1/72 PT-20 Elco 77-foot type (Kitbashed)
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by David Flynn |
1/72 PT-20 Elco 77-foot type (Kitbashed)
This is my attempt to build a model of one of my favorite PT boats - the Elco 77-foot type. I had wanted to make one since I was about 10 years old when I saw the photo below in an old book, *Warships of the World* (1944). However, I was unaware of any kits. With the recent advent of 3D printing I decided a few months ago to make a model by adapting a Revell PT 109 (an Elco 80-footer). With few photos or plans, I designed 3D prints of the cabin and turrets, and purchased the prints from Shapeways. I tried to scrape and sand the turrets to make them transparent, but that did not work.Some highlights include:
Photos seem to show that on some boats the decks were painted light gray, and dark gray on others. I felt it would look better with dark gray decks. I did not paint the framing on the turrets because I will probably replace them in the near future with more accurate ones. When I drew them I did not know that they are accurate for only PT 21 and newer. PT 20 had an older design.
- The hull was built-up forward to create the hump.
- The hull was filed below this to try to create a flare.
- The deck was shortened 3/16" at the stern. (The kit has an overhang not present on the 77s.)
- The deck was narrowed about 1/16" on both sides.
- Putty was applied to the torpedo tubes to simulate canvas covers.
- The horn and bell are from HO fire trucks.
- The windshield, windows, and the cockpit walls and deck are sheet plastic.
- The aft vents are from a parts box. (I think they are from a Revell Mission Capistrano.)
- The exhausts are from a plastic tube a parts box.
- I made my own decals.
The model could be more accurate and detailed, but it came out close enough for me. And if I were to make another, I could make it better and faster than this one.
