JackSix

Hello, I am trying to sort out the camouflage colors im "Measure 32" of the USS Iowa in late 1944, specifically if “Dull Black 82” or “Navy Blue 5-N” as the dark color and "Light Grey 5-L" or "Haze Grey 5-H" were used. It is completely confusing, as a lot of models show it either way. Unfortunately, no “pattern sheets” have, as far as I know, surfaced for the USS Iowa. To my credit, I have posted the same topic already on reddit.com, however, I thought to give it another try amongst you naval experts – maybe you can shed some light into this. This topic specifically for the USS Iowa, seems to be a complete mystery and I do not hope to open a can of worms. Here is where I stand: Up to my knowledge, as ordererd by the "USN Bureau of Ships (BuShips)" in 1940, the typical color combination for Measure 32 were "Light Gray 5-L" and "Dull Black 82" ("Ocean Gray 5-O" seems to be not relevant for this discussion, at least I hope): Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_US_Navy_dazzle_camouflage_measures_31,_32_and_33:_battleships In January 1944, when the USS Iowa entered the Pacific theatre, she was wearing the famous camouflage pattern “Measure 32 Design 1B” with the “feathered dark areas”: Source: https://imgur.com/a/NKGjD The only "pattern" I found (thx to "Tammyc6" on Reddit.com), which gets close to the " Measure 32/1B" of the Iowa Class, is for the "North Carolina Class (BB-55)". "The drawing for Design 32/1B specifically drawn for the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) has not yet been found. Norfolk Navy Yard sent the Bureau of Ships on January 13, 1944, photostat copies of the pattern applied to BB-61. Iowa must have used those drawings for Design 32/1B and Iowa was photographed in 32/1B in early 1944 [see above]. The specified vertical colors in this drawing were navy blue (5-N) and haze gray (5-H). Iowa's application of 1B is a very good match to this drawing. This is the only Design 1B drawing yet found." (Quote & picture: usndazzle)." Thus, other than ordered by BuShips (see above) and also stated within other publications on USN camouflage patterns in WWII which foresee a “Dull Black 82” and "Light Grey 5-L" for Measure 32 , the colors call for "Navy Blue 5-N" and "Haze Gray 5-H". In late 1944, the USS Iowa was showing the “Measure 32” pattern (see below). A photo (3rd below, if not a recoloring issue) late 1944 shows the USS Iowa potentially wearing a "Navy Blue (5-N)" and supposingly "Light Grey 5-L" (although it is a tough call). I do not believe it is a worn out black, as it is to bluish. Source: https://imgur.com/a/NKGjD Source: http://www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?/topic/323370-uss-iowa-the-big-one/ To sum it up: So, what were the colors of the USS Iowa in late 1944 in Measure 32? Any idea, details and suggestions are more than welcome. Already a big thanks into the naval expert community. Jack

Dear all, Thx to all of you for your answers/support. 1. To the "structure" - yes, the structure is a "Twin 5in. practice loading machine". Once, I had the trigger (thx to @bwross11), I even found a picture of it. (Source: https://www.shapeways.com/product/T53CURXSD/1-48-usn-5-inch-loading-machine-starboard) 2. To the "Signal Flag Box" - I couldn't find an original picture, but I checked some models (e.g. Trumpeter USS Iowa 1/200). All of them show a signal flag box at the aft mast at the second funnel in addition to the 2 boxes at the bridge structure. I think they are right, as it makes sense. Source: Youtube (below) Gents, thx again! Jack

Hello, As I am new to the forum, I hope my question is correctly posted in this section. I am currently scratch building the USS Iowa (BB-61) in 1:1200 in the state of around 1944/45. One area just gives me a headache, the area midship between the second funnel and the "radar dome" (pls. see attached). There also seems to be no pictures (at least I haven't found any) about this area. The one I have found (pls. see attached) must be at the commissioning of the USS Iowa, but the structure, winch or whatever it is, is covered. Thus, does anybody know What that structure is, what it was used for and can eventually post a picture of the structure? Was there a signal flag box (in addition to the two upfront close to the bridge) close to the second funnel? Thanks in advance already. Best, Jack