The Ship Model Forum

My mistake. No 20mm cannons are in Le Clair.

Those are [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M45_Quadmount]M45 Quadmount .50 calibers[/url] - the Thunderbolt had a [url=https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/80-G-K-04000/80-G-K-4709.html]different layout[/url].

That said, the M45 was part of the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_Multiple_Gun_Motor_Carriage]M16 halftrack[/url], which could make any rush hour commute more fun. :big_grin:

[attachment=0]IMG_2624.JPG[/attachment]
Le Clair, Iowa has 2 thunderbolt mounts overlooking the mighty Mississippi, unless the American Pickers have cabbaged on to them!

[quote="NavyShooter"]I'd like one of those Thunderbolt systems in 1:1 scale...LOL[/quote]

Sorry, but your Sea Daddy Trudeau won't allow that!

You'll have to settle for a scaled down resin version if you can find the drawings!

:big_grin:

Hank

I'd like one of those Thunderbolt systems in 1:1 scale...LOL

[quote="davidwaples"]Revell Germany released their latest 1/72 Elco PT Boat kit. The boat depicted is pretty obscure. This model depicts Elco's test of their Thunderbolt gun system on PT-160 at their facility in Bayonne, New Jersey. If you're not familiar with the Thunderbolt gun system, it is a turret of sorts that supported four .20mm Oerlikon cannons, and on this test bed included an additional two .50 cal machine guns. The gunner managed to squeeze in between all of this weaponry to operate the guns. After tests were done with the prototype on PT-160, the Thunderbolt gun system was changed to only include the four .20mm Oerlikon cannons. The prototype 160 boat had the test Thunderbolt gun system removed after the test and before she was actually deployed to theatre. So with eyes wide open realize that this is a one off test bed subject and not something that was ever deployed. We did very politely reach out to Revell Germany after seeing their initial CAD drawings, but they did not respond to the information we provided. But if this one off test boat is something you've wanted to build, this is your kit.

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52304437375_26fd34f475_k.jpg[/img][/quote]

After seeing images of the Thunderbolt system, I wanted to scratch built one in 1/24th scale, but I never got around to doing it. This kit could be a what if build with a bunch of late war armament added to it with a fictitious numbered Pt that didn't see combat. :heh:

[quote="Bob Cicconi"]Nice job! That's a lot of work, huh? I did one for Garth Connelly, but out of the box.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/bobcicconi/DSCF1112.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/bobcicconi/DSCF1111.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/bobcicconi/DSCF1110.jpg[/quote]

An all around Great Build! This must be the 1/35th scale Italerie kit. I have one NIB, one of these days, I'll have to build it. Thanks for sharing and your photos are active since 2017. Most old images no longer work. :thumbs_up_1:

Revell Germany released their latest 1/72 Elco PT Boat kit. The boat depicted is pretty obscure. This model depicts Elco's test of their Thunderbolt gun system on PT-160 at their facility in Bayonne, New Jersey. If you're not familiar with the Thunderbolt gun system, it is a turret of sorts that supported four .20mm Oerlikon cannons, and on this test bed included an additional two .50 cal machine guns. The gunner managed to squeeze in between all of this weaponry to operate the guns. After tests were done with the prototype on PT-160, the Thunderbolt gun system was changed to only include the four .20mm Oerlikon cannons. The prototype 160 boat had the test Thunderbolt gun system removed after the test and before she was actually deployed to theatre. So with eyes wide open realize that this is a one off test bed subject and not something that was ever deployed. We did very politely reach out to Revell Germany after seeing their initial CAD drawings, but they did not respond to the information we provided. But if this one off test boat is something you've wanted to build, this is your kit.

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52304437375_26fd34f475_k.jpg[/img]

Again, thanks!
:wave_1:

Wood; 3.5" brass screws. The drawing is a microfilm blowback, so it's very hard to read.

Great shot of that forward mount. Is the circular base wood, or steel (the large circular base, not the base of the gun mount)? And how is it attached to the deck...I don't see any bolts, rivets, etc.
:wave_1:

Yes to all. However, the MK14 mount did have removeable upside-down J handles (like on the .50s) that would allow high angle fire if necessary.

It would appear that the forward gun with shorter mount wouldn't have much elevation (at least not as much as the aft gun). Was it used mostly for "barge-busting", or other surface targets? Is that the reason for it's not having a sight? Not that it matters on a model!
:wave_1:

The Tropical Green scheme was in effect prior to 372's completion, so it's likely that she left ELCO in Tropical Green, which is just a bit lighter than Navy Green (5NG). I don't have any photos of her, but suspect that she subsequently carried 31/5P and perhaps (later) 31/20L.

If you're going to put a 20mm forward, keep in mind they had a different mount. The tall mount with the shoulder rests is a MK10. The short mount is the MK14, and that is what they mounted forward.

@alross2; what is the color of PT 372? On my screen, at certain angles it appears gray, and other angles olive drab. It seems a good candidate for my Revell boat as I want to mount 2 Oerlikons on it, as per PT 372.
:wave_1:

Beautiful and nicely done, Al! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:

As part of a potential book project, I've started on a series of 80' ELCO drawings. They are all based on the original ELCO drawings and photos and are drawn/rendered with Corel Draw.

[attachment=2]372color.jpg[/attachment]
[attachment=1]103color.jpg[/attachment]

Small torpedo boat project 123K (launched in Soviet Union between 1948 -1955)

Displacement (tonnes):
Standard: 19,26
Full load: 22,5
Dimensions (m):
Length: 19,26
Beam: 3,43
Draft: 0,77
Speed (knots): 50
Range: 450 nmi (35 knots)
Autonomy (days): [b]1,5[/b]
Propulsion:
2x1000 hp M-50 diesels (on some boats - 2x1000 hp M-50-2 diesels), 2 fixed pitch propellers
Armament:
1x2 14,5 mm 2M-5 - 800 rounds
2x1 450 mm TTKA-45 torpedo tubes (on II-VI series - 2x1 450 mm TTKA-45-52 torpedo tubes) - 2 45-36N, 45-36NU torpedoes
6 BM-1 depth charges
Electronics: "Zarnitsa" air/surface search radar, "Fakel-M" IFF (not on III series)
Complement: 7 (1 officer)

[url=https://postimages.org/][img]https://i.postimg.cc/g00yq0Jf/Screen-Shot-2020-06-01-at-9-00-44-PM.png[/img][/url]

Mike,

If you can sit tight Revell is releasing a late model 80 foot ELCO kit in 1/72 in a couple of months. The kit instructions show the combined engine room hatch and vent, obviously.

Bill