Thanks, Gentlemen, for the comments.
Hawk released these simplified “box scale” kits in the mid-late ‘60s, including a World War II Destroyer (Fletcher class, 1/668), a Coast Guard cutter (Treasury class, 1/603), LST Landing ship (1/606) and the PT-Boat. All had the characteristic exciting box-art of the era, disguising the fact that each had just a few parts and was only around 5 inches in length. They generally had a full, 1-piece hull (without props, rudders or other fittings), pretty nicely-molded deck detail, but highly simplified superstructure, slab-sided gun enclosures and featureless main weapons. Smaller guns and fittings were either non-existent or of the “shapeless blob” variety.
Testors re-released the four in the early 2000s as part of their “Easy Builder” series, basically the same kits (with much less interesting box art) and bare-minimum decals (and even retaining the old molded-on Hawk copyright markings), but in a semi-translucent white plastic instead of the original gray. I remember having seen reviews at the time, from older duffers like myself, hailing the re-release, but they must not have sold well since they seem to have gone pretty quickly into discount bins and clearance sales (where, I freely admit, I got mine).
I never bought the LST or the Fletcher, but I snapped up this PT out of curiosity, and about six of the CG Cutters for various planned projects. Unfortunately the latter require considerable reworking to correct aft deckhouse issues. Still, I hope to have Pearl Harbor survivor Roger B Taney done sometime this year, in her mid-war rig as a convoy escort sporting (4) 5” guns, the only ship of that well-used class to have that particular fitting.
Thanks again for taking the time to look in.