stikpusher/Gmorrison/modelcrazy-Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it. I posted this thread on several websites to cast a "wide net" and get as many responses as possible. I was fortunate enough to get two responses from the MAN himself (Dougie Martindale-who wrote both of the artilces referenced in two of the responses). Here is what he had to say:
"Hi gents,
I really like this model. The figures on the bow really bring a bit of colour and life to the scene. I particularly like the tower. With the exception of the red emblem (I've gone for a green version) this tower looks very similar indeed to my model, with the same dark blue colour with very heavy peeling. Also like the whitish patches on the upper hull, which I went for too. The lower hull looks okay but could do with more weathered appearance, with scumline etc. It does look a bit too blue in the photo but that could just be the photo.
The upper grey looks a bit light but this is all about personal opinions. I also like the damage to the front of the tower. What is not that noticeable in some photos (but evident in others) is that the forward deck railings on both sides were damaged in the attack.
If anyone knows who built this then please say so we can give credit to the builder.
Cheers,
Dougie
Dougie47,
Thanks for responding to the post. Your comments are very helpful. I do plan on buying the correct emblem/draft number decals when I build this model. Based on your opinion, if I use colors "close" to what is shown in the photos then the scheme should be considered accurate (based on the information/research available at this time), right?
Thanks again.
Phillip1
Hi Phillip,
Yes, using paints close to the colour shot would be the way to go. If you are depicting U 505 when captured you will have to go to town on the paint peeling on the tower. It is quite fun but does make for quite a different looking model. Note that there was even peeling on the emblem so when I did mine I painted over some parts of the emblem with silver. This peeling was only evident on the outer surfaces of the tower so the tower railings and guns did not exhibit this peeling. The other thing to remember is the draught markings. When I did them I weathered them a lot too. A few of the small draught number I painted out because they either were scuffed off or were hidden under the scumline at the waterline.
Cheers,
Dougie"
Per Dougie's U-505 article dark blue conning towers were not "standard" but they did occur (i.e. U-505/U803/U858).
Thanks
Phillip1