Camo Measure Question - MS-4

[Sauragnmon]

I was browsing Snyder and Short's lists earlier, and I noticed MS-4 - I found it an absolutely awesome pattern, and had to wonder - What ships was it ever painted on? I'm finding myself wondering in that aspect.

[Tracy White]

According to the ShipCamouflage.com database, CV-4 Ranger and CV-7 Wasp were in Measure 4 for part of 1941:
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/usn_cv.htm

If you want something a little smaller, the Navy used something similar during Fleet Problem XXI in 1940. This document states DesDivs Six and Seven were painted all black with "War Color" (essentially a slate gray) where the light gray would be on MS 4. They were:

DESTROYER DIVISION SIX
(DD370) CASE (F)
(DD365) CUMMINGS (RF)
(DD373) SHAW
(DD374) TUCKER

DESTROYER DIVISION SEVEN
(DD391) HENLEY (F)
(DD386) BAGLEY
(DD388) HELM
(DD387) BLUE (RF)

[Sauragnmon]

Interesting to notice, Tracy - thanks. I'm guessing from the few pictures I've seen, MS4 was not used operationally as it was a high maintenance scheme - I've seen a picture of DesRon 6 in October '41, and it looks like it was around the time of that test, as they've got the gray stacks, but the black on the hull is rather faded.

I was figuring if I asked, Somebody would know.

[taskforce48]

Where might I find some photos of this scheme in use?

[Timmy C]

I think this might be one of the scheme that Tracy mentioned: http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/0536103.jpg

[Sauragnmon]

That it is, Timmy - if you look closely, the black on the hulls has gone horribly faded due to the wear and such - that's probably why it never really took hold, the paint wore off quickly I'm guessing, really.

[Tracy White]

It's just the prewar gray #5 showing through; for a variety of reasons the newer paints had a hard time sticking to it; that's why CV-2 Lexington's hull looks so worn in this photo.

[ArizonaBB39]

According to the ShipCamouflage.com database, CV-4 Ranger and CV-7 Wasp were in Measure 4 for part of 1941:
http://www.shipcamouflage.com/usn_cv.htm

If you want something a little smaller, the Navy used something similar during Fleet Problem XXI in 1940. This document states DesDivs Six and Seven were painted all black with "War Color" (essentially a slate gray) where the light gray would be on MS 4. They were:

DESTROYER DIVISION SIX
(DD370) CASE (F)
(DD365) CUMMINGS (RF)
(DD373) SHAW
(DD374) TUCKER

DESTROYER DIVISION SEVEN
(DD391) HENLEY (F)
(DD386) BAGLEY
(DD388) HELM
(DD387) BLUE (RF)

I know this is an old topic, but I've been looking through old posts I missed.

I take it there are no models in 1/350 for any of the listed ships yet? (In plastic) I dont recall an announcement of Mahan or Bagley class destroyer kits from anyone?

[Tracy White]

Not yet; the closest you can do is back-date the Yankee Modelworks Bagley kit. We've been trying to interest Dragon in some of the earlier DDs but no traction yet.

Oh yes, I have an earlier document now that covers some of the pre-war experiments in more detail. I've got to push some stuff for the CVL for the next week or so, but drop me a line in a week or so to remind me and I'll go back and see what info I can add here....

[John Snyder]

It's just the prewar gray #5 showing through; for a variety of reasons the newer paints had a hard time sticking to it; that's why CV-2 Lexington's hull looks so worn in this photo.

#5 Standard Navy Gray had a bit of gloss (don't recall the degree offhand) to it, which was the reason subsequent paints had a tough time adhering.

[ArizonaBB39]

Thanks for the information guys.

[Quincy]

We could use an accurate early war DD's, and Dragon would do them justice! Alot of camo schemes to use on them.
Keep at'em Tracy.





Bob Pink.

[Tracy White]

Not only that, but a lot of significant ships and history!