I have a Tamiya Tiger I Early Production (35216), and the Aber “superset”, but still haven’t decided which Tiger to build…I want to build one with exhaust covers and Feifel air filters, and was considering the well-documented (in the “Tigers in Combat” books) sPzAbt 503 No. 332, which offers the opportunity of lots of battle damage and heavy weathering (most of the photos I’ve seen show the vehicle half-buried in mud), but is, alas, a monotone, not very interesting Panzer Grey…I would prefer something that offered camoflage possibilities. I also considered the Tank No. S45 of the sPzAbt 101, which is also offered as an option in the Tamiya instructions, and has an interesting Dunkelgrun and Rotbraun camo scheme on Dukelgelb, but for the life of me, I cannot locate any photos of that particular tank–I have the Restayn books, as well as “Germany’s Tiger Tanks” and the “Tigers in Combat” volumes, and am unable to locate any photos. Does anyone know of any resources with photos of that particular tank–the S45 of the sPzAbt 101? I am obsessed with accuracy, and would be forever grateful for any help. Any other suggestions would also be appreciated…a good, well-camoflaged, well documented tank with all the accessories (i.e., Feifel filters, exhaust covers, side skirts, etc.). Thanks!
I might be able to help you out here. Firstly, if you are doing an “Early” production Tiger, chances are it wouldn’t be camo any way. But, that’s not a hard and fast rule. If you are dead set on a camo scheme I would suggest you definately pic youself up a set of Schiffer books called “Panzer Colours”. They have in depth descriptions and why’s and wherefor’s as to what color schemes were generaly used by whom and where (again, not a hard and fast rule). You will find full color plates of all the most common designs used thoughout the war. You may not find the scheme/tank combo you want but you easily adapt it to your Tiger with minimum fuss. I would also recomend HUMBROL as you paint of choice for the "Oak " pattern camo as thier colors are the closest of all I have used bar none right from the tin.
Good Luck
Thank you! Do you by chance know where I can obtain a set of the “Panzer Colours” books? I have seen them on eBay, but I’d rather buy them without waiting.
I found my panzer colors books at my LHS. But you can try Greatmodels, squadron and possibly amazon.
There were some tigers with camo. I know for sure 2nd SS panzer abt had 3 tone camo schemes at kursk. Their numbers started with an S and then 2 foling number I.E. S14
Not sure if other units had it or not.
Its impossible to be sure how “exact” color is to the real thing. I really think it’s a stupid thing to say “it’s the closest out of all the other paints”. There is no hard evidence of the actuall color, paint fades, its mixed at different factories etc. Impossible to tell.
That is very true. According to Wolfgang Schneider (Tigers in Combat, I and II), the tanks of the PzReg 2 (of which the S33 was a part) were painted Dunkelgelb with Rotbraun and Dunkelgrun camoflage. However, in the old black and white photographs, the tonal quality of Rotbraun and Dunkelgrun were almost identical, so the colors really couldn’t be easily distinguished in photos…for this reason, most modelers tend to either paint the camo scheme on the S33 in either only Rotbraun or only Dunkelgrun on Dunkelgelb–however, it is more than likely both colors were used. It would very difficult, however, to know for certain…so there is always going to be an element of uncertainty, no matter how much accuracy is strived for.
A word of caution concerning Panzer Colors. Make sure you are getting the second edition printing. The first editions are full of errors, I have the author’s 8 pages of corrections!
There are a couple of photos of S45 in Tiger I On the Eastern Front, plus a color plate.
personally ithink a monochromatic paint scheme is much more difficult than 2 or 3 tone camo-- try it–rgardless if it is grey or dark yellow (or green if it is an allied vehicle)it takes alot more shading and highlighting ect to look good— whatever u decide good luck and send pics![:P][:D]-- panzer grey was good 'till '43[8D]- treadwell
how good are the Panzer colors books by Squadron?
thanks jeff
…and a related question–are the Schiffer “Panzer Colours” books and the Squadron/Signal “Panzer Colors” books one and the same?
Sorry about the delay, was out of town. It was a long time ago when I got mine and I don’t remember from where. I suggest these as a must have regardless of the edition (don’t no about the edition varience part) but this is by no means a be all end all and no substitute for more reference any way. But they are an invaluable guide. Got get me new one if they are updated. RebelReenactor, I don’t criticize you or anyone else by implying that a statement is STUPID, and I don’t expect to be treated that way either. Do your research. It just so happens that yes even Germany has/had an “FS color standard” they are called RAL standard. Through much research, phone calls and not to mention money, I have obtained these “color chips” so I know from which I speak. Please refrain from conjecture and name calling.
I’ve decided to go with #332–Panzer Grey and lots of wonderful battle damage…the left rear Feifel air cleaner is severely damaged, and some of the side skirts are missing. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks!–I found all three volumes of Panzer Colors at Barnes and Noble. They are by Bruce Culver, copyright about 1996 I believe, and the covers are red, yellow, and green, each with a sort of sillouetted picture of a Panzer of some type. Sound familiar? They are published by Squadron. Prices were reasonable too.
That’s them! I think (IMHO) you made a good choice for a monochom. paint scheme. It is a little easier IMO to weather as it will teach you the techniques needed much better than jumping into a full blown camo nightmare. The reason I say this is that you can concentrate on getting it right while not being distracted by color borders and shade variences, you can also step back and compare the base shades and the weather shades easier and see as you go. Then go back and repair what you don’t like. Just remember less is more…even with heavy weathering this still holds true. Good Luck…post pics 
I have a pic of S45 of sPzAbt 101 It does have the camo like in the Tamiya instructions, in the the pic it has a lot of battle damage also. I have all german book of sPzAbt.101 i got along time ago, very high dollar book. I dont think its even still in print. But if you would like the pic I.ll try to get it to you.Have to hook up my scanner and email it to you.
Actually, I would love to see the photos, thanks!
I’m at sevengen@gwtc.net.