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What color (colour) grey for X-Craft


RFindley

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Inspired by the Merit X-Craft in-progress chat here, I had to get one for myself. So far it has been a fun build and I want to finish it in the early submarine scheme of black decks/upper surfaces and grey vertical surfaces. Can any one provide a suggestion for the grey? Thanks

Rick in Virginia

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Yes that's the one 507A, from Paul Kemp's book Underwater warriors, the colour schemes where a trial with Mountbatten pink, then the standard submarine scheme of black upper surfaces and grey sides was adopted, The XE class was painted black all over, but its worth noting that the XE was nearly 2 foot longer than the other models of x-craft.

the only exception to this scheme was the two x-craft involved in operation overlord (d-day landings), there were painted yellow ochre, stone and hookers green camouflage scheme.

There is a photo of one of the early x-craft out of the water for maintenance in this book, photo next to page 65. it clearly shows the line between the two colours, not seen this photo anywhere else yet. The line runs just over half way down the hull, starting at the junction of the forward taper and the bow, its worth noting the saddle tank is all over black in this photo.

Hope this helps Chris

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Chris

How does this compare with the photo? Is it the red or yellow line? Also, Black over Admiralty Dark Grey is quite dark.....do you think it could be Admiralty Dark Grey uppers over Admiralty Medium Grey?

Having a lot of fun with the Merit kit....but making a few changes.

Rick in Virginia

XCraft%20Scheme_zpsrwxlqpk8.jpg

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Rick your close, its below the yellow line in line with the rear dive planes, so grey underside black upper.

The colours are correct, can be seen in some photos, generally very dark, hence some confusion as to being one colour but they are not.

Paul Kemp is pretty good on his details re submarines etc so id take it as accurate.

The only other area you will need to modify on the merit kit is the inaccurate prop, see photo.

X-craft%20propeller_zps4jcb2m7n.jpg

All the best Chris

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