Hey folks, I'll be resheeting my cruiser in preparation for the upcoming battle season, and one thing I want to do this year is a camouflage paint scheme. Since Spahkreuzer SP-1 was never finished, nobody knows what camo scheme it historically would have worn, and thus I have a bit of freedom in designing my paint scheme. Historically, camo schemes were designed to confuse observers and make them mis-estimate range, bearing, speed, etc. or even mis-identify the class of ship. This also comes into play for model ships as well. For Spahkreuzer, I want a camo scheme that will draw attention aft, to where the ship WAS, rather than where the ship WILL BE. I am currently drawing up a scheme based on historical German destroyers, and modifying it a bit to better fit the Spahkreuzer hull. Clearly the scheme is working because while I was drawing it, I was continuously mis-identifying the back end of the boat as the front and found my eyes wandering there unconsciously. I will post a picture once my head stops spinning and I finish the design. What sorts of camouflage paint schemes have you guys seen or used, and what did you notice about them?
Hehe, a while ago I saw a photo of a ship with a similar camo scheme, from a different angle. I honestly can't tell if its the same boat or not [:0] OK, here's what I made up so far. The first is a "blank" spahkreuzer. It was my starting point, and is provided for comparison. It is also what my ship currently has. The second image is my first true camouflage scheme. Tell me, what is the first point your eyes are drawn to on this image? If it's the aft torpedo launcher, then the scheme is working. I also made the bow and stern black so that hopefully they will not be noticed (and shot at), and also to add to the confusion of observers looking at the ship from shore. The third image is the same pattern as before, but with a dark grey instead of a light grey. The goal here is to increase the probability of the ship disappearing entirely. I personally like the light version, although my brother disagrees. Which do you prefer? which do you think is more likely to succeed? Also, any suggestions for improvements? (no, I won't do zebra-stripes!)
I think that in our scale, the more extreme contrast between the light and dark would be more effective. The dark grey/black would not present enough contrast to make a difference in appearance.
On my Salt Lake City, I am planning on using the MS3 with MS5 bow wave scheme that she wore in mid-1941. Mainly I am doing it because I think it looks cool...but if it has the added benefit of confusing people as to my speed, and thus mis-timing their shots, that would be nice. Honestly, I have my doubts as to how effective camo would be in our hobby. I'd think the most effective versions would be variations of the USN Dazzle schemes which would help break up the silhouette of the model, and potentially help captains mis-identify the range making shooting a little more dofficult...bur realisitically, I dont expect it. Mike D
On the down side, it also identifies for those in doubt which side your ship is on... not because they'll recognize the pattern, but how many ships are painted in Dazzle? I would tell a newb "hey, just shoot the one that looks like a zebra!"
yeah, honestly in our scale i have never seen camo work... it only draws your attention. However, it is so easy to see ships in the hobby anyways that you might as well paint camo to make yours look cooler than anyone elses in the pond. As far as authentic painting for our hobby, the Japanese colors work the best. Kure Naval Gray, which i have on my Kumano, blends in rather surpisingly well with a darker pond, especially if the weather is overcast. Kure Naval Green, which is on a Suzuya in my club, is EXTREMELY hard to see (especially for the older lads in the club, haha) ... especially if she is hugging the shoreline. Ships will sail right past her and not notice if she isn't moving.
I agree with ya Tuggy. I'd not paint one up in dazzle either, I dont think. I think if you want "effective" camo, Dazzle would probably mess with your mind more then anything else. The only camo schemes I'd really paint in, I'd do it because I think they look cool. With the SLC, I'm doing the bow wave camo, because its unique, and I like the way it looks. With the Courageous, I am planning on painting her in a modified version of the paint scheme the Repulse wore with Force Z. Right now she is dark grey and at a distance, she tends to be difficult to see. With the Repulse paint scheme, she should be easier to see, but...will look cool! Invincible will probably remain grey. I'm happy with her plain, utilitarian look. She looks the way a warship should. Mike D
My personal experience with a "dazzle" pattern is that it makes it very easy for me - knowing what my ship looks like - to tell what it's doing at extreme range. Instead of just looking like a gray blob, I can tell what direction it's pointing. This is obviously completely counter to the original intended effect. I've never seen anybody have trouble identifying a camouflage-painted ship, or fail to come up with a valid firing solution due to misinterpreting speed, course, etc. I encourage use of camouflage patterns, just because it's fun. JM
Camouflage schemes definitely provide benefits in combat, although almost never on a conscious level. Probably the best example of this I know of is HMS Rodney: http://www.westernwarshipcombat.com/gallery/album60/Battle_134 Every time I attacked that shot-magnet, I would tell myself "shoot it in the bow." Oddly enough, I never managed to shoot it in the bow, instead most volleys landed right in one grey splotch of Rodney's camo scheme, and not a single round hit forward of turret A. It's an excellent example of camouflage on models at work, and although it didn't save Rodney from my wrath it certainly took longer to sink and reduced overall repair time by concentrating damage in a smaller area. I'll bet that other camouflaged ships benefit from their war paint, although exactly how I have never noticed. What I drew for Spahkreuzer is actually based off historical German Z-boat patterns, specifically Z-32 and Z-33 as shown here: http://www.german-navy.de/kriegsmarine/ships/destroyer/zerstorer1936amob/index.html The blacked-out bow and stern also have a historical justification, with the "excuse" being that the pattern would make the Spahkreuzer look like a lighter Z-boat, possibly heading in the opposite direction. On the pond, Scarr hit it dead on when he said "shoot me here, not there." The desired combat effect is to draw attention to slightly aft of amidships, and possibly further aft to the wake as well. hopefully this will collect shots amidships and further aft, where the bilge pump is located, rather than the weak bow. Of course, the other goal is fear factor. My ship has earned quite a reputation in the short time it's been active (sank ten ships in three battle days, only sunk twice in return) and by making it more distinctive victims will have no doubt as to their fate when Spahkreuzer starts stalking them. I'm also considering putting a Jolly Roger on the bow instead of historical air identification markings.
Adunno... Sorry, pew^3, there are no fiberglass hulls available for the Spahkreuzer SP-1 class warship, and the plan set used to make my boat is up in Oregon along with a sister ship. The closest thing you'll find in fiberglass is the Z class destroyer from Battler's Connection. Unfortunately the historical Spahkreuzer was bombed by the RAF shortly after its keel was laid, destroying the builders plans and forcing cancellation of the entire class. No ships were completed or commissioned, so it would not be allowed under MWC rules. If it were allowed, it would be a 1.5 unit, 21-second destroyer, despite its name Spahkreuzer (scout cruiser). Its triple rudders and triple shafts would give it excellent maneuverability and acceleration, although the lighter Narvik class destroyer is capable of exceeding Spahkreuzer's performance. The only reason my Spahkreuzer is feared is because the Z-boats in my club are poorly built and poorly skippered.
And you really don't want to build a Z-boat for your first ship. Soooo tiny... Carl pulled it off cause he's the Man and has has building experience. I'd stick with your US BB idea, P3.
Actually I pulled it off because my Big Gun club allows torpedo cannons, which MWC clubs have no real equivalent for. Tugboat is right, a Z-boat is a tough build, even with lots of experience. My first ship was a Scharnhorst, and my next ship will be a Roma, both big battleships with lots of room and firepower.
