Painting: DAK vehicles - Opel Blitz

I enjoy painting infantry, but vehicles are never something that I’ve got into. However, as I’m creating a mobile force that will include trucks, armoured carriers and so forth it’s something I needed to get to grips with. My brother has started a British army and includes a number of vehicles. He found a technique for weathering that I’ve started to use. Initially dubious the effect on his armour and subsequently the effect I’ve managed to create on mine are very satisfying, yet so simple.

 I tried it out first on my Opel Blitz (being one of my main transports). The first step is to undercoat. I used the army spray painter desert yellow – this being the main colour for desert troops. I then created a dark grey (I had a light citadel grey and darkened with a bit of black as it was all I had). Then applying a little bit to a sponge (the sponge material from a blister pack is ideal and a good way to reuse them) and then rubbing it over the raised edges – there wasn’t too much on the sponge and I’d almost liken the technique to dry brushing. This procedure was repeated depending upon how weathered you wanted to look – I envisaged some seriously battered up trucks as they DAK try to get hold of every vehicle going they could mobilise.

Picture: Diluted strong tone wash just applied.

Using a diluted strong tone wash over the model. The tyres were painted black and then some highlights were added so the, so they looked a bit more worn.

Pictures: Opel Blitiz and passengers ready for battle (almost)

Although some elements need finishing I’m very pleased with the results and as I said at the beginning surprisingly easy to do.