The PT Boat Forum
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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
PT BOAT FIGURES
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Now that we are working on the PT-374 Diorama project, I have had the chance to visit and find many wonderful sites. Really the most wonderful site I found is BUILD A RAMA. I have never seen so many new and exciting products for diorama's. You must check it out. I ordered three sections of SAND BAGS for our 40mm Gun emplacement. They come already painted. Great place.
In speaking with the owner about the lack of PT BOAT CREWMEN, he told me of a place that really listens to the needs of the modlers out here. He sugested we all give him an E-Mail. The name of the site is FAGARTI.COM (no caps, I just do that for effect). I wrote to him today telling him about the lack of PT BOAT SAILORS for dioramas of the ITALERI BOAT. I sent him several photos of how the guys really looked out there in the South Pacific, and I suggest you do the same. The more people we get to show an interest, the more we might have a chance of someone molding them. I mean can you just picture a full line of real looking PT BOAT CREW with shorts, boondockers, cap and no shirt. That would be so great. Really guys send them a letter, and take the time to visit this diorama site. By the way they do custom work for your needs and have come out with thse new Diorama mats. Just awesome......
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 30, 2009 - 5:03pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Hi there.
If you do send a letter to this manufacturer ask them if you can email them some images showing the crew dress. That is what I did when I first email Masterbox in the Ukraine. Asking before you send any images stops your email from being rejected because of the attachment.
That Masterbox four figure set of the Russian Tankmen At rest is a fantastic source of parts for relaxed PT boat crew figures in the South Pacific. I have really been enjoying converting the two sets of those figures I bought.
Hey! Since we're talking about figures, how close are the shorts on the various Tamiya 8th Army or North Africa British Troops figures to the actual shorts worn by PT boat crewmwn?
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: Nov 2, 2009 - 2:29pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm
Peter,
Check my website in the PT Models section--most of my crewmen are reworked Eighth Army/Afrika Korps soldiers from Airfix.
[url]http://www.pt-king.gdinc.com/PTModels.html[/url]
Cheers,
Gene K.
Posted By: comcardiv1 | Posted on: Nov 4, 2009 - 7:08pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered
Hi there.
Thanks for the link to your site. Your three boats look pretty good. The stem of the hull of your scratch-built PT boat sure looks a lot like the shape of the hull on the Lindberg 1/32 scale PT boat model. I've always thought that the 1/32 scale Lindberg PT-109 kit was a hodge-podge of PT boats and that it had the hull of a 77' Elco, the cabin layouts of an early war PT-103 Class boat and the rear deck of the later war PT-103 Class of boat. It's really interesting to see the jewels that some modelers create out of that kit.
I saw on another newsgroup that Lindberg released a kit of a June 6th, 1944 landing tank craft but put a M-46 or M-47 Patton tank in the well. So I guess things have not changed there in the research department.
I'm glad to see that the shorts of the British North African Campaign troops can be used for US sailors in the South Pacific.
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: Nov 4, 2009 - 8:46pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm
Ahoy there guys-
I have just sent out a package to Frank Andruss containing 16 custon re-worked figures for his new Green Island project. I think they came out realy neat. I am very proud and honored to be a part of Frank's team working on this new project!
I used Tamiya's figure sets- one of US GI's and the other set of a German machine gun crew. It really doesn't matter who's who. It's the figure "under" the uniform that counts.
Most of the figures were re-worked using a Dremel # 400 motor tool with a flex shaft and a diamond impregnated grinding bit. I use the lowest possible setting on the Dremel to carve, shape and sclupt the figure. Some of the figures have rolled up shirt sleeves as well as shorts or rolled up pants. Remember to use the lowest speed and that diamond bit. Those diamond bits are NOT expensive. I purchased a set at Harbor Freight for $5.00 for a set of 20! Using your Dremel at 36,000 rpm will ruin your figure in a matter of seconds and render it into a melted blob. Slow and easy does it-best!
I'm hoping that ol' Frank will post these images of these figures for you guys to see!
As for the total outlay for all 16 figures- $2.84 !! YES, I found these figure sets in a bargin bin at my local Hobby Lobby clearance isle. That sure as heck beats the Italerie set by a landslide! Each set was marked down to $1.42 each to make way for new Christmas stock coming in. You have to be in the right place at the right time, fellas. That with a little sculpting and putty and paint will result in a top notch figure. Sooo, go figure!
Gene your figures are amaging on that PT! Very nice job my man!
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: Nov 8, 2009 - 8:11pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm
Hi Frank.
Do you a foot operated speed control with your Dremel tool? Just about any speed on the hand-held unit will melt styrene plastic if you are not very careful.
I'm jealous Frank. There is no way I could get a set of those diamond cutters up here in the Great White North for the price you got yours.
Are you going to post some images of those figures?
I'm still working on some relaxed crewmen for one of my 1/32 scale Lindberg PT boats but I am using some Masterbox figures too.
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: Nov 8, 2009 - 8:40pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm
Let me first say how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends working on this project. The PT-374 project was brought about by the death of my good friend Wallace McNeish, who served on this boat. After brainstorming a bit, I decided to do a Diorama depicting PT-374 at the dock on Green Island. I first needed some skillfull modelers to help pull this off. I contacted my good friend Stan Pienkowski, who does the majority of my models for the Exhibit and my other good friend Alex Johnson, who built me that wonderful four foot model of PT-41.
Stan was limited with what he could do. Because of prior committments he was doing on a 5 foot Missle Cruiser for a customer and would be busy. As always Alex was willing to take on the project, and I felt very comfortable with his talents. Enter my good friend, Frank Ryczek, who when I told him about the project, jumped onboard without blinking an eye. Frank has been wonderful, making figures,Palm Trees, supplies, and other goodies for the project. In a few days, I will be sending him a Jeep, Torpedo Carrier, and 40MM Gun emplacement to build. By Frank doing this, it certainly will help Alex, who will have his hands full, building and backdating the Italeri boat, not to mention building the Diorma, and placing everything where it needs to go.
Stan has completed a real nice Quonset Hut for the project, which will become the Machine Shope, complete with wooden floor and machinery. We shall have the option to leave the door open or closed. Another fellow. Alfred Lafleche, who is one of the best at painting figures has the docks, rowboat, and machinery tools that he is painting. Knowing his work, these pieces should be incredible.
These guys have gone the extra mile for me, jumping onboard the project and donating time and modeling experince to complete this project. The Diorama should be roughly 24 x36 when completed, and when Alex does make the trip to my home for delivery, the family of Wallace McNesih will be there to see the project first hand. I could never thank these guys enough fo what they are dong for me. All I can say is tha I am so thrilled to have them for my friends, and I know through thier hands, this project will be worthy of being in the Mosquito Fleet Exhibit........
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Nov 9, 2009 - 5:03am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Hey guys-
First and foremost, I want to point of something for everyone on this board.
I want to thank each and everyone who has ever responded to my questions regarding information, images and the like relating to PT boats, modeling in general or just a friendly "hello shout out"!
I usually check and log onto the message board at least once a day just to see who's poking around in here. I have learned soooo much from just sitting at my computer and reading this amazing stuff about the boats, that quite honestly, I just can't get enough of it.
When I first learned about Frank A's Green Island project, being a scale modeler, I thought it would be the up right, straight foward thing to do and volunteer my help for the project. I'm retired, so I have lot's of time on my hands to donate. Besides, with my ever present love of PT's and scale modeling and having built dioramas in the past, it will be a road well traveled for me.
It's a funny thing with me guys, but when I'm working on a modeling project and it's for someone or something that I have a vivid interest in, I go head over heels and dive in head long. So it is with the Green Island project.
Frank A. has been a very dear friend and over the past several months our rellationship and friendship has fluxed into one beautiful thing!
As for what I'm making Frank, well, all I can say is he's going to very happy when he receives the "package" of goodies I custom modeled for him. I won't let the cat out of the bag here-yet! I'll let Frank fill you in.
As for the figures themselves, they have all been "tropicalized" for the South Pacific. I have figures, in prone positions peering over the stern of the boat, lifting ,hauling . mopping and so on! If you guys are stumped by just what position your figures should be modeled in, just go back click on the message board because there is a wealth of information there on the crews and how to position them about the boat, be it an all hands or relaxed as Peter Tare likes to say.
The figures as well as the new palm trees that I made are first rate, at least I hope that they will be. They are detailed right down to the fruit bearing coconuts which are actually corriander seeds which have been painted then placed on the tree.
Pete, as for the Dremel, I do not have a foot petal, but a multi-speed # 400 unit. If you do not own a flex shaft attachment, might I suggest investing in one. The flex shaft will give you more access to tighter places and your hands piece is the size of an pen rather than a bulky tool. You can easily jury-rig a holder to hold you tool so that the shaft can extend downwards. I used to be a Dremel tool demonstrator so I know all about this stuff.You want to use to slowest setting on you Dremel that there is. I have my multi-speed setting at 1.5 and turning at perhaps 2500 rpm. Anything higher than that will heat the plastic and melt it! I think I have your address from before when I sent you the rudder for your Lindberg PT! I'll send you a diamond cutter in the mail, my gift to you, no charge!
Thanks for everything guys! Commander Andruss, advise me of the status of the shipment ASAP!
Smooth sailin' always!
Frank Ryczek, Jr;
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU " BASE TULAGI
HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!
YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!
Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Nov 9, 2009 - 9:09am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm
Hi there again Frank.
Thanks for the diamond cutter.
I *DO* have a flex-shaft for my Dremel tool. As you say, for figure work the flex-shaft is almost a necessity for any fine work. I mount the tool itself horizontally in a plastic holder designed for a regular corded drill. I too use the Dremel on a very low speed setting. I once had a sewing machine foot operated speed control I used with my previous Craftsman Dremmel tool-like machine. That machine burnt out and I replaced it with the Dremel tool but only after I gave away the foot operated speed control. Dremel make one of these and I'm thinking about getting one as it can slow the Dremel tool right down to a crawl and that gives you precise control when cutting. I also use a lot of different blades on my #11 knife as well as fine needle riffle files as I do much of my my figure carving by hand -- I find it very relaxing.
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: Nov 9, 2009 - 11:15am
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm
Hey Pete-
Just want to make sure, you are up in cambridge Canada, correct????
Yes I know exactly of which you talk of the control box that will slow the Dremel down to a crawl. Dremel still has them in stock at the Racine Wisconson plant. You plug the unit in to the wall outlet then plug the Dremel to the unit and dial in you speed from a slugs crawl to full speed.
I'll get that grinder out in a day or two!! Happy to help you out!
Have you any new pictures of the 1/32 build? How's she coming?
HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!
YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!
Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Nov 9, 2009 - 11:46am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm
Hey guys!
I have a very important tip for all you guys and gals out there who are reading this and are currently using a Dremel tool with a flex shaft accessory attachment!
I worked for Dremel for a number of years in the warehouse facility in New Jersey and also as a field demo instructor so I know first hand of what I speak when it comes to Dremel tools and safety first!
NEVER, EVER let the flex shaft kink up on you! A Dremel with a flex shaft should ALWAYS be hung up so that the flex shaft can hang downward and that the inner core can stay lubricated.
The inner core cable should be lubricated every 8 to 10 hours of useage with a flex shaft. NEVER let the shaft over heat! If you have NEVER taken apart your flex shaft attachment to grease it, don't you think you should- like very soon! This special grease can be obtained from Dremel or use a good speedometer grease! If that inner cable on your flex shaft attachment is "BONE DRY" it is in desperate need of grease!!
The inner core of a flex shaft is nothing more than a speedometer cable. When you run your toll a full bore she's spinning at 36,000 RPM.
Never ,EVER have your Dremel tool running with a flex shaft in a prone position. That's the sure fire way to get it kinked. When that inner cable snaps, and believe me when I tell you it WILL SNAP, it can sure as all hell take your head off when ift goes.
I never heard of anyone ever getting injuried in this way ,but I do recall a warehouse demo where we had a dremel laying down to get kinked just to see what would happen. All hell let loose!!
So be careful out there guys. Major tool companies don't write those enclosed phamplets with instructions just so they can be thrown away. They are to be read before using any power tool. It just makes sense!
Thanks for letting me add my 2 cents worth here!
Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Modeler/Friend RON-10 PT-169 " ZEBRA SNAFU " BASE TULAGI
HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!
YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!
Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Nov 9, 2009 - 12:16pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm