USS Arizona ; paint.

[Iron Duke]

I am only referring here to the paint on the uppper structures like masts and structures above the top of the funnel. [ Not the great debate over is it blue or ???? ]

I see many references to this being painted 5L [ light gray ] but when looking at photos and the model of Mr Pruel in the Arizona Memorila Museum, the colour to me looks more white than this. Like No 6 ! This was in use up to 1941. While there were orders to change the colour schemes of ships in this year, it it likely that the crew had not got as far as painting the top structures in 5L and was still No 6 ? After all Arizona was Fleet Flagship and was a very busy ship in and out of port.

Your comments if any would be appreciated .Is it 5L OR No 6 OR split the difference and run with something in between both.?????

[Timmy C]

The prewar grey is #5 Navy Grey, not "No. 6"

5-L Light Grey is, well, light. Light enough that it looks almost white if you're using it next to a dark colour. That plus the flash photography that I've seen being often used on Mr. Preul's model is probably what's making it look white.

[Tracy White]

5-L was similar to the pre-war gray but was a new formula with less reflectivity and gloss.
NEITHER WAS WHITE.

But it's your model, by all means paint the upperworks white if you desire.

[Iron Duke]

Thanks for the feedback so far.
While this will be my build, I am also keen to be as accurate as possible. Your comments help.

Another point is about ships boats.
I see on the fore part of the ships boat hull up by the bow, the ships name is abbreviated. IE Idaho >> ID // Oklahoma >> OKLA etc.
Any thought on what was on the ships boats for Arizona. I can guess but may be wrong ! And the colour of the lettering..would have been ?

Also on the stern of the ships boats is a number such as "2" What is this about and what colour were these painted.
Any help as always is most appreciated.

[Cliffy B]

I'm pretty sure Arizona had "ARIZ" on her boats. Stillwell's book has some good shots of them.

[Jon C Ryckert]

It may depend on the type or purpose of each boat. On page 163 of Stillwell's book, you can see 'Arizona' on one boat and 'Ariz' on two others. Not sure of the colors they were used.

[Iron Duke]

Many thanks fella's for all your help / comment on this. I appreciate your input.

Have a safe and enjoyable christmas and holiday break.

I'll be breaking out the BBQ and heading to the beach