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Nautilus (SS-168) colors

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Nautilus (SS-168) colors
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, September 25, 2004 8:13 AM
I am at the present, in the final lap on completion of Nautilus's 1/350 USS Nautilus SS-168.
But alas, I need some help.
I want to finish the boat as it appeared after the Makin Atoll raid. I have not been able to accurately determine the color of the boat at that time. Several pictures taken seem to indicate that the boat was overall flat black. Was this both above and below the waterline? Also were there any distinquishing marks or nameplates installed?
Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by Jeff Herne on Sunday, September 26, 2004 10:40 AM
Nautilus wore Measure 9 throughout her career...this means, in basic English:

Vertical Surfaces:

Paint entire submarine above the waterline black, formula 82. The painting shall be carried over all parts which are visible for the air including the numbers, capstan and running light boards and bridge rails. The radio insulators shall be dark. The shall be no boot topping. The underbody shall be painted with the current issues of bottom antifouling paints.

Horizontal Surfaces:

All horizontal surfaces except wood decks shall be painted Dark Gray 5-D. The systems differ only in the painting of the vertical surfaces. In case of doubt, as on sloping surfaces, use Dark Gray 5-D.


Notes:

The camouflage painting need not be exact or carried into corners. Small gear, wires, rigging, and areas permanently in shadow, as under boats, etc., need not be painted with the camouflage colors. There is no objection to exact or careful painting which may be desired for the sake of good appearance at close range.

All bright or shiny objects, no matter how insignificant, shall be painted, covered, or removed.

Glass windows shall be covered or removed, especially during the day in sunny weather, and at night when anticipating searchlight discovery. Insofar as conditions permit, similar precautions shall be taken on airport lenses.

This is taken directly from the Ships-2 Manual, March 1943 Revision.

Best Regards,

Jeff Herne
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 26, 2004 2:11 PM
Thanks Jeff!!
I knew someone would be able to provide me the needed info.
You've come through again!
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by Jeff Herne on Sunday, September 26, 2004 2:46 PM
Glad to help...just hope there's something left for the book I'm writing...eventually, I won't have anyone left to sell it to !! :-)

Jeff
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Connecticut
Posted by DBFSS385 on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:35 AM
Jeff,
If you're writing a book on Submarines the USSVI ( US Submarine Vets Inc.) has an excellent Library in Groton CT. As well as thousands of photos and letters etc.
Also try this site www.rddesigns.com/subs/legends/html Great site for Smoke Boat fans.
Be Well/DBF Walt
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by Jeff Herne on Thursday, September 30, 2004 6:50 AM
Actually, it's a book on USN camouflage...but thanks for the heads up about Groton, I'll have to check it out!

Jeff
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