Hey guys...can anyone tell me what color green the IJN Shinano was? I picked up the old Tamiya kit at a contest and I'd like to do it for the Flattops campaign.

Kenny

Kenny I’ve never seen any colored photos of the ship or seen any official documents but I do remember seeing a picture of it somewhere. I think it was a painting.
In that the Shinano was painted in a green 2 color camo scheme. Looked to be the same colors as the Zuikaku. Sorry I don’t know the exact colors. I don’t remember seeing the deck so I can’t help you there.

Also remember not to add much weathering to her. She wasn’t at sea that long before being sunk.


I’ll be waiting to see pictures of this one when its complete. I’ve always found the Shinano to be an interesting ship.

Very interesting indeed, Kenny!

Not a photo of the real thing, but here's a photo essay of a great build that might be of some help...
check it out HERE

And HERE

~Gunny

There's only one single photo known to exist of Shinano, so photographic evidence will be impossible.

Since Shinano was sunk while transiting from one yard to another, she didn't carry any aircraft, and probably lacked AA guns and directors as well. We know that many watertight doors weren't fitted (contributing to her loss), so it's safe to assume her AA suite wasn't there. We probably won't know for sure until someone finds the wreck and dives her. If you decide to do her with aircraft and AA, you're building a hypothetical (although highly plausible) model, so the color is a moot point anyway. (I don't mean that in a demeaning way).

As for the color, your guess is as good as anyone elses. Chances are she was wearing Type II green, although there's a possibility she may have carried a two-tone pattern similar to the one seen on IJN Amagi. There are color photos of Amagi partially capsized in 1945 that show the green color (and the hull red) quite nicely.

A good place to ask Shinano questions is the ship forum of j-aircraft.com. I hate to take you away from here, but those fellas are the best in the business when it comes to IJN.

Jeff

Thanks guys.

Kenny

If you can wait till tonight
I can provide you with WEM COlourcoats references and some nice model pics

Skipper