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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: PT-374 Project Unveiling Photos
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=2052

The unveiling for this project took place on Sunday December 26th. A snow storm was in the making, so Stan Pienkowski headed over a bit early to drop off the case. I pleaded with him to wait for Alex Johnson, but he wanted to head home before the real Snow came. Next came Alex, who brought along that wonderful Diorama, and we brought it into the house. After much drooling over this beauty, we took Stan's case, and it fit like a glove over the base.

Roughly one hour later, Wallace McNeish's family came into the house, and we pulled off the pink festive blanket we had covering the case. The family really loved it very much, asking many questions about their Father's boat. As Frank Ryczek could not make it from Florida, we did the next best thing and had him speak to Wallace's daughters by phone. A nice visit was had by all, and because of the mounting snow, it was decided to break up our little get together. Below are some photo's of this special day.

Frank

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/FrankAndruss/374-rev-077.jpg[/image]

[b]077- Stan Pienkowski brought over the case but the weather forced him to leave early.[/b]

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/FrankAndruss/374-rev-090.jpg[/image]

[b]090- Left: Cindy (Wallace's daughter) Alex Johnson, Faye ( Wallace's companion for many years) Linda ( Wallace's other daughter) take time to pose in front of our project.[/b]

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/FrankAndruss/374-rev-089.jpg[/image]

[b]089- Left: Cindy, Myself, Faye, Linda, and Wallace's grandson Dan checking out the Diorama.[/b]

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/FrankAndruss/374-rev-087.jpg[/image]

[b]087- Linda talks on the phone with Frank Ryczek long distance to Florida.[/b]

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/FrankAndruss/374-rev-081.jpg[/image]

[b]081- Myself and Alex Johnson enjoying our get together and this wonderful Diorama.[/b]

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 27, 2010 - 9:00am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Hey Frankie A..-

The diorama looks terrific! I wish I could have been there but the phone call to the daughter's made my day. Stan's case is the crowning finish to a remarkable model masterpiece. Seeing that this was Alex's very first ever diorama, he did a remarkable job with it.

Thanks for posting these and all of the progression photos from the get go!

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: Dec 27, 2010 - 12:26pm
Total Posts: 349 | Joined: Oct 7, 2007 - 2:09pm

Frank

You are right, STAN'S case really made the Diorama pop. We had hashed it over about color, but he went with a gray, which I think gives it a real good look. By the way, it's still on my kitchen table. I look at it every time I sit there. Won't be long before the Wife kicks me out..............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 28, 2010 - 11:49am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Thanks a million, Frank and Frank. This was a meaningful and enjoyable project from start to finish and I can't thank you enough for asking me to be a part of. Seeing the reaction from the family meant the world to me. Thank you, guys! ALEX

Posted By: Alex Johnson | Posted on: Dec 28, 2010 - 2:47pm
Total Posts: 70 | Joined: Mar 2, 2007 - 12:07pm

Thanks Alex:

I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication with this project. For this being your first DIORAMA, you did a BANG UP Job. You will be happy to know that it was just moved from the Kitchen Table. I kind of enjoyed seeing it every morning, although the Wife had other plans, so she is safe and sound in the PT BOAT DEN, although I must purchase a table for it, and take the case off to brush up the ground cover that came loose while moving the case..............

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 31, 2010 - 7:00am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

During the moving process into the PT BOAT DEN, some of the ground cover ended up in the water. Last night I took off the cover to remove it, and just as I was getting my brush, one of those Kamikazi Cats, was ready to pounce into the Diorama. Needless to say, he was knocked out of the air by some intense AA Fire. My fault for leaving the door open to the Den. NO HARM DONE, WHEW!!!

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: May 20, 2011 - 3:25am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Frank;
You better set up some kind of coastwatcher system to give you ample time to get they AA guns ready.
Good Luck,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: May 20, 2011 - 5:18am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like... like Fried Cats!

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: May 20, 2011 - 6:03pm
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm

Very cool pictures. Awesome job - Kent

________________________
USCG Aux AUXCHEF
I am a proud Army Strong Dad who has a deep appreciation for all who serve and have served our country.

Posted By: whitakermk | Posted on: May 26, 2011 - 1:01pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered