Tamiya 1/35 Patrol Boat River "Pibber"

📦 Kit Overview

The Tamiya 1/35 Patrol Boat River “Pibber” (Kit No. 35150) is a classic Vietnam War subject representing the fast and heavily armed U.S. Navy river patrol boats used by the “Brown Water Navy.”

• Scale: 1/35

• Subject: PBR (Patrol Boat, River) – Vietnam War

• Manufacturer: Tamiya

• Type: River patrol boat with crew

👉 Made famous by riverine operations—and films like Apocalypse Now—the PBR is one of the most recognizable Vietnam War subjects.

🔧 What’s in the Box

• Detailed plastic hull and deck

• Full crew figures included (4 figures)

• Armament includes:

  • Twin .50 caliber machine guns

  • M60 machine guns

  • Grenade launcher

• Clear parts for windscreen

• Decals for Vietnam-era markings

👉 Big selling point: complete display in one box (boat + crew + weapons)

🧠 Build & Modeling Notes

• Fit: Excellent—typical Tamiya quality

• Detail level: Good, with strong overall shape and clean molding

• Complexity: Beginner to intermediate

• Reputation: A long-time favorite with modelers and a great entry into naval/river craft builds

💡 Ideal for:

• Water dioramas (resin river scenes)

• Heavy weathering (sun fade, mud, water staining)

• Figure painting (crew interaction adds life)