introduction

Devil Over the Atlantic (DOA) Hobbies has been producing lines of specialized paints, including a set reviewed here by me for pre-war German AFV colors. The company specializes in paints that are not normally part of the palettes of the major paint manufacturers like Zimentgrau for AFV transmissions. DOA's latest endeavor is a group of two variants of the Elfenbein ("ivory") interior color that is much-discussed, but little understood.

the paints

The two variants come in 15ml dropper bottles in:

Ivory (RAL 1001)
Beige

the review

Why two colors?

We're usually told the Germans painted in the inside of their tanks (at least the upper turret portion) in Elfenbein or "ivory." I have seen numerous variants on just what that color is, but it's no secret: RAL 1001. Yet most paint makers use the Federal Standard equivalent FS37855. DOA's ivory is based on the RAL color chip, which is lighter and less-yellow in my estimation.

So why beige? Apparently along the way, enough tank manufacturers were using a "beige" (possibly using one of the Afrika Korps colors?) to save money that the Waffenamt (Department of Procurement) felt obliged to send out letters discouraging the practice. We won't discuss that office's ill-advised decision to discontinue ivory in September, 1944 in favor of red oxide primer. Suffice it to say complaints from tankers about having their hatches stick out like the proverbial sore thumb caused a reversal of this policy by year's end (to learn more about Panzer colors, go to this this useful website.

The paints themselves are a pleasure to use, especially the fineness of their creamy texture: you can spray them on without thinner, and they have an excellent consistency.

conclusion

If you plan on dirtying-up your tank's interior, I guess it doesn't matter if you use any kind of ivory-looking paint. But if you want accuracy, I'd recommend these colors, both for their accuracy and ease-of-use.

NOTE: I have not given these paints a rating because of their specialized nature. Modelers looking for this level of authenticity can decide on their own whether this is the solution for them.