Beginner Question

For a first panzer, this one would be good.

http://www.greatmodels.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=tam35216

You can paint it either in Afrika Yellow or German Dark Grey.
It`s one of Tamiyas better tanks. Built straight out of the box its very nice. There is a ton of after market products if you so desire.

Charles

Most early war and Afrikakorps German armor was one color, Panzergray or Africa Yellow. U.S. armor was Olive Drab throughout the war, but this color weathered, and appeared anywhere from very dark green to a dull gray-green to a near tan. Additionally, most tanks in the field soon are the color of the local dirt. In fact, according to Panzer Colors, German crews whose base vehicle color did not match the local terrain often used mud to cover the top of the vehicle.

To paint that Tiger as it appeared in Northern Africa, as part of the 131 Tiger, it would be painted Tamiya "Dark Yellow?" Am I right? Thanks

Yes. The Tamiya spray can is # TS-3 Dark Yellow. You could use Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow or XF-60 Dark Yellow for dry brushing. Just add a little white to tone it down.

Also don't forget the wide variety of armored cars out there. They are a perfect segway from cars to tanks. You can do a lot with spray cans if you think it out and are inventive. Example you have a two tone scheme. Paint the base color first, let it dry a couple of days, then use silly putty to mask off the areas you don't want painted. Then hit it with your second coat. The nice thing with tamiya paints is that you can apply a "wash" directly to the paint and it won't affect the base color by lifting it or crazing it. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. Happy Bill

Hello,
If your still looking for good armor kits from tamyia, I would recommend getting the M4A3 Sherman 1/35 scale or the T34/85 Russian Medium Tank 1/35 scale. Both are simple to build but not to simple, easy to weather, Easy to paint and really hard to mess up on. Have fun and have patients with armor

I chose a 1/72 scale Crusader for my first tank. Easy to build and it was kinda fun adding details to it. The weathering and painting was the most fun.

M.

Hello,
I started building tanks 4 years ago now. My first project was the famous Tiger I, of course with the desert camo. I was scared to finish it, but I did it. Today I think this first project was an easy one, I didn't have any problem to build it, even when it was the tracks time !!!! from Tamiya of course !!!!
Good luck, if you want to share ideas, concepts, please feel free to write me at a_bellard2002@yahoo.com
By the way, I am Andre, a bad french guy !!!