This brought back memories. Years ago I reported to a guy who was a WW2 vet and passed away a few years ago. He often spoke of his service on a PT boat in the South Pacific. He told me about the “big Packard engines”. When I asked him one time if he saw much action he said “ No.......every place we went the Japanese had already left!” He told me he sold his car to his brother when he enlisted, then bought it back when he returned”.
When the Revell kit was introduced I was 8 years old. Me and my first cousin and two other guys decided to buy and build that kit. Super fun. We went on that summer to build most of the WWII U.S. carrier aircraft models in 1/48 scale. As an old guy I've rebuilt all those kits. Love the looks of the Elco PT. Mine has the field modification of the 37 mm gun on the bow.
This is a great video with enough information about the various kits to help make the decision about which to build. The size comparison with the bookshelves was especially revealing. I had no idea from seeing the boxes and even knowing the scale of each kit just how different they would be when completed. Thank you for an excellent presentation.
Thanks for putting Dr. B in his place Mrs. Budzik. I’m sure that you are more patient than this video depicts you. Thanks for the recommendations Dr. Budzik.
This was great! Thanks! When I was about 10 I built one of those 1/72 old Revell kits or something similar. I'm old now and am more of a stasher for when I can retire and build models all day while watching old westers and WW II movies. I recently bought that Italeri 1/35 beast. Yeah...gonna need a bigger bookcase for that one.
I’m a cargo pilot, and my wife isn’t happy when she knows I have some time in Tokyo. One time I came home with half of my suitcase full of models and modeling supplies. Here’s to the other halves that put up with our hobby.
Well hello there! Wonderful video, as always. I've been watching your channel for a few years now, but through youtube on a ps3. Finally joined the pc world, and now I can comment on, and share your videos. I want to genuinely thank you for countless hours of quality entertainment; I watch and re-watch your uploads constantly- they're either a history lesson, such as this one, or an absolute master class on techniques we should all aspire to have in our wheelhouse. I cannot begin to convey the thanks you deserve for the content you've provided for us hobbyists, but hopefully these few words will suffice. Once again, thank you for all you do, and I eagerly await your next video.
Also, in the 1960's Revell released a 1:72 British Vosper MTB as built in the US for lend lease to Russia, and also packaged it as PT 73 from the McHale's Navy TV show. )The production company bought it from Howard Hughes, who had used it as a chase/camera boat for the one flight of the H-4 Hercules, aka. the Spruce Goose.) Italeri is also producing a 1:35 Vosper MTB.
I just saw an old ‘McHale’s Navy’ ‘PT 73’ on eBay about a month ago. Unopened, that kit went in auction at $331.00! Also, IIRC, an old partially badly build and poorly painted version went for $51. I was somewhat interested because I wanted a 77’ hull to build a really early Elco. I don’t know for sure if the Vosper was a 77 footer, it just seemed to flash as such in memory.
That was funny. Your wife is a good sport. Another noteworthy but different Elco kit is the offering from Bluejacket Shipcrafters. It is wood, white metal, and photo etch in 1/48 scale. Bob Steinbrunn built an exceptional model from this kit which was written up in the now defunct Seaways' Ships in Scale.
Thanks Dave ... I did avoid discussing the Bluejacket Model and was specific about qualifying that I was talking about "plastic" models. I think the Bluejacket model is a great opportunity for a modeler who wants to bust out of plastic models and dip into the world of a craftsman. Sadly, I feel the interest for that approach is lessening everyday, especially with the popularity of 3D (which I avoid altogether). Even since my magazine days, I took the approach of trying to lure modelers to the craftsman side by adding modifications and scratchbuilt bits to a more accessible model project. Look at Bob's evolution from the days of detailing plastic model aircraft to full scratchbuilding.
Hello, I’m curious where the Yorktown class carrier line drawing above your workbench was found, I’m building the 1/200 kit, beautiful drawing and kit as well, Thank You (US Navy Signalman)
I have to revisit this PT boat series... You might have already told us if they were related in any way to the British MTBs. We are all guilty of buying more than we can build! 🙂 My stash is huge and growing (very slowly now) despite the fact that clearly not even half of the kits could be ever started.
Thank you Radu ... I wanted to keep the historical background brief, and closely related to operational boats and available (or likely future) models, so I didn't go all the way back to the Scott-Paine boats and the plywood derby. But you are right in that the very first Elco prototype was pretty much a take-off of the Scott-Paine design. But the 77 foot Elco was a much different boat and the 80 foot was again a basic redesign. In each case, adapted to carry a greater load of weaponry.
@@scale-model-workshop Hi! Thank you for the detailed answer and for the tip about "At Close Quarters...". 🙂 I was able to find it instantly in pdf format. It seems to be an excellent starting point! As for the available kits, although 1:72nd would the right scale for a PT boat, I don't think I'd have the nerves to build the Revell's kit... Especially after seeing the (poor) quality of the parts. I would however consider the bigger one from Merit. Thank you for the quick comparison!
Some very minor and probably useless structural information: I have no idea what kind of PT boat I was on. It was unrestored and in the early 1980s. I had heard that they were "plywood" but later learned that was just an urban legend. The boat near my house on Clear Lake near the Johnson Space Center was diagonally planked mahogany and had something that strongly resembled roofing tar felt between the layers of planks. I wish I had taken a ton of photos but all I have is a very old memory. When I was a kid in the '60s I recall seeing a bunch of PT boats moored on a river somewhere between Houston and Beaumont, TX as we crossed the bridge over the river.
I wanted to keep the extremely brief history related to operational boats that are available as models. In reality, the Huckins boats were basically useless and barely worthy of a footnote. But I imagine they were a benefit to the builder.
Best one out them all! The elco 80! I've done 3 one in 48th and one in 35th both stunning the revel 72nd is a shed something to stay away from haha! I've got the new mould merit now I love kits logo! Oh I have the 1.35 vosper that was nice! Revel 1.72 is very bad wouldn't recommend it to anyone! It would be the new 1.48 merit! It's perfect for size and loads detail and PE ! But not merit now that must be an old Kit as there now that I 💘 kits logo
"Oh really...!?!" That little cameo made my day. Thank you Paul!
This is turning out to be one of the finest modeling channels.
Thanks for the video. Great information.
This brought back memories. Years ago I reported to a guy who was a WW2 vet and passed away a few years ago. He often spoke of his service on a PT boat in the South Pacific. He told me about the “big Packard engines”. When I asked him one time if he saw much action he said “ No.......every place we went the Japanese had already left!” He told me he sold his car to his brother when he enlisted, then bought it back when he returned”.
The depth of information researched is the story glue which brings the model to life.
Thanks Paul, really appreciated
I'm glad I found your channel. I picked up a Revell kit in a clearance rack at my local hobby shop. Thanks for the info.
When the Revell kit was introduced I was 8 years old. Me and my first cousin and two other guys decided to buy and build that kit. Super fun. We went on that summer to build most of the WWII U.S. carrier aircraft models in 1/48 scale. As an old guy I've rebuilt all those kits. Love the looks of the Elco PT. Mine has the field modification of the 37 mm gun on the bow.
Very classy video with excellent production values, professional cinematography, and sober narration.
The interaction from your wife was hysterical. Too funny! A great video as always and thanks for the laughs!
This is a great video with enough information about the various kits to help make the decision about which to build. The size comparison with the bookshelves was especially revealing. I had no idea from seeing the boxes and even knowing the scale of each kit just how different they would be when completed. Thank you for an excellent presentation.
Thanks for putting Dr. B in his place Mrs. Budzik. I’m sure that you are more patient than this video depicts you. Thanks for the recommendations Dr. Budzik.
This was great! Thanks! When I was about 10 I built one of those 1/72 old Revell kits or something similar. I'm old now and am more of a stasher for when I can retire and build models all day while watching old westers and WW II movies. I recently bought that Italeri 1/35 beast. Yeah...gonna need a bigger bookcase for that one.
I’m a cargo pilot, and my wife isn’t happy when she knows I have some time in Tokyo. One time I came home with half of my suitcase full of models and modeling supplies. Here’s to the other halves that put up with our hobby.
Well hello there! Wonderful video, as always. I've been watching your channel for a few years now, but through youtube on a ps3. Finally joined the pc world, and now I can comment on, and share your videos. I want to genuinely thank you for countless hours of quality entertainment; I watch and re-watch your uploads constantly- they're either a history lesson, such as this one, or an absolute master class on techniques we should all aspire to have in our wheelhouse. I cannot begin to convey the thanks you deserve for the content you've provided for us hobbyists, but hopefully these few words will suffice. Once again, thank you for all you do, and I eagerly await your next video.
Thank you so much Robby! ... And I greatly appreciate you taking the time to let let me know.
@@scale-model-workshop You are very welcome, it's the least I could do; thank you for the reply, and enjoy a peaceful Memorial Day.
I like the reflective angle you take on your videos
'Somehow we don't get around to building these kits right away.....' Never a truer word said. - hilarious. A really informative video, thank you.
Something tells me his pile of shame is garage sized lol.
I told my main squeeze that the model and the supplies are like tea… they have to steep a bit.
🤣@@papadopp3870 that's gonna be a strong brew...
@@StaplesandVine lol! Earl Grey poly-styrene and pinch of Cyanoacrylate. Gap zapping, of course.
That's just how I like it@@papadopp3870 😎
Nice cameo by the wifey! I think we can all relate to that scenario, cheers doc!
Another excellent video Paul and about one of my favourite boat I add the Remote control one in the 60s .
Also, in the 1960's Revell released a 1:72 British Vosper MTB as built in the US for lend lease to Russia, and also packaged it as PT 73 from the McHale's Navy TV show. )The production company bought it from Howard Hughes, who had used it as a chase/camera boat for the one flight of the H-4 Hercules, aka. the Spruce Goose.) Italeri is also producing a 1:35 Vosper MTB.
I just saw an old ‘McHale’s Navy’ ‘PT 73’ on eBay about a month ago. Unopened, that kit went in auction at $331.00! Also, IIRC, an old partially badly build and poorly painted version went for $51. I was somewhat interested because I wanted a 77’ hull to build a really early Elco. I don’t know for sure if the Vosper was a 77 footer, it just seemed to flash as such in memory.
Great video and I am excited to start my 48” Dumas radio controlled triple drive model. I plan to put 3 DC motors in my model.
Thank you Doctor and thanks to your wife.
My Dad served on the PTs in WW2. The 356 was his main boat. Stationed in Balikapan with Lt Kennedy .
Thanks for the video. Don't forget the Vosper boats and the PT-73 model by Revell. I have one packed away here, somewhere.
The first sentence of the video, "The PT Boat of the US Navy ..." US NAVY.
That was funny. Your wife is a good sport. Another noteworthy but different Elco kit is the offering from Bluejacket Shipcrafters. It is wood, white metal, and photo etch in 1/48 scale. Bob Steinbrunn built an exceptional model from this kit which was written up in the now defunct Seaways' Ships in Scale.
Thanks Dave ... I did avoid discussing the Bluejacket Model and was specific about qualifying that I was talking about "plastic" models. I think the Bluejacket model is a great opportunity for a modeler who wants to bust out of plastic models and dip into the world of a craftsman. Sadly, I feel the interest for that approach is lessening everyday, especially with the popularity of 3D (which I avoid altogether). Even since my magazine days, I took the approach of trying to lure modelers to the craftsman side by adding modifications and scratchbuilt bits to a more accessible model project. Look at Bob's evolution from the days of detailing plastic model aircraft to full scratchbuilding.
That Italeri kit would make a nice RC model. I new about the Revell kit, but not about the other two. Thanks.
For RC, the bigger the better. I scratch built a late war Elco, 67” long, 50 pounds powered by a Zenoah gas engine.
Nice work, Paul!
Thanks David !
Excellent information provided with this video! Thanks for sharing. PS. Your PT Boat looks great on the shelf!
GEEZ!!! I thought my Italeri MAS & Schnellboat came in big boxes, that Elco box is HUGE.
But I still want one of those Higgens boats.
A great video, as usual. What is the music at the beginning?
The music ... I'll leave it as a mystery. But I do think it fits for what I'm trying to do with the "PostScript" segments.
I love your videos but I gotta ask, what song are you using in the beginning? It sounds so familiar to me but I can't put my finger on it.
“..... oh really”
Hangs head .....now that was funny
Love that the Mrs. got to add her input to the video!
What is the title and artist of the music that you used in this??
Great information as always!
Hello, I’m curious where the Yorktown class carrier line drawing above your workbench was found, I’m building the 1/200 kit, beautiful drawing and kit as well, Thank You (US Navy Signalman)
5:02 I have been there Brother.
I have to revisit this PT boat series...
You might have already told us if they were related in any way to the British MTBs.
We are all guilty of buying more than we can build! 🙂
My stash is huge and growing (very slowly now) despite the fact that clearly not even half of the kits could be ever started.
Thank you Radu ... I wanted to keep the historical background brief, and closely related to operational boats and available (or likely future) models, so I didn't go all the way back to the Scott-Paine boats and the plywood derby. But you are right in that the very first Elco prototype was pretty much a take-off of the Scott-Paine design. But the 77 foot Elco was a much different boat and the 80 foot was again a basic redesign. In each case, adapted to carry a greater load of weaponry.
@@scale-model-workshop
Hi! Thank you for the detailed answer and for the tip about "At Close Quarters...". 🙂
I was able to find it instantly in pdf format. It seems to be an excellent starting point!
As for the available kits, although 1:72nd would the right scale for a PT boat, I don't think I'd have the nerves to build the Revell's kit... Especially after seeing the (poor) quality of the parts. I would however consider the bigger one from Merit.
Thank you for the quick comparison!
I too have a room full of unassembled kits...
Hahaha, you got off lightly their Paul!
Some very minor and probably useless structural information: I have no idea what kind of PT boat I was on. It was unrestored and in the early 1980s. I had heard that they were "plywood" but later learned that was just an urban legend. The boat near my house on Clear Lake near the Johnson Space Center was diagonally planked mahogany and had something that strongly resembled roofing tar felt between the layers of planks. I wish I had taken a ton of photos but all I have is a very old memory. When I was a kid in the '60s I recall seeing a bunch of PT boats moored on a river somewhere between Houston and Beaumont, TX as we crossed the bridge over the river.
Don't forget that Huckins also built PT boats, 41 of them. Other than that, a very nice video!
I wanted to keep the extremely brief history related to operational boats that are available as models. In reality, the Huckins boats were basically useless and barely worthy of a footnote. But I imagine they were a benefit to the builder.
What about the PT 73? I built one in the ‘70’s
Title should have said US PT Boats. That PT 73 model is a British Vosper Boat.
Best one out them all! The elco 80! I've done 3 one in 48th and one in 35th both stunning the revel 72nd is a shed something to stay away from haha! I've got the new mould merit now I love kits logo! Oh I have the 1.35 vosper that was nice! Revel 1.72 is very bad wouldn't recommend it to anyone! It would be the new 1.48 merit! It's perfect for size and loads detail and PE ! But not merit now that must be an old
Kit as there now that I 💘 kits logo
I'm clearly involved in the wrong hobby. I'm going to try building my first kit ASAP.
Lol, great vid doc!
5:22 _The Revell model leaves you a bit of room for a few books._ Books are out. Models are in, man.
👍👍👍👍
👍🏻🍻🍺🤙🏼
Two wives Disliked this video.
Never liked the look of the Higgins, Elco all the way.
Oh really 🥺........😂🤣
Hey Doc, please build the USS Lindsey, it has an amazing story and I knew a member of the crew. Check out TH-cam Thomas Ryan USS Lindsey
🤣