For as long as I can remember, the Torpedo Boat has been an interesting subject for me. Particularly the World War 2 types. Way back in 1991, I had modelled the Brave Borderer which was based on a Vosper boat.

Due to all the hype, thanks to its one time skipper John F. Kennedy, the PT 109 (Patrol Torpedo Boat) is probably the single most famous boat of its type.

Here is my completely scratchbuilt PT 109. Scoured the net but found no workable plans to download. Gathered a whole bunch of photographs and got down to work.

She is built to a rough scale of 1:50 and measures approximately 19.5 inches. The original Elco was a 80 footer. Hull is made from balsa sheet and planking. Superstructure is made out of Sunboard foam sheets.

Each and every component of the boat is scratchbuilt (other than the electricals, the decals, the props and the stuffing tubes).

Particularly proud of the .50 cal twins, the Oerlikon Cannon, the Balsa Lifeboat and the Turret Railings. These four were tough calls!

Two brushed motors rated at 25,000 rpm, Single Brushed ESC rated at 30 amps, Turnigy 2 cell 2200mah battery (kindly modified from a damaged 3s by a fellow forum member), Hextronix 9 gram servo, Will be using a Futaba 2 Channel Tx/Rx.

Some detailing work still remains and should be completing them shortly. Water trials within this week. I have placed the battery astern to see if I can recreate the 'bow up' attitude of the PT Boat, at high speeds.

Not too happy with the final paint finish as the gloss mars the authenticity. I would have preferred a matte finish.

If anyone is interested, I can post a detailed build log of the boat. Let me know.

    



In-fact "Great Job"  Marvelous




PS : I can see the revived LIPO being put to good use there.

Indeed , second to only Roopesh's build

Thanks Gentlemen.

Lt. Col. Sundaramvelar thanks a ton for repairing / modifying that and the other LiPo's.

Wing Cmdr. Augustine, let's not get into comparisons as that is a relative issue. IMHO, Roopesh is in a different league altogether when it comes to scratchbuilding. It would be unfair to compare him with ANYONE. He is a genius.

absolutely, i think he is the best

Wow, she's really beautiful VC sir! Particularly the first pic. Looks majestic! 

Thanks Swapnil. Still working on it. Hull strakes and Life belts still to be added..............

VC Sir..PT Bots..one of the ever fascianting subject to  any modeler..a million thanks for sharing this marvellouse piece of engineering..its awesome..and i can imagine the strain, and hard work you put in this model..please share us a detailed build log, so we will get some good inspiration..yes..VC Sir..amazing work..please post a good video..its exciting..

Very beautiful build VC all the best for the test run

No! I won't share the build log with you because then you will build something awesome and mind blowing which will make my model look like a piece of junk in comparison!

Just joking Roopesh  . Just give me some time to resize the pictures and I will surely post it all.

Thanks Roopesh and Sunlike Star!

Wowser !!

Danke!

hi VC
very nice build there mate. 
at least it looks like your's is getting a water trial................. mine is still 'high and dry' at the moment      still to have the weathering finished and warmer weather to try it out.
I have sold all my rc gear now  [except the boat and radio] as I can no longer aford the hobby. but I may still build the odd boat for the g/kids..... see if the interest is there first....... the yellow one my g/son has is still sat on the shelf..........
happy sailing, I will drop by from time to time to see what everyone is up to
regards
don
uk

Don my friend,

Affordability, yes that can prove to be a stumbling block for all of us. Why do you think I choose to scratch build instead? Also living in the UK is a double edged sword. Whilst you do get a lot of stuff out there, it may prove to be rather expensive. I've sent you a PM, please respond.

I am saddened by what you have mentioned here.

Thanks a lot for your encouragement.

Regards,

VC

Can someone please think out of the box and tell me how to make the life belts? Roopesh are you there?

I was thinking of aluminium washers 'fattened' with M Seal. Anybody else has a better idea? Prop saver rubber bands are too big for the scale.

How about this: Cut a cylindrical wire/ cable (of required diameter) in lengths equaling the required perimeter of life-belts. Then join the two ends using using 5-min epoxy.

To get a good cylindrical shape, wind it around a cylindrical object and then join the ends with epoxy. Also try smearing a layer of epoxy on the cable surface for shape retention.   

Thanks Swapnil. Will try it out and revert.

Good after noon VC Sir, it is easy to make life belts..i have usually two options..take some high guage soldering led, and round it over a cylinder up to our size..join tips with industrial cyano..can paint it later..

another easiest option up to 1:55 scales is, can buy the washers for N C V s, ( Needle Control Valves), used in high pressure L P G stoves. can purchase in many diameters from 6mm to 18 mm..is cheaper..20 Rs for a packet..the main valve washers also do the best..
for bigger crafts we can use the "O" rings for bobbin winders of a sewing machine..

can use bobbin "O"rings for 1: 35 th scaled crafts..

VC Sir..waiting to see her as finished..awesome..inspiring..

Swapnil / Roopesh, thanks a ton! It worked. Now waiting for the paint to dry out.

Electrical wiring sleeving (with the copper wire removed) joined together with Industrial CA.

Ah, just like I'd imagined while replying, wire insulation wound around a pen!