Tamiya 35150 - 1:35 US Navy PBR 31 Mk.II Pibber

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the US Navy PBR 31 Mk.II river patrol boat

Tamiya 35150 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the PBR Mk.II — the fast US Navy patrol boat of the Vietnam War and the mainstay of the so-called brown water navy. Based on new tooling from 1991, it is a full-hull model 279.5 mm long, made up of around 110 parts.

The kit reproduces the boat in full combat fit: twin 12.7 mm heavy machine guns in the open bow tub, a single 12.7 mm heavy machine gun aft, an M60 machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher. Deck equipment completes the picture — jerry cans, radar, radio set, flag and binoculars. The box also contains a display stand, four crew figures and decals for two boats from the Mekong Delta (hull numbers 105 and 150).

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts — full-hull model, around 110 parts
• Clear parts
• Cord
• Armament: twin 12.7 mm heavy machine guns in the bow tub, single 12.7 mm heavy machine gun aft, M60 machine gun, 40 mm grenade launcher
• Equipment: jerry cans, radar, radio set, flag, binoculars
• Four crew figures
• Display stand
• Decal sheet with two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35150
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 279.5 mm
• Parts count: approx. 110
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (extensive deck equipment and armament)

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The hull consists of a few large, well-fitting parts, so the basic shape comes together quickly. The gun positions, radar and small deck fittings call for more patience — it is worth leaving them until last, after the deck and the interior of the coxswain's station have been painted. The four crew figures bring the finished model to life, especially when posed at the gun stations.

For painting we suggest American Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62) for the hull and superstructure, with lighter accents on the equipment; the instructions provide paint codes for both options. A wash will bring out the deck and the weapons, while pigments and light chipping suggest wear in a tropical climate. The model is usually finished with a matt varnish. The included display stand lets you show the boat immediately after assembly; modellers who want to present it on water can build a diorama base from materials available separately in our shop.

Tools you will need:

• Model sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for weathering effects

About the vessel – PBR Mk.II:

The PBR (Patrol Boat, River) was a small, fast patrol craft designed specifically for operations on the rivers and canals of South Vietnam. Its hull was made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic and it was driven by water jets, which allowed it to work in very shallow water, enter narrow channels and turn almost on the spot.

PBRs patrolled the Mekong Delta, inspected civilian traffic and cut guerrilla supply routes. Their crews, usually four strong, operated in an environment where an attack could come from either bank, which is why the boats carried heavy armament: twin heavy machine guns forward, an additional heavy machine gun aft, an M60 machine gun and a grenade launcher.

The Mk.II was an improved version of the first boats of the type. The PBR became one of the symbols of the brown water navy — a river fleet operating far from anything resembling classic naval warfare.

Original vessel specifications (PBR Mk.II):

• Length: approx. 9.8 m
• Crew: 4
• Hull: glass-fibre reinforced plastic
• Propulsion: water jets, allowing operation in very shallow water
• Armament: twin 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, single 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, M60 machine gun, 40 mm grenade launcher
• Area of operations: the Mekong Delta, rivers and canals of South Vietnam

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic model kit. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that set the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the painting diagrams provide specific paint codes. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of items covering vehicles, artillery, small craft and figures from across the twentieth century. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the industry.