Hello guys

My name's Ben and im aged 17 and am wishing to start modelling I have bought 2 kits and want to start painting.

These are the 2 kits I have
https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/tamiya-135-sdkfz-222-armoured-car/

And
https://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/master-box-135-german-signals-personnel-1942/

I wish to paint these guys in the time period of the infantry so 1942. Im looking for some advice on what colours to paint these in acrylics, and some general tips on how to paint them without an Airbrush. Any advice or material I could read through would be amazing.

Thanks in advance, Ben.

Hi Ben,
Welcome to the forums. I got back to modeling about 2 years ago after a 30 year hiatus. I face the same issues you do in that I don't have an airbrush and mainly use acrylics. The kits you've chosen to start with are a good choice. Tamiya kits are famous for their ease of construction and the figure set is a good choice also. In 1942 the German army was reaching its greatest expansion so the location the vehicle is to be operating will dictate somewhat the target colors you want to use. In 1942 the base colors for most vehicles were also being changed from the panzer grey to the sandy yellow called dunkelgelb in German. The figures you've chosen best fit in a European or Russia setting. German uniform colors and patterns started really changing a lot in this time frame as well. The field greys were transitioning into various types of camo. Just some general advice at first.
1. Think about where the vehicle and figures are operating to get a general idea of colors.
2. Check the paint guides in the kits for help too. Painting options may change based on the decals you use on the vehicle due to location, unit, and time period.
3. Think about getting a spray can of primer paint, usually a light grey color is what I use. Several companies provide model paint in small spray cans too. You may want to consider them.
4. I always have trouble with brush marks showing when I paint large surfaces. Use thinned paint and paint several light coats instead of one thick coat to help minimize the brush strokes showing through.
5. At the top of this page is a black bar where you will find the search box for the sites. Type in terms like "painting tips, figure painting, painting with acrylics, etc." You can also search for the vehicle or the kits to find other people's builds and kit reviews.
6. My last piece of advice to you is something I struggle with a lot. Make sure to have fun. Don't get discouraged if your final result isn't as "good" as some of the others you will see on this site. "Good" is a relative term. Many of the posters on these sites have decades of experience and a lot of artistic talent. Remember this is a hobby. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the experience.
7. My last, last advice as you progress is feel free to ask questions. There is a lot of great people on these sites who are happy to share their experience and experience.
Have fun!
John

Hello Ben and welcome to Armorama! Modeling is an exciting and rewarding hobby and you will find all the guidance you need on this website. Since you are brush painting, I would suggest getting either Lifecolor or Vallejo Model Color paint. Both are excellent for brush painting. Get at least one good flat sable brush for a quality finish.
In 1942 the 222 would be dark grey (German Grey), also known as Dunkelgrau. The uniforms would be field grey. Dark Yellow vehicles didn't come about until February 18, 1943, and camo uniforms after that.
Work on getting a good solid build so you have a good subject to paint. Don't expect perfection on the first model, or the first ten, but you will get better as you go. Some of us here have 50-odd years of model building behind us; it's a lifetime of learning. We're happy to share all of our knowledge though. Don't be afraid to ask any question. Stop back often and most of all have fun!

What Vallejo colours would you recommend?

Ben,
For the 222, get German grey and flat black. Flat white for the width markers. That should be about it. Tamiya calls out colors in the instructions and Vallejo bottles are clearly labeled.
The figures need field grey, flesh, flat black, and flat aluminum. That should do you pretty well for your first figures. Again, the MB instructions should call out colors to give you a good idea.
You'll have to thin Vallejo Model Color with either their thinner or distilled water to make it the right consistency to brush paint. It comes out of the bottle very creamy. You'll get the hang of it pretty fast.