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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: HELLCAT question
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I was able to find enough information at the UNO archives to build a model of PT 564, however no information on how the hull planking was orientated and if the deck was planked or sheeted.

Still in the planning stages and gathering materials, so can anyone answer either of those two questions? Thanks for your help and Happy Holidays to all.

Larry

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2

Posted By: bubbletop409 | Posted on: Dec 2, 2014 - 4:42pm
Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm



I got these specs from several Higgins drawings ([url]http://www.pt103.com/images/ptpics/higgins/hellcat/PT_564_Higgins_Hellcat_1943.zip[/url]):

Deck planking:
Inner layer: 5/16 x 5 orford cedar
Outer layer: 7/16 x 5 mahogany

Side planking:
3/4 mahogany ply 8' 0 x 74' 0

Bottom planking
Inner layer: 1/4 mahogany ply 48 x 14' 0
Outer layer: 3/4 mahogany in 8, 10, 12 and 15 widths

Transom planking:
3/4 mahogany ply 9' 0 x 15' 0

I have no drawing specific to the Hellcat showing planking orientation, sorry.

Happy Holidays to you too Larry!




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Dec 2, 2014 - 5:25pm
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Jeff

Thanks for your reply, I have all the drawings you provided and from them have drawn the frame plans. This will be a 1/20th RC boat, some I'm not shooting for museum quality, just trying to keep it real as far as construction techniques.

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2

Posted By: bubbletop409 | Posted on: Dec 2, 2014 - 6:54pm
Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm



This picture;

[url]http://ptboatred.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/fast-pt.jpg[/url]

seems to indicate outer planking layers are oriented parallel to the stem on the topsides and parallel to the chines on the bottom.

The deck planking runs fore and aft according to the picture posted by Al some way down this page;

[url]http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=127730&page=1&ord=1[/url]

These configurations appears to be the norm for Higgins PT boats built prior to 1945.

I can never get links to work, but if you highlight them and right click then select open link in new tab it saves messing about.



Posted By: cdsc123 | Posted on: Dec 10, 2014 - 3:13pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



So in doing further research on the Hellcat I have noticed a few things that differed on her compared to the other boats of the day.
In viewing the Higgins prints from the UNO archives it appears the Hellcat lacked some of the usual features found on other PT's.

There are no deck mounted ventilators or intakes for engine air, no toe rails on the fore deck, no dead lights in the decks. She also carried more fuel than the contemporary boats of the time, her tanks could hold 3600+ gallons of gas.

Dr, Ross supplied a photo which also showed she had an unusual helm position and bridge area.

If anyone else has any pertinent information on the Hellcat, drawings, pic's, whatever I would appreciate you sharing, thanks.

Larry

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2

Posted By: bubbletop409 | Posted on: Dec 22, 2014 - 10:48am
Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm



Larry if you E mail me I will send you a few photos that I have..........



Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Dec 22, 2014 - 12:22pm
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am



Larry;
While the larger boats were becoming more gunboats as the war progressed, PT 564 was originally designed as a pure torpedo boat, speed and maneuverability being the main focus, this is why the design was more streamlined and larger fuel capacity was added. This boat could run rings around a Higgins 78 and an ELCO 80. Many Skippers just back from Guadalcanal, who tested it, gave it very high marks, but eventually because it was determined the larger boats could still serve the purpose, it was deemed unnecessary by Bureau of Ships/Big Navy.
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Dec 23, 2014 - 7:29am
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Frank, thanks for those photo's, they clarify the bridge and helm area, and helped tremendously in my figuring how to build that area.

Larry
62 Bel-Air
260 Eagle EXP
79 Cole TR-2

Posted By: bubbletop409 | Posted on: Dec 23, 2014 - 6:39pm
Total Posts: 164 | Joined: Apr 22, 2013 - 11:48pm



Larry your certainly welcome.



Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Dec 24, 2014 - 2:00pm
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am