Bofors mounts on dazzle painted USN vessels

[Stephen Allen]

I am in the final stages of finishing a 1/350 scale USS Canberra in Measure 32 18d. I can see that the quad bofors shields are painted to match the vertical camouflage scheme, but would the remainder of the mount be painted to match the deck, generally deck blue or Ocean Gray or would there be a delineation between vertical and horizontal surfaces on the mount as well as the shield? Hard to tell from the photos I have and paint reference manuals don't go into that level of detail. About to paint twelve mounts so keen to get it right if I can.

Steve

[Tracy White]

I've seen all sorts. The units themselves were shipped to the yards in Ocean Gray, and then generally painted to match the background, as you've mentioned. But, as an example, I have photographs of Princeton's loss when both she and Birmingham CL-62 were next to each other, and several of Princeton's quad 40mm barrels are the same color as the bulkhead, but one of Birmingham's Quads that I can see features dark barrels in front of what I think is a light section (It's shot facing outwards so it's hard to tell for sure).

[Steve Allen]

Thanks Tracy

Most helpful and caused me to go back and check the one clear shot I have of a Canberra quad mount. It has the exterior of the shield painted 5-L to match the vertical camouflage, and everything else inside the tub, including the inner surface of the shield, guns, rear safety rails etc a darker tone matching the surrounding deck area. I am thinking its deck blue, which was what the deck in that location would have been painted, but this is an educated guess as Ocean gray might also fill the bill. Have checked other Baltimores - including Baltimore and as you point out, there is a lot of variety in practices, including the whole mount or at least the gun/receiver section painted to match vertical backgrounds.

many thanks for your response

Steve