Tamiya Pbr31Mkii Pibber

Tamiya HC-35150 focuses on the U.S. Navy PBR31 Mk.II 'Pibber' — the agile Patrol Boat, River used extensively during the Vietnam conflict. Based on a fibreglass-hulled pleasure craft design, this renowned riverine craft combined shallow-draft manoeuvrability with robust firepower and dependable communication systems.

About The PBR31 Mk.II 'Pibber'

• Origins: Derived from a fibreglass-hulled pleasure craft built by Modutec Marine in Seattle, Washington.
• Dimensions: 31' 11" long, 11' 7" wide and 9' 9" high above the waterline; draws approximately 2 feet.
• Displacement: 8 3/4 tons loaded.
• Crew and Armament: Operated by a crew of four, with a pair of .50 cal guns or a grenade launcher on a fantail tripod, plus a single M-60 on an amidships pipe mount bolted to a splinter shield.
• Propulsion: Two turbocharged Detroit Diesel 205 HP V-6 marine engines driving twin Jacuzzi 14JY water jet drives; steering via movable nozzles mounted on the transom with intakes on the hull bottom.
• Performance and Equipment: Top speed in excess of 25 knots, with surface radar and two-way radio for communication and safety.
• Service Note: Regarded as one of the most successful weapons systems used in Southeast Asia river operations.

This Tamiya presentation of the PBR31 Mk.II captures the key characteristics of the famed 'Pibber', making it a strong subject for enthusiasts of Vietnam-era naval craft and riverine warfare history.