i have read several accounts of red army tanks and equipment going directly from the assembly line to the front without receiving any paint. since i never paint anything without documentation, i was wondering if anyone can confirm is this actually happenened and was the metal primed or simply in it's natural color

I know there are reports of Soviet tanks rolling out without paint, although I cannot find any pictures. Probably because the tanks were needed instantly and either didn't make the fight, or they were painted once the fighting stopped. I think this would be a great subject to model, and if you decide you can't do it because of the lack of documentation (we all have our quirks), then I may have to take the idea and do it myself!

If you need documentation, try this one!

thanks for responding randy, you made a great point about the possible reasons there is no photographic evidence. i would certainly welcome any documentation out there and would enjoy to see anyone introduce such a scheme for a build or diorama