Project Background

This exciting diorama has been commissioned by Brown Water Navy Veteran Gary Grahn, who served aboard Alpha Boat 111-7 from 1968-69. What's unique about this project is that I will need to "backdate" a Program 5 ASPB kit into a Program 4 boat that was given Program 5 upgrades in-country. Sound confusing? Its really not, the tutorial will explain the process in detail.

This excellent view of A-111-7 clearly shows many of the early Program 4 details like the running lights built into the deckhouse, the split-hatch just ahead of the deckhouse, and the forward Mark 48 gun turret in the Mod 2 configuration, which mounted twin M2HB machine guns.

The rear deck of A-111-7 was welded-over in-country sometime in 1968, to conform with COMRIVFLOT ONE Program 5 upgrades. The welded-over rear deck was suppose to correct the problem of flooding that program 4 boats sometimes experienced in combat and just from normal maneuvering. Notice the lack of safety railing on the deck and tripods for the gun mounts.