Massachusetts in Casablanca

[phil9779]

Hi all,
Having recently acquired 1/350 Massachusetts from Trumpeter, I would like to represent her in the configuration of the duel with Jean Bart during operation Torch.
I believe the paint scheme trumpeter put in the notice is for pacific or even post war version.
If anybody had an idea on the paint scheme in 1942 as well as the corresponding references of Tamiya or Gunze paints, it would help me a lot.

Color profile would be even better as, I suspect I would have to remove some AA guns to represent operation torch configuration VS trumpeter version.

Thanks in advance any help will be really appreciated.

Regards

[Ed Roth]

BB 59 wore a Measure 12 Modified scheme consisting of 5-N (Navy Blue), 5-O Ocean Gray, and 5-H (Haze Gray) during this time. The hull was Navy Blue with splotches of Ocean Gray. The superstructure above the main deck was Ocean Gray with splotches of Haze Gray. The horizontal surfaces were 20-B, Deck Blue. I believe the "splotch" at the bow area is Haze Gray, not Ocean Gray, but you can judge for yourself. The float planes would have the earlier US Navy markings (circular stars with no bars) and a yellow circle around the national insignia (this was unique for operation Torch). Photos are available online at Navsource, Naval Historical Center, and the Calling all ship Fan thread at modelwarships.com (Battleship - South Dakota Class). If you want to invest some money, Warship Pictorial 32 South Dakota Class Battleships (Steve Wiper - Classic Warships) and Massachusetts Technical Reference 2 (Randall Shoker) are worth it.

I don't know of any direct matches for Tamiya paints. Color chips of U.S. Navy colors are available at Synder and Short Enterprises (shipcamouflage.com) so you can mix and match your own colors. WEM paints are available that are matched to these color chips. Model Master and Vallejo also have WWII US Navy colors but I do not know how accurate they are.

One thing to remember is that BB 59 had a different bridge at this time (Nav bridge was not enclosed) and the AA layout was different. Good luck with you project!

[phil9779]

Thanks for the info, sounds like I'm looking forward at some surgery.

[MartinJQuinn]

I thought Massachusetts work straight Ms 22 during the North African campaign?