PT-157: A Scale Model Builder's Notebook

The PT-157: A Scale Model Builder's Notebook- 4th edition is the fourth & final update adding 2 new sections (17 pages). More on this later in this description.
This 'Notebook' is a collection of the scratch-built scale model details of the World War II ELCO produced Patrol Torpedo boat PT-157 as it was configured during its front-line action in the Solomon Island of the South Pacific in the critical summer of 1943. The Notebook includes 244 pages, large format letter size (8.5" x 11"), for ease of viewing details, with a combination of over 360+ color photos and diagrams in a laminated soft cover. Included are photo of details, often in their stages of construction, of the model's elements so as understand the author's approach to each detail challenge. It also shows how the use of ELCO's original PT blueprints ensured accuracy and help form the author's approach to building the scratch-built details. The Notebook approach shows the various construction choices, materials and tools it took over 12-years to complete this unique and very highly detailed fine scale class model.
Also Included are comments provided to the author from both 'plank' crewmembers Captain William 'Bud' Liebenow and Torpedoman Welford West of the PT-157 regarding the configuration of the boat in the summer of 1943. It was in August 1943 that the PT-157 undertook the mission, through the small, uncharted islands waters ringed with coral reefs and shallow shoals to rescue Lt. John Kennedy and his crew of the PT-109.
A hidden feature of this model is that below its removable deck it has electric motors and equipped with R/C (Radio Control) gear and runs on water. This was made possible by the author's engineering of the 3 internal, tilted motors to match the exact drive shafts angles and hull exit points of the original PT hull. The equally impressive internal drive train bearing placements also were devised to show no indication on the outside of the model that it is capable of turning its scale, properly pitch props. When running on water this one-of-a-kind model demonstrates all the same bow/stern wakes, turning and yaw characteristics (both in forward and reverse) of actual ELCO PT boats.
This 4th edition now includes 2 new sections which are, first, a photo-etch layout design and production of highly detailed and accurately dimensioned PT specific parts. The photo-etch, a first for the author, provided a watershed of even higher detailed level parts in so many areas of the deck. Second, a general revision to the bridge/cockpit area and forward turret areas. The bridge/cockpit and forward turret underwent a major 're-do' to conform to the original blueprints of the ELCO PT boats. This 're-do' shows how early construction decisions and willingness, by this model-maker, to pull apart an already key completed section of the model, helped to achieve the highest level of accuracy.