Calling all Brooklyn-class (CL-40) fans

[sdk10159]

I have built Helena using the Niko Model kit.

There are two small issues:
a) the rear Mk 33 has to be positioned more forward
b) the anchors are too much forward

Usually Niko Models are easy to built.

THank you for the reply. That was very helpful. I'll give them a try.

Steve Kubik

[TZoli]

Do you guys know the colours of the Brooklyns as commissioned? the 1939 photos show a very light almost white colour. Do these ships had the same pre-war Peacetime "Navy Grey" colour scheme or a different lighter one?

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 23215.html
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 23213.html
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 81262.html
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 81189.html
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 81182.html

[Rick E Davis]

They were painted in "Peacetime" #5 gray.

You have to realize the variation in appearance of photos made with B&W film (for that matter newer digital media as well) and even with color film. It is impossible to determine the paint color in grayscale of any subject. One can only identify the color based on what scheme that ship was most likely painted or if another ship is in the photo with an identified color. In bright sun light gray will appear close to white or can appear darker if whoever processed the prints in the dark room adjusts the exposer.

[Fliger747]

A complicating factor in black and white imaging is both the common use of filtration and during the war era the use of orthochromatic and pan chromatic emulsions. For example an orange or red filter may be used to darken skies and this can be seen in a very light, almost white hull red. Orthochromatic films were in common use and were primarily blue sensitive. Pan chromatic films were more sensitive across a broad color spectrum but for field development required complete darkness where as the ortho films could be developed under a red darkroom light.

So not even the reflectance value can be gauged from most WWII photography.

[TZoli]

Thanks. I thought, based on the light hull colour that she or the class carried a color scheme similar to that of HMS Warspite's 1939 paintjob when she entered the harbour of Malta:
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https% ... 3gy181.jpg

[TZoli]

If anybody interested in modelling or 3d I acquired the plans of USS Boise as finished in 1938, though it is still erroneous at some parts like the base of the forward superstructure.

[Captain Morgan]

I would love to see those plans.

[FFG-7]

same here.

[TZoli]

Here:
https://limewire.com/d/SU655#ZRIqSFSnnu

[FFG-7]

Thankyou.

[TZoli]

Did the Brooklyn class had it's floatplanes prewar painted in the traditional yellow-white scheme? Or all shipborne floatplanes painted like this?

Also Does Brooklyn carried a mix of SOC Seagull and O3U Floatplanes or just O3U when commissioned?

[TZoli]

Is there a site somewhere showing the TROM of the Brooklyn class cruisers?
For example how and when the AA suite changed of USS Brookyln?
When did she received the quad 1,1" MG? Late 1941 or early 1942? Did she got the first 20mm Oerlikons at this time? Maybe 8 in number?

Actually it would be easier for me to ask what changes were made on the Brookyln through the years?
When did she got her first radars?
What camouflage pattern was applied to the hull at certain times?
How does the AA suite changed?
I wish to draw these states of the ship.
So far I only have her 1938 as commissioned state.

[FFG-7]

see if this link gives you the info you are looking for.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/h ... n-iii.html
https://www.navsource.net/archives/04/040/04040.htm
https://www.navsource.net/archives/04idx.htm

[TZoli]

see if this link gives you the info you are looking for.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/h ... n-iii.html
https://www.navsource.net/archives/04/040/04040.htm
https://www.navsource.net/archives/04idx.htm

Thanks, but the navsource archive page does not load
Edit: now works

I know these photos from navsource but it only provides minimal caption regarding the actual image.

[FFG-7]

what about the 1st link as it might have the info you are looking for?

[TZoli]

I'm not sure when these photos were taken about Brooklyn.
This might be late 1941/early 1942:

Simple paint scheme I presume the dark blue on the hull
20mm Oerlikons on platforms added above the 3rd turret surrounding the conning tower
first pair of quad 1,1" might or might not installed yet above and behind the forward 5" guns
The escort carrier obstructs the view on the aft part but as only one crane is equipped it is likely the aft pair of 1,1" quads are installed already
Splinter shields for the 5" guns
Radars on the main gun directors forward and aft.
Looks like radars on the AA directors as well

This might not be 1942, more likely 1943 or even 1945 with the extensive AA, Boforses Oerlikons and what looks like SOC on the catapults?


The next two images are sadly at lower quality but likely shows mid-late 1942 state with a camouflage pattern:


Same equipment and changes as on the first image, more 20mm Oerlikons visible especially two between the 4th 5" gun and aft 1,1" quad platform,
1-2 near the 4th 6" turret
Directors for the 1,1" quads on the uppermost platforms forward and aft, possibly the 0,5" Brownings there got replaced with 20mm Oerlikons.
Not sure how many were installed, some source states 8 if that is true then 6 of them are on the main deck.
All 6" turrets have lifeboats stored on them

[Rick E Davis]

Your estimated dates are mixed.

First image is likely taken during Operation Torch in November 1942 when Ms 22 was common for Atlantic Fleet units. Not 1941 or early 1942. Navsource dates this image with USS SUWANNEE (CVE-27) as early 1942 as well.

Second image likely is dated from 1945. She had a major yard update and overhaul at New York Navy Yard 1 December 1944 to early April 1945. She is still in Ms 22 and has newer radar and more 40-mm mounts. I have an image of her dated in July 1945, in MS 22 camo.

Third image is easy, dated as being taken on 26 May 1942, entering Hampton Roads, VA. She is still painted in Ms 12R(mod).

Fourth image dates from the early to mid 1942 period when she was in MS 12R(mod) camo. Navsource says this is a LIFE photo taken during an Atlantic Convoy.

Read the captions of the images you find on Navsource and check DANFS for clues about her movements.

[TZoli]

Thanks, any HD or higher res of the last two images?

[TZoli]

I've done drawing USS Brooklyn in US service showing her 1937, 42, 43 and 45 states (based on the very few photos) and I continued with the 1950's state with the Chilean Navy. Does anybody have any idea on the Chilean Navy Cold War colour scheme? I also know that in the 1980's she got a WW2-esque camouflage scheme though no idea why.

[maxim]

The camouflage pattern was added in 1978, when Chile expected a war with Argentina. The military dictatorship in Argentina planed an invasion of Chile for the 22th of December 1978 (Operation Soberanía). The plan was stopped hours before the war would have started.

Therefore, in 1978, most Chilean warships had such camouflage patterns.

I do not know the answer for the earlier paint pattern - it was a very light grey.