No news on figures. I would highly suggest that you send Italeri a message from their web site and let them know that you're interested in a 109 crew set. Their marketing department calls the shots and they listen to us. Also let them know what you would like to see. For example I suggested to them that the crews be mostly undressed and skinny like most south pacific PT crews were generally dressed... or not dressed.
Italeri did release details on their update set and you can see it at their web site. They should be showing up in stores in the next 30 days or so I would imagine. No idea about price yet. Here is what is included in the kit.
1. SO Radar. The set includes two types of mast and dome which is a very nice touch. Also included is the mast rest.
2. 40mm Bofors Gun. A complete 40mm Bofors to replace the 20mm on the stern if you choose.
3. 20mm backdate. Included are a replacement mount, gun, ammo cans, and armor shield if you wish to backdate a 103 class boat to how she came out of the Elco plant.
4. Life floats. 2 are included in the set.
5. Anchor. A correct anchor is included which will work on either boat.
6. Life Raft/Float. A correctly shaped earlier style life boat.
7. Extra depth charges. 4 are included in the set.
8. Mk VIII and Mk. XIII torpedoes. 1 each.
9. Photoetch set including day cabin joining plates.
If you wish to model a 103 class boat with roll off torpedoes this will not get you there. The set does not include roll off racks. So you're going to have to invest in an aftermarket set such as Lion Roar or Royal Model, or heaven forbid... rob your 596 kit of parts. Probably the nicest touch was the addition of the day cabin joining plates on the photoetch fret. This is an obscure detail that would otherwise go missed by most modelers. However Italeri listened to us and included them in the kit. I'll let the following photos speak for themselves. The instruction pages will show you exactly what you're getting. You can also view these on the Italeri web site included with their most recent release.