WWII Armor Colors and Markings

Color, Paint, and Decal Source

by Bill Rutherford

Colors and Paints

The following chart doesn't pretend to completeness. I'm happy if I can find a single color in a brand of paint I like to work with that matches the color I need. To that end, you will note that all of the following colors have at least one match but many don't have more.

Note 1: Lighten Humbrol 94 with a bit of white and yellow.

Note 2: I've seen a variety of blue-greys and dark grays called Slate; these two colors are two.

Note 3: PCA81 2 Sand should be darkened with a bit of Polly-S 500829 Earth Red.

Note 4: You may not find all of the Polly-S colors available under the numbers I list. their numbering scheme seems to change periodically, even though the colors don't. Persevere, though, and you'll find the color you look for!

Buyer Beware

In many cases (particularly for some of the more estoteric colors) my matches are approximate! I prefer not to custom mix colors because I add pieces to a collection, I like them to match - a bit of variation is good, but the variation one gets by trying to duplicate a years-old paint mix is not! If you come up with better matches, let me know! I've not included matches for Testors Model Master or Howard Hues ranges of paints. This doesn't reflect upon their quality; it reflects my ignorance. As I become more familiar with them (and if there's any demand for it ...) I'll write an addenda for them.

If you prefer to work only in one brand of paint, take this list to your local hobby shop (preferrably one with a big paint selection) and compare jars until you find the color you need in your favorite brand that matches the color I suggest in the brand I list.

If you're particularly ambitious, you could even send The Courier a postcard with your color match - either corrections or additions. If I receive enough input, I will update this chart and reprint it at a later date (Testors and Howard Hues will appear here.)

DECAL SOURCES

You'll note that some of the addresses are less than useful. Not to worry the decals are all generally available from your local hobby shops and run between three and four dollars per sheet.

GHO, 2634 Bryant Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55408.

1/285th Scale:
Germany - Vehicle numbers, national markings
USSR - Vehicle numbers, unit markings.
Generic - Red Cross markings,
The SuperScale 1/285th scale decals are also available from GHQ.

SuperScale, Carson City, Nevada.

1/285th Scale:
USA - National markings.
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers, national flags.
USSR - National markings, slogans, vehicle numbers.

1/76th Scale (These are usable for 15mm vehicles):
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers, division symbols, national flags.
USA - National markings, vehicle serial numbers, bridging circles.
USSR - National markings, vehicle numbers, slogans, vehicle honors badges.

Quality Castings, PO Box 11714, Alexandria, VA 22312. 15mm (1/108th) Scale:
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers, division symbols.
USA - National markings, vehicle serial numbers.
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers.
Japan - Vehicle markings.

Almark, No address available. 1/76th Scale:
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers, division symbols, national flags.
USA - National markings, vehicle serial numbers.
USSR - National markings, vehicle numbers, slogans, vehicle honors badges.

ESCI, Milano, Italy.
1/76th Scale:
Germany - National markings, vehicle numbers, division symbols, national flags.
USA - National Markings, Vehicle Serial Numbers
USSR - National Markings, Vehicle Numbers, Slogans, Vehicle Honors Badges
UK- Unit Symbols, Tactical Markings

Roco, Salzburg, Austria.
1/87th Scale:
Germany - National Markings, Vehicle Numbers, Division Symbols, National Flags
USA - National Markings, Vehicle Serial Numbers
USSR - National Markings, Vehicle Numbers, Slogans, Vehicle Honors Badges
UK- Unit Symbols, Tactical Markings

More WWII Armor Colors and Markings Europe and North Africa

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