Finished Photos of Moebius’ 1/72 Scale USS Skipjack (SSN585) Submarine
Below are photos of 1/72 scale (42” length) Moebius’ U.S.S. Skipjack (SSN585) fast attack nuclear submarine built in 2014. The part count was small, but it is a very accurate model of the Skipjack Class. Kit modifications and photo-etched after-market add-ons were kept to a minimum, so this model is close to being box stock. The model fit together very well and had almost no warping. The scribed panel lines are a little soft and deep, but they do not detract from the finished display.
Skipjack (SSN-585) was the lead ship in a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines first commissioned in April 1959. These were the fastest submarines in the world, with its new “teardrop” shaped hull design allowing for speeds and maneuverability far beyond anything that existed at the time. A total of six were launched, with only one being lost (Scorpion/SSN-589) in 1968 from unknown causes. The rest of the class served very successfully, and were still considered effective attack submarines when they were individually de-commissioned decades later. Skipjack was the last of the class to be de-commissioned, beginning in April 1990. For anyone who is interested in modern submarines (and has the shelf space) I highly recommend this kit. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Phillip1
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! [t$t]
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 two photos of SSBN submarines in drydock which are good examples of this 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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).
