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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: REVELL'S REISSUED HIGGIN'S PT 212
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Hello everyone-

Yesterday, Feb.14th at the University of North Florida I attended a local IPMS (Internation Plastic Modelers Society) model contest sponsored by a local chapter of the IPMS in Orange Park/ Jacksonville Florida. I entered a portion of my Tulagi diorama and walked off with "PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD" for my Tulagi sickbay addition. I was overwhelmed, to say the least! I also took a second and third in Nautical Sailing Vessels!

There were quite a number of vendors present and I found a re-issued Revell PT-212 Higgin's model. When I opened the box I was greatly disappointed with what was inside. I was hoping that Revell would do an update on this model when it was re-issued in 2008.

As it turns out this model was first produced in 1960 as the underside of the top deck still has the original engraving on it. I was very disappointed to find that many of the deck pieces are molded into the one piece deck, The armament looks very wrong as do the torpedo rack and the torpedoes themselves. The torpedoes in the kit are are the worst examples and excuses I have ever seen. I'm looking at a lot of rework on this model to bring it up to snuff!

Here's my question for all my fellow modeler's out there! Just how accurate is this here model of Revell's Higgin's PT boat. I plan on using it on my local model club's pet project of Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians! I need to hear from all of you who have ever built this model and what changes you have made and up grades to the model. I am aware of White Ensign's fittings and I am looking at them in the long run.

And most importantly here, is this model 1/72nd scale??? There is no indication of the scale of this model anywhere on the box or on the plans.
I need a good deck plan for the Higgins in the Aleutians. Can anyone help me out?

I'd be really grateful!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 15, 2009 - 11:26am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Frank;
That model is something like 1/96th scale, some articles call it 1/87th scale, another cals it 1/100th. I believe it is close to 1/96th. it also resembles 450 series boats, not 200 series. The only way this model will look like anything is by extensive modification, and if you put two or three of them in a diorama. In true 1950's model fashion, I don't think there is another model out there to go with it, except the USS Constitution model. Hey there is a unusual idea! 450 series PT's in Boston waterfront diorama.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 15, 2009 - 1:43pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

The hull shape is wrong, the deck is wrong, the superstructure is wrong, and the weapons fit is wrong. The scale is 1/104. Aside from that.... :-}

Al Ross

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Feb 15, 2009 - 2:07pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

Thank you Mr. Walters and Mr. Ross-

Yep, I was afraid to hear that. The more I look at that model the more I am disgusted with Revell.

Thank you Al for the heads up on the proper scale of this thing- that's what it is a THING!!

Ted, I have built several models of Revell's Constitution and I agree with you that there are way too many mistakes to even begin here. So with that I won't even start. And throw away those so called DETAILED rigging plans for the Constitution- they are all backwards!

There are several other Revell models that I built that come to mind! How about the the hulls from the Cutty Sark and Thermopolae and then the gaul to mold the same hull in white and call it a Portugese cadet training ship. Where does it end???

They did the same thing with the CSS Alabama and the USS Kearsage hulls!

But the "BEST OF THE WORSE" is the Monogram USS United States frigate model. It's actually the USS Constitution with a small difference! An inclosed decal that reads USS UNITED STATES that goes on the stand. The Monogram kits are both the exact same kit in different boxes!!! I don't know how they get away with this stuff!

Thanks for letting me vent my steam valve guys!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 15, 2009 - 6:27pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Congratulations Frank, impressive win for an impressive display! I can't remember ever seeing a diorama the scale yours is and the Peoples Choice Award says how well it's done. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in the Smithsonian one day.

Revell's website "new releases" page looks to be mostly old stuff. I wonder how many Wolfman dioramas they still sell. I did get a kick out of seeing some of their old kits like the Tijauna Taxi though. Ir brought memories of Rat Fink to mind.

Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 2:56am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am

Yes Frank, Congratulations ......

Yes, the Revell Higgins is ALL wrong and all that, but what we all need to remember what era and when the kit was first produced. Back then, plastic models were meant to be no better than toys.

I've had Alex Johnson build that kit for me, back in 2000 - sure - like Dr. Ross has said, everything about that kit is wrong and inaccurate. But, in the hands of a skilled modeler, it can be made into a 'respectable' facsimile of a Higgins ... certainly nothing that'd win BEST IN SHOW - but I'm proud to have it on my shelf ... that is UNTIL someone makes a better kit of a Higgins ...

Alex is currently redoing the model using 1:96 fittings and his own Photo-Etched stuff ... and I'm sure that it will look a lot better than one built straight from the box.

Yes, it is an awful kit .......... but remember its age and inception date ..........

Garth

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 8:23am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Ahoy there Jeff and Garth-

Many thanks again for the kind words regarding my Tulagi diorama- my baby! I'll still be tweaking it out for next year's show when I'll be up against the Ace of Ace's /Best of the Best models.

Right now I don't know if I should keep this Higgin's model in my inventory or ruturn it or just try to hash it out! Taking into account all that IS WRONG with the Revell Higgin's kit, there still may be hope at the end of the tunnel- or is that an oncoming freighttrain??

Thank to everyone who responded to my posting! You guys are the absolute best and so is this here message board and all who keep it going!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 8:47am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Try it. Who knows? Maybe you could turn it into an award winner ...

Just try it.

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 11:41am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Garth-

Thanks for the shot in the arm concerning the Revell Higgin's PT-212!
I needed that! Yeah, I will give 'er a shot like you said and see what happens!
Thanks for the encouragement!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 11:47am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Shalom Frank.

Back in the day when these kits were being designed the draftsmen and the engineers drank wine throughout the day. These are the models that wwere designed just before closing time. ;<) VBG

If you were able to correct the myriad faults in the 1/32 scale Lindberg PT boat models then a little bitty thing like this Higgins should be a piece of cake. I bought one of those a year or two ago. The figures in it are closer to 1/72 than they are to the box scale of that kit. Mine is still sitting in the stash of "To Do Later" models.

Cheers from Peter

"Give me a faster PT boat for I'd like to get out of harm's way!"

Posted By: PeterTareBuilder | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 12:32pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm

I have many of the older Kits in my Exhibit, and I must say that pretty much all of them are not very good in the way of detail or accuracy. However, they do represent that time frame in what was available for those building models. Taking a kit and changing it to represent a better looking model is ok, but my way of thinking is: Build it like it was intended to be. Straight from the box. I had my good friend Stan Pienkowski build me my Varney PT Boat (1944) sraight from the box, and I am glad that he did. It represents what was out there for the times. I now have a Historically correct model.

My two cents here Frank- Build two fo them. One striaght from the box, the other with updated fittings for a more realistic boat. Of course, my Exhibit continues to have Museum quality boats represented, but showing folks a Historically correct model for a certain time frame is just as important............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 2:23pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Frank R.,

Here are the hull lines for the 78' Higgins and a plan/profile of about what the RON 13 boats in the Aleutians would have looked like, less the radar mast.

[url]http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/alross2/hig_0001.jpg[/url]

[url]http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/alross2/hig_0001.jpg[/url]

Al Ross

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 2:30pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

Hi Pete, Frank A. and Mr. Ross-

There is nothing in the world better for getting a "slouch of the couch" than some good encouragement!

Pete, I agree that the Lindberg 1/32 scale PT needed help when it first came out as well. But when it came out everybody jumped on that model because there was nothing like it around anywhere and Lindberg knew that very well and rolled with it. Heck, it's no wonder that the kit was re-issued three times over the past 20 + years. Italerie must have finally picked up the scent and said ,"Hey, let's do what Lindberg did, only better!" The Italerie kit runs rings around the Lindberg kit for sure and some day soon I'm going to re-do my 169 using the Italerie kit. Maybe, just maybe they will go with the flow and produce a Higgin's in 1/35 th scale!! Man, I'd love to see that happen!!

No matter what kit is is out there, some body will find a flaw with it! I just wish that ALL model manufactures would get together and made some sense of the scale of the model kits being produced. I don't know what these guys are thinking sometimes! I think they do it just ti tee off us modeler's! Like Al Ross stated the scale on the Revell is 1/104 th scale!!! What the heck is up with that!!

Frank, I think you NAILED the situation right on the ol' button, my friend! You said to build the Revell Higgin's PT212 straight out of the box to represent it as a '60's model and give it the respect of that era and leave well enough alone but then get a second kit and kick it up, as per Emeril, "NOTCHES UNKNOWN!" Now that sounds like a plan!

Mr. Ross- Al , do you by chance have a top deck plan for the Higgins in that time frame that you can post here? I'd be forever grateful!

Thanks guys, for the help and once again the encouragement!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 5:12pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Shalom again Frank.

Those weird scales like 1/104 were what were called box scales. The kits were designed to fit in the same size box as other kits. I was disappointed when I saw the contents of the Revell Higgins kit but at least it wasn't $100.00 or more.

One thing you have to admit about that kit that Revell did get right -- the crew are larger than life figures. ;<) VBG

I may build mine as something other than a PT boat. Perhaps I'll use the hull to build a small outboard motor boat in 1/35 scale?

Cheers from Peter

"Give me a faster PT boat for I'd like to get out of harm's way!"

Posted By: PeterTareBuilder | Posted on: Feb 16, 2009 - 5:50pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm

Frank,

No problem, .............

The only reason I suggested doing that is because I have a pet peave ...

I see on different sites and at different hobby shops modelers complaining about this kit and that kit and how inaccurate they are and all that ...

I have had a Varney kit built up and it looks pretty darn good, I've had a Lindberg kit rebuilt and I can't believe it's a Lindberg. Alex Johnson built (and is currently redoing) the Revell Higgins kit ... and in its first incarnation from Alex - it looked better than an OOB build of that kit and I'm sure it'll look even better this timed 'round ...

I just think modelers should build the models to the best of their abilities and be happy with the models. If you are a really skilled modeler then, you'll end up with a good model. Not only that, you'd use your skills and imagination to improve a model. THAT is what modeling all about guys, I think a lot of modelers have been 'spoiled' by the 'shake and bake' type of models - and like Navy pilots before TOP GUN - lost some of their 'dogfighting' skills .........

Garth

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 1:49pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Frank -
I'm not at all surprised your Tulagi diagrama won, Peoples Choice. It's a real pleasure to view this - even if that viewing is just from photographs.

After what has been mentioned here regarding the Revell kit of PT 212 I will now resist buying this kit. I had a thought that perhaps the kit comprised mainly molded detail and that is, straight out of the box, a little too basic or toy like for me to use and display with any satisfaction.

Many modelers use something like this kit as a base from which to build a more realistic model. However, with all this kit's stated faults it may serve a more useful purpose as perhaps some kind of background model or even go ahead and model it as a boat that has arrived back to base from a very hard night patrol and sustained some serious damage - just a thought and it's a great exercise for the imagination

My understanding is that this kit is 1/96, but I am not surprised if it scales out to something else. The kit is not expensive, and could be used effectively in some other role than just for out of the box display.

Bruce

Posted By: citylimits | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 2:45pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

To All;
I built my 1/72nd scale PT 308 model from scratch. and this is the way to go, if you are building a Higgins, in any scale, it is also the cheapest way to go. I am also intending on building three maybe four 1/32nd scale Higgins PT's. One in balsa(the master), two or three in fibreglass. You may spend more time creating your model, but you won't spend more $$$$, especially if your major building medium is Balsa/basswood. Casting parts and figures if you are experiance is also a good answer to saving money.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 3:02pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Ted,

Hi. I'd like to see photos of your Higgins models. You know my email address sir.

Garth

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 3:25pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

To all my friends who replied to the main posting about the Revell PT 212-

Boy, it's very surprising to see that this posting about this darn kit has turned into a "HOT TOPIC" !

As Al Ross has stated here about the Revell' Higgin's model of PT-212, the scale is that of 1/104. That's tooooo close to call to 1/96 scale or typically 1/8 " = 1 foot scale for you non modelers out there. I'm beginning to see a ray of sunshine here with the kit after all.

Ted, I whole hearted ly agree with my friend Garth, SHOW ME THE MODEL!!! And I also agree that scratch building a Higgins would be the best route to go. Al Ross has supplied the hull lines here with this posting and any modeler worth his or her salt can turn out a good representation of the Higgins!

The fact remains that I'm not here to blast Revell models! I have been building Revell models for at least 50 years of my life and dog done it, some of the best models I have built have been Revell's. It's just every once in a while they come out with a true stinker! The Higgin's kit as I stated is a re-issue from 1960. As Garth and Frank Andruss stated those models of the sixties were the product of that era and should be treated with the respect they deserve !Enough said!

Thanks for everyone's input! This is getting very interesting!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 "Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 4:45pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Attention Mr. Al Ross-

Al, could you PLEASE post the plans/profile for the Higgin's RON 13 boats on the Aleutians. You have posted the hull lines X 2.

Thank you kindly!
Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/ Friend RON-10 PT-169 "Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 17, 2009 - 7:29pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Well, duh!.... :-} Sorry about that. The RON13 boats (PT73-84) would have looked essentially like this. If you get Vic Chun's book, he has the Higgins plans for this group included.

[url]http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/alross2/hig_0002.jpg[/url]

Al

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Feb 18, 2009 - 2:47am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

Garth and Frank;
I will take some photos tonight.
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 18, 2009 - 4:56am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Thanks Ted ...

Al, about what point of the war did the earlier Higgins start coming from the factory with a 20mm amidships and a 20mm aft and the four tubes?

Garth

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 18, 2009 - 6:23am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Garth;
I took some photos last night, of my 1/72nd scale Bastia diorama. It has faired well for sitting on a shelf in my garage/man room for 8 years, but in viewing the photos, I noticed specifically the crews of 1/72nd scale PT 552, PT 558, PT 562, and RON 22 PT 308, have been negelecting thier PMS schedules. I have had to put in some jobs in the 3M system for some minor repairs. If I get home early tonight, I will square my crews away, and make sure they get everything ship shape and get the boats back up to FMC status. Nothing major, but as a self respecting modeler, I must say I need to fix a few things before posting it here. Modelers pride and ego you know!
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 5:17am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Whenever you can Ted............

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 7:58am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

I look forward to seeing your work on the message board. When I have time, I need to take some photos of my FEMU Diorama. Need to take off the case because it flashed too much in the photos...........

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 9:17am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Hey Frank A.-

I have been waiting a long time to see your pictures of the FEMU unit. PLEASE, do take as many as you can from as many angles as you can so that we modelers here on the board can grasp the full impact of the diorama.

Oh yeah, Ted- Ditto what I just told Frank A. regarding the 1/72 nd scale Higgins diorama as well.

Waitng with baited breath to see this stuff!

Thanks guys!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " Zebra SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 9:48am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Hey Frank!
I built this kit last year and tried to "doctor it up" I modified the radar mast to add an SOA Radar Dome and mast tripod also added a solid windscreen to the top of the charthouse and cut off the 2 gunners from the 20mm cannons and tried to leave a better looking gun. Then I painted it as close as I could to the camoflage measure (31-20 I think)listed on the White Ensign Website, (or maybe it was Al Ross website?) I cant remember. Anyway here is a photo of it. It is not a very good model, but it is as close as I could get it. The quality of the kit as has been said before, is pretty bad. I was just desperate to have a model of a 78 foot Higgins so this was my only kit available. Jerry
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT658/DSC_0002.jpg[/image]

Jerry Gilmartin

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 11:37am
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm

Nice Job Jerry. I love seeing the old kits that were available on the market. Why do you need a model, YOU HAVE THE REAL THING...................HA HA

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 1:22pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Hey Jerry-

Thanks for putting up the shot of your model! She looks good!

After all ship models I have built or have attempted to build over a span of 35 years I have learned a very valuable lesson-
"Don't nick pick or judge another modeler's model least you yourself be nick-picked and likely judged!"

Every single modeler out there and here on this board will agree with me that there is a critical point where said model will throw his hands in the air and say, "I CAN'T DO THAT!" While another modeler will throw his hands and the air and say, "SUCCESS AT LAST!"

Success comes with time and practice and a hell of a lot of research! I have learned to never even attempt to tackle a model until I have all the neccessary research I could find and still be a nervous nilly when I jump head long into a project.

I have been asked many times when people say ,"How long did that model take to build?" I just smile and say, "Not long enough!"

I recall when I was then president of the Jacksonville Ship Modeler's Society (JSMS) and whe had planned to put on a model show at a local mall for Father's Day weekend.
I was putting the finishing touches on a square rigger and one of our older modelers was looking over my shoulder. "There! She's finally finished", I said. The older modeler said to me straight in the eye, " Is it REALLY finished???" I was puzzled by his answer as he went on to say that at sometime in your life after you THINK that model is finished, you are going to see the real prototype in a book, a magazine article, in a movie or somewhere and slap your hand to your forehead and say< OH MY GOD!! LOOK AT ALL THAT DETAIL ON THAT SHIP THAT I FORGOT TO PUT ON MY MODEL!"

So what I'm really saying here is that in essence a model IS NEVER FINISHED! You'll always find something to add to it over time!

Thanks guys for letting me share these memories and thoughts on the subject!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 19, 2009 - 1:36pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Hi gang . . .

I though I would add my two and half cents.

Until seeing Jerry's photo of the Higgins model in discussion, I wasn't aware how simplistic the model really was. I must say accuracy or refinement clearly wasnt the goal of the model designers. It reminds me of Franks Cartoon covers, where the artist really wasnt sure exactly how the boat looked, other then seeing some eight generation photo copy of a newspaper article. Even as bad as this 212 model is we have to consider the availability and cost of technology back 40 years ago when the models such as this and the 109 were first molded. Whereas the technology and refined plastic compounds and injection systems used by Italeri today. Also, probably more importantly is the $15.00 vs $150.00 price tags. Lets not forget that comparisons are really the issue a toy verses a model.

I think Revel has always been lose and fast with numbers and that is clear with the choice of PT-212. It reminds me of a model a neighbor made a few years ago. He called me over to show me a PT boat model that wasnt PT-109 it was Revels PT-117. As he tore away the cellophane, removed the box lid, and began taking out parts, I saw a piece of the boat stand on he bottom of the box and molded in the plastic stand cross piece was the number PT-109 but, but, but, they included the proper size PT-117 decal that would completely cover the PT-109 molded letters now thats a scam.

Back to the 212, Al Ross had given a link to a drawing that showed the typical configuration for PT Series 71-94, 197-254, and 265-313. After a quick look you will notice the Chart House & Bridge configuration does not match the model. The model is actually configured as the Class PT 450-485 with the extended bridge area with short canted sidewalls between the chart house structure and the gun tubs. Whereas the actual 212s gun tubs directly contact the chart house structure. See image below:

Dick . . . .

[image]http://www.gdinc.com/hig-01.jpg[/image]

Posted By: Dick | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 12:45am
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined: Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm

Yeah, kind of like having Revell of Germany's British MTB featuring McHale, Parker, Binghamton, and Gruber as crew members.

Wayne Traxel

Posted By: Wayne Traxel | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 6:18am
Total Posts: 248 | Joined: Oct 11, 2006 - 5:40am

I have one of these kits which I put together and camouflage painted similiar to my memory of the 242. I have it displayed in my office. I recognize many discrepancies from the model and the boat I rode but my grand kids and other people who view the boat don't know the difference. I am just happy to find a facsimile of a Higgins boat. I am no modeler so for my use it does not have to exact. I just wish some one would make a 1/32 scale model of a Higgins.

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 9:22am
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm

Amen, C.J.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 9:51am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm

Hi Ya Dick-

You are one amazing critter, Dick! I gotta thank you for those fantastic drawings of the Higgins 78 footer in the different configs. Beautiful job!

Frank Ryczek,Jr.
Modeler Friend PT-169 RON-10 "ZEBRA SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 2:33pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Frank

FEMU Photos will be coming soon. I just took down the Diorama as it was in storage and hard to reach. I have boxes of PT BOAT artifacts that I had to move (Whew, never knew I had so much stuff). Diorama is on my Kitchen table, with the Wife giving me the evil eye. I will remove the cover and snap some non pro photos. Will post on the board when I get time.............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 20, 2009 - 3:30pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Hello Frank-

I just wanted to say "THANKS" for all the trouble I'm putting you thriugh for just a few shots of the FEMU. I'd like to replicate a FEMU unit in 1/32 nd scale for my Tulagi diorama. I'd like to go the extra step and make it radio controlled.I know that the FEMU unit were propelled by what a 6 horse propullsion system of sorts? I just what this thing to creap along! I think it would look neat on the old model pond!

I just want to say here and now that I really appriciate all the help and responses I have gotten from the message board regarding this posting and all those in the past. Frank you are doing fantastic service by putting up this board and everyone here who has responded to the postings as well.

I'm going to be "out of pocket" for about 6 weeks or so folks! Yep, it's time for my other knee total replacement operation on Feb. 24th. I've put it off tooooooo long and it needs to be taken care of. I've had the left done last Jan. of '08 and it was fine for a while but now I've got bursitis in the left knee area now. I can't win for loosing! I get on as soon as I get back from my re-hab! Thanks for everything guys! I'll be thinking about you all!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU "

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Feb 21, 2009 - 7:47am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Frank

Just a correction in one of your sentances. I do not put up the Board. This is done by Dick Washicheck who should be thanked much more then he is. I only put things on the Board that I think might interest all of us PT BOAT nuts. Thanks for the kind words Frank. Your doing a FEMU in 1/32 scale will be pretty large. I hope you have a spot for it (ha, ha).

I have taken the pictures and will put them up when I get some free time. Hope your knees will get better. I know that I need both done as well and keep putting it off because I am too young (52). That's what I get for playing College Football. They are full of arthritis and I can't walk too far before I have to get off them. Oh well, back to your project. I hope these photos will help you, but if not I think I have some shots of the FEMU in my collection. Good luck on your new project, and my hats off to you on your new award at the show. Hard work does pay off............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 21, 2009 - 8:34am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

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MicroGlass (www.microglass.net) makes a nice 1/32 scale fiberglass Higgins hull. Our friend Wayne Traxel makes a nice 1/24 scale semi kit of the Higgins, as well.

Al Ross

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Feb 22, 2009 - 1:22pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

Yes, but Al m'friend?

We NEED a good 1:72 scale one, right?

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 22, 2009 - 1:52pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

Hi

I make a Higgins 78ft PT Boat GRP hull with cambered deck in 1/72nd scale. This hull in 1/35th scale is on my to-do-next list (the idea is to match the scales Revell and Italeri used for their Elco models). I have prepared 5 1/72nd scale PT Boat hulls with decks fitted for Mr Ross, consisting of the Elco 70ft, 77ft and 80ft, the Higgins 78ft and the Huckins 78ft boats. Hopefully he will receive these soon and post his verdict.

Regards, Christian.

Posted By: cdsc123 | Posted on: Sep 11, 2013 - 12:23pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

I should add before someone points out the obvious, the reason I'm doing a 1/72nd Elco is because the Revell model is too short.

Posted By: cdsc123 | Posted on: Sep 11, 2013 - 12:28pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

I will add pictures at the bottom of this page soon;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25721684@N00/sets/72157632269542118/

Posted By: cdsc123 | Posted on: Sep 11, 2013 - 12:29pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

The Revell Elco 80 measures 33.4cm (13.15") but by my calculations it should be 33.9cm (13.33"),

Posted By: cdsc123 | Posted on: Sep 11, 2013 - 12:29pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered