ZTZ96B - Digital Camouflage - How To Guide
Is debatable, but its hard to argue that some of the most interesting camouflage schemes are the pixelated, digital camouflage schemes on modern armour. The geometric lines and shapes just doesn’t make rational sense however the technology can’t be denied. Great for us modellers looking for a challenge however pulling off the schemes can be challenging without a little help…or at least a a heap of time and patience.
I was asked to build and review the Meng kit of the ZTZ96B, so I tool the opportunity to create a mask set to help replicate the camouflage scheme. This is how I painted the scheme -
Making of a MASK Set…
As mentioned previously, the mask set was created through necessity. The set works really well for me, so I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to make the set available to others. The shapes are printed and cut out showing the appropriate positions over the shapes of the tank to help the modeller replicate the placement more easily.
Layer 1 - Dark Green
The model was primed and left to dry over night.
The model then received an all over coverage of Dark Green. I used the Chinese Colours Paint set from AK (AK4243 – PLA Dark Green). The model was left to dry for 24 hours to ensure the paint was fully cured.
Layer 2 - Red Sand
The first layer of the paint mask set was applied to the model and a layer of AK4246 – PLA Red Sand was sprayed. The running gear had been painted earlier and fitted in this picture. I used cling wrap as a crude mask to avoid overspray.
Layer 3 - Sand Yellow
The next layer of the paint mask was then applied and AK4247 – PLA Sand Yellow was sprayed. The paint masks were then removed revealing the pattern. The anti-slip texture in the model made using the mask tricky because it didn’t want to adhere to it properly, however a little caution and forewarning is helpful .
For a successful result it is important to build up you layers of coverage using light coats. DO NOT FLOOD the surface as it will create unpredictable results and possible issues with bleed.
Where possible, try and keep your spraying angle at 90 deg from the surface you are painting.
Make it stand out
Once the pattern has been painted, the model then comes to life with oil washes and some light dusting using the airbrush and pigment powders.
ZTZ96B Chinese MBT PAINT MASK SET to create the digital camouflage scheme - suitable for the MENG kit however should fit other versions.