PT-109 is one of the most famous small craft in American naval history - not just because of her dramatic story, but because her commander was a future President of the United States. On the night of 2 August 1943, PT-109 was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri in the Solomon Islands. Lieutenant John F. Kennedy's leadership in saving his surviving crew members became the stuff of legend. In 1/24 scale, PT-109 is a large, detailed model at roughly 115cm (45 inches) - big enough to show every plank, fitting, and crew member in impressive detail.
A Brief History of PT-109
PT-109 was an Elco 80-foot PT boat, one of hundreds built for the US Navy during WWII. Armed with four torpedo tubes, twin .50-caliber machine gun turrets, a 20mm Oerlikon, and later a 37mm anti-tank gun, these fast plywood boats were the Navy's mosquito fleet - nimble, aggressive, and operating in the most dangerous waters of the Pacific. After the ramming, Kennedy towed an injured crewman by clenching the man's life jacket strap in his teeth and swimming for hours to reach a nearby island. The crew was rescued six days later after Kennedy carved a message on a coconut shell and gave it to local islanders to deliver to Allied forces.
Choosing Your Base Kit
The Revell 1/72 PT-109 kit is a popular starting point, but for a truly impressive 1/24 scale model, most builders work from a scratch-built or commercially available 1/24 Elco 80-foot hull. The 3D printed detail parts listed below are designed to fit the 1/24 scale and transform a basic hull into a highly detailed replica.
Essential Detail Upgrades
Crew Figures
At 1/24 scale, crew figures make an enormous difference to the model's life and drama. PT-109 had a crew of 13 men:
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Crew Set (10pcs) - a comprehensive set of 10 crew figures in authentic WWII USN tropical dress
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1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Crew Set (4pcs) - additional crew figures to complete the full complement
Armament
PT-109's armament evolved during her service. Key weapons to model:
- 1/24 US PT Boat 109 Forward Turret Mount - the twin .50-cal forward gun turret mount
- 1/24 US PT Boat 109 Aft Turret - the twin .50-cal aft gun turret
- 1/24 US PT Boat 109 Torpedo Tube Starboard Kit - the distinctive Mk 18 torpedo tubes
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 M3 37mm Anti-Tank Gun - the improvised 37mm gun fitted to many late-war PT boats
Superstructure & Cabins
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Main Cabin - the central cockpit and chart house structure
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Day Cabin - the forward day cabin structure
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Handrail for Day Cabin Set
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Main Mast - the radar mast and antenna
Deck Fittings & Details
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Engine Rm Hatch
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Engine RM Heater Ins.
- 1/24 US PT Boat 109 Deck Dead Lights Set (22pcs) - the deck deadlights (portlights) set into the wooden deck
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Brits, Chock, Cleats Set (11pcs) - deck hardware including cleats and chocks
- 1/24 USN PT Boat 109 Deck Rear Flag Staff
- 1/24 US PT Boat 109 Props Set (3pcs) - the three propellers for the Packard engines
Step-by-Step Build Sequence
Step 1 - Research PT-109's August 1943 configuration. The best photographic references are available through the National Archives and the PT Boats Inc. museum. Key details: PT-109 had her torpedo tubes fitted but had not yet received the 37mm gun at the time of her loss — decide which date you're modeling.
Step 2 - Hull and deck preparation. PT boats had a distinctive mahogany plank-on-frame construction. Simulate the planked deck using a fine scribing tool or pre-scribed sheet. Sand all surfaces smooth and prime with a light grey primer.
Step 3 - Hull painting. PT-109 wore Measure 31 camouflage in the Solomons - a pattern of dark green (FS 34079) and black (FS 37038) over a medium green base. Alternatively, some PT boats in this theater wore overall dark green. Tamiya XF-13 JA Green and XF-1 Flat Black are good choices.
Step 4 - Deck. The mahogany deck was typically left natural or given a light grey wash to simulate weathered wood. Vallejo 70.875 Beige Brown or Tamiya XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan work well, with a dark brown wash in the plank lines.
Step 5 - Cabins and superstructure. Install the main cabin and day cabin. These were typically painted the same dark green as the hull. Interior details visible through hatches can be picked out in lighter tones.
Step 6 - Armament. Install the turret mounts and railings, torpedo tubes, and (if modeling a later fit) the 37mm gun. Gun metal for barrels, dark green for mounts.
Step 7 - Crew figures. This is where the 1/24 scale really shines. Position crew figures at their action stations — gunners at the turrets, lookouts on the bow, the skipper at the helm. Paint in USN tropical khaki and dungaree working dress.
Step 8 - Weathering. PT boats in the Solomons saw hard tropical service. Apply:
- Dark green/brown wash into all deck seams and fittings
- Fuel and oil staining around the engine hatches
- Salt spray and sun bleaching on horizontal surfaces
- Chipping and wear on high-traffic deck areas
Display Ideas
PT-109 at 1/24 scale is a natural diorama subject. Consider a night action scene with dark water, the bow wave lit by moonlight, and crew at battle stations — evoking the fateful night of 2 August 1943. Alternatively, a daylight patrol scene in a tropical lagoon with lush green foliage in the background makes a striking display.
Final Thoughts
PT-109 is more than a model — it's a piece of American history. The combination of a compelling story, a distinctive and photogenic subject, and the wealth of available 1/24 scale detail parts makes this one of the most rewarding PT boat builds you can undertake. Whether you're a JFK enthusiast, a WWII naval historian, or simply a modeler who appreciates a beautiful small craft, PT-109 deserves a place in your collection.
All 3D printed detail parts referenced in this guide are available at distefano3dprint.com.
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