Skywave LST

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Hi All,

Kinda new here but I searched the forum but couldn’t find the info I was looking for so I apologize if I’m duplicating a previous post.

I purchased online a Skywave LST kit, which was great because they seem hard to find. Unfortunately the instructions are in Japanese.

What colour of gray is the ship, as I’d like to paint it as accurate as I can.

Thanks

2

Hi Chris, and welcome!

Can you scan and post or email the instructions?

m@

3

The color answer is, it depends.

USN ships during WWII were painted in a system of purple-blue colors which ranged from a light lavender gray (5H Haze Gray) to a deep dark blue (5N Navy Blue) and several hues in between. Some amphib classes (your LST among them) were also painted in green and brown splotches.

Start at a photo archive site, such as NAVSOURCE http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/16idx.htm and check the options for a subject you would like to model, then come back and one of several of us can help you in your color selection.

4

Here’s my review of that kit. It includes a scan of the back of the box where the instructions are printed.

http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/ships/misc/amphib/700-lst-sw/lst-ww2.html

5

Ed - thanks for the link. The one problem I’ve found is many actual photo’s are all black and white, but it was nice reading about one that I plan to do which is LST-476 which my great-uncle served on.

Tim - thanks for your link too, which is the same kit with instructions (which Watchman asked for) as I have. I took some time to search through your site and there really doesn’t seem to be a standard paint scheme.

I think I’ll probably go with the haze gray, seems like that should work at least for 476 as I haven’t come across any photos with any splotches or camo in it.

6

Hi Fellas,

Thanks for the link Tim, but the Kanji are too small for me to make out.

Chris, if you still need help with the instructions, I’ll need a clearer scan.

m@

7

Aah, 476 - thats the needed clue. Going back to the NAVSOURCE page on her amd looking at the first picture. Yes its poor, looks to be a scan of a half-tone (newsprint) photo. But there are clues to her color shown.

The hull is dark, and compared with the next LST in line, the forward gun tubs are light. That tells me that the 476 was painted at that time in Measure 22. Ms 22 is Haze Gray over Navy Blue. The next LST is overall Navy Blue, or what was called Measure 21. The tone is too dark to be the mid-range color Ocean Gray (5-O). The second photo shows similar clues, but there isn’t a second ship to compare.

The description of Ms22 is here http://shipcamouflage.com/measure_22.htm

The decks would be 20B Deck Blue, with the fittings picked out in Haze Gray

8

The Squadron Signal book on Landing Craft in Action might help. You can find these books at your local hobby shops or direct from Squadron.

http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/books-plans/squadron/lc-inaction/lc-inaction1.html

9

Thanks for the additional info, its very helpful.

I will try to keep an eye out for that book, though I have a feeling I’ll have to have the LHS order it in for me.

As for the paint, are these shades I’m likely only to find in a hobby store, our would somewhere like Michaels carry them?

10

They will be hobby shop paints - not a Michael’s-type craft paint.

This is a link to a paint color reference at CyberModeler. http://www.cybermodeler.com/color/usn_matrix.shtml

It will get you close to the colors. It lists several alternate choices. It is not the most ‘accurate’, but it is close. There are few hobby paint manufacturers which provide ‘accurate’ naval colors. For those you will likely need to deal mail order. Current available brands include White Ensign (enamels), LifeColor (acrylics), and Vallejo (acrylics).

11

I have a scan now, but can’t seem to find a place to add the attachment in my post. I take it I need to upload it somewhere else and just post the link?

12

Check your convo’s, chris!

m@

13

Hi Chris,

I got your scans.

The paint numbers are for Gunze colors.

28-Guns, 62-Lifeboats, 11-Deck, 12-Truck/55-Canvas Top, 12-Tank and Jeep, 33-Funnel Tip and Ship bottom. The Hull is 31, and it says “Main Body-American Battleship Color.” Not every descriptive, I’m afraid.

Post pics! I’d like to see 'em.

m@