Given that USS WALKE is being painted in August 1942 at MINY, the darkest paint almost has to be 5-N. By August 1942, only 5-N, 5-O, and 5-H were being used as standard paints. EXCEPT, for a few experimental Camouflage Schemes and the budding Amphib Greens usage.
Bruce,
Something else that should be pointed out. USS WALKE is seen finishing up her overhaul/refit at MINY. Normally, the LAST work task to be done was painting. Note, that her walkway has recently had a primer layer applied. The deck overall doesn't look like she has had new paint applied and that likely would follow the refreshed walkway. I have to wonder if those areas along the round-down deck edge have been painted yet? All of the superstructure appears to be fresh 5-H and 5-O paint. Also, note that the hull 5-N areas look rather "worn" with areas of fading/salt stains. I have to wonder if she didn't get a fresh coat of paint applied to the hull after the in yard photos were taken? The broadside photo, is dated the same as the in yard views, but could be a day or two latter. However, it was normal to send a ship out on a trial run before finishing a yard period to be sure everything is working properly.
You can paint your model as you see fit. Just remember the "so called rules" of Ms 12R(mod). 5-N and 5-O on the hull and 5-O and 5-H on the superstructure. There have be cases where overlap of paints occurred between the two zones on the ship. But, generally those were rare. One of the reasons why Ms 12R(mod) is such a pain in the A-- to apply (along with what does the pattern on other side look like?).
