Italeri PT-109 Torpedo Boat 1:35-WIP

Nice looking boat !

How long it is ?

In the Mediterranean there were modifications to the the PT boats because of certain factors. Torpedoes were started and slid off the side. I believe because of closer ranged the blank round flash could be seen from tube launches. The 37mm anti-tank gun found its way on to many PT boats in all theaters.  The USMC had lots of them, so did the Army. The gun would get damaged but could still fire. The issue was not a problem on the PT boat because it was in a fixed position. It had more "umph" than the 20mm cannon. The AP round could actually damage many of the enemy light units they came up against. I read an article about this once, I don't have a copy if I remember I'll look it up.  

That field gun would look pretty mean on there. But like I said, I'm just going to make casts of the figure torsos from that kit.

Hey Ray, look three posts above yours......

Looking forward to following your WIP.  Thanks for posting it.

The "field gun" on the 109 was a US 37mm anti-tank gun.

No problems, thanks.

Good idea, I'm glad you clarified that. It makes perfectly good sense now.

Actually the Pacific theatre. I should have mentioned, I'm using the basic torsos from the Tamiya 25 pounder kit as a basis for making JFK and the crew. I was watching a doco on these boats, and they were right down the navy food chain, so no neat uniforms or anything.

Are you planning on a European scenario? The reason that I am asking is because the figures are not exactly dressed for a tropical clime and I don't think the USN had access to British 25 pounders in the Solomon Islands.

The PT-596 etch set, I had in my collection so there are some common elements that will come in handy on the 109 in addition to the included PE.