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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: NEW PROJECT
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With the way that I change my mind lately, you would think I was a women. With that being said, I have decided to scrap the BLACK CAT project for now. Although a nice Diorama that will be done in the future, I have decided to do one of the 1/72 GATO CLASS SUBMARINES, and one of the Revell PT BOATS. Stan had built one of these kits, and the thought of having a PT BOAT next to a sub, making a transfer of a downed Pilot, just got my juices flowing.

So, I am asking any of you wonderful fellow message board followers, to give me some insight as to which boat we can use for this project. I do not recall off the top of my head any photos of a PT BOAT next to a sub, but I am sure somewhere at one time or another, this type of transfer took place. Stanley will be building this new Diorama, as our PT-374 project moves forward. I like doing Diorama's that you might not have seen before, so this one should be right up there with my FEMU and ELCO Crane Diorama's. I have become very interested in doing Diorama's because of the story they tell, but must be very careful because you can run out of room fast. As it is the PT-374 project is something like 28x36. Thanks for your anticipated help guys..........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 10, 2010 - 8:04am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Changing your mind again Frank?

Good lawd man!

Throw that skirt away ... Gheeze .........

Frank, you DO know how big that GATO is in 1:72 - don't ya?



Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Mar 10, 2010 - 8:25am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



No skirt here buddy. Yes, I saw Stan's Gato class, but in a diorama, it will be more long then anything else. Still a cool project, that I must have.....................No I am not painting anything in Zebra Stripes........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 10, 2010 - 12:09pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Oh, I THINK the GATO would look very nice in stripes and the PT too, ................

Doesn't everyone agree?



Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Mar 10, 2010 - 12:33pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Frank,
The Revell 1/72 Gato is a real beauty straight from the box. There are some after market accessories from Nautilus Models but unless you want to drop 5" guns or back date it to a 3" gun, you don't need anything else. The variations that Nautilus sells does not represent any of the Manitowoc boats. The luber holes are all wrong. But the parts are pretty nice. As Garth eluded to it's a beast of a model.

The kit was modeled after the Cobia that was produced by the Manitowoc Boat Company in Wisconsin. The basic hull structure will represent any of those boats. Like most Navy boats every time they brought them into port they were modified. But if you stick with the Manitowoc series your coning tower will be accurate.

The following link will show you all the Manitowoc boats built. You can search each individually and find which one you like the best.

[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitowoc_Shipbuilding_Company[/url]

If this is going into your den I have a suggestion. Make a coffee table with a glass top. Do your diorama within the coffee table.

Please Frank, don't paint it zebra striped. I beg you. :-)
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 10, 2010 - 6:29pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Thanks Dave for the information. I will check it out. Just wondering. The kit comes with the 5 inch gun, so what year sub does the model project. I heard you have the decals in the Kit to choose from 4 differnt GATO CLASS SUBS.. I was hoping to have Stan build the PT BOAT right from the box and not have to add roll of Torpedoes, Radar, and other weapons.........Both Kits made from the box, except for new 50 caliber guns and 20mm on the stern, which Alex Johnson is making.......



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 1:23am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Hi Frank ,
Just a thought for the furture after looking at the post on Japanese Barges, an interesting Diorama would be say three Jap Barges close to a coastline being attacked by three PTs in line ahead, one turning away after engaging, one running alongside and one turning in to start its run.
(The Coral always a danger to the Boats could also be portrayed quite well in a Diorama such as this)

We hear so much about this being the normal night to night fare but raerly see it portrayed . As Your Dioramas bring these stories to such life this would make an interesting subject for one,

As i said just a thought for the future.

D.buck

Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 3:31am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am



A great thought which I will keep in the back of my mind. I would like to do something like that using the old HAWK PT BOAT KITS. I have two of them, sealed in their original boxes. Stan could easily scratch build the barges. Hmmm, another Diorama. GOD HELP US. I think after the two we are working on, it's time for me to take a break............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 3:39am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



The kit comes with a 4" deck gun. The boats were fitted with a variety of 3" and 4", guns through most of their careers until 1945 when they added the big 5" guns. Nautilus offers all but the 4" guns that were fitted on these boats. The kit 4" gun is excellent. It's a matter of finding your boat and what gun was on there at the time. They got bigger as the war went on. The Manitowoc boats came off the line in 1943 and started with the 3" Mk.
Dave



David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 5:04am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



By the way, another interesting source for Gato / Balao sub parts is Iron Bottom Sound.

[url]http://ibs.eastcoastarmory.com/index.htm[/url]

Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 5:07am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Dave

Thanks very much for the information. Do any sites exist that show the subs in line drawings and colors. I have just purchased the Gato Class Subs from Squadron Signal Books, which should be in by early next week. I think the biggest challange will be trying to find which PT BOAT and from which Squadron actually went along side a GATO CLASS SUB and dropped off a doned Pilot or vice versa. I do know that a late war PT BOAT, possibly PT 615, went along side a GATO CLASS SUB to remove a sick Sailor, when the bow plane of the sub, ripped into the forward hull of the boat. They had to stuff matresses into the hole, then proceed to base at flank speed to keep from sinking. They were roughly 10 miles out to Sea when this happened. I do not want to depict this incident.......



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 6:26am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank;
615? did this transfer at sea happen on the east coast?
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 7:34am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Ted

I am prety sure, but I just got the information via the telephone by my good friend Chip Marshall, so I could be wrong. I will check. By the way Ted, I did get your E-Mail about the two different Subs and I thank you very much. I am having trouble with my E-Mails right now, so I could not get back to you. GREAT INFO.............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 7:57am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank;
I just sent another one with the boats web homepage.
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 8:54am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Ted

I did get what you sent me, thanks. Now here are the four subs you can make with the Gato Class 1/72 Kit.

1. USS Growler 215
2. USS Flasher 249
3. USS Silver Sides 236
4. USS Cobra 245
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My goal is to try and depict one of the PT BOATS in 1943 where she still sports her 4 Torpedo Tubes. Alex redid both of the .50 caliber gun turrets and we have a nice 20MM Stern Cannon, that he did as well. I pretty much want to do the builds right out of the box, so Ted, maybe you can find where the above Subs operated in 1943. Maybe we can depict a RON 5 boat, your choice here TED..............Sorry I have to use the message board guys, my E-Mail outgoing is not working. I can receive E-Mails.........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 12:07pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I don't think I've ever seen a photo of a PT next to a Sub, but I'm sure it must've happened at some point during the war.

But ... Frank, ... in regard to the Revell GATO, I really think you should at least some of the after-market goodies for that kit from WEM, like the 20mm, 40mm ............

And, there are figures for it too.



Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 2:18pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Frank;
Why not PT 108 for Earl? Even though, the photo I sent him(the photo I sent to Earl, Gene Foncannon was CO at the time of the photo, which shows 108 with tubes and SO-A Radar) he told me this was before his time on her. If you want to build it out of the box then you would be dealing with the Sid Hix/ Little Duck time frame, sometime prior to 22 August 1943. If you want to use 108, then you might want to use Silversides. Growler was damaged in May 1943, BIG Question: what model Gato do you have? Does it have a 20mm forward of conning tower and 40mm aft? If it does, then Growler is your boat, I don't think Silversides tower was converted to this until later. She went for a refit on 16 July at Brisbane, made her 6th and 7th war patrol, then put into Pearl on 8 November 1943 for another refit. I can't find out when or where the conning tower modifications were made.
more to come,please e-mail when you home e-mail is up.
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 3:30pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Just knowing at some point the PT BOATS must have gotten supplies from the subs and the fact at least once somewhere a transfer of a downed Pilot must have occured is enough for me to do this project. Ted has supplied me with some great information and at the moment there are several Squadrons we can use for the one PT BOAT.

As far as the figures, I have purchased several already from Squadron. I do not know if I will purchase any better weapons for the Sub, as the ones on Stans Sub look pretty good...........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 3:35pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Ted

Great idea for the PT BOAT. If that is what you want, I will do Earl's boat. Remember, I gave you the choice. Are you sure?



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 4:04pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



The Gato kit is modeled after the USS Cobia SSN-245. In 1943 coming out of the barn she would have sported a 3 in/50 deck gun. Here's an example...

http://nautilusmodels.com/72-057.htm

It was replaced 1943-1944 with a 4" deck gun which it carried into 1945 when it was replaced with a 5 in/25 gun which you see in all the Hollywood movies. You can see it in this photo.

http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0824515.jpg

You don't need anything after market for this boat if you don't want to. In fact I would go so far as to say that the kit guns are better than the aftermarket options I've seen. They are very nicely done. The entire kit is very nicely done.

That 80' Elco is going to be dwarfed by the sub. It will be fun to see this one come along.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 11, 2010 - 7:42pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Dave

You are correct in that the guns for this Model Kit are very good. I see no need to run out and buy different guns. I have purchased some of the Gato Class figures. Because in some respect this Diorama might be a bit fictitious, I may just show the PT BOAT getting some supplies from the Submarine and not a Pilot transfer. I think that would be a bit easier to claim it happened, because we know it did.

Now, some things I am concerned with are, "Where to cut the Hull of the Submarine. I am not certain where and how a sub sat in the water while above the waves. Although I am certain Stan can figure this out, it would be easier to have shots (close up) to see how a sub sat in the water. The other thing is, "How close would a PT BOAT get to the sub so as not to hit anything. and how was the transfer of goods done. I would think maybe a raft was sent over, as I do not think the boats could get close enough to hand things over because of the flair of the sub's sides. Sorry to be a pain, but I want to hammer these things out before we start building.........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 12, 2010 - 6:41am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank,

[url]http://www.maritime.org/rescuevideo/index.htm[/url]

Sent you this via email but not sure if you got it.. Shows the USS Pampanito and the USS Sealion recovering Austrailian and British POW's after sinking of a Japanese convoy. You can see how the subs sat on the water while they picked up survivors from rubber rafts.

Gary



Posted By: Gary Paulsen | Posted on: Mar 12, 2010 - 7:42am
Total Posts: 249 | Joined: Feb 14, 2009 - 6:31am



Just a thought on the size & set up of this diorama . Have you ever considered zeroing in on just a section of the sub? Meaning cutting off a portion of the sub length such as the bow & stern (& featuring the tower section), or depicting the sub from maybe the gun right behind the tower to the tip of the bow, or from just in front of the tower to the tip of the stern? I think it would help keep the PT from getting lost in the diorama & draw the viewer's attention to what's actually happening between the PT & the sub.
Great idea for a diorama though.
I gotta tell you though me son(a big Catalina fan) was a little miffed that you shelved the Black-Cat idea!
Have a great weekend everybody!
B-

Posted By: Blake | Posted on: Mar 12, 2010 - 9:53am
Total Posts: 61 | Joined: Apr 18, 2008 - 2:44pm



Oh No Blake, tell your son we will be doing the BLACK CAT PROJECT right after this one. I will not dissapoint him. Ya know that's not a bad idea, but I would rather show the whole sub. The Kit is too awesome just to cut it down. I think showing the size difference between Subs and Ships really shows folks just how incredible these PT BOAT GUYS were to head out to do battle with such large Golieths. I appreciate your thoughts very much.........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 12, 2010 - 11:56am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I have an idea for you. Turn it into a coffee table. Build a long coffee table with the diorama sitting down inside and give it a glass top.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 13, 2010 - 12:27pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



David and Frank ;
That is a fantastic Idea since this diorama is going to be at least four feet and change, make a coffee table frame about 5 feet long 3 feet wide and on the lower make it like a bed frame with small rails running across connecting all four legs, and have either a glass or plexiglass top. This way you can lie the diorama in and when you want to take it to a show you can remove it and the table can stay in your den. What do you think Frank? This way it has a dual function in your Den, even the Mrs will go with this one!!!
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 13, 2010 - 2:12pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Pretty awesome idea, although Stan might kill me if I suggest him building me a coffee table as well as a Diorama. I most likeley will have Stan build the base to match the case. I would need it anyway for any future Exhibits. I prefer all of my models to be placed where viewing them does not mean you have to huntch over to view them. I like them up off the Floor. Just my preference I guess. In any event, this Diorama should be the cats meow, and when our Memorial PT-374 project gets completed, that too will be the center-piece of any Exhibit........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 13, 2010 - 2:24pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



It look as though I wil have to update the Elco PT BOAT in order to make this Diorama more realistic for the time frame. I need to purchase 20mm, 40mm and 37mm., and Roll off torpedoes all in 1/72 scale. Any ideas as to where I can purchase these items. I know John Haynes only has the 20mm, and I could not find anything on Squadrons Online Site. Stan will most likely have to scratch build the SO Radar Mast, and if no one makes the torpedoes and racks, we will have to scratch those as well..............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 5:26am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Greetings Frank,
White Ensign Models has the 37mm, 40mm, torpedoes and roll of racks in 1/72. John Haynes has the best 20mm but you will probably want to scratch the mount based on what it sounds like you're trying to do.

Dave



David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 6:03am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Dave

I just ordered the MK-13 Roll off torpedoes and racks, the 37mm , and the 40mm from White Ensign Models just now. A bit expensive, but better then having to have Stan scratch build everything. The only thing now that Stan will have to build is the SO Radar Dome and the 40mm Lockers. I really waned to build it right from the box, but this way, I know the boat and the sub will be correct for any time frame from 1942-1944...............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 6:36am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Hey Frankie A.-

Mind if I add my two cents to the pot?? "WHY" cut that beautiful GATO sub hull AT ALL???!!!

Why not have Stan model the diorama from above AND below the waterline with both the sub and the PT??? Just use plexiglass ( I know Stan can cut out the holes in the plexi) and just mount the models. Paint the top of the plexiglass to simulate the water and use MOD PODGE decopouge medium to build up the wave action and seal in the color and add the gloss of the water as well.

Just my take! I have done this before for our Maritime Museum here in Jacksonville with a Titanic model. It came out very sweet! I would sure sleep on this one. You can even include Ted's idea for the coffee table as well! When you're sitting down you'll be able to get both views of the diorama!! It sure would be different!!

Frank Ryczek, Jr.

HIGH TIDES ALWAYS!

YOUR FRIEND THROUGH SCALE SHIP MODELING AND PT BOAT HISTORY!

Posted By: FRANK | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 8:57am
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm



Hey, the coffee table idea was mine! LOL. :-)

If you do it right that could be very nice. That technique adds some nice depth to the water. I have an article on how to do that. If you would like I'll be glad to forward it along.

Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 10:52am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Hey Dave-

Sorry for the slip of the fingers there with the coffe table idea! I just wanted to make sure that you get the credit for the idea!

I too would like to see the plans for the coffe table as well, Dave! I have told Frank about this above and below technique before. The overall effect is breathtaking when done correctly! This technique wouod work well with any nautical based model from squareriggers, to PT's and even modern day warships!

I still want to do my Calypso research vessel by Revell with a sunken pirate vessel from above and below the waterline. If I could only find the old Revell model! She's been out of production for years.

The calypso model has a mini sub as well as scale model divers, an inflatable Zodiac, and even a couble of scale sharks. I'll use gold glitter for the gold sprinkled on the ocean floor. I keep looking on e-bay every so often with littl or no success. This would be an ideal project for mymaritime sunken treasure themed coffe table!

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: Mar 14, 2010 - 2:29pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm



David;
Yes the credit is yours, but when I was a kid my Dads lawyer on Long Island had end tables with lighted mallard duck dioramas, in the reed grass of Great South Bay. That was 1970, I loved those end tables! the flying Mallards had about a 4 inch wing span, just to give you an idea of the scale. If Frank does not use your Idea, maybe I will someday.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 2:35pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Frank

I would offer a compromise to the coffee table height concern thet you have.

Two sets of legs.
One shorter set for when the set is say in your office or den for meetings with PT guys. Everyone can get close and personal with the diorama at seat height.
One longer set for say counter (36") height for when you take the diorama on the road to a school or convention.

Denny



Posted By: djwhite | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 2:58pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Thanks Guys for all of your wonderful ideas and help. In going over all of the ideas with Stan, we decided not to use the coffee table look. Not because it is bad idea, but just becuase Stan is too busy to make one at this time. Water idea is awesome as well and is a possibility. Right now I am waiting on some photos of PT-108 on how she looked in late 1943-44 so we can copy her. It was decided we would make PT-108 in honor of Earl Richmond, who served on her. I also saw the photo etched parts for the Gato Class Revell Submarine and they look very nice...............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 4:07pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Ted,
My dad used to tell me "originality is undetected plagiarism". He's right of course. What made me think of the coffee table was a similar arrangement except with Trout. A beautiful stream scene with a trout taking a fly. Beautiful and very expensive piece of work. Feel free to use it. I got the idea from somebody else. :-)
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 9:55pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Frank A.
Just a heads-up. When you get the WEM torpedoes, check their size. I ordered some last year and found the diameter to be under-sized enough that it just did not look right. I told them but do not know if they corrected the problem.
Ed



Posted By: ducati650 | Posted on: Mar 15, 2010 - 4:40am
Total Posts: 450 | Joined: Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am



Ed
Thanks for the heads up on the torpedoes. If that is found to be a problem, Stan will just scratch build them, then Kill me later................



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 15, 2010 - 6:06am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Hello Guys
I need some photos of PT-108 sometime in mid 1943-1944 and any shots showing the Star that was painted on the dayroom cabin, and type of armament package. Thanks in advacnce..............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 3:42am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank,
Here is a link to photos of a 1/72 build I've got going. In some of the photos you will see the WEM "fish'. They are the yellowish, resin units. They a pretty sloppy in the WEM racks. Other photos show some that I printed using a 3D printer. They are the white grainy ones. These were trial pieces to check out the 3D drawings and details. One photo, yellow light, starboard side, shows a kind of translucent torpedo.That is the final version printed using sterio lithography.

The WEM racks are a thing of beauty.

One of the photo of the real 169 shows it loaded with a big torpedo in the stern, port rack so i bought some from WEM also. They scaled out just fine.

[url]http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1962918[/url]



Posted By: ducati650 | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 12:42pm
Total Posts: 450 | Joined: Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am



Oh. almost forgot, happy birthday Frank.



Posted By: ducati650 | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 12:43pm
Total Posts: 450 | Joined: Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am



That's coming along quite nicely. Good job............



Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 1:13pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



That 1/72 build is looking very sharp and you are right the roll off WEM racks looks superb. I can't wait to see her completely finished, although I love seeing the build in different stages............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 2:44pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Ed,
Very nice construction work. Glad to see you're still working on her. Keep us posted.

Frank,
Happy Birthday!

Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 6:32pm
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm



Thanks guys. It is just going very slowly. It seems there is always something that comes up.



Posted By: ducati650 | Posted on: Mar 17, 2010 - 5:38am
Total Posts: 450 | Joined: Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am



I received the GATO BRIDGE CREW in the mail from SQUADRON PRODUCTS. When they are finished and painted, they should add a great deal to the PT BOAT/SUB PROJECT. I have other GATO figures as well from SQUADRON. Those resin figures really are neat...........



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 18, 2010 - 5:50am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



The Gato Class Sub arrived in the mail yesterday, and wow is it ever a large model. The photo-etched parts for the sub also arrived, so it's off to Stan's house this morning for a little pow wow on how we are going to construct this new Diorama. This one should be fun. By the way, I had ordered torpedoes, and a 37mm for the 108 boat from WEM, and when they did not arrive, I gave them a ring. Seems they are having great difficulty with one of the molders, and they are behind on many orders. I had to cancel mine, so we will now go with the 4 Torpedo Tubes, and if need be, Stan will make the 37mm for the Bow. Paint from WEM has been ordered, and the figures painted by Al Lafeche, so things are coming together for this project. .............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Mar 27, 2010 - 4:59am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank. The WEM torpedoes went out today. You should see them in a couple of days.

Ed



Posted By: ducati650 | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 8:13am
Total Posts: 450 | Joined: Feb 19, 2007 - 10:01am



Ed

Thanks so much for you rmost generous donation of the Torpedoes. I will keep my eye out for them. Hopefully, they will arrive faster then Will Days PT BOAT (ha ha Will)...............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 9:25am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I'm having a problem reproducing your likness sitting on the crapper out over the stern...

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 9:34am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm



No problem Will. By the time you figure that out, it should be at least another year. Why niot just have me peeing off the Bow, much easier. Happy Easter Will..............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 11:18am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank: I would suggest off the stern - a lot less blow back.

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 1:05pm
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm



CJ, That would make much more sense. I hope you are doing well. I would love to E-Mail you but I do not have the address. I promise to pee off the Stern.........................HAPPY EASTER.



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 2, 2010 - 1:58pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Well once again the bug was put into my ear for another project. As you recall, I was originally doing a BLACK CAT PBY, but scrapped that idea for our newly started PT-108/Sub Project ( Stan will begin this next week). Ted Walther once again put that little PT BOAT BUG into my ear (as if I needed any extra prodding) about doing Bob Pickett's PT-167. Ok, so now we will be doing PT-167 towing a BLACK CAT as described by Bob, and in honor of him as well. Heck, I already have the Black Cat and three 1/72 PT-109 boats hanging around, so why not. This project just might go to my good buddy, Frank Ryczek, who has now finished his work (except for the Base on our PT-374 Project) on our Memorial project, and is just frothing at the bit to do something else. I just can't have three project going at once, so I would guess that once our PT-374 project is completed, I may have Frank start this one.

I would appreciate any photo's of PT-167 you guys might be able to share. By the way Blake you can now tell your son that he will be seeing his PBY down the road............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Apr 24, 2010 - 12:50pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Frank;
Way to go!! My pictures of 167 are in the photobucket account, Gene has a great photo on his website that Mike Berlin gave him of his Dad, Ted at the wheel of Who Me? This with Bob Pickett' s photos and descriptions should be enough.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 24, 2010 - 1:23pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Frank-

It would be an honor to tackle that new diorama of the Black cat/PT-167 for ya buddy!

I just finished the "waterizing" for our PT-374 project and just waiting on the base board to dry over night! I have already sent you the shots, Frank. I think the water looks really good!

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: Apr 24, 2010 - 3:43pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm