anybody out there know the correct green model paint to use for east german armor?

Pretty good thread.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47209/thread/1337695825/What%27s+a+Good+Match+for+West+Germany+Paint+Used+in+their+T-72+in+the+Soviet+Era+-

thanks for the info

I know the question is tackled in the linked forum. But I still want to add that I always use either Tamiyas XF-65 "Field Grey" or Revells No. 67 "Grüngrau" and they both seem to be a pretty good match to me... (without mixing they are just fine out of the jar, though you might want to add a little white for a better scale effect)

Problem is that East Germany had its own color system, the didn`t use RAL system. With only a little international interest in East German Nationale Volksarmee, there is hardly a chance to get a "correct" color for these.
In case you need a bigger amount.

https://www.militaerlacke.de/lack/1kkunstharzlacke/nva/index.php

Does anyone know when this colour first came into service - ie when for example the NVA would repaint their Soviet-issued kit?

The moment they received their stuff it underwent a major refit for NVA purposes AFAIK. Meaning for example tools replacement and additions (wheel chocks and rear NOTEK light come to my mind) and electric components (lamps, radios and such stuff according to NVA standards) which included usually repainting as well. Some stuff remained in USSR colors if I remember right, like for example the few MAZ 537 Tank Transporters they had (but I'm not 100% sure here, need to check that again). They also received Polish (licensed T-55 tanks), Czech (Tatras), and Hungarian stuff (Ikarus buses). Same procedure there.

Every few years they had so called "Hauptinstandsetzungen" (Major Maintenance Services) which included repainting if necessary (i.e. when the color was heavily faded).

Thanks for that Marian, very useful.

Brian

I have some NVA radio and telecom crates as well as NVA jerrycans that I try to use as reference for painting