[ Post a Response | The SteelNavy.Com Message Board ]
Posted by DaveInSoCal on August 4, 2025, 17:01:55, in reply to "Re: USN early WW2 paint color 5D "
Working Links
Colorcoats 5D:https://www.whiteensignmodels.com/p/Colourcoats+1941+5D+Dark+Gray+US04+30ml/25772/
LifeColor 5D:https://www.amazon.com/Lifecolor-U-S-Navy-WWII-Camouflage/dp/B086R9JKFZ
Snyder & Short 5D:http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/books-plans/snyder-short/usn-1/usn-01.jpg 
Previous Message
The USS Houston CA-30 had been repainted in Cavite Blue prior to her loss. Cavite Blue was like a medium gray according to the Synder and Short paint chips. Squadron paint colors carries it as part of their navy color series. Previous Message
I’m building USS Houston in 1942 as she was during the ABDA campaign, and all sources seem to agree she was painted in Measure 1 - meaning all verticals below the stack tops in 5D.
I’m wondering if anyone happens to have any primary source info they can share about exactly what shade 5D was? I believe it was labelled “Dark Grey” by the navy, but did it feature a blueish-gray tint like the Royal Navy’s 507 series greys from the same era?
I haven’t found much original color photography of ships painted in Measure 1, and most of what I have found are battleships in Pearl Harbor (AZ, WV, etc.) which definitely do appear to have a blueish tint.
Responses