1/72 Chieftain - Berlin Brigade / Mask Set ‘How To’ Guide
Preparation
Preparing the model for painting is the most important step in reproducing this camouflage scheme. Given that the side skirts are supplied in the kit as photo-etch it is essential they a hold the paint properly when it comes time to mask the model.
The section is carefully cleaned with IPA and then painted (with a soft brush) with a layer of Mr Metal Primer and left to dry.
It’s also worth noting the wheels and engine deck sections have been painted in NATO Green prior to this stage.
** ENSURE the build is as simple as it can be. Things like light guards, stowage baskets and tow cables should all be treated as sub-assemblies. This will give you the best chance of fixing the self adhesive masks to the surface of the model.
Masking the Green
The engine deck and wheel sections are now masked using Tamiya tape.
Primer
I know it seems a little odd to prime after the green colour has been painted, but I wanted to be doubly sure that the etch on the sides would hold up when masked. It was easier to pre-paint the tracks and wheel sections, so I made the decision to approach the process in this way.
A layer of Mr Surfacer 1200 was applied through the air-brush.
Foundation Layer
Once the primer had cured the White layer was applied. The lacquer paint will add an extra layer of ‘grab’ to the skirts, and set the foundations for the scheme.
MASKING THE WHITE
I scaled down the mask set I produced from the 35th scale Chieftain in the hope I’d be able to use it on this small scale model. The initial layer of masking was applied. In some instances masking tape and blu-tack can me used to help seat the mask to the model.
BLUE GREY
The model is then sprayed in Blue Grey. It’s important to use light misted coats of the paint. Be careful not to floor the surface as this will potentially give you poor results and paint bleed.
NATO BROWN
The next round of masking is then applied and the NATO brown is painted over the model. I achieved the brown colour with a mix of Red Brown and Black however check references and find the colour you feel best represents NATO Brown.
The mask set shows basic positions for the individual masks, however it is always important to check references and use all of the information as your guide.
The Basics are now in place…
With the masks removed the scheme is there to see in all it’s glory. Touch-ups are inevitable however, the basis for the pattern is set in place.
Bringing it all together
Now is the time to pre-paint and attached your sub-assemblies (baskets, lights etc)
Your model is now ready for weathering!
Paint mask set for the Urban Camouflage paint scheme of the Berlin Brigade - Specifically for the Chieftain in 1/72 scale. The masks are top cut on a self adhesive vinyl sheet and will help you recreate the paint scheme.