Hull coloring on modern US SSNs and SSBNs

Modern USN subs are now black over black with perhaps black non-skid walkway at the very top of the arc of the hull.    I'm getting ready to spray some Floquil Grimy Black with a stripe of flat black for the walkways.    It becomes a process of applying different levels of vary dark grays and blacks.  

Hull red may be seen in the delivery schemes.  It generally got painted over during the first drydocking.   If you desire to go that route Painters Choice Rusty Red Primer from the local Lowes hardware store is a good match

Here is a shot of Chicago as marked in the kit. If you look closely, there appear to be two different shades of red on the hull. A brighter shade below the midline and darker above.

As a retired U.S. submariner, I like EdGrune's approach, especially the way he paints the black scheme.  However, I have seen some boats keep the red for several years after commissioning while others do not. One mistake that modelers of modern submarines make is to leave the builder's hatch markings (white circles, lines, etc.) on their models. Those rescue markings are painted out after delivery.  Also, white hull numbers (SSN 751) are not painted onto the sail but are attached as plaques while in port.  Finally, the masts and antennaes used to be a gray and black splotched scheme whereas, today, they are a very dark gray, or at least this is the scheme on the boats that I see every day in New London.  Of course, the draft marks are painted on.

The Painter's Choice Rusty Red Primer is also an excellent choice.

Bill Morrison

Those two shades of red Stick mentions really aren't red, at least not the top one.  The paint color, when applied to the hull is a neutral-medium gray.  Some weathering etc., has given it a reddish look in that photo, but the base color, shouldn't start with any red.

Ditto on the numbers and hatch markings, they are there for initial sea trials and then gone.  You will have depth markings though.

In service submarines, tied at the pier, are usually some of the ugliest naval vessels you can see.  I imagine that's why you rarely see a model of one done that way.  Plus sub photos on the Navy's news site or rare too, for obvious reasons.

Doing a realistic looking, weathered boat, would make an interesting project, particularly in 1/700th scale.  The weathering would need to be blended for the right scale effect, but it could be an ugly display when finished.  Submariners would get it, but I wonder how many casual observers of the model would wonder why the modeler would want to show how, "badly he painted that model."

Maybe that's why you don't often see them that way.  I might have to try it though.

Have fun with yours.

I just stumbled on this thread and thank everyone for their input on this as well.  i always have had questions about that and have several subs in the wings waiting to be built.  Very good info. Thank you

As far as weathering is concerned, there really isn't that much. When a boat returnes from deployment, there might be a little salt residue but it is washed away very quickly. I have also never seen any rust streaking on any boat, either.  Submarines are exceedingly well maintained.

Bill Morrison

Mike F6F

Those two shades of red Stick mentions really aren't red, at least not the top one.  The paint color, when applied to the hull is a neutral-medium gray.  Some weathering etc., has given it a reddish look in that photo, but the base color, shouldn't start with any red.

Now that you point it out, perhaps a 36081 gray with a tint added would work.  I will try that on mine.

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions! I knew that most operational boats were now using the black on black scheme, but there is just something about that "fresh from the Electric Boat showroom" paint scheme. I tackled the Trumpeter 1/144 Seawolf a few years back and the "Hull Red" that I used on the lower hull looked like a color better suited for a Porsche. I like the idea of the modern weathered sub with the dried salt and missing dampening tiles, but I dont know if I could pull that off.

To warshipguy: Are the hull number plaques raised on the surface of the sail, or very thin metal that is spot welded on?

And to the rest of you: Any thoughts on the zinc blocks? Painted over, or natural? 

Bill,

I guess they look better in New London than they do in Norfolk.

Green slimy growth at the waterline, smoke streaks on the sail from the diesel vents, safety rails mounted on the bridge, with stains on the sail, etc.

I don't know how the tiles could best be done, particularly in 1/700th.  That would make another challenge.

The plaques are hung from the top of the sail br crewmen after arriving in port. They are raised.

Bill Morrison

Mike,

I served onboard six submarines and never saw any of that kind of weathering. My first boat was in Pearl Harbor, then Bangor, WA.  My second served in Groton/New London, the Bangor.  My third, fourth, and fifth served out of Groton/New London. My sixth served out of King's Bay, GA.  I also served in a SUBDEVGRU in Vallejo, CA.  The worst weathering I ever saw was a little of the green slimy growth and salt staining. It was quickly cleaned off.

Here's to different experiences! 

Bill Morrison

Bill,

Of course the mess is cleaned off.  I goofed in mentioning what they can look like from the point of view and challenge of modeling one.

No slight to any and all submariners intended.

Have seen some missing tiles though.

Mike,

No offense taken!  I have seen so many submarine models so grossly overdone as far as weathering is concerned that I had to mention it.  However, the missing tiles is another issue . . . I remember when they first began to be seen on boats.  They were horrible upon return from deployment.

Bill

Just out of curiosity, to add to my store of useless trivia - how are the tiles affixed to the hull? Glue or more traditional methods?

more likey glued like the space shuttle.

I'll be tackling the painting of my Trumpeter 1/144th Seawolf in the not too distant future (hopefully), and still am not sure on how I will tackle the paint. Slightly weathers above the waterline? Or maybe just a clean, fresh look for simplicity.

I hope you post progress pics of your build. I'd love to see how it goes.

I would recommend checking out pics online.  They show how a submarine actually looks at sea.

Bill Morrison

warshipguy

I would recommend checking out pics online.  They show how a submarine actually looks at sea.

Bill Morrison

x2  Hint: try Googling "submarine in drydock"

Mark

Like this one

When looking for some outstanding paints, take a look at White Ensign Paints for accuracy.  There is a nice display of these paints in www.warshiphobbies.com . They show pictures of all the tins in their colored lids.