I have a set of Vallejo Panzer Aces Colors and I wanted to use it to paint some DAK Tankers,the color in the kit is #336 and is specified for Afrika Corps Tankers,but it is a very light greenish gray.From box art and color pics I have seen,their uniforms are usually a desert yellow or brown similar to the Dak Vehicles.Which would be appropiate for 1940-1941 ? not sure what to use. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks,Anthony
The DAK was issued special tropical uniforms pretty early on. From what I’ve seen in various historical publications is a sort of sun-washed tan/khaki color. Colors faded quickly in the North African sun and DAK resupply was iffy, so uniforms would be worn until they fell apart. Some capture British clothing would’ve been used as well.
Belts, boots/shoes, equipment suspenders were made in heavy cotton weave. Samples I’ve seen have varied from tan to yelowish green (sort of like MM dunkelgelb).
Items of issue could be a mixed bag. A variety of colors could be seen amongst crew members and individuals themselves. Mix your own colors. It would be hard to criticize.
Hope this helps.
Yes I have seen many pictures of DAK uniform in greenish gray. I brought a great book about Afrika Corps in colors and I was surprised how much green they had in their uniforms. Look here…
Yes green they were. In fact they were many shades of olive depending on the manufacturer. Someone got it terribly wrong LOL. They faded rapidly to a greenish - tannish - gray color in that enviornment.
G
The sun bleached a lot of stuff as well. As a matter of fact, one way to spot newcomers to Africa was their non-white headgear. Inventive men took to washing out their caps in bleach as to not betray their newcomer status to the other “old hares” in Africa.
From what I have read, the DAK Tropical uniforms were actually Olive Green when issued new and then faded under the conditions to the washed out tan shades seen. And of course you can add in the Khaki Drill stuff captured from the Brits. Not Sure how much if any Italian clothing and kit was used by German troops.
Italian-pattern camo cloth was widely used by German troops after the surrender of Italy. Lots of references on that.
There was a large supply of Britsh uniforms captured in Benghazi. Both the Germans and Italians helped themselves to these uniforms as supplies of clothing wasn’t a high priority. You could use a British North Africa figure’s upper torso and use it for a a DAK tanker. Just add the proper insignia for the DAK, etc.
As stated by others, lightening them would be a proper be a good thing to do.
Mike T.
Thanks everybody for your research and comments,I will go ahead and use that Vallejo color I have.
http://www.diecastairplane.com/store/p/13967-Africa-Korps-In-Action.html
Worth the price of a copy where ever you find it. Lots of B&W photographs and color illustrations.
[:)]
FWIW: the entire Squadron-Signal In Action series make great photo references. Be aware some of the titles are out of print.