trouble figuring out how the wood beams were held in place.

I think you have this already but Pat did an excellent job with his cradle. Here's a link to his site just in case...

http://www.geocities.com/patspt41/

Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 14, 2008 - 9:07pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Your correct Dave, the cross supports are not on the Blue prints. I had some photos that show them, and of course Pats Page helped out as well, although it does not show the 4 stabilizers Fore and Aft, used on the 80 Footers. I will take any pictures you want to share. I found out last night that the Cradles were Navy Gray and OD Green, so you have a choice. I had also thought that the Elco Crane was Yellow during the War, but found out last week that it was painted yellow in 1983. Prior to that, it was OD GREEN.

That was sure important news to me, considering we are building the Crane. Must be somewhat Historically correct.



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 15, 2008 - 4:44am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Stabilizers? I'm not sure if I'm familiar. Can you describe for me? I also dropped Pat a message for some guidance. I know the cradle was a little different for the 80 than the 70.

I found the photo of the 109 on board the Joseph Stanton that has the detail of the cradle in the foreground. That shows me how the supports were built on the elevated portion but not in the center. It looks like the elevated I beam supports just rested across the upright supports supported by a bolt and the wood beams just laid on top of those I beams.


Thanks
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 15, 2008 - 5:24am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Dave

If you send me your E Mail address I will send you a photo of one of the boats being lowered into the basin that shows the stabalizers ( this is what I call them) they were meant to keep the boat from pictching or rolling off the cradle.



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 15, 2008 - 6:37am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



It looks like every 4th boat had a wheeled cradle according to the build spec manual:

1 Regular steel shipping cradle per boat, complete with chocks and boat-locating arms. In addition, there shall be supplied one out of every four cradles equipped with rubber-tired wheels and steering linkage.

Although updated for PT 565-624, I didn't see any notes stating a change since the manual was written so the wheels may be a useful option.

American PT Boats In WWII has plan photos of a wheeled cradle and the text states it was valid for the 103 and on.

Good job researching the colors Frank.




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Dec 15, 2008 - 9:50pm
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Jeff,
Thanks for pointing that out to me. I'll bet I've looked past that page a dozen times. It has good reference for the wheels and the stabilizers Frank is referring to. The detail isn't great but it looks like the stabilizers bolt into the sides of the I beam portion of the hull support. It looks like pretty simple construction. I wonder if they stay at the factory and never makes it to the field?

Mine will be made without the wheels and stabilizers. Frank this is awesome for your crane display.

Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 16, 2008 - 5:35am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



You guys are great. When you get done with all the hard work, please send me the info I will need to build one. ... and info on the crane if you have it. Much thanks, Mark

mark.culp@dcma.mil there is a dot between the mark and culp. Thanks PS Pat is a great builder.



Posted By: Mark Culp | Posted on: Dec 18, 2008 - 4:46pm
Total Posts: 135 | Joined: Oct 15, 2006 - 2:56pm



Another thing I picked up on today was that these stabilizers appear on the cradle holding the 109 when transported. I hadn't seen that detail before. They are at least on the bow section. Also picked up from Pat's drawing and the blueprint (not on my blueprint) from Chun's book is that there is a narrow support section on the cradle forward of the chart house.

Tonight I also realized that I'm going to need "H" columns and not "I" beams for the hull supports. Back to the hobby shop I go tomorrow.

What have I got myself into!




David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Dec 18, 2008 - 9:19pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm