To paint OR not to paint

Wow, that is the same on I am doing, I like the idea of sub assemblies, i am thinking now tracks off and wheels paint, assemble everything else and leave the roof off, I think that will be good for the tractor, as for the gun...

That's an oooooold kit... I built it in 1975. Do you know it originally came in a bag?

Anyway; my approach is to fit things, see if they'll be accessible for painting, and paint at the last minute if the answer is "no".

I'd suggest painting in sub assemblies...Think of the parts at the factory. Paint wheel and tires, set aside. Assemble and paint the gun barrel assembly, set aside. Assemble and paint the elevating other parts as sub assemblies and paint. Assemble the painted sub assemblies.

As to the gun color in Europe. Dark gray was the primary color until March 1943 at which time dark yellow with or without red brown and green camo was the order. Obviously, the war didn't stop so everything could be repainted in March 1943 so there surely would have been some dark gray guns in the field for some time until they were destroyed, captured or refurbished.

You will have to figure out for yourself what works best for you as you build,just like you do for a/c.I prefer painting the wheels and tracks off the model,others paint them on.I prefer to attach most of my tools then paint them later.its all about logic,and what your preference is,watch you will get many different answers on this.