This comes every so often and I wrote once:-
I had Five friends who are ex WW11 tankers, Shermans and Churchils. I have shown them models on this forum and whilst none of them are modellers they all say the same.
If they were not "shooting" they were cleaning,mantaining and being inspected by the "RSM"
They took a lot pride in their tanks so did you "YANKS" ( their expression,not mine) as did the the Germans.
Rust was a NO,NO,as they were not in the battle lines for too long any damage ie:- chipps,scratches were quickly repaired.
Dust and dirt yes, rust no,no.
Sadlly of those Five there are now only Three...cheers....Kenny