Revell 1/72 Elco PT-117 Kit Build Review
By Claude LE COURSONNOIS
| Date of Review | November 2007 | Manufacturer | Revell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | PT-155 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 5048 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build out of the box | Cons | Corrections required to achieve accurate model |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $12.75 |
The Build
I looked for a color scheme on the internet for this shipand I found some black and white photos. I finally decidedto paint it grey. I began by gluing together the main deckand the hull. They went together pretty well though some sandingand just a bit of putty was necessary. Then some additional pieces had to be glued.
Since the plastic is dark green, I painted it white overallbefore the grey color was airbrushed (Humbrol Matt 64 + syntheticthinner). The next day I painted paint the underside of theboat red. The solution I chose was to put the hull on a horizontalcardboard support giving her the right foundation, then witha graphite pen on a little box of good thick I drew a linearound marking the waterline. This made it easier to mask andto airbrush the red color (Humbrol matt 60). Once it was dry,a coat of Johnson clear was applied overall.
The armament was assembled separately. The turrets receivednew metal tubes for the Browning 50 caliber machine guns (piecesof paper clip) and some little amelioration as the cartridges,made one by one in some sprue. Each torpedo tube was seriouslysanded and received metal side supports. The rear 20 mm canonwas also ameliorated with some metal parts (wires of differentthickness). All the guns where painted flat black and brushedwith graphite powder.
A mix of black and white oil paints was thinned with MineralSpirits and applied on the kit. After few minutes, it was wipedwith a scrap of paper. The purpose is to bring out the detailsand to give weathering effect.
The transfer where applied and the different parts went togethervery well to finish this model of this torpedo boat.
