Hello Everyone, The other day, at my local hobby shop, a gentleman was looking through the paint racks for colors to use on his just purchased Alpine WSS MG Ammo Carrier. I suggested a few Vallejo colors to him, and the conversation immediately switched to different camo patterns, the ones we like to, and don't like to paint on our figures/busts. Before long, three others had joined in on our conversation. In about 10 minutes, we had discussed dozens of camouflage patterns from all types of subject matter. It was very interesting, and informative, to listen to everyone's opinion on the subject, and thought it would a great topic to post on PF to get your thoughts. At first, I was considering doing a survey to ask this question, but I feel the answers, and responses, would be to varied for a simple yes, or no, format. Camouflage patterns, pertaining to figures/busts, can cover many eras, armies, and subject matter, so, I will only ask a few questions. What is your favorite pattern? What is your favorite pattern to paint? What do you like/don't like about painting camouflage patterns? These are only a few questions to ask I know, but it might lead to other topics of discussion in, for example, how to paint them, colors, and techniques, to mention a few. What are your thoughts? Regards, SG

How would you know?

Should result in some interesting discussion. I for one would be interested in what was the earliest purpose made camouflage.
Cheers
Derek

I'm afraid I can't contribute much on painting camo but it's really quite a feat in itself having a local hobby shop and being lucky enough to be able to discuss the subject with like minded people in the real world, quite incredible really. I imagine quite a few here will be envious.

Roger.

Carefully.......

I'd begin with the lighter colours then progress to the darker ones.... but there ar many patterns, so that approach may very.

Actually Del, now I think, the 95th Essex Rifles, like in the Sharpe series, wore green to blend in a bit more, and that was Napoleonic. I'm sure somebody else on here can improve upon that.

Me, 18th cent. jaegers of various German states also wore green, also my limit as far as painting camo goes.

Roger.

Told you......

There's always one.

I used to paint camouflage figures but after they were finished I could not find them .
Pete

I recently painted a figure with a camouflage (http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/aufklärung-operation-zitadelle-1943.54496/). I like very much this exercise. I like painting details and camouflage contains a lot of details. In addition, the painting has to be very clean in order to not "erase" the details of the uniform. It is difficult but so rewarding

My favorite is the one of the link I posted, i.e. the spring ss camo. I proceed as follows. First I paint normally the basis colour (here the brown). So I make highlits and shadows as a normal uniform. Then I paint the biggest spots, again with lights and shadows. And finally I add the smallest spots.

Laurent

Hello Roger, Yes, it was quite unusual to talk to more than one person about camouflage patterns, especially at the hobby shop I like to visit. The shop was having a Memorial Day special sale, so it was pretty crowded last Friday. The guys I talked to about camouflage, were armor modelers, figure painters, and one liked painting camo on his Warhammer vehicles. I had a good time that day, learned a few things, shared a few things, and picked up some great bargins. Regards, SG

Hello Everyone, First, apologies to Laurent, tried to quote your post with a photo, but was unable to. Camouflage patterns have always been one of interests since I was a kid. My mom bought me a plastic helmet with a vinyl camouflage cover for Christmas when I was eight yrs. old. The pattern on the helmet was the U.S. Marine Corps of WW2. So, at a very early age I became fascinated, and interested, in camouflaged uniforms of all types. My favorite pattern will always be the Marine Corps WW2 pattern: My favorite pattern to paint is the WSS Oak Leaf fall/winter pattern: I also like to paint other patterns, but depends on the figure/bust. Regards, SG

Give me the French, Veitnam era, black and green "Tiger Stripe" camo anytime... Definitely my favorite. There are even a few pieces in my closet from the local surplus store. The other camo pattern I really like is the grey/grey/black "Urban" camo (there's even more of this stuff in my wardrobe ) ... even though I'm not really sure it's a real issue camo pattern. Maybe someone out there can verify for me 1- Is it a real military issue pattern and 2- If it is, then what countries use it?


Colin

Hello Colin, The tiger stripe pattern is indeed, an excellent camo: haven't seen it painted on any figures,or busts in quite some time. Would be challenging. Regards, SG