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"WW2 USN Carrier deck color?" Topic


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2,129 hits since 29 Sep 2018
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Comments or corrections?

Blackhorse MP29 Sep 2018 1:12 p.m. PST

Most of my research pointed to the deck color being Deck Blue 20-B, but then just when I was about to go with that I found some info that stated that Deck Stain 21 was the proper choice, because as a stain it provided superior traction to the planes during take-off and landing, which seems feasible.

So now I'm not sure. Can anyone give me a definite answer on this?

Oh, and I'm interested in the 1942 timeframe. Thanks in advance.

colkitto29 Sep 2018 1:57 p.m. PST

Have I misremembered, or did they look much the same?

LtJBSz29 Sep 2018 2:39 p.m. PST
Blackhorse MP29 Sep 2018 5:19 p.m. PST

So, Deck Blue 20-B for non-carrier decks, and Deck Stain 21 comes into use in 1943 for carriers. And 250N Blue Flight Deck Stain is what I need. Got it. Thanks for the link LtJBSz.

colkitto, I have Model Master acrylics and there actually is a visible difference between 20-B and 21, although at 1/3000 I could probably just dip them all in dark blue paint and get away with it. In fact, I don't have the 250N stain but the link says it very nearly matched the 20-B so I think I'll just paint the decks 20-B and be done with it. If anyone asks I'll just tell them it's 250N. I'm pretty certain no one will call me out on it. wink

colkitto30 Sep 2018 2:56 p.m. PST

@Blackhorse: I'd be interested in seeing pictures when you're done. I don't have a terribly firm idea of what US schemes ought to look like in 1/3000th!

Blackhorse MP01 Oct 2018 12:05 p.m. PST

colkitto,

I'm not able to post pics here, but if you want to PM me an email address I can send you some pics that way. I'll probably get started with the painting next week.

hindsTMP Supporting Member of TMP01 Oct 2018 1:26 p.m. PST

IIRC, the decks, even though theoretically were practically the same color as the sides, faded a lot due to wear and sun bleaching. I've seen some that were halfway to being wood colored, and I don't think they were all colorized. Get alhold of some of the WW2-era National Geographic magazines. FWIW

Blackhorse MP01 Oct 2018 1:45 p.m. PST

Thanks hinds.

sjpatejak05 Dec 2018 3:39 p.m. PST

Somebody produces flight deck decals for 1/2400 carriers. They are available through GHQ. Check their website

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