The largest of the American PT boats, the 80-foot Elco torpedo boats were wooden-hulled fast attack surface vessels powered by three 12-cylinder gasoline engines that could push the boats to speeds over 40 knots. Originally designed to attack and sink larger capital vessels, they came into their own as coastal gunships, wreaking havoc on supply lines and the enemy's morale.

Italeri's fine kit of the PT-596 depicts a late-war Elco boat with 20mm Oerlikon guns, 37mm M4 gun, and 40mm Bofors guns, as well as the Mk 13 torpedoes. Includes a comprehensive set of photo-etched metal detail parts. Also includes a photographic reference manual. Figures are not included. This big bruiser of a cruiser measures out at 70.4cm when complete! (And don't miss the crew figure set, linked below!)