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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Elco Built 80 foot Scale Model
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I just saw that one of the ELCO PT 621 class models sold on e-bay. It went for a high price but from the photos, had a lot of damage and wear. I was wondering how many of these were built and where they all might be today. I think there were 5 made.



Posted By: Roy Forbes | Posted on: Oct 25, 2012 - 9:58am
Total Posts: 371 | Joined: Sep 5, 2012 - 4:57pm



Many of these models were made by The Elco Naval Division, using the fine work of Mr. Don Rosencranz. Don worked in the Hull Department while at Elco and built many of these models on site. Elco gave away many of them to dignitaries, and other Companies, during the war years. Although rare, Elco produced a number of these models, which do surface now and then.

The one on Ebay went for a crazy $3, 778.00, to a friend of mine, who already has one. I have one in my collection, donated several years ago. No telling Roy how many were made. The one that just sold, is going to be restored by my dear friend STAN PIENKOWSKI, which when completed will be another fine example. Not many people realize this, but many of the parts on the boat are made from machined metal parts. My guns, radar mast, wheel, torpedoes, rocket launchers, etc., are hand turned from metal.





Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 25, 2012 - 11:57am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I was watching that auction. It went from $440 to $3778 in the last 2 seconds. And to think I was going to trade it for a flag. I was aware of all the metal parts. Do you know who has the one that was in Kennedy's office?



Posted By: Roy Forbes | Posted on: Oct 25, 2012 - 4:58pm
Total Posts: 371 | Joined: Sep 5, 2012 - 4:57pm



I was not aware that Kennedy had one of the Elco Naval Division models made by Mr. Rosencrantz. In regards to the models made by Elco, I have found out that not all of them were produced by Mr. Rosencrantz. It was suggested that Elco hired an outside source to produce some of them to specifications. To me this makes perfect sense, as Mr. Rosencrantz had a job in the Hull Department and would not have had time to produce so many models. Do you have a photo of the boat in question from Kennedy's Office.



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 6:34am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



It seems to me the boat in Kennedy's office was a Varney model, which many of us have and is not as rare (except of course the Oval Offiice one)...

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 6:42am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm



Hi Roy,
In reference to the Elco PT 621 class model in Ebay, do you have a picture of it thatyou can
post on messageboard or email me (victorkchun@aol.com)? I have a picture of the model in JFK's office, see AMERICAN PT BOAT IN WW II, vol. I (page 159). The model was
constructed by Comet metal products using metal. Only 5 such models were commissioned
by the Elco Co.
A Varney model is shown on page 157. Unless I see the picture of the model in Ebay I can
not be 100% sure.
Victor

Victor K Chun

Posted By: victorkchun | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 9:28am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Here are some images from the listing:

[image]http://pt103.gdinc.com/images/asst/elco80modelEbayOct2012.jpg[/image]




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 11:35am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Frank;
Here is the photo you asked about. The President is showing his position at the time of collision, during the interview with Donovan. This model was normally kept in the wall bookcase off to the Presidents left, it had a bluish tinted glass display cover also.
Take care,
TED


[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/jfkptmodel.jpg[/image]


[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/365E71EC577E49FB8E5EB28F072A9F24_148173415_std.jpg[/image]

P.S. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 12:50pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Lets try this again.........

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/jfkovaloffice.jpg[/image]


[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/Halloween1962.jpg[/image]







Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 12:58pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Thanks Ted, that sure looks like an Elco model to me in the photo with the President. If not mistaken Comet Models was hired during WWII to make plane models so our guys could identify certain planes. I wonder if Elco hired them to make some models for them as well...............



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Oct 26, 2012 - 2:29pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



I just joined this forum after finding it while doing research on a PT boat model I have. My father worked for Elco during WWII and came into possession of a model pretty much the same as show in the photo's in Jeff D's prior post. The brass plate mounted on the wooden base of my model is identical to the one in the photo. On the underside of the base is a label for "Comet Metal Products" and the words "Authenicast". My model has a clear plastic, dome shaped cover that fits over the model into a groove in the base and is the original shipping box.

Does anyone have any information regarding how many of these models were made and who they were given to? My father told me they were made for Senators, Generals etc. Any information anyone can provide would be appreciated.
Jim
Kearny, NJ

JWaller

Posted By: JWaller | Posted on: Jan 18, 2014 - 8:00am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered