HM(S) Thrasher

After a considerable amount of effort and almost consigning the original hull to the skip, I have just about finished the modifications,cutting,reshaping,filling the hull of the T class hull as produced by MBD which as far as I can tell is more or less a Group 3 shape.Still a few holes to cut, but after some 330+ I'm having a rest! I am trying to produce a reasonable representation of a Group 2 boat,in particular HM(S)Thrasher which I want to present in the colour scheme for the Far East theatre which this boat wore when paid off. So my request to all those folk who know about real submarines is can anyone advise on the colours , any info will be useful e.g. Humbrol numbers, BS or RAL numbers,car aerosols etc.
If I've been able to correctly remember the steps to attach a picture , you should be able to see the progress so far,
Trevor

Well that was an abject failure, no picture!! Try again, this time following Richards instructions printed out, better than memory!

Looks very nice!

Far Eastern theatre colours??

Not too many WW2 colour photos, I'm afraid. We have had a lot of debate on Mediterranean colours - finally resolved I think.

Any RNSM exhibits in these Far Eastern colours? (HMS Storm comes to mind) Also try Steve J (Our Facebook site is where he hangs out. He knows many things!)

David

More on colour schemes here:

https://www.theassociationofmodelsubmariners.com/t764-otw-s-class

(I searched our Forum for "colour". The search tool on the Forum works well.)

David

Hi David,
thanks for your interest, yes I had seen those posts though I hope to get a more definite idea of the most likely shade as there are allegedly some 40 shades of green! My primary reference for this project has been Paul J Kemp T Class Submarine, and for decor I am guided by the picture on page 120 of that book which is unfortunately only in black and white. Sod's law dictates that as soon as I show it wearing one of the many tones available someone will produce a lovely colour photo of the real deal, which will of course be quite different!!
Have been doing a bit more metalwork today and so the fwd 'planes are now complete and working okay both in pitch and fold
Now to get on with the second ballast tank,

Trevor

Hi Trevor,
I wouldn't worry too much.
Once you get so far with research, there is no one to challenge you!
Wartime shortages meant that they often used the paint available, I believe this was particularly the case with U boats and British subs in Malta, for example.
Colour photos are also very rare. I found a colour film recently and ,guess what, the U class sub was grey!
I am still trying to remember my last visit to the RNSM. I am sure that there is a model of HMS Storm in Far Eastern colours?

David

Hi David ,
  In my searches for more info on wartime naval paint shades I came across this www.clubhyper.com/reference/royalnav which has helped a bit and may be useful to others. As you quite rightly point out most nations militaries ran short of paints and their manufacturers ran short of pigments and so equipment colours did vary .
 I do not usually do Scale models and is the only reason for wanting to get a realistic likeness, with my more common build it, use it, repair it approach I would be happy to apply whatever paint or covering material that was in a sufficient quantity in my paint locker.
 Perhaps for visibility, this being my first submarine , I should go for a nice girly pink  a' la Meditteraneanne!

  Trevor

A bit more progress, after taking a break to do some more  metalwork for the tower and 4" gun, got the resin and cloth back out to do the last grp work for this project. Disgusting stuff! I hate trying to work covered in gloves mask and all the other nescessary clobber with noisy fans running, can't hear myself thinking!

 Left and right ballast tanks now fully molded, next to design and make some vent and flood valves.

 Trevor

Hi Trevor,

I couldn't agree more about grp. (The smell gets me.)

However once it is done there is nothing to beat it for model subs. Tough, easy to repair etc. A necessary evil!

BTW I couldn't get the colour link above to work.

David

Sorry David, I didn't put that site in my post as a link[ only typed it in , you'll have to Google it] I don't seem to be able to post a link, or not allowed to.
 No it's not the smell that bothers me as I'm using epoxy which hardly smells, but is considerably more of a health risk than polyester.
 Anyway apart from the occassional use of small quantities of Araldite , all the dirty, disgusting, dangerous and dusty work is done. All that remains is to add some colour, some detail and get the entrails to work as they should, which I am sure is easier said than done.
        A bit more progress on the tower and 4" gun



 Trevor

After many starts and stops this project has advanced a bit but is still firmly resting on the stocks and no sign of going down the slips this year. In response to a member's question, here is a picture of the rudder and rear plane control arms. I have ground out around the tiller using a sanding disc to give clearance ,and similarly ground away some of the inside of the fin which was very thick anyway and still has plenty of thickness. Because of the poor quality moulding both the rudder and dive plane shafts run in brass tube bushes bonded in.

Hi thanks for adding the picture I get a good idea now of how to do mine thanks