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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 109 Life-Jackets
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Having trouble finding correct 1/35 scale PT 109 Life-Jackets. If anyone knows where I could get these or any Navy gear to litter the deck with, would be great.

I also would like to know if the deck of the PT 109 was visibly planked or was it painted smooth. In the pics I have seen so far the deck seems smooth. The Italeri kit has the deck planked.

Posted By: Capt Speirs | Posted on: Mar 1, 2016 - 9:58am
Total Posts: 41 | Joined: Feb 21, 2016 - 6:56pm

Capt,
Try Royal Model. they do/did a harbour set and an update set which has lifejackets and other goodies.
On early boats he decks were planked, the kit is correct although it would be more accurate if the planks were engraved. The planks became more prominent with wear. They should also be visible inside the cockpit.(not the wing steps) On mine I didn't do the engraving-wish I had. On my 195 model I have.

Best Regards,
Stu.

Thanks for the quick reply Stu. Unfortunately Royal Models no longer carries that set. I had found some from U Models on Ebay part #UM005 but they are not available. Another set on Ebay with the same part number looks different, not correct IMHO. Everywhere else on the net the U model Jackets are not available. I would hate to have to scratch build them.

Thanks for the info on the deck. Yes the raised lines for the decking is disappointing, makes dry brushing a nightmare.

Posted By: Capt Speirs | Posted on: Mar 1, 2016 - 6:10pm
Total Posts: 41 | Joined: Feb 21, 2016 - 6:56pm

from the u-models website

http://www.u-models.com/UM049.htm

http://www.u-models.com/UM065.htm

Posted By: JBG327 | Posted on: Mar 5, 2016 - 11:13am
Total Posts: 74 | Joined: Sep 29, 2012 - 2:40pm

from the u-models website

http://www.u-models.com/UM049.htm

http://www.u-models.com/UM065.htm

I saw that, but I am not confident with their ordering and payment method. I assume since you linked them that you have had good results with them?

Posted By: Capt Speirs | Posted on: Mar 5, 2016 - 12:14pm
Total Posts: 41 | Joined: Feb 21, 2016 - 6:56pm

Update, I found the Royal Models Elco set. Lotsa helmets and life jackets.
Question is, what color are the jackets and helmets? I assume the helmets were OD like the Army's. But the jackets I can't make it out.

Posted By: Capt Speirs | Posted on: Apr 1, 2016 - 1:44pm
Total Posts: 41 | Joined: Feb 21, 2016 - 6:56pm

The kapok life jackets were blue, sometimes faded to a kind of blue-gray. Someone previously posted a Kodachrome photo of a WWII 20mm crew on this Forum, and their life jackets show up blue. There are several other WWII vintage color photos of PT men in kapok life jackets floating around, and the jackets are blue.

Check the commercial films "PT 109" or "The Caine Mutiny" -- you'll see the color of the kapoks they wore in Technicolor.

I believe a previous discussion of the helmets the PT men wore stated they were for the most part OD green, but someone else will probably weigh in on this, as I can't remember for sure.

Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Apr 1, 2016 - 2:59pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am

New jackets had that blue/gray color, but if your doing the 109, you can bet those jackets saw plenty of sun and salt spray. I have an original jacket in my Exhibit and it caries a gray color from being exposed. Helmets were most certainly OD, Gray Navy Helmets were usually carried and worn by Sailors on large ships. All of my projects that have men on the boats have OD green helmets.

Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Apr 2, 2016 - 12:35am
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am

Drew and Frank, thanks for your replies. another step closer. Now for the decision to scribe the plank gaps or leave it sanded. Apparently the gaps are very narrow and often times covered with fresh paint.

Posted By: Capt Speirs | Posted on: Apr 2, 2016 - 9:57am
Total Posts: 41 | Joined: Feb 21, 2016 - 6:56pm