Ok. On US boats the inside of hatches (Access, torpedo loading, etc.) the inside is painted white while the handles, and dog engaging tips are chromed. What is the conventional scheme on U-boat hatches?
Mike K.
Mike- I’ve seen red handles on white hatches…but I’m not sure of that’s speculation on the modeler’s part…
Here’s the hatch of U-995 (Type VIIC) at Laboe.
Jeff
I know, I’ve seen the same thing. But! was it the modeler’s idea, or, did he base it on good info? I’d really like to know befor I put paint on my brush.
The red would look good, but would it be correct?
As for the dogs, were they painted end to end, or were the engaging ends unpainted, or were they chromed?
If this was a 1:72 American boat, ( I want one so bad I can taste it ) there’d be no problem.
And thanks for the confirmation on the white. It makes sense for visibility, for maintenance purposes.
Mike
OUTSTANDING, Jeff !! That’s exactly what I needed. It answers all my questions. Even a couple I haven’t asked, yet. Thanks a bunch !
Mike K.
Mike,
That IS a real U-boat, not a figment of some modeler’s imagination. Most of the interior spaces are white, because lighting is poor. Important items are often red, because red is the universal color of caution.
In all three U-boats I’ve visited, U-995, U-505, and U-2540, all the hatches are painted in this manner.
Aside from talking to a U-boat veteran, what more do you need?
Jeff
Nevermind, I thought you mistook the photo for a model…LOL.
J
Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead. But I am wondering what color would best replicate the Teer Firnis (Tar Varnish) color shown on the pic of the U-995 that Jeff Hearn posted. I have the AFV club 1/350 scale U-Boat Type VIIC/41 which also has markings for the U-995.
Go for Lifecolor’s “Teer Firnis” authentic KM paint color [;)] ( UA 612 / Tf 99 Teerfirnis faded)
cheers,
Julian
For colour, you need Dougie Martindale’s extensively researched article,
U-BOATS: Kriegmarine U-Boat Colours & Markings
here: http://amp.rokket.biz/lib_uboats.shtml
There’s a good Humbrol and WEM and equiv paint chart here (see “PAINT” button")
http://www.rokket.biz/models/modelsweb/rokket/u557/finished.shtml
As far as U 995 being a real boat, yes and NO! It’s real, but has two things against it for being a good Period Correct source - 1 - it was hacked up and back again after the war; 2 - the museum has not restored it to WWII shape (including doing things for modern convenience). It can give a rough idea, and sometimes it is the ONLY source (stern free flood pattern at props/rudder), but BE CAREFUL with it.
Hope this helps