Has anyone here built this kit? I just (my wife picked it out) got this kit and was wondering if anyone has any info on the build. Anything to look out for or needs replacing?

Looks like I might spread my interests into Vietnam modeling...or ships.

Ken,
I just picked one up about a month ago.....it is a very fast build....kinda helps out on the modelers block Rob was talking about.
I'd replace the .50 cals on the thing....kinda cheezy, and the forward gunner has an even cheezier bandanna....cut that dern thing and give him a helmet
The pilothouse was a little tricky to paint, expect to prepaint the inside.
Here's a tip......go out and rent Apocalypse Now Redux....you'll like it, get lots of good reference pics,AND you'll get revved up to build.
Also, check out the brown water navy links I put in the links section

John...

Great kit to build. It was a real weekend project. Dubanka is 100% correct about the 50's. If I had to build it again I would change them out and repace the ammo belts with PE. Dubanka is also correct about pre painting the pilothouse. The best part is you can add any stowage that you have around(ammo cans, rations, wepons...). The hardest thing was finding a good color for the lower hull. I ended up finding a Dark Maroon in the Valjayo(? Sp) range that worked well.

Are there any aftermarket items available for this kit?

I built the kit a while back but I didnt do as good of a job as I would of like to do. I bought another one recantly, and its a pretty good kit. Like the other guys said about it. Like John said rent the movie. I only saw the original and it gave me a few good ideas, like the srtay or bamboo for the roof cover. Was there added footage in the redux movie?

Mike

I built it... made some mods. One was to take the back .50 out and replace it with a 20MM Oerklon (sp?) gun. I would do a better job today and will probably do one someday. I think there are pictures on Missing-Lynx of a diorama...

Great fun kit. The M-16's are shown just glued to the cabin wall... it's easy to make holders for them.

You can get some good views of Brown-Water boats in Squadron/Signals "Riverine: A Pictorial History of the Brown Water War in VietNam" by Jim Mesko. It has quite a few color pictures inside, besides the color plates

I built one a couple of years ago. The kit went together for me just great. The fit was good and there was no flash on the parts. For the navagation lights on the mast I recommend painting them silver and then add a coat of Tamiya clear red, clear green and clear blue as appropriate. You will see what I mean when you look at the instructions. As mentioned previously, I scratchbuilt holders for the M-16's that go on the cabin wall. I also added straps to the weapons. I agree with the previous statement also about the 55 gallon fuel/oil drums being on the rear deck. This would be a definite no-no if you were in firefight.

Just did a google search on pibber and lots of hits.

Hi,
If any one would like them, I shot about 12 images of the PBR at the Huntsville, Alabama Veterans Museum. This boat is undergoing restoration but funds are very limited.
PM me with your E-Mail add. and I'll try and get them to you ASAP. Just for the record, They were closing for the day, so these are point and shoot. Still not too bad, I think.
BTW... the forward 2X .50 cal turret is missing but they are looking for one as we speak.
HTH
Chuck

I added wiring for the lighting , the rope loop around the life ring on the front of the cabin, the overhead spotlight needs an L shaped handle on the underside ( see Apoc Now for details) and wiring.

I ended up winning most of the local shows boat/ship catagories in NE contests 7-8 years ago with mine.

Very nice kit.

Mike

Thanks for all the great info on the kit guys! I think it'll be the next on the table.