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      

Color Modulation Paints - WW2 German Gray set [Unboxing and a Preliminary Review]

Color Modulation is a painting technique that plays with lights and shadows in order to create sharp contrasts and subsequently depth on a scale model kit. In short, it's a technique that enables scale modelers to add life to an otherwise monotone finish, or at the very least create a visually interesting piece. This technique accentuates the highlights and shadows on a model kit beyond what would naturally occur in the real world. And therein lies the rub. Some find results to be too cartoonish and unrealistic while others think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Me, I'm somewhere in between. Here then is a review of the paints I'll use for this technique in my upcoming AFV project.

Mr.Hobby Mr.Color Color Modulation Set (German Gray Version) ... that's certainly a mouthful to say

Box art on the packaging shows colors included as well as a concise description of the technique

For hobbyists working under a tight budget, it's possible to forgo use of paint sets formulated specifically for color modulation. In most cases, such sets have paints of a specific color that vary in tint, shade, and tone. This means as long as you have the primary hue to work with, you can then add white (to vary the tint), add black (to vary the shade) and/or add gray (to vary the tone). But I do find using ready-mix paint sets to be huge time savers that far outweigh the cost incurred.      

Other Mr.Hobby Color Modulation Sets include Dark Yellow (above), Olive Drab (above) and Russian Green (not shown)

On the flip side of the mini-booklet are instructions on how to apply paint using color modulation technique 

Wit the color modulation set being a Mr.Hobby product, I proceeded to use Mr.Color Leveling Thinner to dilute the lacquer paints at a ratio of roughly 1:1. Based on experience, I find that this ratio or even a ratio 1 paint to 1.5 thinner works well when airbrushing Mr.Color lacquer paints. Of course there will always be exceptions depending on a specific hue's pigments. But in general, any range between these two ratios tend to be the sweet spot for me in achieving smooth thin coats.  

Left to right: GG Shadows CMC09 , German Gray C40, GG Highlight 1 CMC07 & GG Highlight 2 CMC08

Color Modulation Paints were mixed with the Mr.Color Leveling Thinner at a ratio of around 1:1

German gray color modulation paints airbrushed onto plastic spoons coated with light gray primer beforehand

Because I had bought some Tamiya TS-4 German Gray Grey spray cans before I got my existing airbrush setup, I decided to see if I could incorporate that spray paint color into the ready-mix color modulation scheme. Sadly a spoon paint test (see below) showed me that it wasn't ideal to use the Tamiya gray together with the Mr.Color grays. If you look really closely, you should be able to notice that the Tamiya gray is completely neutral while the Mr.Color grays have a beige-like tint to them. So for now, it looks like I'll only be using the color modulation paint set sans the Tamiya gray.

Tamiya TS-4 German Grey spray can paint was also included in the color modulation test

Compared to Mr.Hobby paints that have a beige-like tint to its gray hues, the Tamiya TS-4 has a neutral tone

TS-4 ranks 2nd in brightness; but not by much as shown when it's placed in the middle of the spectrum 

Moreover the gray hues of Mr.Color are closer those found on the molded-in color (pre-colored) plastic parts (see below). Both have this light beige-like quality to them with transcends the monotone neutral grays like those found on the Tamiya spray can. To be fair this doesn't mean there is no place for neutral grays on an AFV color scheme. On the contrary, such neutral hues may be better suited when you're planning to use a filter later in order to alter the overall color scheme. On that note, I'll need to see if I would need to apply a filter on my chosen paint set to get the final hue I want.   

Mr.Color CMC07 and Tamiya TS-4 compared to the German Gray hue on the Sturmgeschütz III kit's plastic parts

Due to the Tamiya TS-4's slightly different tone, it won't be used in conjunction with the Mr.Hobby paint set

Having absolutely zero experience with color modulation techniques for sure makes the soon-to-begin Sturmgeschütz III project a fairly daunting one. Part of me wants to do bugger all and just maintain previous practices of using a monotone hue before subsequently varying it through the use of weathering effects. But as tempting as this option may be, I would be derelict in my duty to improve as a painter and modeler if I didn't give this technique a go. So that's what I'll do in the coming months. With the week is almost over, dear readers, I hope you have a great weekend.