Boat numbers on conning tower

[jim smith]

Hi guys, I'm changing my 1:32 scale fleet boat to the USS Cobia (SS-245). I have a picture that is from her 5th war patrol showing a personnel transfer from the USS Boarfish (SS-325). This would have taken place between 9 May 1945 to 18 June 1945. The picture shows her having 245 on the conning tower. I thought the numbers were removed for war patrols. Can any one shed some light on this?

Thanks Jim S.

[bob_eissler]

The numbers will look good on the boat and set it apart from the rest of the crowd.

[jim smith]

I just want to make sure I get it right.

[eckloss]

Look at it this way... if you're putting in all the time to research and recreate a specific boat, you deserve to have your work recognized and appreciated by having it stand out from the crowd a bit. Wear those numbers with pride. You get to choose what part of a boat's life you're representing. Painted numbers were a historically correct portion of its existence.

e.

[wlambing]

USN hull numbers, with shadowing, were post-WWII. Not during. Not sure what the source of the picture is, but Navsource is loaded with bad information in their photo galleries. They mean well, but they ain't got a clue!! Put 'em on and wear 'em with pride!!

Bill

[jim smith]

OK guys the numbers go on. The reason I pick this picture to copy is I already have the correct deck guns on my generic sub.