PBR 31 mkII

[yamyam]

Hi guys this is my first attempt at a G.B and (first boat) still a newbie with lots to learn was going to do a Huey but was talking to a mate about it he said what about the boat in Apocalypse now sounded like a good idea so got this.



Got some pe another first for me and a resin figure while I was shopping (love and hate evilbay) i'll do some close up photos an try and do a bit of a kit review never done one but can only try, found this vid about the river patrol 28 min long but intresting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[youtube]zbyqS5pk9GY[/youtube]&index=2&list=FLOrKEkyVD9jguVGqohSfcfA

[Twokidsnosleep]

Yaaah a PT boat
I was hoping someone was going to build one of these, great choice
May have to watch Apocalypse Now and listen to some Stones to get in the right mood

[yamyam]

Here's a bit of info thanks to wiki.

Patrol Boat, River or PBR, is the United States Navy designation for a small rigid-hulled patrol boat used in the Vietnam War from March 1966 until the end of 1971. They were deployed in a force that grew to 250 boats, the most common craft in the River Patrol Force, Task Force 116, and were used to stop and search river traffic in areas such as the Mekong Delta, the Rung Sat Special Zone, the Saigon River and in I Corps, in the area assigned to Task Force Clearwater, in an attempt to disrupt weapons shipments. In this role they frequently became involved in firefights with enemy soldiers on boats and on the shore, were used to insert and extract Navy SEAL teams, and were employed by the United States Army's 458th Transportation Company, known as the 458th Seatigers.[1]

Design

The PBR was a versatile boat with a fiberglass hull and water jet drive which enabled it to operate in shallow, weed-choked rivers. It drew only two feet of water fully loaded. The drives could be pivoted to reverse direction, turn the boat in its own length, or come to a stop from full speed in a few boat lengths.
The PBR was manufactured in two versions, the first with 31 foot length and 10 foot, 7 inch beam. The Mark II version 32 feet (9.8 m) long and one foot wider beam had improved drives to reduce fouling and aluminum gunwales to resist wear.

Crew

The PBR was usually manned by a 4-man crew. Typically, a First Class Petty Officer served as boat captain, with a gunner's mate, an engineman and a seaman on board. Each crewman was cross-trained in each other's job in the event one became unable to carry out his duties. Generally, PBRs operated in pairs under the command of a patrol officer who rode on one of the boats.

Power

The boats were powered by dual 180 hp (115 kW) Detroit Diesel 6V53N engines with Jacuzzi Brothers pump-jet drives. The boats reached top speeds of 28.5 knots (53 km/h 32 mph).

Armament

Typical armament configuration included twin M2HB .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns forward in a rotating shielded tub, a single rear .50 cal, M60 7.62mm light machine guns mounted on the port and starboard sides, and a Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher. There was also a full complement of M16 rifles, shotguns, .45 ACP handguns, and hand grenades. Sometimes a 20mm cannon was mounted on the bow and others had a "piggyback" arrangement, a .50 cal machine gun on top of an 81mm mortar. , What the boats benefited in heavy firepower they lacked in armor or shielding. Although the .50 cal machine guns had some ceramic armor shielding and the Coxswain's flat had some quarter inch thick steel armor plate, the boats were designed to rely on rapid acceleration, maneuverability, and speed to get out of tight situations.

US operations[edit]

PBRs were operating with the U.S. Naval Reserve up until 1995 at Mare Island, California prior to the base's closure due to BRAC action that year. During the Vietnam War, Mare Island was home to the U.S. Navy's Repair Facilities, Mothballing Operations, Submarine Operations, and Riverine Training Operations for both Swift Boats and PBRs.

The training areas for the PBRs and Swift Boats still exist today within the Napa Sonoma Marsh state wildlife area. Sloughs such as Dutchman Slough, China Slough, Napa Slough, Devil's Slough, Suisun marshland and the Napa River all run through the former training area.

In the late 1990s, what remained of the U.S. Navy PBR force (Swift Boats had been retired from the U.S. Navy immediately following the Vietnam War during the early 1970s) was moved further inland towards Sacramento, California, the state capital, which is also intertwined with rivers. From Sacramento, PBRs can still transit directly to and through San Francisco Bay and into the Pacific Ocean, if need be. The waters of the State Wildlife Area, next to the former U.S. Navy (Riverine) training base at Mare Island, are still available for U.S. Navy PBR usage.

[Willem]

Nice one yamyam. Very cool idea. Looking forward to seeing this being built.

Good luck with your first GB.

[MikeyKb]

this looks like it's going to be awesome!
good luck!

[UKguyInUSA]

Cool idea and choice of subject....good luck with the build!

[Deacon]

Looking forward to this and I hope it goes well.

[ROBOPAUL]

I have this in my stash so I'm looking forward to this one. Good luck although I'm sure it will be great.

[Lee]

Cool, a floaty thing

[Dunhill2005]

Cool!!
I think it's good that you've decided on a boat. Most will opt for tanks or aircraft.

[EasyEight96]

Awesome a boat entry.. This boat reminds me off that old movie by Chuck Norris. If I not mistaken the movie is called Braddock? Sorry not from that awesome era I'm a 21st century kid who like to watch old movies and music weird right..

[rodrant]

Oh another Pibber Boat ....I'm going to make one with a Dio , so good luck for your build , it is a nice choice in all Palnes and tanks !

I'm still expecting mine ...must come floating

[Gb64c]

Great kit, I have an unbuilt one myself, can't wIt to see how yours comes out