Introduction
Welcome to the official Distefan 3D Print assembly guide for the 1/16 Scale USS PCF (Patrol Craft Fast) — Swift Boat. The PCF Swift Boat is one of the most iconic American patrol vessels of the Vietnam War era, and our 1/16 scale detail set brings every rivet, hatch, and fitting to life in stunning High Detail Resin Grey.
This guide covers the complete parts list for the 1/16 USS PCF set and walks you through the recommended assembly sequence for a museum-quality build. All parts arrive clean and sprue-free — no cutting tools required, just sandpaper and glue.
Complete 1/16 USS PCF Parts List
The full 1/16 USS PCF set consists of the following individually available components. Collect them all for a complete, fully detailed Swift Boat build:
Hull & Deck
- 1/16 USS PCF Hull
- 1/16 USS PCF Hull Waterline
- 1/16 USS PCF Hull Deck
- 1/16 USS PCF Hull Deck Railing Set
Pilot House
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Top Railings Set
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Forward Hatch
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Mast
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Life Raft Set
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Forward Vents Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Antenna Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Doors Set (3pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Door Glass Kit (3pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Window Glass Kit (17pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Life Ring Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Chairs Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Pilot House Searchlight
Weapons & Armament
- 1/16 USS PCF Dual MG Tub
- 1/16 USS PCF Mount for Dual MG Tub
- 1/16 USS PCF Aft Mk.17 Mod 1 Ring Mount
- 1/16 USN Twin .50-inch Browning M2 MG
- 1/16 US M81-M2 Mortar-MG Combination
Deck Fittings & Accessories
- 1/16 USS PCF Bollard Set (3pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Cleats Set (4pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Deck Hatches Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Aft Storage Box
- 1/16 USS PCF Stern Ammo Locker
- 1/16 USS PCF Fire Extinguisher Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Control Station
- 1/16 USS PCF Steering Wheel
Propulsion
- 1/16 USS PCF Propellers Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Shaft Set (2pcs)
- 1/16 USS PCF Rudder Set (2pcs)
Tools & Materials You'll Need
- Fine-grit sandpaper (400, 800, and 1200 grit)
- Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue and accelerator
- Two-part epoxy (for larger structural joins)
- Resin-compatible grey or white primer spray
- Acrylic or enamel paints (haze grey, deck grey, flat black, metallic, olive drab)
- Fine detail brushes (sizes 0, 00, 000)
- Masking tape
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) for resin cleaning
- Gloss and matte varnish
- Clear-drying PVA or canopy glue (for glazing parts)
Step 1 – Cleaning and Preparing the Resin Parts
All parts arrive clean and sprue-free — no cutting required. Simply wash and sand before priming.
- Soak all parts in isopropyl alcohol (90%+) for 10–15 minutes to remove any release agent residue.
- Gently scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and allow to dry fully (at least 1 hour).
- Lightly sand each part with 400-grit sandpaper, progressing to 800 and then 1200 grit for a smooth, primer-ready surface.
- Inspect under good lighting. Fill any imperfections with CA glue, allow to cure, and re-sand.
Step 2 – Priming
- Apply a thin, even coat of resin-compatible grey primer to all parts from approximately 20–25 cm distance.
- Allow to cure for at least 2 hours.
- Lightly sand with 1200-grit sandpaper to remove dust nibs, then apply a second coat if needed.
Step 3 – Painting Guide
The USS PCF Swift Boats were typically painted in Haze Grey (FS 36270) on the hull and superstructure, with Deck Grey (FS 36231) on horizontal surfaces. Weapons and fittings were often in flat black or dark metallic finishes.
- Hull, Hull Waterline, Hull Deck: Haze Grey overall, Deck Grey on horizontal deck surfaces.
- Pilot House & fittings: Haze Grey, with flat black on window frames and door edges.
- Weapons (MG Tub, Ring Mount, M2 MGs, Mortar): Flat black or dark metallic grey with a black wash to bring out detail.
- Mast & Antennas: Haze Grey or flat black depending on reference.
- Deck fittings (Bollards, Cleats, Hatches): Haze Grey with a dark wash to highlight recesses.
- Propellers & Shafts: Metallic brass or bronze.
- Rudders: Haze Grey with a dark wash.
- Life Rafts: Orange/yellow with grey straps.
- Fire Extinguishers: Red with silver nozzle detail.
- Glazing (Window & Door Glass Kits): Apply clear-drying PVA or canopy glue — do not paint.
Step 4 – Recommended Assembly Sequence
Follow this sequence for the smoothest build experience:
- Hull assembly: Join the Hull, Hull Waterline, and Hull Deck. Ensure all joins are flush and fully cured before proceeding.
- Hull Deck Railing Set: Attach railings around the deck perimeter. Test-fit and sand joins as needed.
- Propulsion: Install the Shaft Set, Rudder Set, and Propellers at the stern before closing up the hull.
- Deck fittings: Attach Bollards, Cleats, Deck Hatches, Life Raft, Aft Storage Box, Stern Ammo Locker, and Fire Extinguishers to the deck.
- Pilot House: Assemble the Pilot House body, then add Forward Hatch, Forward Vents, Doors, Chairs, Steering Wheel, Control Station, and Searchlight. Install Window and Door Glass Kits last using clear-drying glue.
- Pilot House fittings: Attach Top Railings, Antenna Set, and Life Ring Set.
- Weapons: Install the Mount for Dual MG Tub, then the Dual MG Tub, Twin .50-inch Browning M2 MGs, Aft Mk.17 Mod 1 Ring Mount, and M81-M2 Mortar-MG Combination.
- Mast: Install last to avoid damage during handling.
Step 5 – Varnishing & Final Finishing
- Apply matte varnish overall to replicate the non-reflective wartime finish.
- Use a dark grey or black pin wash across all panel lines, hatches, and recesses to add depth and realism.
- Apply subtle weathering (chipping, rust streaks, waterline staining) to taste for a battle-worn appearance.
Display Tips
- Mount on a nautical-themed base with simulated water (resin or acrylic gel) for a dramatic diorama effect.
- A glass or acrylic display case will protect the fine detail from dust.
- Add a printed placard with the vessel's history and service record for a museum-quality presentation.
A Note from the Founder
"The PCF Swift Boat holds a special place in American naval history. I designed every component of this 1/16 scale set from original schematics and period photographs to honor the crews who served aboard these vessels. It is a privilege to bring this piece of history to modelers around the world."
— Distefan 3D Print, Veteran-Owned & Operated
Have questions about your build? Contact us — we're always happy to help. Share your finished build with us on social media!
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.