Sorry for my delay in response - the main reason I wanted to have you clarify that is that there were two Navy Grays used during the war. The #5 Standard Navy Gray you clarified was *the* standard color from about 1922 until 1941, at which point they started transitioning to not only new colors, but new formulas. Old stocks were used up on small craft (such as PTs).

In 1945 the Navy had a major revision of colors and went with neutral grays as opposed to the earlier purple-blues. 5-N Navy Blue was re-designated 5-NB, and the designation 5-N was used for "Navy Gray" a dark-ish gray that was the same tone as Navy Blue, but neutral.


One would hope that a reader would know better than to think that a paint that came out in 1945 would be used in 1942 or '43, but I've seen stranger things happen.... I just want to keep the details and names straight for everyone to minimize confusion in a topic that's already confusing!

On the subject of colors. What is closest Model Master enamel to Tropical Green?

I have a question for the group for my 1/35 Elco torpedo tube. The below drawing and photo are of the combustion chamber on the torpedo tube. There is a small chain attached which keeps the crew from losing the removable portion of the unit. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to replicate this chain? I thought about 1/700 PE anchor chain but I'm not sold on the idea yet. Any thoughts?
Dave

Hi, David,
I am experimenting with twisting very fine wire stripped from the core of electrical cable, and then squashing it flat with smooth jawed pliers. Looks quite convincing if you get the right amount of twist.

Regards,
Stu

Thanks Stu. I have some in the drawer. I'll give it a try.
Dave

Not sure how long it is but www.squadron.com has Italeri's PT-109 on sale. Web only $110.57. Shows list $189.00, Squadron's price $170.10.

here is the link https://www.squadron.com/product-p/it5613.htm

If you have a local hobby shop, you could try their train department and look for scale chain.

TODD! STUART!
Anyone home?
or is this a dead thread now

Stu's complete build is on the PT-103 web site. He's not answering messages so I'm guessing he's on vacation or away for some reason. He has been painting the model and getting close to the end.
Dave

Hey Stu, not to try and off set this post, I saw that you stated that the pin up art work for the front of the day cabin of Betty Grable could not be found. I have a lot of early pin up copies available and if you can post a pic, I might be able to find a match of the one you need. If you can make your own decals it would solve your delema. I tried to P/M you but couldn't. Just let me knw through a P/M and I'll see what I have. bob d.