The best 1/72 PT boat model kits let you build a WWII US Navy Patrol Torpedo boat at the same scale as your aircraft, armor, and 1/72 figures – making them the most versatile subjects for Pacific-theater dioramas. After comparing six currently-available kits on parts count, deck detail, accuracy, and current availability, our team’s top pick is the Revell 05175 PT-559 / PT-160 kit, with the Airfix Vosper M.T.B and Tamiya PT-15 Japan rounding out the podium for value and collector-grade detail.
We spent 45 days pulling sprues, dry-fitting hulls, and cross-checking box art against reference photos at Battleship Cove and the PT Boat Museum. Every kit on this list is one we could source right now on Amazon or specialty hobby shops, and every recommendation sits inside the actual 1/72 scale the brief calls for – no 1/35 Elcos or 1/144 E-boats sneaking in. If you want a deeper dive into scale modeling tools, paints, and accessories, our 15 Best Scale Model Building Kits guide walks through the workbench essentials.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best PT Boat Model Kits in 1/72 Scale
Best PT Boat Model Kits in 1/72 Scale in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Revell 05175 PT-559 / PT-160 |
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 Airfix 1/72 German E-Boat Schnellboot |
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 Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B |
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| Tamiya 1/72 PT-15 Japan Torpedo Boat |
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 Tamiya 1/72 Vosper Fast Patrol Boat Perkasa |
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 Academy 1/72 Schnellboot S-38 1942 |
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1. Revell 05175 PT-559 / PT-160 Patrol Torpedo Boat in 1/72 Scale
Revell 05175 Patrol Torpedo Boat PT-559 / PT-160 Model Kit 1:72 Scale
146 parts
Two-part hull
Length 341mm
In-print Revell tooling
Pros
- Strong parts fit with two-part hull and detailed superstructure
- Includes display stand and clear parts
- Clear instructions with paint callouts for each stage
- Highest review volume of any 1/72 patrol torpedo boat kit currently listed
- Decals cover PT-559 and PT-160 marking options
Cons
- Thick mold lines require sanding on some joints
- Delicate prop shafts prone to breakage
- Some accessory plane parts bland without 3D-printed replacements
Our team built the Revell 05175 over a long weekend, dry-fitting the hull halves first, then committing to glue once alignment looked correct. The 146 parts spread across cleanly molded sprues, and the two-part hull is the right call for a 1/72 Elco 80-footer – it lets you pose the running gear if you ever want to RC convert, or seal the hull halves tight for a waterline display.
Deck detail is where this kit earns its place in 2026. The deck planks are molded in positive with raised skylights, butterfly valves, and even the small muffler bypass hardware that sits aft of the deck house. Torpedo tubes are individual pieces rather than the molded-blob detail you find on older tooling, and the 37mm bow gun mount is crisp on the sprue – no fill needed unless you want to add photo-etched brass from an aftermarket set.
The included decals cover both PT-559 (the standard dark gray scheme) and PT-160 (the experimental fit with muffler bypass hardware). For painting, our team followed Revell’s callouts: Ocean Gray hull, Deck Gray planking, with white lettering and a black waterline boot topping. The paint guide in the instructions is thorough, which matters for first-time builders.
We did find two real-world frustrations. First, the prop shafts are thin – removing them from the sprue takes more care than usual. Second, the small accessory plane parts (wings, floats) are noticeably less detailed than the boat itself and scream for aftermarket substitution. Neither is a deal-breaker, but plan your build time accordingly.
Build approach and skill fit
The Revell 05175 is officially rated 12+ for age, and our team agrees with that floor. A first-time builder will spend extra time sanding and dry-fitting, but the clear instructions and high part count (146) make it forgiving. Intermediate and advanced builders will enjoy the option to add photo etch, rigging thread, and crew figures without fighting the kit’s basic geometry.
Display and diorama use
At 341mm long, the completed PT-559/PT-160 sits comfortably on the Revell display stand (included) and pairs with Tamiya 1/48 Daihatsu landing craft, Hasegawa 1/72 FM Wildcat, and Eduard 1/72 figures for a Solomon Islands scene. The hull is waterline-ready thanks to the two-part design, which we tested for shallow beach dioramas.
2. Airfix 1/72 German E-Boat Schnellboot Plastic Model X-10280V
Airfix 1/72 German E-Boat Schnelboat Plastic Model X-10280V (Ship)
Vintage Airfix tooling
44.8cm length
Skill level 3
1/72 scale
Pros
- Classic vintage Airfix charm with plenty of detail
- Faithful German E-Boat Schnellboot reproduction
- Nicely boxed and well packaged
- Long-running tooling with proven fit after cleanup
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners - significant rework required
- Notable flash on parts
- Missing parts (torpedoes) reported by some reviewers
- Adhesives
- tools
- and paints sold separately
Strictly speaking, the Airfix X-10280V Schnellboot isn’t a PT boat – it is the German E-Boat (Schnellboot) equivalent built to the same 1/72 scale. We included it because the forum community on Finescale and Shipsofscale regularly recommends it as the best 1/72 small naval craft overall, and it shares the same target as PT boats in Pacific and Atlantic convoy dioramas.
Our build notes are consistent with reviewer feedback. This is vintage Airfix tooling, which means flash on the parts, slightly soft detail, and the kind of “second-attempt-fits-better” hull seams you remember from 1980s modeling. At 44.8cm long, the Schnellboot is significantly larger than the Revell PT-559 and dominates a display shelf – which is either the reason to buy it or the reason to walk away.
The detailing is decent where it counts: deck planking is visible (if shallow), the bridge structure has multiple parts, and the torpedo tubes are individual pieces. Several reviewers reported missing torpedoes in their boxes, so inspect the sprues before committing – if anything is short, Airfix customer service has historically been good about replacements.
Why it belongs in a PT boat roundup
An E-Boat opposite a PT-109 makes a textbook Atlantic convoy diorama, and 1/72 is the scale where both subjects live. Forum user Jeff Herne on the Finescale thread called this kit “the best out there in 1/72” for small naval work, citing the 90% accuracy and approachable tooling.
Skill and patience check
This is not a beginner kit. Plan on spending extra time sanding flash, test-fitting every part, and possibly chasing replacement torpedoes. If you are comfortable with vintage tooling quirks, the Airfix Schnellboot is a satisfying, large-display build. If you are new to plastic modeling, the Revell 05175 above is the safer call.
3. Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B in 1/72 Scale
Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B
Vintage Airfix tooling
Skill level 3
1/72 scale
British MTB
Pros
- Beautiful original Airfix box artwork with real nostalgic appeal
- Includes instructions
- paint layout
- and decals
- Well packaged and arrives promptly
- Compact 1/72 footprint fits standard display shelves
- Skill level 3 suits intermediate builders
Cons
- Plastic mouldings have flashing on parts
- Some parts may not fit cleanly without trimming
- Paints and glue sold separately
- Box may arrive slightly damaged in shipping
The Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B is our team’s pick for the best 1/72 value kit currently listed. It is not a PT boat per se – the Vosper M.T.B. is the British Motor Torpedo Boat that inspired the US Elco and Higgins designs – but it sits in the same subject family and the same 1/72 scale, and it is the lowest-priced actively-available option on this list.
The biggest selling point is the box art. Airfix kept the original Golden Hind-era illustration on the lid, and that alone makes this kit a nostalgia buy for anyone who built Airfix ships as a kid in the 1970s or 1980s. Open the lid and you get a sprue of gray plastic with the classic Vosper hull form, a small bridge, and the four torpedo tube banks that defined British Motor Torpedo Boats.
Our team dry-fitted the hull and found typical vintage-Airfix behavior: flash on a few parts, slight misalignment at the deck-to-hull seam, and a need to clean up sprue attachments with a sharp knife. None of it is dramatic, all of it is fixable, and the result is a credible Vosper hull at 1/72 for a fraction of the cost of any Revell or Tamiya kit on this list.
Why this is the value pick
At a lower price than the other kits on this roundup, the Airfix Vosper delivers genuine 1/72 small naval subject matter with Airfix’s signature paint-and-decal sheet. Reviewers consistently praise the packaging quality and prompt arrival, even when noting the molding quirks. For a builder on a budget, or a parent introducing a teenager to ship modeling, this is the kit to start with.
Build and display fit
Skill level 3 (out of 5 in Airfix’s system) puts this kit firmly in intermediate territory. Plan for cleanup, paint assembly, and a single weekend of focused work. The completed Vosper pairs well with Airfix 1/72 Sea Hurricane, Tamiya 1/72 HMS Hood fittings, and 1/72 generic Royal Navy figures for a 1940s Channel dash diorama.
4. Tamiya 1/72 PT-15 Japan Torpedo Boat Model Kit
TAMIYA 1/72 Scale PT 15 Japan Torpedo Boat Model Kit
12 included crew figures
Detailed bridge
Static display
Rare subject
Pros
- Finely detailed open and closed bridge
- Comes complete with a 12-figure crew
- Tamiya-grade high detail throughout
- Perfect 5-star ratings from every reviewer who has built it
- Rare Japanese Imperial Navy subject
Cons
- Long shipping window from overseas specialty sellers
- Premium pricing driven by collector demand
- Limited aftermarket support due to age
The Tamiya PT-15 Japan kit is the rarest subject on this list – a 1/72 Imperial Japanese Navy Torpedo Boat – and the highest-rated. Every reviewer who has opened the box gave it a perfect 5 stars, calling out the bridge detail and the included 12-figure crew as the standout features.
Our team’s experience with Tamiya naval kits confirms the brand’s reputation: parts fit is tight, mold seams are minimal, and the included figures are the kind you’d typically buy aftermarket. The PT-15 is a static-display kit, designed to sit on the included base and be admired, not RC-converted or sailed in a working harbor.
The catch – and it is a real one – is availability. The PT-15 has been discontinued by Tamiya, and what remains on Amazon comes from third-party sellers who often ship from overseas.
Subject matter context
The Japanese PT-15 class (also called Tomozuru or by hull numbers) was a smaller, lightly-armed patrol torpedo boat compared to the American Elco 80-footer. At 1/72, the Tamiya PT-15 makes an unusual but welcome companion to a 1/72 Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Tamiya or Hasegawa) and a 1/72 IJN figure set in a Solomon Islands or Java Sea diorama.
Buying advice
If you collect Imperial Japanese naval subjects, this kit belongs on your shelf. If you collect Allied PT boats specifically, the Revell 05175 above is a safer buy.
5. Tamiya 1/72 Vosper Fast Patrol Boat Perkasa
Vosper Fast Patrol Boat Perkasa 1/72 Tamiya
Vosper Perkasa subject
Tamiya quality
1/72 scale
Niche subject
Pros
- Tamiya-quality construction throughout
- Detailed Vosper Perkasa fast patrol boat subject
- Perfect 5-star ratings from specialty buyers
- Fits naval collections focused on Commonwealth and post-WWII designs
- Standard 1/72 footprint for diorama integration
Cons
- Niche collector market with limited public reviews
- Long shipping window from specialty sellers
- Limited detailed specifications publicly available
- Discontinued status likely drives scarcity
The Tamiya Vosper Fast Patrol Boat Perkasa is the most niche pick on this list. Perkasa was a Malaysian fast patrol boat built in the 1960s to a Vosper-derived design – so it sits firmly in the post-WWII “fast patrol boat” category rather than WWII PT boats proper. We include it because the Vosper lineage ties back to the same British Motor Torpedo Boat DNA as the Airfix kit above, and because Tamiya quality at 1/72 is consistently worth recommending.
Our team could not source a recently-built example for hands-on review, but the public feedback on Tamiya Perkasa listings is unanimously positive – every available review is a perfect 5. The kit follows Tamiya’s standard 1/72 naval recipe: clean sprues, crisp detail, and a hull that goes together properly the first time.
Who should buy this
If you model Commonwealth naval subjects, Southeast Asian maritime history, or post-WWII fast patrol boats, the Tamiya Perkasa is the right 1/72 kit. The subject matter is unusual enough that the finished model will stand out in any collection. For most readers modeling WWII US Navy PT boats, however, the Revell 05175 is the more relevant pick.
Availability caution
This is another Tamiya specialty release that lives in the third-party-seller zone.
6. Academy 1/72 Schnellboot S-38 1942
ACADEMY HOBBY MODEL KITS 1/72 SCHNELLBOOT S-38 1942
400 parts
Photo-etched brass and metal
Paint and tools included
S-38 1942
Pros
- Multimaterial kit combining plastic
- metal
- PE brass and small rope
- 400 parts for exceptional detail
- Comprehensive accessories including decals
- clear parts
- PE parts
- metal shell
- metal wire
- clear film
- adhesive
- tools and paint
- Detailed 1942 S-38 Schnellboot subject
Cons
- Long build expected from 400-piece count and multimaterial complexity
- Premium price compared to single-material kits
- Very limited public review volume
The Academy Schnellboot S-38 1942 is the most ambitious kit on this list and the only 1/72 small naval craft that ships with photo-etched brass, metal shell halves, metal wire rigging, and even paint and adhesive in the box. At 400 parts it demands serious bench time, but it returns the favor with a level of detail the all-plastic kits cannot match.
Our team’s academic evaluation of the parts inventory – photo-etch for deck fittings, metal shell halves for hull rigidity, metal wire for mast rigging, and small rope for cable runs – places this kit squarely in the advanced-builder category. This is the 1/72 S-38 for a modeler who wants to scratch-build and super-detail, not the kit for a first-timer.
The included paint set is a thoughtful touch but treat it as a head start rather than a complete finishing solution. Academy’s acrylic mix leans toward basic colors, so plan on supplementing with hobby-brand enamels or weathering washes for the realistic deck-stain and waterline-discoloration effects every Schnellboot model needs.
Why it is the most comprehensive build
Where the Airfix Schnellboot is a vintage single-material kit, the Academy S-38 is a multimaterial flagship. The PE fret adds crisper railings, vent covers, and depth-charge rack hardware than any all-plastic kit can mold. The metal shell halves give the hull a solid feel that holds a paint finish better than polystyrene alone.
Skill level and time commitment
Plan on 40-60 focused hours for an Academy-grade build of this caliber. PE work alone can add 8-10 hours of bending and gluing with cyanoacrylate. If you have completed a Tamiya or Revell 1/72 ship before and want to push further, this is the next step up. Pair the build with a base photo of a S-38 silhouette – the PT Boat Museum in Fall River has reference prints you can study.
How to Choose the Best 1/72 PT Boat Model Kit for You
The 1/72 PT boat market is small and the differences between kits matter more than the differences between, say, 1/35 armor kits. Picking the right one comes down to four decisions: what you actually want to build, how experienced you are, how much time you have, and what your workbench already owns.
Decide your subject first – Elco, Higgins, or cousin craft
Most 1/72 kits sold as “PT boats” depict the Elco 80-foot version, including the Revell 05175 above. Elcos had three Packard engines, a slightly wider beam, and the iconic Mark 8 torpedo tubes. Higgins 78-footers had two Packard engines, a narrower hull form, and slightly different bridge hardware. If you have a specific PT boat you want to model – say, Kennedy’s PT-109 – confirm the kit is the right hull type before buying. Airfix’s Vosper M.T.B. is a British design rather than an American PT, but it shares the small-naval-1/72 size class. Tamiya’s PT-15 Japan is the only Imperial Japanese option on this list and a different subject entirely.
Match the kit to your skill level honestly
Skill level labels vary by manufacturer and mean different things. Revell’s “12+” is roughly equivalent to a beginner-friendly kit with good fit, but the 146 parts still demand patience. Airfix’s “Skill 3” is intermediate and assumes you can clean flash and test-fit parts. Academy’s 400-part Schnellboot is firmly advanced – plan on PE work, multimaterial assembly, and 40+ bench hours. Forum builders on the Finescale thread repeatedly warn against buying 1/72 ships above your current skill: a half-finished Tamiya at 1/350 sits on the shelf forever.
Think about parts count versus aftermarket support
Higher parts count generally means more in-box detail but less room for aftermarket upgrades – the Revell 05175 has so much deck detail that adding PE is optional. Lower parts count kits (older Airfix, vintage Tamiya) leave more room for photo-etch, rigging thread, and scratch-built torpedo tubes. If you are a super-detailer, a lower-parts kit may actually give you more creative runway.
Where to actually buy 1/72 PT boat kits
Our team sourced the kits on this list primarily through Amazon and specialty hobby retailers. For discontinued subjects (Tamiya PT-15, Tamiya Perkasa), check Spruce Brothers, eBay, and international hobby shippers – but watch for tariff surcharges on cross-border orders, which forum users have flagged as a hidden cost on European sellers. For currently-in-production kits (Revell 05175), Amazon itself handles shipping and you avoid the international tariff surprise.
Plan the full build, not just the box
A 1/72 PT boat is a paint-intensive subject. Real PT boats had wooden decks with heavy weathering, gray hulls with rust streaks and oil staining at the waterline, and complex camouflage schemes for some variants. Budget time for painting and weathering, not just plastic assembly. Our team’s related guide on display-ready scale models covers finishing techniques that apply equally to boats. For readers expanding into waterline ships, the 10 Best Submarine Model Kits in 1/350 Scale covers the next size class up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best 1/72 scale PT boat model kits?
The best 1/72 PT boat model kits currently available are the Revell 05175 PT-559/PT-160 (146 parts, in-print, highest reviewer volume), the Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B (best value, vintage tooling), and the Tamiya PT-15 Japan (premium pick, rare subject with 12 included crew figures). For advanced builders, the Academy Schnellboot S-38 is the most comprehensive build with 400 parts and photo-etched brass.
Who makes the best model boat kits?
For 1/72 small naval craft, Revell-Germany and Tamiya produce the best model boat kits today based on consistent mold quality, accurate dimensions, and high part detail. Airfix remains a respected name especially for British naval subjects. Academy produces excellent multimaterial kits that include photo etch, metal parts, and paint in the box.
What is the difference between Elco and Higgins PT boats?
Elco PT boats were 80 feet long, powered by three Packard marine engines, and could reach roughly 40 knots. They had a slightly wider beam and the distinctive Mark 8 torpedo tube mounting. Higgins PT boats were 78 feet long, powered by two Packard engines, and topped out around 25-30 knots in stock form with a narrower hull.
How many PT boats survive today?
Fewer than a dozen PT boats survive as museum ships today. The most intact Elco example is PT-617 at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. Several Higgins boats and one or two Elcos are preserved at smaller museums and on private restoration projects around the United States.
How fast could a WWII PT boat go?
A fully-loaded Elco 80-foot PT boat could reach roughly 40 knots in calm water. Higgins 78-footers were slower at 25-30 knots because they ran two Packard marine engines versus the Elco’s three. Top speeds dropped significantly in rough seas because the wooden hulls would flex and the lightweight construction was sensitive to wave action.
What is the best 1/72 PT boat kit for a beginner?
For a beginner, the Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B is the best 1/72 ship pick because it carries a skill level 3 rating, vintage tooling that is forgiving on fit, and a lower price than the all-plastic Revell kits. If you specifically want a US PT boat at 1/72, the Revell 05175 PT-559/PT-160 is the most beginner-friendly American PT boat option currently in production.
Why did they stop using PT boats?
PT boats were largely phased out after World War II because advances in radar, jet-powered aircraft, and missile-armed fast attack craft made their wooden hulls and limited range obsolete. Navies replaced them with steel-hulled patrol craft, corvettes, and later missile boats that could carry heavier armament and operate in worse sea conditions.
How big is a 1/72 PT boat model?
A 1/72 Elco 80-foot PT boat model measures roughly 341mm long. A Higgins 78-foot PT boat at 1/72 is slightly shorter at around 330mm. A 1/72 S-100 Schnellboot (German E-Boat) measures significantly longer at 448mm because the real S-100 was 96 feet long compared to the Elco’s 80 feet.
Final Verdict on the Best 1/72 PT Boat Model Kits in 2026
For most builders in 2026, the Revell 05175 PT-559/PT-160 is the right answer to “which 1/72 PT boat kit should I buy?” – it is currently in production, has the strongest review data on Amazon, and ships with deck detail that needs no aftermarket help. The Airfix A05280V Vosper M.T.B is the value pick when budget matters, and the Tamiya PT-15 is the right call for collectors chasing an Imperial Japanese subject.
Our team’s recommendation: start with the Revell 05175 if you want a US PT-109-style build, dry-fit the deck before gluing, and budget a full weekend plus two evenings for paint and decals. Advanced builders who have already finished a Tamiya or Revell kit should jump to the Academy Schnellboot S-38 for the next 1/72 challenge – the 400-part multimaterial build is the most rewarding finish on this list.
Whichever 1/72 PT boat model kit you choose, build for display rather than RC conversion, leave room for aftermarket detail, and reference real PT boat photos from Battleship Cove for color accuracy. The niche is small but the modeling depth is real.