Painting Camo on Tanks

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

G’Day All !

I have only got a single action airbrush and I want to do some camo on some German WW2 armour, what is the best way of going about this. (Without buying a double action airbrush)

G’Day from OZ

2

horry1

I won’t say I am an expert or experient modeler, but base on my experience; what you say, can be done.

I use a Paasche ‘H’ single action airbrush. I manage to paint a three tone color(stripes) camouflage on my 1/35 Tiger tank. It depends on what kind of pattern you want. For a German tank with two tone color or camo in large pattern(e.g. Jagdpatner), a single action airbrush should be OK. You can apply tapes or masking fluid on it.

But if you paint fine pattern camo, such as the ‘stripes’ on Tiger Tank or Sturmgeschutz, consider the following:

  1. A fine nozzle on your single action airbrush. I use my Paasche H3HC3 color adjusting nozzle which can produce a 1/16" stripe.

  2. Paint should be thinned in a correct ratio. I mix mine in a 3:1/ 4:1 ratio. You may have to do this right by trial and error.

  3. Use a compressor. If you use a can propeller, your spray may get very messy and paint flow will be inconsistent when pressure in the can dies out.

Also, of course, it also takes practice.

I have not tried a double action airbrush before. Nevertheless, I believe double action should be better and can produce finer pattern.

3

Totally agree wtih Anthony on his fine assessment here. I too use the Paasche H single action airbrush and have many times painted camo on armour. Adjust and test before going to final spray, you’ll be very happy with the results.

4

is the paasche h a good airbrush? I’m looking to replace my piece o s**t aztek.

5

A single action airbrush should do just fine. I use both (single & double action) and I think either can do a fine job for camo. I don’t know much about German Camo patterns, but here’s what I do for modern U.S. camo patterns. If the kit directions show pictures how to paint the vehical, scan these drawings on to a computer and then figure out the percentage to inlarge it so that it is to scale (the same size as the model). Then pint to that size (use the pint properties to print to a larger size). Once you have the printout you can cut out the color patterns and use this as a mask. Print out more for each color of the pattern.

6

dude get a passhe millenium its double action internal mix and heres the best part, its 50$ [;)]

7

I have a Badger single action and I love it above and beyond my aztec, you just adjust the flow at the tip and goes from ultra fine to great area coverage, so… with some practice you should be able to do a great job, just make sure that the paints are properly diluted

8

Here is an idea that I have never tried, but saw in an article. Use a hole punch to punch out the pattern u want in either poster board, or plastic card. Then hold//tape//fix it somehow at least a 5mm or so away from the model, and lightly spray all the way across the mask. You should get slightly faded edges this way. Like I said, I have never tried it, but it sounded like a good idea. Whatever technique you end up using I would always suggest testing it first before using a model. (yah, I know this last suggestion sounds obvious, but I have ruined several models this way[:D])

good luck

9

junior modeller; $50 = $85 in Canada, so i’m making 1 purchase and it had better be good.

10

Oh yah, I also saw someone roll out play dough or silly putty and use that for a mask. In the article they left the silly putty in rolls on the model, this made the edges not so hard on the paint lines but you have to make sure you are always perpendicular to the models surface with the spray can//airbrush. Sorry if it’s a little unclear don’t know how else to say it…. Email me if you want to know where the article is(you should email several times, or I may not be able to pick it out of all the junk mail)

11

Hello all. I work more in the virtual world and model them in 3D. Mostly WW-II planes but the occasional tank. Do any of you know of a site that would give me some examples of german armor camo that I could use as a guide?

Thanks in advance.

12

Squadron’s series of books Panzer Colors, has some excellent examples of camo patterns. Also check out Osprey’s Panzer Modeling. There are some beautiful examples of camo as well as some great hints for techniques.
After that, its all simple research looking through different books and references for tanks. Although most shots are in b&w you can discern patterning and there are a few in color.

Mike

13

i asuming u have used an airbrush, right? oh ya if it cost more in canada why dont u order it of an american web site? and believe me its good. it comes with accesories and it even works wit my dads crappy sears compressor from when he had hair, a long time ago.[;)]

14

Juniormodeller … even if horry1 ordered from an American web site, it would still reflect approximately the same difference in price becasue of the exchange rate.

15

Hey guys,
Found a new book tonight that will be pretty helpful

German Tanks of World War II in color
Michael Green, Thomas Anderson and Frank Schulz
Published by MBI Publishing
ISBN 0-7603-0671-0
paperback
$14.95

Contains great photos of restored German tanks of all sizes held in museums, private collections and a few contemporary photos.

Great stuff and some awsome photos.
Other titles in this series
American Tanks of WWII
P-38 Lightning in WWII color
B-17 Flying fortress
U.S> Navy fighters of WWII

and moe

Check it out!

Mike