First off, I'd like to thank richter111 for inviting me over here after seeing my build on another forum. I'm normally an aircraft guy, but after seeing this big box sitting in the local shop, I had to have it. I describe the kit as 700mm (27") of heavily armed torpedo goodness.
Once I got over the initial shock with respect to the size of the kit, I'm seeing that it is actually a fairly straightforward build. Given that it is my first ship build ever, I'm on "new ground" so to speak. That said, I have definitely been bitten by the boat bug.
As I am new to ship modelling, I'm sticking to box contents, with the exception of markings. I know that Eduard makes a decent PE set for it, and Lion Roar makes an awesome detail set for the kit, but I want to work on my fundamentals first. After seeing a few other folks build warships, I'm guessing it makes the most sense to stick with sub-assemblies, then assemble them all once painted.
Note to all readers: If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of PT-596, look elsewhere. I'm mixing it up a little, and building it as the "what-if" HMCS Gananoque. Think of it as an excellent deterrent to smugglers along the St. Lawrence River.
I will be sticking with the Camouflage Scheme 20L, but will be varying the colors quite a bit. Here's the color scheme I have in mind:
Anyhow, off we go........
I started off by assembling the cabin strusctures and the wheelhouse, and fitting them to the deck. The wheelhouse and aft structure have been permanently attached, but the cabin structure is dryfit only.
Wheel and benches will be added after paint:
Screen for intake will be added prior to paint, and the dryfitted stacks will be cleaned up as well.
Railings added around stacks, which also serve to secure the Bofors.
A few pieces of the kit's PE thrown in:
Radar mast temporarily tacked in position:
Which brought me to this point before I started tackling weaponry:
to MW.com 
