Step 3: Final Assembly

Antennas were added to the deckhouse along with special rope tie-downs, which were used to lower the antennas when passing under low objects like bridges.

Overall bow shot of A-111-7.

The flag pole was relocated from the stern to the rear of the engine room canopy.

I also added a scratch built gun stop for the amidships Mk 48.

The steps were made from thin picture hanging wire, which were bent and shaped with an eXacto knife.

Proper positioning of the steps on the side of the deckhouse, just aft of the fuel port.

Stern view of A-111-7. The chain drag minesweeping gear was fashioned from the kit supplied scale chain with styrene strips glued at various angles. These strips replicate the steel strips that were welded to the chains to slice through the wires of enemy command detonated mines.

A-111-7 retained the original Program 4 exhaust baffles, which I scratch built from sheet styrene.

Mounted on the rear deck of A-111-7 was a M2HB that was flush with the deck. The gunner would fire the weapon from inside the hatch, which offered additional protection.

I used the kit supplied M2 ammo cans to scratch build two 20mm naval style ammo boxes. The ammo box attached to the M2HB has an open top with photo etched ammunition inside. Navy crews preferred to use 20mm ammo cans to store .50 cal ammo because of their large capacity.

Overall top view of the completed Alpha Boat.

A Honeywell Mk 18 Mod 0 hand-cranked grenade launcher was also mounted on the stern of A-111-7. The one used here was scavenged from an old Tamiya PBR kit.

Close up view of the fresh water filling mounted port and starboard of the deckhouse. The gap between the deck and deckhouse will be filled with putty before painting.

Overall stern view of A-111-7.