ABSD-2 Floating Dry Dock Colors

[steel_tiger1]

Can anyone help me out with what colors I am seeing here on the ABSD-2?




Here is another photo of ABSD-2.


They don't seem to correlate to this color photo of a different Absd-? Plus I have watched the color film footage of ABSD-1 and it is nowhere close to what this must actually look like in color.


Also is there any references that show what particular tug and other yard equipment were assigned to a particular dry dock? I've looked through navsource a little but haven't found much of what specifics I am looking for.


All images courtesy of navsource.org I think
Thanks
Tom

[steel_tiger1]

The sound of crickets is deafening. You would think nobody reads these forums. Maybe I should try Facebook.

[William Smallshaw]

If I recall the painting instructions to the fleet, all auxiliary craft were painted ocean gray (5-O). This seems consistent with the color photograph you have posted. I can dig out the documentation if you would like a definitive citation.

[William Smallshaw]

The War Diary for a number of the ABSDs can be found in the National Archives. The one for ABSD-1 is at the following link:

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/136033131?objectPage=2

You may find references to tugs and docked ships in the War Diary. But this could take some digging.

Bill

[steel_tiger1]

If I recall the painting instructions to the fleet, all auxiliary craft were painted ocean gray (5-O). This seems consistent with the color photograph you have posted. I can dig out the documentation if you would like a definitive citation.

No I have the painting guide for the ABSD-1 Which lists the Ocean gray as part of the standard paint scheme. However The pictures I am showing are not the standard paint scheme. The only section of ABSD-2 that is in the standard scheme is section D (4th from the bottom in the top picture, 4th from right in second). My interest is in the dark paint, both interior walls and exterior. The light gray on the outside is most likely 5-P Pale gray or 5-L Light Gray, based on other color photos of other ABSDs I have found.

For example:




What I can't find are any other original color photos of any ABSD with as dark of paint as ABSD-2. Even in black and white photos it is unique.

Based on the 2 color videos of ABSD-1 on Youtube the deck on the tops of the wall on the walkways are like a red oxide primer color, even some evidence of red oxide on the exterior walls where the topcoat is coming off. The top of the decks on the floats (work area) appear to me to be in a natural metal, and surface rust abounds on all often submerged flat surfaces, as seen also on 3rd photo above also. It is possible that is just very dirty red oxide on the deck as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD2rM4R ... iscopeFilm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ZFNvy ... iscopeFilm



Also based on the 3rd photo above there is also possibly a yellow zinc chromate primer used under the Ocean Gray (on the wall just behind bow, again on right under 3rd floodlight).

So with the colors I think I am confident in or pretty close to, what is the really dark color on those walls? There is a distinct demarcation line in the 2nd photo on the interior wall as well on the 4-5 sections at the top right of the dock. The top color could definitely be 5-O but the darker color is still a mystery. If it was a red oxide wouldn't it be similar shade as the hull tops or walkways? Is it possible its Dark Sea blue or maybe even black? Looking at the freighter in picture 2 it looks like a good tonal match.

Open to ideas here anyone.

Thanks