Can anyone advise me on how to paint a realistic headlamp on a modern AFV? In particular, I'm finishing a Tamiya 1/35th scale Gephard anti-aircraft flakpanzer (yes, original mold that was made in 1977) and I'm really having a hard time figuring out how to paint the reflector portion of the headlamps. For the tail lights, I've hand brushed two light coats of MM Insignia Red and over-coated them with Tamiya Clear Red and they look very good (if I do say so myself).

Any tips or tricks on the headlamp quandary is appreciated.

Pick up a couple of MV Products lenses....drill out the kit headlights a bit .....and attach the lenses with some white glue.

Both MV Products and Greif both make lenses perfect for any kind of headlight lense.....MV Products lenses can commonly found at model railroad shops.

The ones I always use for Leopards are ...LS17 ---- Clear---.128"

Here's more info on MV Products' lenses......

http://www.hubhobbyshop.com/hint32.htm

Greif lenses......

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/131

Thanks for the leads on the lenses. That will be a big help. What color do you paint the interior of the lamp housing before putting on a lens? Silver? White? I'm looking at my Chevy and it's chrome...but a Flakpanzer sure isn't a Chevy!!!

Thanks again

You don't need to paint inside the headlight....the lenses are like a little self contained mirror on the inside and a clear lens on the outside....that's what makes it look like a real headlight.

Okay...now I understand. Thanks again for the help and the clarification. Onward and upward.