4/14/07, updates coming soon, some minor corrections to the rings and railings from the below images. Also, the arced ammo cans are actually two where I show only one and they should have rollers on each end for the belt to ride on when feeding from the rear can. Hand slots were also cut into the ends, and there were clamps along the outside edge holding them down. A locking lever for the turret rotation is also absent, I'm working on it. Here's a shot of work in progress:
10/06/07, see forum Updates section for a shot of the reworked turret interior still in progress.
The following images show dimensions and placement for an Elco 80' PT boat turret, in particular an early 103 class. These dimensional images represent a best effort on my part, please confirm dimensions given here for yourself if errors cannot be tolerated. Images are for non-commercial personal use only, please obtain permission for any other use.
I did not have official measurements for the turrets so for the layout I used the deck arrangement and outboard profile plans as well as a good square front view image of the real boat. I made the backrest padding black but I'm not sure what the true color should be. The internal parts are my best estimate since the deck plan only showed a few outlines and details are hidden on the profile plan. These two plans also show different depths from the bow to the centerline of the turret, 446.5" on the deck arrangement plan and about 456" on the outboard profile. I went with the deck arrangement plan since it looked closer to images of the real boat. Assorted images and several of the rotating ring from Save The PT Boat Inc were helpful. But until I can find better resources, I'll have to say this is close to, but not scale and that some details are missing.
The following are selected turret related sections from the Navy PT boat build manual found at http://www.hnsa.org/doc/pt/specs/index.htm. Please note that this manual is a later version than the 103 class, read coverage notes below the title:
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DETAIL SPECIFICATIONS FOR BUILDING MOTOR TORPEDO BOATS
PT 565-624
(80-Foot)
FOR THE UNITED STATES NAVY
BUREAU OF SHIPS
NAVY DEPARTMENT
31 March 1944
NOTE: The Detail Specifications are based on Specifications for Motor Torpedo Boats PT 103 to 138 design No. 80-N-3 (dated 2 January 1942) and addenda thereto (dated 22 February 1943), as prepared by Electric Boat Company, Elco Naval Division, Bayonne, N. J., with the minimum modifications made by the Bureau of Ships to make the hull specifications applicable to PT 565-624 Class.
Detail Specifications For Building Motor Torpedo Boats, March 1944, provides the builders specifications for PT 565-624.
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SECTION (ASSORTED).
Nonskid treads shall be added to firing steps in both machine gun turrets.
Four .50 cal. A. A. machine guns in two mounts, Mk. 17 Mod. 1.
The contractor shall furnish and install suitable depression stops for .50 cal. A. A. machine guns to give approved clearance of structure, personnel on bridge, etc.
It is unnecessary to dismantle turrets in removing either engine or tank hatches.
Machine gun turret cylinders shall be 48 inches 0. D. and be located as per plan and constructed of molded plastic plywood, with special connections to after trunk and chart house. Top shall be designed to carry government furnished scarf ring gun mount for twin .50 cal. machine guns. Scuppers to deck at low point of base. Firing steps for depressed fire shall be fitted.
Stowage for .50 cal. ammunition shall be provided in crew's dayroom under settee on port side, and in locker on starboard side of bridge, with outboard door, forward of the machine-gun turret. Stowage shall be provided for four boxes of ammunition.
Access to the after machine gun turret shall be through a door cut in the part of turret wall rounding out from the port aft corner of the day room.
The sides and top of day room trunk shall be constructed as described in section O-1, and shall include the after port .50 cal. machine gun turret, with main and depressed firing floors, limiting stops, exit door, and adequate drainage, as per plan.
Machine gun limiting stops of brass or steel tubing shall be fitted as required to prevent accidental firing into ship or occupants of bridge (see section A-5).
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SECTION Y-1.
GRAB RODS AND RAILS.
Grab rails as per plan shall be of wood or brass pipe in bronze stanchions. Special grabs shall be fitted at ladders, companionways, hatches, and elsewhere throughout ship as required for safe passage on deck or below.
Two canvas covers shall be provided for .50 cal. machine gun mounts to completely enclose guns, mounts, and limiting stops. After turret to have separate spray shield to height of limiting stop.
All covers shall be fitted with proper lashings.
All canvas covers and life preservers to receive approved treatment for fire retardance.
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