Still have a long ways to go, the deck will be painted next

Long way to go or not, the start is very impressive. What colour did you use for the outer hull?
Julian

I'm not telling what color the hull is! You know it will start an argument! Lets just say it's "dark"

Yep, it certainly will. I have found a photo of the BB-39 in dock in 1931 with what would appear to be a light grey hull and superstructure but with the tops of the main turrets in a dark colour, (not not shadows). Seems to be a case of many things go, (but not anything goes ). I like your build though and am not looking for an argument. Keep posting the photos
Julian

It's Tamiya German Grey, strait from the bottle (Don't tell anyone!) The semi gloss after coat, in my opinion, will bring out the blue-grey in it.

Let the flame war begin

James,

You will get no flame from me. I look at it this way, it is your project and if you wanted to paint her pink that would be up to you and you alone.

I think it looks great so far, looking forward to seeing more.

Question about the blast bags.

The kit instructions say to paint them white, but I would think that would deter from the whole point of the dark grey “camouflage”? I was thinking some sort of black at the least. Any input guys?

Whoot! you do live dangerously James. The "Experten" will jump all over blast bags
I used Vallejo "off white" for the blast bags on the Haruna build and I am very nearly certain that I will use that on my Arizona. Nice contrast and looks sexy. In several of the reference photos I have of the 39 the blast bags are a light colour, (white, very light gray). To muddy the water even more on a lot of photos the most forward turret has blast bags and the second turret has none. ( I'll get around to posting these pictures when I start up my build).
On the other hand I have seen a couple of postings here proclaiming doom and damnation if you use anything light grey, light white or light light to paint blast bags
Julian

Thanks Julian, I'm leaning towards something dark for mine. I know I'm stirring the pot here, and almost afraid to post pics! To each his own I guess, were are all right, and we are all wrong. Thanks for the kind words on mine! This model is a real bear and eats paint like there is no tomorrow. If you think you have enough paint, double it! I'm kicking myself in the butt for not painting a recoil ring of sorts at the base of each gun before I did the grey, I'll figure it out I guess.