I've read a few reviews on the Tamiya Leclerc that statedsthe NATO 3-tome colors the instructions call for are incorrect. Does anyone know what the closest matches for the 3-color camo the French use on this tank (either enamel or acrylic - I'm comfortable using either) ? I've did some google searches and haven't had any luck locating further info on this.

TIA.

i can't really tell a definitive color but the french green is a bit more "grassier and bright" and the brown is more of a chocolate color

Hi Marathon,
I personnally use the following Tamiya refs :

XF5 Flat Green
XF64 Red Brown
XF1 Flat Black.

You can have an idea of the result by looking at models at my site. I don't use NATO black as it's too greyish. However, it could be fine for a worn-out vehicle much older than a Leclerc MBT.

HTH
Olivier

Thank you both for the info. Looks like I'm picking up some paint on Sunday at the local hobby shop

Hello!
Has anyone got the Humbrol references for these colours?

There are some really good "clean" pictures of the camouflage here.

[url=http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/leclerc.htm[/url]

Hope that helps you out.

Hi Giacomo,
try to post on the French forum at Missing Link. I remember a French modeler who gave his own recipe with Humbrol refs. I can't find the post anymore but just ask one more time.

Meanwhile, here is the way Jacques Vermeulen who did a splendid Leclerc SXXI painted it :

"At first I cover the model with a mix of 75% Humbrol Green 80 and 25% Yellow 24.
The brown patches are painted Matt 62 and the black ones Matt 33."

Olivier