[ Post a Response | The SteelNavy.Com Message Board ]
Posted by Jeff Sharp on August 5, 2025, 13:55:25, in reply to "Re: More info on Houston and Marblehead"
Previous Message
Very useful information for me. At this time I am building a 3D-printed 1:350 scale Marblehead; I suspected that it should be painted in Cavite Blue (which I had purchased from True North Paints when I build my ISW USS Houston) but It's good to know that the midships 3-in. guns had splinter shields. Wikipedia states that there were 7 of these installed by December 1941, so I assume the 7th was positioned at the center of the aft superstructure between the two remaining casemate 6-in. guns. The kit's hull came with slots for all four rear casemate guns, and I have been filling in with putty the empty positions of the lower casemates to create a smooth continuation of the hull, based on photos of other ships of the Omaha class that had this done. It is not clear from the Navy reports that the 1.1-in. quad mounts, though authorized for the Marblehead, had actually been installed. If so, where would they be located? Thanks for any assistance! Previous Message
Great info, thank you. It's much appreciated! Previous Message
Previous Message
Interesting, this is very helpful, thanks! I presume that also means that USS Marblehead and the various DDs stationed out there were this same color as well? Previous Message
Yes, Craig is absolutely correct. Cavite Blue become the Asiatic Fleet color in late 1941, no I can't pinpoint the date. 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