Im building DML's M1A1 and being an Abrams virgin :-) Im a little confused as to the colour of the optics which appear to vary in different photos from a purplish red to yellow gold.

Can someone point me in the right direction as to what colour to use for the drivers , commander cupola and the gunners primary sight optics.

Thanks in advance

Ian

The optics are coated with an anti-laser coating. You are correct that depending on the angle, it changes color from red to purple, to blue, etc. To replicate this. I first paint them black, then put a coat of clear red over that. Lastly, I put a couple coats of clear gloss on top. They look great and also change color when viewed from different angles.

Good luck.

Cheers Gino

Much appreciated


Ian

You can also try painting them as your eye sees it,for each block vary your color shades,one block mix a metalic red,blue,purple,next block try adding or subtracting a color,and so on.I also have tried a piece of chrome wraping like you would get from a candy bar. Paint it clear red as gino said then thin your met paints way down,then take a little dollip from each color and put it on the clear red, then mix each color together,you don't want to mix each one perfect just so each color kind of blends together.If you look at it from a distance and from different angles you will see that changes it colors.When it dries cover with a high gloss varish.

Thanks Gavin

I may try that method as well , do a little experimenting


Ian