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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
PT Gunboats (PT59, 60, & 61) Elco 77 foot
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I am posting this as a new topic as I am building the PT61 (1/20 scale, Frank's/Dumas PT65 kit). These PT boats have some unique modifications made to them.
The question I have right now is the 40mm Bofors (fore and aft) platforms on the boats, as the US Army Bofors guns were adapted to these boats in the South Pacific. I see that there are some builder installed Bofors and found photos of those. But, does anyone have information on the Pacific theater installed Bofors, specifically the base or platforms?
Lew
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Sep 21, 2014 - 7:20pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Status on my PT-61 Gunboat... video of installing the side 50 cal BMGs:
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG8VHm_Nrd8[/url]
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Mar 30, 2017 - 2:16pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
She looks great, Lew!
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Mar 30, 2017 - 5:18pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Very nice Lew! She looks close to being ready for the water.
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Mar 31, 2017 - 3:51am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
This is what the boat looked like on March 19, 2017:
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Dsc02328cropped.jpg[/image]
The guns have been updated to include the 50 cal belts and a few ore items. Now working on another six crew members.
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Mar 31, 2017 - 3:57pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Excellent job, Lew...weren't the numbers on the charthouses of the 59, 60 & 61 black?
This is what I've envisioned an Italeri 1/35th scale PT 45-68 model, with extra parts to convert it to one of these babies, would look like.
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Mar 31, 2017 - 4:27pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Just very well might be. In the photos of the 61 in pre-gunboat configuration they were. I went through all the 59 gunboat photos and did not see any of that area. The several photos of the 59 taken in March '45 back in the states had the numbers removed. I just found a clearer photo of the 59 (the famous gunboat side view) and very faintly looks like black. It looks like they probably were. Thanks for the catch! Now to find some black decal numbers.
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Mar 31, 2017 - 8:23pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew
You going g to hate me for this, but your .50 twin mounts are about 12 scale inches too high, the shields were about 6 inches above the deck and the gunners sat on the deck.
Otherwise she looks great!
Take care, TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 1, 2017 - 2:21pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted, I want constructive criticism to make the model as accurate as possible. That is why I posted it. It has been a long and difficult journey to this point.
For the image height I was looking at the 59 image (below). In revisiting the image it looks like I do have the gun too high, but the gunner appears to be slightly squatting and not sitting on the deck.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-59-side-50s(2)-1.jpg[/image]
This seems to be confirmed with the side image of the 59 (below). The dual gun is higher than the singles where the gunners are sitting on the deck. With the single 50 horizontal the gunner's eye level is about even. With the dual 50 the gunner's eyes are above the sights wheil slightly bent at the knees and hunched over some.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-059_image-cropped.jpg[/image]
By placing a 1/20 scale figure behind the gun and and accounting for a slight squat the mid chest height of my guns are about 3/8 inch (7.5 inches - real) too high. What do you think?
The boat is modular and almost everything can be removed for repair or correction. I have to take the radio gear out to get at the underside of the deck.
Other than these two photos I have no documentation on the dual shielded guns.
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 1, 2017 - 6:43pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
Yeah that should look right, I was thinking more of 59, that had the single .50's considerably lower, but looking at these photos, the twin .50 mounts are slightly higher on 59. So go with your new measurements and then lets see how it looks.
Take care,
TED
P.S. I just noticed, you don't have the Radar unit on the stbd side of windscreen and additional binnacle, as per Al's PT 59 drawings. are these things you will add later?
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 1, 2017 - 8:27pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted,
About the starboard side behind the armor windscreen, from the drawing I am looking at the binnacle is centered behind the shield. I don't think both the binnacle and radar set would both fit there together. I did put the electronics below in the chart house (photo below). The Prequot SO radar set seems to be a little higher than the shield, but that can be moved or duplicated to topsides. Also the armor windscreen shield on the 60 seems to be different from the 59. I made my shields based on the 60's photo with Mr. Thom at the wheel.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/Electronics.JPG[/image]
(Not a great photo, hard to shoot at up in there.)
I ordered the new (lower) pedestals from Shapeways (3D printing) so arrive soon then I should have this update in a few days.
Next time I take some photos I will do it at a slower speed so everything is less wet. Keep the comments coming!
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 8, 2017 - 2:05pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
Roger that.
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 8, 2017 - 7:16pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Hello Lew,
I have been reading this thread with much amazement. Your model looks fantastic! I have a couple of questions/comments however.. In your last post you mention the radar set and call it a "Prequot SO radar set" What is a "Prequot"? I have never heard of the terminology before. Also in looking at the SOA radar console you have mounted in the charthouse, are those the Collins TCS Radio Transmitter and Receiver to the left of the radar? The radar console on the bottom with the round scope is the actual PPI unit, and the box on top of the PPI unit is the IFF Master Control Unit. We have the same thing mounted aboard PT658 and I was the one who mounted them inside of our charthouse. That led me to look at your model to see if you have both IFF dipole "steering wheel" style antennas. I found out through research that there has to be both antennas or the IFF will not work. One is for the Transponder Unit (ABK) , and the other is for the Interrogator-Responser Unit (BN). So I wanted to let you know you may want to look into that to get the antenna suite correct. I did also notice the other dipole antenna with the crossed ground plane aerials that was used for their ARC4 Radio for Plane to Ground comms to coordinate with aircraft. Other than that arcane detail I think your model is one of the best detailed models I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing it with us and keep up the fantastic work!
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Apr 8, 2017 - 10:41pm
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Lew;
Here are some quick photos of my PT 59, she is still in the boatyard under going repairs and conversion,
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%2059%201.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%2059%203.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%2059%202_1.jpg[/image]
][image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%2059%204.jpg[/image]
ENS. Joe Atkinson in the Charthouse over seeing the conversion and repairs.
Take care,
TED
P.S. WOW! without even trying I have given proof and a visual lesson that different types of lighting will produce different colors, the boat is actually painted with Rustoleum #279175 Deep Forrest Green Camouflage paint, and the radar is painted with the original Model Master FS 34079 Dark Green(just because I didn't want to get overspray on the hand painted flag, I did). But the morning sunlight filtering into my garage produced this, which looks Gray with a Green Radome.
Pretty cool!
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 9, 2017 - 8:29am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Lew:
Another thing I noticed, is in the PT 59 Lambu Lambu Cove photo, I don't know if it is just the angle playing tricks, but the .50 cal turrets look like they have sheets of armored plate added. I remember reading that they were testing STS armored plate (by shooting at it)presumably for the gun mounts, while figuring out how to modify PT 59. I have always thought that this photo shows the plate added to the turrets too.
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%2059%20Lever%20Harbor%20Oct%201943.jpg[/image].
PT 59 Lambu Lambu Cove Oct 18, 1943.
Again if it is so, this might be another PT 59 only item. Other than protecting the gunners, i don't know what purpose it would serve, especially when you have all the other gunners basically hanging it out all over the deck.
RON 22 also experimented with plating, but this was bolted to the outside of the hull to give added protection in the fuel tank area,
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 9, 2017 - 9:09am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted,
I also painted my 61 boat with the same exact color, Deep forest green 279175. Wow!
Building a unique PT boat such as the 59, 60, and 61 has been an experience. There is always something that is unknown and needs answers. I think a lot of questions are posted on this forum from model PT Boat builders. You guys on the forum have been great.
Jerry, in reference to the radio and radar, I don't remember how I found the Prequot radar set. I found that over a year ago (this boat has three years in building and didn't start out as the gunboat version) and made the cases. The antennas I made are based on photos of the 59 & 60. In looking at the photo of Thom's 60 boat I guess I need to make the cover on the top part of the starboard shield.
As for the 59 having shields on the turret guns have a look at the photo below:
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-59-side-turret.jpg[/image]
Notice the bottom right hand corner. I guess this matches the following photo I had im my PT-59 folder. I thought this photo was bogus as the quality of the photo was different from the others, but now it makes sense. Well, more changes, but at least this will make the 61 stand out much more from the other boats.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-59-side-50s(2)-2.jpg[/image]
Also Ted, when you were talking about the added armor on the turret, is possible that what you meant was the rectangular piece I now see on the side of the turret with the bottom aligned on the deck (below)?
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-59-3side-50s-2.jpg[/image]
Once I get all these corrections done I will be posting a bunch of photos on my web site. I also plan to make some videos including on board while running the boat.
So if any of you have any suggestions or corrections, please let me know soon while I have the boat disassembled.
Thanks,
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 9, 2017 - 7:10pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
Yes your black arrow is what I was talking about, since we can see two plates in the photo, I think there is actually a third, making 3 plates on the outside of the turret.
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 9, 2017 - 9:29pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Thanks, Ted. I got a lot to do. Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 9, 2017 - 10:10pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew,
So Prequot is a Brand name of a model parts kit company? The manufacturer of the actual SOA or SO3 radar was Raytheon. Could you clarify this for me? Sorry to be so dense. I have never heard of Prequot and have no reference to what may be common knowledge to you model builder guys. Thanks again. Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Apr 10, 2017 - 12:56am
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Ted,
Just to add to the confusion I found this photo on Tim Connelly's PT Boat World site:
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT-59-Turret-rear.jpg[/image]
What happened to the big shield or am I not seeing it right in comparing this photo with the overall side view?
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 10, 2017 - 9:33pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
I guess its just one of those photographic anomalies, but it sure does look like Special Treatment Steel (STS) plating. Or.......the Lambu Lambu Cove photo shows a later modification, another mystery.......
Here is some extra STS info:
Weights:
[url]http://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Warships/US_STS_Steel.htm[/url]
Background:
[url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_treatment_steel[/url]
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 11, 2017 - 9:56am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
As far as the armor on the PT 59/60/61 gunboats, here's a description of the armor being installed on PT 59, from Robert J. Donovan's "PT 109 - John F. Kennedy In World War II"...
"One day they (JFK and his exec, Lt. (j.g.) Robert L. Rhoads, Jr.) rowed ashore with a sample of the armor plate being installed on PT 59. Dragging it to a range, they fired .30- and .50-caliber machine guns at it. On frontal fire the bullets made Swiss cheese of the thing. Kennedy shrugged. Rhoads looked unhappy. There was nothing they could do about it. At least, they agreed, it might be helpful against bullets coming in at an angle or fired from a great distance."
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Apr 11, 2017 - 1:59pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Swiss cheese? Not good. For now I will leave off the turret's side armor plate until something else (hopefully) pops up. Easy to add, messy to remove. Also noticed the cone flash hiders on the 59's turret guns.
Is it likely that the 61 number would be on the chart house front above the windscreens as well as on the sides?
(Jerry, I thought I posted a reply earlier but it did not go through. I don't know where I got the peqout from. It was part of the file name for the SO radar photo I downloaded - must be from whoever uploaded it. The antennas on the model reflect what I saw on photos of the gunboats.)
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 12, 2017 - 6:43am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew,
I think the boat numbers - in black - would be in their usual positions on the forward face and the sides of the charthouse.
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Apr 12, 2017 - 11:59am
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Duplicate post.
Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Apr 12, 2017 - 12:00pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am
Updated PT-61 model turrets:
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/04-14-2017.jpg[/image]
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 14, 2017 - 4:59pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Nice Lew!
Take care
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 16, 2017 - 10:17am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
"That's another mess you got me into, Ollie!"
Upon modifying the bridge shield for the 61, I noticed something I didn't before. If you look closely at Lt. Thom's 60...
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT60-armor-converted.jpg[/image]
...you will see what I thought was the top of the compass. I also thought the starboard shield was forward from the port shield and the forward part was off the photo at the left. But now at re-looking at the photo I' sure that is Thom's helmet behind the shield which means that side was forward and likely flush with the starboard, and not stepped back like the 59's.
Now I am cutting off part of the shield to rebuild it.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 17, 2017 - 10:37pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Good catch Lew! Now we are seeing the subtle differences between 59 and the other two. I wonder how many more there are, The windscreen not protruding on stbd and not covered, is probably because they decided it wasn't a good idea, as you can also see the compass isn't there either. As you can see in the background of that photo the .50 is covered. Also, what is that on the bottom part of the radome? Is that a lighted color paint?
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 18, 2017 - 7:35am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted,
Not too sure what that is on the bottom side of the dome. In blowing the photo up it kind of looks like the paint is peeling off. Also, look at what the crew is sitting on behind the bridge - looks like wood ammo boxes to me. I don't think they are playing cards!
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 18, 2017 - 11:43am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
Jeff and I have been talking about this the last few days, if their is this close up of Lenny Thom , there must be more from that day, what photographer goes on a boat and just takes one photo? Answer.....NONE!
They must be somewhere. Keep digging!
take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Apr 18, 2017 - 12:13pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted,
I'm not sure the starboard side shield is uncovered. Look at the divider in the center that runs aft ward from the joint between both sides. It is higher than the port side and even with the starboard side front shield. I would think this is to support the top starboard shield. I'm sure the radar set is not waterproof like today's electronics.
Yes, it would be great to find more photos from whoever took that one.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 18, 2017 - 6:40pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Jerry,
Happen to find the Peqout SO radar set. I used the artwork on the USS Pequot website which was a USCG cable laying ship. The file name had Pequot on it and had nothing to do with the radar set's manufacturer. The photo was identified as SO Search Radar Accessory Control and Indicator Unit - (Catalogue of Naval Electronic Equipment - April 1946).
Almost done with the bridge armor for the 61 boat and should have it up in a day or two.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 21, 2017 - 11:45pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Hello Lew,
I looked at the USS Pequot Cable Laying ship website and it is very interesting! I saw the original photo you took the print from for your model. I believe you have the relative sizes wrong of those radar and Radios shown. The middle radio appears to be a Collins TCS Transmitter (which is exactly what they used on all PT Boats) and the Radar you have shown is actually an SO3 (not an SOA) complete with the ACU module on top of the PPI Unit. I took photos of the similar units installed on board PT 658 inside the charthouse and you can see they look identical. The TCS Radios on your model are much too large in comparison to the double stacked Radar Console. The Radar Console in reality is almost double their height!. But then again, I don't think the ACU console would have actually been there at all on the PT59 or 60 installed up on the helm, especially since it was a part of a radar set that came out towards the end of the war. (The SO3) I also do not think it would have been able to fit behind the windscreen since it was so tall.
I would venture to guess the actual configuration of the radar on the PT59 would have been only the lower console, (the one with the round PPI Scope on it). Here are some photos for you to peruse and make your own conclusions. I know this is splitting hairs, (or counting rivets!) but I thought you would be interested at any rate.
Hope this helps!
Jerry
SO3 Radar PPI Console (bottom) and ACU Console (top)
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT658%202014/IMG_3325.jpg[/image]
Collins TCS Radio XMTR and RCVR (This is a TCS13 model)
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT658%202014/IMG_3322.jpg[/image]
PT631 Builders photos shows interior of Charthouse where you can see both radio and radar
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/PT631%20Higgins%20Builders%20Photos/00000001.jpg[/image]
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Apr 22, 2017 - 12:32am
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Jerry,
As Ted mentioned earlier, the radar set was on the bridge behind the armored windscreen on the 59 boat. The windscreen on the 60 boat (flat plates) is different from the 59 (curved corners plates). The assumption is that the 60 & 61 are probably the same. The 59 was modified in early October 1943 and it looks like some time passed (two weeks?) before the 60 & 61 were completed. As the 60 has the raised area on the starboard side my guess is that something tall was behind it. So if the 59 had the radar set there why not the 60 & 61?
The first image below is the real 60 boat. Second image is my 61, and the third image is what I think the other side of the bridge would look like. I know I am taking a guess here, but I need something on the model.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-GB-images/PT60-armor-converted.jpg[/image] , [image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/04-22-2017a.jpg[/image] , [image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/04-22-2017b.jpg[/image]
A few more tweaks on the superstructure then I will finish the six dual 50 BMG side guns. I also need to lower the aft 40mm Bofors, then make some more crew members. Then I will finally be done.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 22, 2017 - 7:45pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Hi everyone...
My [b]PT-61[/b] was on local TV (WFLA - Tampa Bay area) today. If you are interested in it the link is: [url]http://wfla.com/2017/04/24/suncoast-scale-model-boat-club/[/url] The video of the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club is under six minutes long and the 61 is about half way through. Keep in mind that this was taken on March 21 so it doesn't include the corrections, mods and finishing I have been working on.
Hope you enjoy it.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 24, 2017 - 3:28pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
According to the Al Ross drawing of "PT-61 Oct 43" there was no horn or spotlight. This seems to be confirmed with the Photo of the PT-60's bridge. Does any know if the gunboats carried a portable spotlight, and if so, what did it look like? Was there a horn either relocated or some sort of a portable audio signal device?
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 29, 2017 - 7:37pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Nice video Lew! And good idea keeping speed boats out. I've seen some hairy wrecks both at races and at the pond. Although the worst hit I ever got was going over a turtle I didn't see. It twisted my shaft, strut, and rudder into a pretzel.
Is there a speed limit? I've seen some PT models that were downright fast, like Pats.
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Apr 30, 2017 - 1:00am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Jeff,
We have no speed limit. We have some fast boats like cabin cruisers, barrel-backs, etc., but all scale. Some of the 1/35 scale pT boats go pretty good too. My 1/20 scale PT-61 as a gunboat has fairly good speed but no as much as the traditional PT Boat. I built it a little too heavy. However, the PT Gunboats (59 -61) were slower than before the mods as Ken Prescott noted in his book.
Every once in a while a rouge boater will go to the pond and toss in their speed boat. Don't know which is worse, the guy that goes a high speed (over 40) or the guy that brings their Harbor Freight special which has no speed control nor a skilled operator. What we do is bring our boats to the shore and wait for their 10 minutes run out. Several of us (including me) have been hit - no sinking yet.
Lew
(Still looking for answers on the light and horn.)
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Apr 30, 2017 - 6:54am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
Looks good!
Now all you need to do is make some Ray Ban sunglasses for your Lenny Thom figure. My suggestion: Go to Micheal's or your local equivalent and get a roll of Panacea colored floral wire 26 gauge. Once you shape it use Model Master Clear parts cement & windows maker for the lenses. One they are dry, use some of Tamiya X-25 Clear green.
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: May 3, 2017 - 9:13am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Finally just re-assembled my 1/20 scale PT-61 model with corrections and updates. Here is what it looks like:
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Top-View-05-03-2017.jpg[/image]
The next step is to make more figures. There are 9 on the boat right now, and I hope to get at least another 4, maybe more. I have to hack up the Tamiya pit crew figures to do this. Once I get the figures on board I will take more photos on and put them on my Trio of Gunboats web site as well as make a few videos. Got to get my small camera to talk to my cell phone - they don't want to communicate with each other. I will also hope to get the boat in the water (again) this Sunday for our club's next meet.
We are planning on a Memorial Day Military Boat Meet and might have a few PT boats on the pond on May 28 (Sunday before).
(Ted: As I am modeling this as the 61 on Jan 1, 1944, the CO is ENS Atkinsons and the XO is ENS Fisher. Did they wear Ray Bans too?)
Lew
(The 61 was reclassified as a small boat less than one month before I was born, so it just might have been making wakes during my time.)
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: May 3, 2017 - 7:54pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
OK, sorry I was thinking PT 60. Outstanding Job!!!
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: May 4, 2017 - 5:54am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Ted, that's OK. Lenny looks like he got a new toy for Christmas and was eager to take it out for a run. Cool! It's hard to remember all the photos and who was on what boat. Great idea though, maybe a few of the other boat CO's had them as well, that is why I asked. Got to keep the 40 kt wind out of the eyes. Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: May 4, 2017 - 8:27am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Looking at crew photos, it would seem that sunglasses were a not an uncommon occurrence Out In The Area...
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: May 4, 2017 - 11:50am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm
Will,
I searched" PT boat crews" and looked at a lot of photos to see if anyone else wore sunglasses (RayBan or whatever) and the only other person was JFK. In one photo a crewman was wearing what appeared to be regular glasses. Could not find this was common.
Also, does anyone out there know of color photos of PT boat crews in the Pacific theater? I know of the few taken of the 61. Trying to get a feel for the colors of what they wore.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: May 9, 2017 - 10:09pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Took my 61 boat out for a patrol but had engine troubles. Number 1 would not run and 2 and 3 developed problems after a short time. Probably the Tamiya connectors (again).
The photo below was pulled from a video. 5 more crew members are on the way which will make 14 on the deck.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/61-05-28-2017.jpg[/image]
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: May 28, 2017 - 7:23pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Awesome Job Lew!!!
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: May 28, 2017 - 9:07pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Sweet!
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: May 28, 2017 - 10:40pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm
Wow Lew, she is beautiful!
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 29, 2017 - 1:24am
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
A fine R/C model always impresses me. Nice work Lew she looks ready to take out some barges!
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: May 29, 2017 - 4:29am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Just posted a video of my 61 Gunboat on YouTube: [url]https://youtu.be/bbWprklW2-8[/url]
Unfortunately I had motor problems. #1 motor had a bad electrical contact and did not work at all. #2's battery seems to have ran out of juice. #3 had the u-joint slipping. So the runs were slow and the deck stayed dry which actually turned out well for a smoother run and better look at the boat.
The first drive-by was with #3 at full throttle, and the second drive-by with the coupling slipping. I also added some PT Boat sounds.
Still working on the additional 5 crewmen. Trying to make some Thompson M1928A1 guns for the boarding crew. I'm trying to depict the model on a barge run. I don't know if or how much action the 61 saw as a gunboat but I thought it would look better if modeled while in action.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jun 9, 2017 - 11:52pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
She is looking good! It also looks like your group has a good time when you get together.
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jun 10, 2017 - 7:04am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Bummer about the drive issues but Ted's right she sure looks good!
You may want to consider hooking up a car's windshield washer pump to the 40mm so it can "shoot" pondside spectators for an added degree of authenticity. [:-laughing-:]
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Jun 11, 2017 - 12:47pm
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Jeff,
Not a bad idea. However,the boat can't take any more weight. I put had placed too much into holding everything together, although iI can take a beating. Doesn't ride like a PT Boat should do at high speed, but good enough for a gunboat.
We do have a few club members that have tugs with fire monitors that can cool off people that get overheated here in Florida's sunny, hot weather.
Can't have any defense against the gators that appear now and then - they are off limits (neutral?). The photo is our launching dock (real!):
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/09-06-2015-579-small.JPG[/image]
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jun 11, 2017 - 9:06pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
I hear you, I'm across the state and a little further south than you. I was stalked by a huge one whilst fishing a big dark water canal once, a friend that ran a nearby orange grove told me some yahoos shot its mate and it was mad. I don't know how true that was but I didn't notice it until it was about 6 feet away and slowly cruising towards me. I puckered up and got out of there fast. Usually they keep their distance... Unless of course some idiot is feeding them. I went on a job at a new high end golf course construction site where some of the workers used marshmallows to lure gators out of the hazard ponds. So when a golf ball landed nearby... funny but eventually it results in the animals getting taken away and euthanized.
Now we have to keep an eye out for pythons too! It's amazing how quickly they've taken root.
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Jun 12, 2017 - 5:18am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Had a great run (finally) today, 6/18/2017, with the 61. Photos show it flat out. Lew
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Dsc02482.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Dsc02484.jpg[/image]
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jun 18, 2017 - 4:17pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lew;
She looks great!!! You did an outstanding job!!
Take care,
TED
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jun 20, 2017 - 8:31am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
*****duplicate****
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Jun 20, 2017 - 8:31am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
Thanks, Ted -
This has been a challenging model to build, not as much in complexity but rather getting it right. The rewards are multiple, comments like yours (experts), the people that see the model at the county park where we run our scale model boat, as well as my peers in our club.
I built the model to tell the story of the PT Gunboat. Lots of details and crew members everywhere on the deck wearing their un-uniform uniforms which depict the crew from photos I have gathered. Underwear, cutoffs,different combinations, etc.
I like to build larger scale models (my smallest scale is 1/40 German Wiesel schnellboot) so that when the viewer looks at the boat they can get real close and see what the real boats looked like a if being on board. The 61 is 1/20 scale which is a good size at 47-1/4 inches long, easy to see the details, rides well in the water, and easy enough to transport.
[b]I hope members of this forum enjoy the photos I have uploaded. If anyone sees anything missing or wrong please let me know.[/b]
In the coming weeks I will be adding more crew members. Right now I am installing three on the side 50's. Also have my new 3D detailed model of the Thompson M1928A1 being 3D printed so I can add a boarding party standing by.
I plan to take some good video (even on board) and upload it to YouTube. Got new video software that is supposed to allow me to change day video to a nighttime as well as adding some visual and audio effects. Hope to get this video out showing the 61 model in action soon.
Lew
[url]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-Index.htm[/url]
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jun 20, 2017 - 12:30pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
I am including some close up photos of one of the side 50-BMGs. I did not find anything like them (other boats?) so I based the style and size from what I measured on the 59's photos. If anyone is looking to make these, perhaps this will save some time.
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3A.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3B.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3C.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3D.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3E.jpg[/image]
[image]http://lewsmodelboats.org/PT-boat-forum/Stbd-3B-dims.jpg[/image]
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jul 2, 2017 - 11:36am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
I just uploaded to this forum's gallery a bunch of photos of the 61. Some are real photos of the 61 and the rest are of the model I finally finished building:
[url]http://www.ptboatforum.com/PhotoGallery/album/5I5/?sort=date_asc&page=2[/url]
In a few weeks I hope to get the 61 back in the water and make a new video.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Aug 16, 2017 - 9:52pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Great job, Lew. It just keeps getting better...
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Aug 17, 2017 - 2:18pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm
Finally, after two months of everything from a hurricane to surgery, I was able to get my PT-61 (now finished) back in the water. Here is a short video. The beginning is a little blurry (something about those nasty pixels) but it gets better: [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1a-azXI-xY[/url]
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Oct 16, 2017 - 8:43am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Very nice Lew, all those figures really bring it alive! I hope the gators don't think they look tasty. [:-laughing-:]
Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Oct 17, 2017 - 6:40am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am
Jeff,
I have been running model boats there since the early 1970's and have not seen any gator attacks to date. Worst are the speed boaters that show up now and then.
We have had some scale boats collide and one of the smaller tugs went to the bottom. The owner quickly did a salvage operation (no gators that day).
My '61 is a 47-1/4 inch Dumas fiberglass hull which is bigger than most and is very sturdy. (The standing ones are not cemented in place - the feet have pins through the deck with springs under the deck). So, the little guys are pretty safe.
Lew
Lew Zee
Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Oct 17, 2017 - 2:01pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm
Lookin' good, Lew!
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Oct 24, 2017 - 9:46pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm