Fellow Modelers,
Below is a photo of Italeri’s 1/35 scale Elco Corporation PT-109 WW2 patrol torpedo boat. It was built in 2013. It is a huge model (27.5” length) and included nearly 500 parts! I made some minor modifications and additions, but tried to keep it close to a box stock build. Multiple PT Boat Internet experts seem to agree Italeri’s kit is the most accurate model that has been produced of an Elco 80ft. 103 Class PT boat. PT-109 shipped from the factory in July 1942, wearing an overall gray scheme. Sometime after it was put into front line service, everything above the waterline was re-painted green. This was done so the boat would blend better against the South Pacific island jungles where it commonly operated. Not all PT boats in this theater were painted this color. The actual shade of green is unknown, as it was a field mix color and not per any existing standard. Two color photos exist showing what is believed to be part of PT-109 after the green paint was applied. Based on these, I decided to paint it Model Master Euro Dark Green-1764, since it was a close match (to me anyway). The actual shade of green remains unknown, and is open to interpretation by anyone who models this boat. Although a small boat with no significant heroic action attached to it, PT-109 became one of the most famous and well known warships to participate in WW2. On the night of August 2, 1943, PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer while under the command of future United States President John F. Kennedy. The surviving crew’s ordeal and rescue made Kennedy a war hero, and later helped him in his early political career. Italeri correctly included the two forward depth charges and a 37mm anti-tank gun, both unique to PT-109. It is believed the 37mm gun was acquired only a day or so before it was sunk and was only lashed down with ropes for the final patrol. There is strong photo evidence the “A” frame mast had been removed from PT-109 even before Kennedy assumed command, but I chose to include it since I felt it adds so much to the “classic look” of the boat. It is a great kit and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in this subject. I hope you enjoy the photo.
Phillip11
