Shaun Keenan reviews Vallejo''s "WWII German Starter Set No 71175"

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Thanks!

Hi, Shaun, good review. Some of the colors like "light green" confuse me. Is this an attempt to render pre-war German camo or a lighter version of the dark green for color modulation?

Thanks for the review Shaun,like you Im terrified of my airbrush and usualy only do base coats.i think this set we be on my buy list, might just give me the inspiration to try a triple cammo job.

Sometimes I think these forums do more harm than good.

Vallejo paint isn't too bad when you compare it to other brands.

I will go off of my prices here at the shop.

I sell the Vallejo paints for $3.50 each for a 17ml bottle, while there are other cheaper ones out there, they are usually a smaller bottle/can.

Humbrol, $2.50ea, but a 14ml tin, and an Enamel vs Acrylic

Tamiya, $2.50 each, but only a 10ml bottle

Model Master, $3.50 for a 15ml bottle

I have even had people tell me that $3.50 is expensive for Vallejo, not sure what they were buying that made it so expensive, unless it was the craft paint at Walmart (not even close to the same thing).

I have more sales on the Model Color (which is what I carry in the shop) and have gotten the sense from people that the Air Color, being the same price, you aren't getting as much for your money because it is pre-thinned vs the Model Color line, however I am getting more and more requests for it, so I am thinking of bringing in the entire Air Color line in the future (maybe after Xmas) just have to find somewhere to put the rack!!

Personally I like them, easy to use, and don't have to fight with getting a decent thinning ratio. While I do use the Model Color more, for colors you use all the time...Black being one, it makes it easier just to drop it in your airbrush and go. Pay for the convenience of it being pre-thinned I guess.

@ Bill: I really have no idea about the "light green." I have seen color pics of German armor with about every color under the rainbow. Don't know why that one was in the set.
@ Mark, What?
@ Scott and Juan, I think you guys are in agreement here. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how good the paint was for the money.
Cheers,
Shaun

First forum post in ages. Kind of nice to be back...

Yes I meant they aren't bad price wise when comparing how much paint vs cost you get with the other brands.

Vallejo hands down in my opinion is one of the best, if not the best paint on the market, which is why it is the only bottle paint I carry.

It brushes very well, and can be thinned for airbrushing. The learning curve is a little steeper when thinning Vallejo vs say Tamiya, but the results are worth it.

I am anxious to try a new thinning formula. These guys in Japan are saying they take a mixture of 8 parts Vallejo Acrylic Cleaner to 2 parts Vallejo Thinner, and then take that mixture and thin the Vallejo paints with for airbrushing. Sounds crazy, but so did thinning Tamiya Acrylics with Lacquer thinner.

I have been using Vallejo paints for some time and they cover very well. I like the eye dropper as it makes it easy to put into the airbrush. The coverage is good and the aircolor is all I now use in an airbrush. I have tried others before I found these paints but I think you should use which ever suits you.
Steve

How so?

I am pretty interested in this set, looks like a good value as well!

Aaron, I won't speak for Mark other than to say he isn't a happy camper, LOL.

While I am prejudiced because I "work" here, I think the Internet has made a whole array of information available to folks, both allowing modelers to know about products, services and historical data, as well as making it possible for small companies (and in some cases, individuals) to sell products & services they simply couldn't without it. Fora like this one are one way information gets exchanged and folks learn about sets like this one.

Really nice review, Shaun! I have yet to fully transition to acrylic paints from years of using MM enamels mainly because I just can't make up my mind as to which brand I should invest my money on. I like Tamiya but the small range they offer and all the mixing one has to do to get something done just isn't my cup of tea. I was thinking I should switch to Lifecolor but, then again, it isn't readily available in the US as I would like so that has stopped me from 'stocking' on them. I have yet to try Vallejo (in any form) but the more reviews and information I get about them the more I think I should see what they are all about. I actually like it that they have Color and Air as it would make things easier. This set really looks like it will be nice to have as a 'test run' set so I may give a try.

Anyone know who stocks Vallejo products in the US?

Thanks for posting this!

Rob

you can try Michigan Toy Soldiers and Historical Miniatures

I have never ordered form them, but I have heard good things.

Rob,

I just ordered this exact thing from Michigan Toy Soldiers and Historical Minitures! Only place I could find it in stock. And yes I can recommend them. I have always received fast and courteous service.

Mike

yea Google They also have an ebay presence. they seem to carry a lot of euro brands...