Hi All!

I am doing some preliminary research for a build I’d like to start soon. Could any one tell me what camouflage scheme the Stu.Pz.Abt.216 used? Were their Sturmpanzers two-tone, three-tone camo or were they left basic dunkelgelb for Kursk? Was there any particular pattern for the application of any camo with this unit?

I’m going to be building an early Brummbar with R&J’s conversion 35001. Any tips or advice regarding the conversion, the history of early model Stupas or the above named battalion, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

My references show various German vehicles at Kursk in overall dunkelgelb as well as patterns of rotbrun, dunkelgrun or both over the base color.

Thanks Al,

That's pretty much what my sources show as well. Unfortunately, the references I have on the Brummbar that show camo don't indicate which colors are applied.

Another question to any that might know: Were sideskirts mounted on all (early model) Brummbars at Kusk?

Scott

Referencing Combat history of the scwhere panzerjager abteilung 653 i found pics of Brummbars from the 216th. Pics show armor skirts on the Brummbars. Tarps were used around the ball joint of the gun and on the top "box" stucture due to water leaks from the rain that occurred during Kursk.
The color charts i am referencing show dark green camo over the dark yellow base.
The 216th Brummbars apparently followed directly behind the Ferdinands of the 653rd. They provided suppporting fire from just behind the Ferdinands.

Cavpltssgt,

Thanks for the solution to the sideskirt question. Does anyone make sideskirts appropriate for an early Stupa?

STAVKA43,

Thanks for pointing that out. Isn't it odd how something so logically obvious can also be so easily overlooked?

Scott

I second this. It is my understanding that there may have been a little more consistency in the camo schemes of the Germans for Kursk than in other operations, and that a large number of vehicles had dark yellow bases with green disruptive overspray. One reason for this somewhat greater consistency is that the seasonally applied oversprays of disruptive camo colors over a dünkelgelb base was still a relatively new procedure (Feb. '43) and since a Fall period had not yet come, most units had up until that time applied only the spring overspray (green). I know of some units already applying the redbrown, but I think most evidence points this to being an exception rather than the norm. Another reason for some consistency in the green over yellow schemes is that this was a very organized build-up by the Germans. Many of their units had more than the customary prepatory period allowing them the luxury of bringing their vehicles "up to code," including their camo schemes.
My .02 would be to go with green over dünkelgelb.

One thing to note is that the Brumbar's of Stu.Pz.Abt.216 that I have seen pictures of at Kurks where all early types with the Tiger I type drivers visor.

HTH