Looking for assistance with the current camoflague scheme being used on M1A1s stationed in Europe. I would like to know what the proper colors are and where to find a good reference as to how the scheme looks. I have an Academy kit but what is depicted in the instructions is almost worthless for figuring out what the scheme should look like. Thank you for help.
Mike
Here are a couple copies of Tamiya’s painting guides. I use Testors Model Master Medium Green, Field Drab, and Flat Black for my NATO camo. The colors look closer to actual vehicles than some others do. Tamiya does a set of NATO colors too.
For referances of actual vehicles, check Prime Portal ot Tanx Heaven.
I could not have asked for better help! Thank you, Gino.
Mike
i’m not sure if this is it, but www.PrimePortal.net has several walkarounds of m1a1’s with the green/black/brown camo.
Primeportal is great. Right up front and personal! Thank you.
Mike
I ws rather pleased with the Tamiya NATO colours on the Marder I just did. The green might be just a tiny tad too dark, but the black is spot on.
NTM
well pretty much you should practice your masking first before taking on the NATO Tri-Color camoflage scheme.
I’m curious as to why mask a camo pattern. When we painted our tanks we had the pattern as a guide so I do my models the same. But thats just me
well to practically make sure you keep all of the colors in their proper places. LOL
Well actually you do the base coat let that dry. then you go and mask out the pattern you want for the second color preferably the tan color. and last would be the black color and the patterns for that are difficult to master for someone with no skill.
I do mine free hand without any masking. I find that if you use a mask, it has too hard of an edge and doesn’t look like NATO camo, which is soft-edged. You can see my results at my showcase links below. It takes a little practice, but with proper paint thinning and airbrush pressure, it isn’t that hard.
I also do my NATO schemes freehand, the finished result more closely dupilcates the real thing. US vehicles have a soft edge finish.
Mine is freehand.
Granted it took a while for me to get the thinner/pressure mix right.
NTM
But the end result is sweet indeed, Moran!
-60
That Marder sure looks nice. Great Job
Looks great Moran! From personal experience, all the German armor I have seen up close and personal in Europe had a hard edge camo scheme.
Apparently the default is soft.
(Panzer-modell.de is a damned good site)
I asked that specific question of some Germans over on the Steel Beasts page, apparently repaints are done by paintbrush instead of spray-gun, which turns a lot of of the former soft edges into hard ones.
NTM