Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.B Sd.Kfz.142 [Second Color Test for WW2 German Gray including Blue Filter Effect]

 On a previous paint set review, I had taken the opportunity then to do a quick color test for the upcoming Tamiya 1/35 scale Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.B Sd.Kfz.142 project. But results were unsatisfactory. So having a hobby induced obsessive-compulsive-tendency coupled with an inherent perfectionist approach to work meant I had to bury (or at least quieten) my demons by revisiting the  maiden color test. To build upon my earlier effort, this particular color test had three differences in the form of: a black primer coat instead of light gray; a color gradient for a more accurate comparison to the molded part color; and use of a blue filter specific for Panzer Gray.  

World War 2 (WW2) German Gray color test revisited in more detail

 First, comparison between the German Gray hues on black versus light gray primer. To the naked eye there doesn't seem to be any discernible difference to the German gray hues being painted on top of either black or light gray primer. Certainly the rudimentary lighting system used in my photography sessions certainly doesn't help the neutral observer from discerning such minute details. Even under natural lighting the difference - all round lighter tonal value for gray hues painted on a light gray primer coat - is almost imperceptible. However, which primer being used becomes pertinent when considering one's approach to color modulation. This I'll explain in future posts.

German Gray hues from the Mr.Hobby Color Modulation set painted in a gradient; sans topcoat

A clear matt topcoat was spray painted onto the gray gradient hues as a protective layer for the next step i.e. application of a AK Interactive Blue Filter for Panzer Gray

German Gray hues from the Mr.Hobby Color Modulation set painted in a gradient; with topcoat

Comparison between the painted German Gray gradient vs the original plastic mold colors

 Second, painting a German Gray color gradient that changes gradually in tonal value. To give you an idea in how this gradient was created, the following is the steps involved:

1. Coat entire styrene plastic sheet with black primer;
2. Paint first layer with darkest hue in the Mr.Hobby color modulation set i.e. German Gray Shadow CMC09;
3. Paint second layer with German Gray C40, leaving a band of bottom layer (i.e. CMC09) showing on the left;
4. Paint third layer with German Gray Highlight 1 (CMC07) on top of C40 layer, leaving the exposed 5. CMC09 layer alone and leaving some of the C40 layer showing on its left;
6. Paint final layer with lightest hue in the set i.e. German Gray Highlight 2 (CMC08), leaving the exposed CMC09 and C40 layers alone and leaving some of the CMC07 showing on its left.

To sum up, in the end what you have is a color gradient with CMC09 on black primer; C40 on top of CMC09; CMC07 on top of C40; and finally CMC08 on top of CMC07 (see photos immediately above this paragraph). This gradient is then 'unified' under a blue filter (see photos below). 

Filter of choice was an enamel product i.e. the AK Interactive Blue Filter for Panzer Grey

German Gray color gradient with the blue filter applied

German Gray color gradient plus blue filter compared to the original plastic molded part

 Third, application of an enamel-based filter (AK Interactive Blue Filter for Panzer Gray) on the German Gray color gradient, with white spirit as the blending agent. Whether it's because of my inexperience in applying enamel filters or because the product was already too old thus damaged or made-ineffective in some way, the blue filter didn't blend well. Streaks, blobs, and globs of blue are clearly visible versus having a non-visible filter that changes the underlying color. On the bright side, the streaks, blobs, and globs of blue actually give the color gradient a natural weathered-look. That it also unifies the color gradient and make color transitions look smoother is a win-win for me. 

German Gray color gradient with the blue filter applied but under brighter settings

German Gray color gradient plus blue filter and the original plastic part, under brighter settings

 Finally, with the color tests for the Sturmgeschütz III done and dusted, I can now move on to its assembly process. For miniature figurine painters who are unfamiliar with the 1/35 scale armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) assembly process, know this at least ... it's fairly hard and time consuming. More so when you have to consider some parts need to be painted separately before assembly. And then there are the photo-etched parts which are a whole different level of headache. In fairness it's a challenge but a fun one, so I'm equal parts looking forward to the assembly process, and dreading it too. “What am I doing? Tearing myself. My usual occupation at most times.” Charles Dickens