Hi all… I’m new to this corner of the modeling world and I’m just starting with Military subjects. I’ve been reading non stop, soaking up all the military info with regard to modeling I can get my mitts on. The one thing I’m having a world of trouble with is finding the right colors for the uniforms. There are SO many different views and opinions I think I’m seeing double at this point. I realize that uniforms will differ in color between the different branches of the service as well as the different years of service. I’m doing a diorama with American army figures and this is a world war 2 subject. Can anyone recommend where I should look to find the colors I need for the figures so it will be on the money? Also, I prefer to use acrylics paint wise, so I’m all over the board trying to find 1 brand to match to the colors for the uniforms. So if there is a book that deals with the colors of uniforms or something like that, or perhaps you even remember offhand what the army of that time frame used I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know as I would really appreciate it. [:D]
Actually Phil’s recommendation is a really good one–I was 1st refered to that site by books by Steve Zagola *
~~you’re right though, opinions seem to vary some and color photos from the time are scarce and rarely if ever color-correct. a couple a suggestions for for determining the right colors for the right branch of service include
—looking at militaria sites(sites that sell actual relics and issue items post nice color photos but only have what they happen to have–but you can get lucky
~~looking at historical sites that portray as best as possible, examples in photos or color plates. For example http://www.ww2incolor.com/ or many others Google will reveal–also sites for re-enactors are useful
~~Look at the work of many other modelers that really know what thier doing and care about accuracy, like Steve Zagola , whose work can be viewed in the galleries of Missing Lynx.
That is a great site! There is a wealth of information there. Thanks for pointing it out to me. And speaking of wealths (is that even a word?) of information, you guys are the tops. You all should get together and write a book for the hobby, each take a chapter and write write write. [:D] Thank you so much for all your help, it’s really appreciated.
Did you do the tank and figure above? It’s awesome. Off to read and find some paint. Just have to decide on a brand now and find the colors I need within that brand line. I know I also want to pick up some MIG pigments. The stuff I’ve seen done with those is incredible.
Rob—it’s a Zagola build. I lifted it from missing Lynx as an example. Obviously I love his work. I try to take the lead of the best there is and recommend you do too , instead of trying to claim to know better myself–I have quite a ways to go before I’m doing work of that calibre–Steve is a real historian and authur of books of history and historical modeling—he also has a pretty good sense of when he’s going too far and getting too picky & boring–as far a mioptic detail devining goes–but it’s all relative.One more from him :
Check out WW2 re-enactor sites too… Re-enactors strive not only for a uniform’s authenticity in cut AND color, but camouflage and camouflage patterns & colors, plus the equipment, haircuts, glasses, facial hair, underwear, yadda, yadda, yadda… Units in the WW2 HRS (Historical Re-enactment Society) are probably the top of heap in authenticity standards and have lots of color photos of both authentic and reproduction uniforms,gear, and weapons .
I have an Excel spreadsheet set up with different uniform items and their approximate color in Vallejo acrylics. Some of the US items I have linked to photos that I have taken at museums. If you would like me to e-mail you a copy just let me know. The file is about 3MB.
Thank you SO much for the Excel sheet! I’m going to give teh colors from there a try and see how the soldiers look. I think I am going slightly batty with all the ‘possibles’ that are out there. lol. There are TONS of different possibilities you can choose from. I’ll let you know how they turn out.
I think I am going slightly batty with all the ‘possibles’ that are out there. lol. There are TONS of different possibilities you can choose from. I’ll let you know how they turn out.