RMS Mauretania Paint Problem.

manvscode

manvscode

Joined
Jan 5, 2025
Messages
29
Points
48

I started building the RMS Mauritania from the 1:600 airfix kit.

Yesterday, as I was progressing with my build, I noticed that the paint diagram was different than the reference photos that I was working with. In the Airfix instructions, they show a thicker white line at the water line then it probably should be.

I tried going back and making the line thinner, but it’s harder to make lines straight after the fact.


Please take a look at the following pictures and let me know if I should go back and try to fix it by repainting the hull. The risk is that I’ve already laid down several coats of paint. I’m afraid it’s getting kind of thick.

I need to decide if I need to fix it or if I should continue because I need to start adding the decks now with the railings in place.

IMG_7272.jpeg

IMG_7273.jpeg

IMG_7274.jpeg
 
Last edited:
And here are the reference photos that show that the line appears to be too thick on the model.

IMG_0301.jpeg

IMG_7253.png
 
Last edited:
Just to be different, I would go with the actual ship, not the kit designer and fix it. You can tape and paint the stripe the size you want or you can use pinstriping tapes the width that you want if it available in a size that is close to scale. When painting one trick for me is taping and then spraying a couple clear coats to seal the edges before painting. That way when you remove the tape there is no run under the tape. Below is a stripe with pinstriping.
Allan
1737389467296.jpeg
 
I think it's ok. Trying to represent reality on such a small scale is very difficult.
I have this same kit awaiting retirement and I hope the paint on the hull looks just as good.

DSC_0855.JPG
 
Last edited:
I think it looks fine as is, but if you are at all like me, itks going to bug you later if you don’t fix it. Allen’s idea is spot on: since you’re making the line smaller, rather than larger, it’s too easy to fix. Just mask with tape the thickness you want and over spray with your main hull colors.
 
Shame on the Airfix artist! The waterline is very thin, a prominent feature. I thought a repaint may have been the source for the kit instructions but the 1920’s refit duplicated the original schemes thin waterline. The colorized photo is not a good source for colors. The stern b/w is very interesting. There seems to be a color at the top that does not appear to be white.

So, change or not depends on how important accuracy is to you.
 
manvscode said:
I started building the RMS Mauritania from the 1:600 airfix kit.

Yesterday, as I was progressing with my build, I noticed that the paint diagram was different than the reference photos that I was working with. In the Airfix instructions, they show a thicker white line at the water line then it probably should be.

I tried going back and making the line thinner, but it’s harder to make lines straight after the fact.


Please take a look at the following pictures and let me know if I should go back and try to fix it by repainting the hull. The risk is that I’ve already laid down several coats of paint. I’m afraid it’s getting kind of thick.

I need to decide if I need to fix it or if I should continue because I need to start adding the decks now with the railings in place.

View attachment 496358

View attachment 496359

View attachment 496360
Click to expand...
I see you are also putting in the columns between the decks (that Airfix kind of ignored...). I did too, but man, they are so small it had me seeing cross-eyed (and yelling at the small pieces when they did not fit like I wanted!)... keep posting more as you go, would love to see how your Mauretania turns out!
 
I ended up doing the same thing. I repainted it and ended up with a 1/32" white line. It is probably still too thick but any thinner and it will be a challenge. I have already tried correcting the hull paint more than 3 times.


designck said:
This is kinda where I ended up on my build... probably a little thicker than it needs to be but it works for me.

View attachment 497883
Click to expand...
 
Thanks. I will start a build log. I have one already for HMS Alert.
designck said:
I see you are also putting in the columns between the decks (that Airfix kind of ignored...). I did too, but man, they are so small it had me seeing cross-eyed (and yelling at the small pieces when they did not fit like I wanted!)... keep posting more as you go, would love to see how your Mauretania turns out!
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top