Merit PT

The cable looks to be present on certain boats. Could have been as part of different electronic equipment on board. I have the Squadron PT Boats in Action book and page 30 shows a picture of PT 588 with this cable. Then there's another boat pictured on page 31 without the cable.

The antenna trunk on 588 is rounded.  

www.navsource.org/.../120558802.jpg

The cable on the 588 boat is not a permanent fixture. It's not painted for one, and it is also not fastened down. I have a higher-resolution copy of what Al posted and it's very apparent that it is not permanently affixed. I have no similar such scans for the 596 boat.

I think ship modelers will enjoy building this kit... Not only because of its more manageable size and its level of detail ...

I should point out that in his post above, Mr. Ross has stated that the antenna trunk on the real PT-588 was rectangular, however, I recently saw a photograph posted on FSM of the port side of the cockpit, dayroom area of the real 588 and the photo clearly shows the antenna trunk being rounded.

Guys, this kit is really good and, in my own opinion, is better than the 1:35 monster from Italeri.

Garth

I agree Garth. The kit looks pretty impressive, specially the quality  of the weapons. The fins on the Mk. 13s can easily be corrected. The other stuff mentioned really doesn't bother me and should make one fine looking display model.

Indeed Plasticjunkie.

Back in June, I said that the raised portion around the perimeter of the deck on the Merit pt 596 was an error.  I was wrong; sorry guys.  Some of my friends on the PT BOAT FORUM (Tracy White and Jeff Davidson, in particular) provided photos and drawings that demonstrated there was a raised portion on the later boats.  If you'd like to follow the discussion, go here:  www.ptboatforum.com/.../netboardr.cgi

Al Ross

Hey Al, I've long said that the fastest way to find out where you are wrong is to post on the internet! It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong, as the saying goes.

But, I think we're all better for learning, so I always try to be happy when I learn something, even when I smack my forehead and gnash my teeth first!