Color of primer used on US armor?

[Scott Girvan]

Yo.
I'm intersted to learn the color of primer used on US armor in WWII - specifically late (44, 45). Even more specifically on a M-12 155mm.

I've found sources that say red brown, green and yellow....?



Merci buckets.

[Scott Girvan]

Kinda answered by own question...found this on MLynx and FScale:

"Most equipment had OD sprayed onto the metal and then baked on -- so chipping should be done sparingly if at all. When done, only bare metal would be beneath -- so probably dark brown should be the under color (showing oxidized metal).

Some components may have had other finishing basecoats but as a rule of thumb, don't do chipping. Most chipped effects we see in photos is actually dust being worn off.

Don't follow our Axis modelling brethren who are over obsessed with the chipping fad.

Roy Chow
AMPS 1st Vice President
www.amps-armor.org"

[spud]

Chipping fad, the cheeky Sod.!

its actuality quite interesting tough

[Scott Girvan]

lol - yeah it is interesting for sure.

[406 Silverado]

Adds character to the model I think. If we didn't do some chipping and weathering then our model would look the way they did 15-20 years ago. Each and every model would basically look the same.......boring. Yes most times we overdo it but what the he**, it's your model eh, so do what you like and have FUN.

Sounds like you might have some plans Scott...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[spud]

lol Well said Rob

[Scott Girvan]

Totally agree...I have no complaints about a tnak all chipped up...love it.

Yeah, working on an M-12 155mm.

[bigjohn]

Hey Scott, You pretty much got the right answer as far as primer goes. Most of the US equipment and stuff that I've seen or restored was OD paint on bare metal.

Now, it's not my place to tell you how little or how much you should chip your model, That's totally up to the builder..............