Was it mainly Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, a few Cruisers that had wood decks? Were they painted over during the war or holystoned to keep the sailors busy. Just wondering as I decide if I want to paint wood decks on a few battleships or paint them haze grey and underway.
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To my knowledge, you've got it right. The USN painted their decks early in the war, but the Brits (and Japanese) mostly had unpainted wood on their BBs. Late in the war Yamato was given an ash-colored deck to help hide her from bombers, I believe. IJN CLs and DDs had linoleum decks.
The USN was very consistent with regulations to stain wood decks Deck Blue navy blue starting in early 1941. However, the stain would fade quickly and could be pretty faded before an opportunity to stain the deck came along. British wood decks were to be painted dark grey, but it was at the captain's discretion early in the war. Some painted the decks, others didn't. Royal Navy camouflage is almost a ship by ship proposition until 1944 when an Admiralty Standard Scheme was instituted.
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To expand on the earlier question, I have some UK light cruisers I am painting and am curious about the decks. Specifically the DIDO, BELLONA & "E" class. Would they have had any wood decking? Is there any "go to" reference on this topic?
Also, just as a point... the U-505 had a wood deck over the steel hull. From what the docent stated it was to help with footing, was lighter, and easier to maintain than steel. I haven't had a chance to research yet it this was an outlier of the type or a common German production across all U-boats.
To expand on the earlier question, I have some UK light cruisers I am painting and am curious about the decks. Specifically the DIDO, BELLONA & "E" class. Would they have had any wood decking? Is there any "go to" reference on this topic?
Way late to the party on this, but: (according to "British Warship Camo vol 3") in 1940 - 1944, Dido's wood decks were unpainted, steel decks 507b (med. gray). Euryalus had a camouflaged deck in 1941. Bellona's decks were G10 (dark gray) throughout the war. Hope this helps..