USN Measure 22 Paint Scheme

[lgmccauley]

The measure 22 paint scheme calls for the underside of overhanging structures to be painted white. At what superstructure level did this start. As an example the Iowa's had an overhanging 40mm platform at the 01 level. Would the underside have been painted white?

[Tracy White]

The only Ms 22 with countershading I can remember is Washington, such as this photo. I can't tell you if it started on any particular level as the regulations generally didn't go into that level. The goal was to reduce shadows and you'll get that at any level, so I doubt that it was for any particular level and higher, it makes more sense to focus on platform depth than height. But I've only ever seen an order to paint certain ways, no exceptions other than when there was a pattern (Measure 12, 22, dazzle, etc.)

[lgmccauley]

The only Ms 22 with countershading I can remember is Washington, such as this photo. I can't tell you if it started on any particular level as the regulations generally didn't go into that level. The goal was to reduce shadows and you'll get that at any level, so I doubt that it was for any particular level and higher, it makes more sense to focus on platform depth than height. But I've only ever seen an order to paint certain ways, no exceptions other than when there was a pattern (Measure 12, 22, dazzle, etc.)

Tracy,
The link below is of the Wisconsin. It doesn't show down to the 01 level platform, which had a short depth, but like you say, it makes more sense to focus on depth than height.
Thanks.

Larry

http://historylink101.com/ww2_navy/org/ ... s/3669.jpg

[Tracy White]

Yeah, that's a good shot there, I'll have to remember that one. Unfortunately, most photographs were taken at a vantage point that makes it harder to authoritatively determine the underside color of platforms just above the main deck....

[lgmccauley]

Tracy,
Would you say it was the norm for the underside to be painted white? I am building the Missouri in 1945 configuration. Can I assume it followed the white paint format or is it a flip of the coin?

Larry

[Tracy White]

I'm 95% sure the answer is no. No textual "thall shall not" proof, but a couple of points to consider:

The following photos of Missouri during the surrender and afterwards show platforms counter-shaded on Wisconsin, yet they're roughly the same tone as the veritcal surfaces nearby or absorbing way more light than white paint would:
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Online ... 329104.jpg
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Online ... 210644.jpg
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Online ... 211875.jpg
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Online ... 353633.jpg

When the shift from Dazzle started in the Pacific, Commander Service Force ordered countershading on vertical surfaces be stopped. When Measure 22 was ordered there was no mention of countershading.

[Timmy C]

For a black-and-white example of countershaded MS 22, here's a great shot of Wisconsin that Sean sent to Navsource (misfiled under Missouri, though) http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/016328g.jpg