Tamiya 1/35 Leopard 2A7 - arid "what if" scheme.

Kyle wanted a dark primer that would read as a warm shadow tone in the recesses without the stark contrast of black. German Red Brown sits in that space - dark enough to anchor the shadows but warmer than black, which suits an arid desert scheme far better.

Kyle used discontinued AK Real Colors for this scheme. The three current in-stock alternatives from AK Interactive 3rd Gen are listed below, along with the Vallejo German ISAF Colors set which is purpose-built for exactly this type of modern arid German vehicle scheme and is the most convenient single-purchase option.

WIP - first colour

WIP - second colour

WIP - third and final colour

Abteilung Raw Umber thinned with AK Odourless Thinner and washed over the entire tank. Instead of leaving it to dry and wiping it all back with a brush, a make-up sponge was used to partially remove the wash - it takes some paint off and leaves some behind in a random, uneven pattern. The result is a subtle patina across the whole surface and a slight colour shift that also serves as a filter, unifying the three camo colours under a warm tone. The wash also pools in recesses naturally where the sponge cannot reach, doing double duty as a recess shade.

Once fully dry, a more targeted recess panel line wash was done with Abteilung Sepia thinned with the same odourless thinner - concentrating on specific panel lines for sharper definition.

WIP - overall filter; notice the colour difference front to back

WIP - scheme complete

Vallejo Gunmetal Grey as the main track colour. Track pads and wheel rubber rims in Heavy Charcoal. The red grease fittings found on the real vehicle in reference photographs are picked out in Mephiston Red - a small detail that adds genuine authenticity. AK Earth Effect applied over the whole track assembly. Charcoal is also used on anything on the tank that reads as black but is not actually painted black.

Stowage handles painted Tamiya NATO Green applied in a deliberately patchy manner - implying well-used, worn equipment rather than freshly painted kit. Tow cable in the same Gunmetal Grey as the tracks, with a light rust wash over the top. Ice cleats also Gunmetal Grey but with a heavy rust wash - stowed and not recently used, they rust more aggressively.

All paints and supplies used in this build are in stock at Wheels and Wings Hobbies in Toronto, available online with Canada-wide shipping.