What is the proper color for the Panzer IV in Europe? Is it Panzer Grey or Tan? I've seen both colors but what is correct for late war? This will be my first Panzer and am real excited to get started. You guys and gals really have got me hooked on doing a Panzer. Any help would be great.
Oh yeah did panzers IV have weld mark on the edges where two plates are welded together?

Thanks, Doug

Hi Doug
Late war panzers, and generally any German military vehicles, were all painted a tan colour.
Some were given the camoflage scheme in the factory and others had it applied in the field or at the divisional workshops.
Sorry can't be certain about the weld seams though.

Hope this helps

Russ

Doug,

tan color (dunklegelb) is the safest bet comes to IV Ausf J. I need to check my reference on the weld mark, will get back to you.

I have pics with dark yellow with red brown sprayed lines. Can't see any weld marks.

HastyP

If is on the russian winter It was possible to see white camouflage, but it wasn't permanet

Doug. A general rule of thumb on WWII German armor : Any Panzer built prior to February of 1943 was painted Dunkelgrau (Dark Grey); Any Panzers built after February 1943 were painted Dunkel Gelb (Dark Yellow).

Most Panzers in combat in Europe from 1939-42 were not camoflaged (there were exceptions but I wont go into that now). Panzers built after 1943 left the factory in plain Dunkel Gelb, but were supplied with tins of Olivegrun (Olive Green) and Rotbraun (Red Brown) camoflage paint.

These Panzers were either "camoed up" in the field by the crews, or at a repair depot prior to seeing action. A Panzer IV Ausf J was a late-war tank. Therfore, a Dunkel Gelb base, with a camoflage of Olivegrun and/or Rotbraun was VERY common. If your Panzer IV J is to be on the Russian Front in winter, a White-Wash camo can be applied (over the 3-basic colors)if you so choose. The Panzer IV J's on the Western Front did not wear the White-Wash that often, even in winter conditions (some did however).

The only other big exception here is the Panzer IVs that went to North Africa (1941-43). They were overpainted in Afrikabraun in most cases, but you need not worry in this situtuation, as Panzer IV Ausf Js did not see any action in Africa.

So it is safe to say that the majority of Panzer IV Js were Dunkel Gelb with Olivegrun/Rotbraun camoflage applied. There were some differences, but I wont go into it (so you are not too confused). These 3-colors were used right up to the wars end (1945) in some form or another.

Maybe someone else can make it more concise for you. Hopefully this will point you in the right direction. Good luck on your kit !

Cheers !

Robert

Thanks alot everyone for the info, especially Alpenflage. Great info and I think I now know what I need to do.

Thanks again, Doug

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