Calling all US Navy Swift Boat fans

[Hajo L.]

Good day mates!

Usually I build aircraft and helos, but occasionally I do build boats as well. For instance this one:

https://www.modellversium.de/galerie/14 ... enbau.html

(WIP here: http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/ind ... m-scratch/)

Ok, enough of me, I came here to learn! Since my favorite scale is 1/72 and I usually focus on "modern stuff" (= anything after 1945), the announcement of the 1/72 Swift Boat by Revell was a very pleasant surprise for me!

Now my question: Have all "in country" Swift Boats been dark grey, or were some painted in green as the PBRs?


HAJO

[dhenning]

I think that I have seen photos in both grays and greens. Some of the dark gray photos can look almost green. Good question and hope that someone can provide a firm answer (along with recommended paints for the paint schemes). I have the old Monogram 1/48 kit in various stages of construction from years ago that I need to finish.

[maccrage]

Here's one of each.

[Hajo L.]

Thank you, much appreciated!

But apparently only a few boats were green, so far this is the only picture I know. All others I found were dark grey.


HAJO

[William Smallshaw]

During operation Market Time Swift boats were engaged in coastal interdiction. These boats were painted overall US Navy modern haze grey. Decks were dark grey non-skid. As the boats shifted to riverine interdiction work they were painted dark green. I have used Marine Corps Green to paint models of these boats. This color appears to be close to contemporary photographs. That said if some one provides a source that specifies the color actually used, I am all ears

[Fishermandave]

Went fishing in Rockport TX a few months ago and there was a swift boat tied up next to us.
My guide said if I let him know next time we can go for a spin in the swift !

[Hajo L.]

I got some other source that is mentioning green...:

Paint Scheme:
Original: haze gray overall - factory applied color

Vietnam : deck gray with varying amounts of black added, white mortar box lid and a large white star, in a blue circle, on the pilot house roof

Riverine: dull green with black camouflage patterns - authorized in May 1970

http://swiftboats.net/extras/boat_specifications.htm

Cool, even a camo-pattern! But I haven�t seen any pictures of that yet.... Even the green ones are very seldom, with the picture above here beeing the only one I know so far.


HAJO

[maccrage]

Camo. Can't see the pattern though.

[maccrage]

[Hajo L.]

Awesome! I�d go with a field modification paint job = put black patterns wherever you think it looks good.


HAJO

[maccrage]

That looks like what they did. And here is a view of the star on the roof, if you use one. Note that the spotlights and such were painted the background color.

[Hajo L.]

Thanks a lot! If you have any more pictures of green Swiftboats...

I�m looking forward for the kit to be released this summer and will put it on my workbench ASAP.


HAJO

[maccrage]

[Hajo L.]

Camo. Can't see the pattern though.

What�s the purpose of the net at the bow?


HAJO

[maccrage]

I'd assume to get back onboard after getting off on the riverbank.
ETA: you can see the net, and how high the bow is, here.

[Hajo L.]

Picture of a prototype-model can be seen on the homepage of Revell:



Let�s put it friendly: There is much room for improvement by an experienced modeller.


HAJO

[Hajo L.]

Forgot: Decal options will be PCF-9, PCF-65, PCF-103.


HAJO

[Guest]

Haze gray and riverine green are valid choices depending on area of operations - coastal or river. Dark gray is a good choice for coastal patrols. Talking with two different PCF vets the dark gray was a home brew so you have a lot of leeway in final tone. The first PCF's I saw at Sa Dec were Haze Gray as I recall.

[Hajo L.]

I have the kit now! If you want pictures of the sprues, just say it...


HAJO

[Hajo L.]

Can somebody shed some light on that equipment that�s right to my Playboy-centerfold?



Because of it�s shape and the position on the kitchen-pantry I�m close to call it a coffee-machine (probably as important than Diesel-engines for the functioning of the boat... ), but the seat right at the position may indicate it�s a radio. Any ideas?

Also, not pictured here, but on the port-side inside the cabin, is that a bunk-section?


HAJO