Would early ironclads (currently putting finishing touches to Monitor and Virginia) have had obvious rusting on their plates?
I take no responsibility for the deranged italics this programme has imposed.
Iron rusts really quickly, so I guess so? Were they painted black like other ironclads?
They tended to be painted black or chocolate brown and showed plenty of rust. I achieve the look by using a brown wash.
While not specifically related to rust, for those not aware of this particular museum:
http://www.monitorcenter.org/
Well worth the visit should you ever be in the Norfolk/Newport News area.