Merit International 1/48 U.S. Navy Elco 80' PT Boat “Late Type” Kit No. 64801
Merit International 1/48 U.S. Navy Elco 80' PT Boat “Late Type”
Kit No. 64801
Merit International 1/48 U.S. Navy Elco 80' PT Boat Late Type
The Elco 80-foot Patrol Torpedo Boat became one of the most iconic American naval combat craft of World War II. Fast, heavily armed, and capable of operating close to shore, PT boats served throughout the Pacific and Mediterranean theaters conducting torpedo attacks, troop insertions, reconnaissance, rescue missions, and anti-barge operations. The “late type” Elco boats carried a fearsome combination of torpedoes, rockets, .50 caliber machine guns, 20mm cannon, and 40mm Bofors guns that made them extremely dangerous despite their relatively small size.
Merit’s 1/48 scale kit was released in 2014 and immediately gained attention because it filled the long-standing gap between smaller 1/72 PT boats and massive 1/35 offerings. The finished model measures approximately 20 inches long, giving it impressive display presence without becoming unmanageable.
Builder & Reviewer Feedback
Builders consistently praise the kit for:
Excellent overall detail
Outstanding deck and hull molding
Strong engineering
Excellent fit
Impressive weapon detail
Large but manageable display size
Excellent photo-etch inclusion
Internet Modeler described the kit as:
“a reasonably easy build” for experienced modelers.
The same review praised:
One-piece hull molding
Crisp detail
Excellent subassembly breakdown
Strong cabin fit
Well-designed instructions
A FineScale Modeler forum builder stated:
“nicely designed and well detailed.”
The same builder specifically praised:
Logical instructions
Excellent overall detail
Minimal flash
Strong fit quality
Excellent 1/48 scale size balance
Hyperscale noted:
“Merit has done their homework” on the kit’s design and proportions.
PT Boat World reviewer T. Garth Connelly described the detail level as:
“incredible!” while specifically praising the weapons and molding quality.
Modelers frequently mention:
Excellent weathering opportunities
Outstanding water diorama potential
Great compatibility with aftermarket crew sets
Excellent Pacific Theater display presence
Strong RC conversion possibilities
Builders also commonly note several challenges:
Large number of parts
Delicate small assemblies
PE parts require experience
Painting guide lacks some detail
Camouflage masking can be time-consuming
Internet Modeler specifically noted:
“small as well as delicate” parts may challenge less experienced builders.
Several PT boat forum discussions also mention:
Similar engineering concepts to Italeri PT kits
Large amount of detail requiring patience
Excellent super-detailing potential
Despite that, advanced naval modelers strongly recommend the kit because:
It captures the look of late-war PT boats extremely well
The scale is ideal for detailing
The weapons fit and detail are excellent
Few competitors exist in this scale
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Features
1/48 scale Elco 80' PT boat
WWII U.S. Navy late-war configuration
Over 450 parts
Photo-etch parts included
Detailed weapons systems
Large 20-inch finished length
Detailed bridge and deck fittings
Excellent Pacific Theater diorama potential
Paint Suggestions
Measure 31/20L camouflage
PT Green
Ocean Green
Flat Black deck details
Heavy salt weathering
Satin naval finish recommended
Builders frequently recommend:
Exhaust soot weathering
Salt streaking
Chipped deck paint
Tropical fading
Rust around fittings
Fuel staining around deck hardware
Store Recommendation
One of the finest large-scale PT boat kits available and an outstanding centerpiece model for any WWII Pacific collection. The 1/48 scale provides an excellent balance between manageable size and impressive detail while still offering enormous super-detailing potential.
