Finished Photos of Moebius 1/72 U.S.S. Skipjack (SSN585) Submarine

Phillip,  I don't know much about the new subs, but I do know a very well built and outstandingly painted one when I see it. Ultra smooth black paint jobs are very hard to do and I see one there. Very nice subtle weathering too.  Congratulations! 

Jim 

Almost forgot, great photos too!

Jim 

Phillip,

Your boat is very well built, but, as a retired career submariner in the USN, I never saw such a color scheme.  Are you sure it is accurate?

Bill Morrison

Jim-Thanks very much for the compliments.  They are greatly appreciated.

Bill-Concerning the paint scheme, I believe the anti-fouling red below the mid-hull and anti-fouling black above the mid-hull was standard on the Skipjack Class for much (but not all) of its career.  This was what you see on just about every build on the internet, and called out in the kit instructions.  Although kit instruction color schemes are often questionable, the Project Leadman for Moebius on this project was David Merriman-one of the best model builders/model makers in the world.  He is also a career submariner and a stickler for accuracy.  Skipjack is a favorite of his and I believe he would have raised a red flag if something with his name on it was issued with bad information.  If you are referring to the discolored section between the mid-hull and waterline, then this is a subjective weathering choice on how salt water oxidizes the black paint below the waterline.  Attached are three photos of the USS Greenville, a Los Angles Class fast attack submarine, which is a good example of paint discoloration below the waterline.  When adding my weathering I used Master Modeler David Merriman's 1/96 scale U.S.S. Skipjack RC model as a guide.  A photo of his model is also attached.  I guess you could say that in painting this model I placed my faith in David Merriman's knowledge, which is usually a safe bet.

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Thanks

Phillip1

Phillip,

With sincere respect, I am not doubting you.  These colors are just not within my experience as a 20 year submariner.  I served on six submarines in my career (three 688 class boats, two 726 class boats, and one 608 class boat) beginning in 1979. My shore duty was spent teaching at Submarine School in Groton/New London.  I have never seen any boat painted like that, including seeing USS Skipjack and USS Scamp. Hence, my question. I am particularly puzzled by the yellow hatch covers.

Yes, I have seen the effects of seawater on hull paint. I just have never seen a boat painted like that, or his model for that matter. Therefore, I am curious.

Anyway, thanks!

Bill Morrison

Bill,

The "hatches" are the fore and aft emergency message bouys.  They were painted international orange.  I have seen color photos of a Skipjack Class submarine running on the surface with the fore bouy being visible.  I "believe" these were removed (and covers welded to the decking) after the sea trials were completed and the ship commissioned into active fleet service.  Thanks for mentioning your submarine duty in the Navy.  I am grateful for your service for our country.

Phillip1

Phillip,

I neglected to mention that I did serve on one surface ship as well for my first sea tour. She was the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS 16) in La Madelena, Sardinia, Italy. I had the opportunity to see several Skipjack class boats, all painted the standard black above the waterline, just like any other U.S. submarine.  I did serve 24 years, 20 in the Submarine Navy.

Anyway, I appreciate your thanks.  You have inspired me to get this kit tomorrow afternoon after I get out of school (I now teach High School and University-level history courses).

Bill Morrison

Bill,

Thanks for the additional information.  It is clear you have a great deal of knowledge and experience concerning modern U.S. Navy Warships (that you continue to share through teaching). If you do build this model, please post photos if it as I would certainly like to see your build.

Note: This kit is now available through RevellAG.  Moebius either sold or loaned the toolings to them.

Thanks

Phillip1

Bill, did you ever know Jim Bush?

I'm not sure.  Where was he stationed?

Bill

Captain James T Bush USN (ret) is my godfather. Deceased, sad to say.

He was  NROTC out of University of Michigan - always said it was Navy or jail.

XO of Triton and Calhoun (gold crew).

He commanded SSBN-641 Simon Bolivar before inevitably sailing a Pentagon desk for the rest of his career.

We visited them in Pearl Harbor, Mare Island and Newport News over the years.

One of the greatest guys I ever met, charming, humble and whip smart.

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting him.  I served on the Ethan Allen (SSBN608), USS Michigan (SSBN727), USS Albuquerque (SSN706), USS Dallas (SSN700), USS Pasadena (SSN752), and USS Maine (SSBN741). I also served at Submarine Development Group 1 Detachment Mare Island, as well as the Naval Undersea Medical Institute in Groton.

He seems to have been a great guy. I am sorry for your loss!

Bill

Thank you, Bill.

Phillip you can paint like a dream. I get it now, that's scum!

GMorrison,

Thank you for the compliment.  Yes, right under the waterline is supposed to represent buildup, while the rest of the discoloring is supposed to represent part of the paint being oxidized by salt water (my interpretation, anyway).

Phillip1