I'm starting to paint the Tiger 1 with the TS-3 dark yellow and wondering why it's come up greenish in colour. Originally I didn't know any better and thought that was the way it was supposed to be till I got the airbrush out with the
XF64 Dark yellow both tamiya paints as recomended for the model. Anyways the XF acrylic colour is in my opinion a much nicer browner dark yellow where the T3 is the greener dark yellow.
My question is, is this normal? Is there normally a difference in colours from tamiya or am I missing something...

The wheel on the left has the green, it's really hard to tell using the photo's... It looks pretty spot on, but it's not. Anyways thanks in Advance.

Jeff<br type="_moz" />

The shade of Dunkelgelb has been a debate for as long as I remember. The late T. Jentz is the advocate of the greenish tint and I tend to believe his judgement.

The newer (last 10 years) of colors tend to really lean to the green, much more that Tamiya's original. I'm not famiya with TS-3, I've switched to Vallejo about 8 years ago and haven't looked back, so I can't attest to it. Tamiya prides itself with accuracy, I would think they may change a formula if new evidence is found. You can find comparison charts for all the major suppliers.

As to differences in colors, there can always be a batch variation, theoretically even in the same batch, that's why it's usually best to mix two bottles together instead of shooting one after the other. Age, thinning, it all affects color, even lighting (Under flourescent lighting, Vallejo looks a sickly green yellow).

Anyway that is the base paint, then you should apply some filters, using Vallejo and MIG. Actually a tank didn't have just one colour but a mix of shades, after few weeks in the front. Apply several point of oils on each surface, white yellow green, orange and spread then with a brush moisten with white spirit, then you can get a non defined color with a lot of chromatic variants.

Modelers I know add white to it, to lighten it up some. I myself like the color but through weathering applications I think it will lighten up naturally.

So you either add white and repaint all that good hard work or try weathering it. I painted my Sturmtiger this base color but the dullcote really knocks the color down some and then using Airbrushlers advice on window frosting (from Valspar at Lowes) really works, but be careful on too much application.














~ Jeff

Jcan,
There are a few other variables here as well. The TS-3 is Tamiya's rattle can correct, and I believe that is a lacquer not a an enamel, where XF-64 is an acrylic, so the paints themselves are different. You didnt provide two pieces if crucial info in your original posting.

1. Did you prime the plastic before sparaying the TS-3, and if so what color? Or is the TS-3 shot straight onto raw plastic? Because based on the photos provided it simply looks like there is some of the blue-grey plastic still showing through the base coat of Tamiya's TS-3.

2. Did you shoot the XF-64 shot over the top of the TS-3 or is it too shot on the raw or primered plastic. If you shot the XF-64 over the top of the TS-3 it will look more yellow as you have no color ghosting of the underlying color as is too is light in value and close to the same hue.

Like was mentioned earlier, Tamiya paints are usually very accurate and I too use them and Vallejo extensivley and have for better than 20 years. You didn't share your plan for what this tank will look like in the end (parade queen or grizzled veteran or somewhere in between) But either way try not to get to hung up on this base coat. Adding filters, washes, color modulation, panel fading or hi-lighting pastels, dry-brushing, oversprys of dust n grime, or any other of a wide variety of weathering techniques will and should change the look of the final color appearance.


Streetsquid

Okay, sounds good. Both colours are good, I havn't done anything wrong just yet I have no idea what I'm going to do with this tank lol. I'm going to finish it and then look at it... I don't have radio's or IR just yet... maybe in a few months.
I have no real idea on how to paint this tank either, I'm kinda just going with what Tamiya are recomending. One of the commentors mentioned this is a "base" colour. I thought it was going to be the colour of the tank with some camoflouge I did put primer onto the tank, a red oxide on most of the plastic/ metal parts.

I've been looking into the weathering of the tank. I'll keep on reading and see how things get on... In the meantime I really appreciate any more info.

Thanks,
Jeff<br type="_moz" />

when I paint a yellow I always paint a light coat of base white on top of the primer, when doing greens or brown I use red oxide as a primer. The base color will have a huge effect on the outcome of your color.

I repair and refurb a few tanks each month. The TS-3 is the most common used on German & TS-5 on the US.. The texutre and color shades of paints are not the same from a can as from a airbrush. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to get eveything to match. It is a war machine, not a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. We won't wag fingers over such things.... Hold off on the weathering. It is not easy to undo or paint over. Experiment of some old models from a garage sale. Cruise the forums. There are great how to DVDs and free youtube vids. Just pick one you like and hone your skills. **Helpful hint: Some paints to not play well with other. Watch out for adverse reactions. If you are not sure test things first on scrap or the inside of the hull. Good Luck.

Here some painting guides from those helpful guys over at DAK.....

http://www.desertarmor.com/DAK2/DAK_PAINTING_GUIDE.html

Good luck!