My T-72 tank carries the log as an accessorie in the back of the hull and this is used for unditching in real tanks. Tamiya calls for painting the trunk flat brown but what colors would you use to make it more realistic? Dark brown color for base and light wood drybrushing maybe?
depends on the kind of wood, I guess. What you said makes sense. You could also start out with a black base coat, then start bringing up the colors with liighter and lighter browns. You could even use a buff, cream, or white for a very slight highlight. Let us know how it turns out. (meaning…pictures, pictures and more pictures.)
Oh, here’s a thought…go find a piece of real wood about the right size with a bark pattern you like!
Try a flat brown base colour and then rub in some burnt umber oil paint into the grain. Wait a while, then rub off the oil paint and let it stand for a day or so. This gives a good impression of real wood.
Hope this helps