Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey guys, I recently decided to get into FoW. I instantly went for a German army, but I just can't decide on the camouflage.

I thought snow camo sounded great, but I don't exactly like the flaky whitewash look. Now I was talking to my friend and he said that in World of Tanks (an online game) they had some cool snow camouflage patters.

Lo and behold snow camo



Now I think this looks great, however I highly doubt the realism, particularly in the late war. I was just wondering what you guys think of this scheme as far as usage in FoW, and if you know of any other, less whitewashy snow camouflage patterns for germans?

Thanks a lot

I applaud your wanting to move into a Historical game (with FOW sorta), but using a online video game for historical reference is always sketchy. Osprey would be where I start for insperation. Give me some time and I will see what I can find out for you.

Hetzer with a muzzle break? Odd.


Winter camo was often just whitewash splashed over it... Usually applied with large brooms!

Here is a Panther in a winter scheme;



Note the numbering system has been left untouched.


Here is a Panzer III is a rough applied scheme;



Tiger I;




Bedsheets were also used;

The only reason the hetzer has a muzzle brake is because its using the 10.5cm gun unless I miss my mark. The realism leaves something to be desired, but it's a fun game so I'm not complaining. WoT comments aside, I agree about the Osprey books. I've never had to really use them to paint an army (thank you us olive drab) but I've looked through a fair few for ideas on other stuff, and they're a great resource IMO

Although the scruffy whitewashed look was the norm (as Big P's photos show), I wouldn't object to seeing a late war German force painted like the vehicle from WoT. Okay, so German AFVs were no longer painted overall grey by then, but the grey and white pattern is very attractive (and grey contrasts better with white than dark yellow does). However, I am still largely an observer, and I wonder how the purists would react. For an indication, see the recent thread here about painting tanks red...

http://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=1736

A nice "how to" guide from the Flames of War website.

William wrote:Hey guys, I recently decided to get into FoW. I instantly went for a German army, but I just can't decide on the camouflage.

I thought snow camo sounded great, but I don't exactly like the flaky whitewash look. Now I was talking to my friend and he said that in World of Tanks (an online game) they had some cool snow camouflage patters.

Lo and behold snow camo



Now I think this looks great, however I highly doubt the realism, particularly in the late war. I was just wondering what you guys think of this scheme as far as usage in FoW, and if you know of any other, less whitewashy snow camouflage patterns for germans?

Thanks a lot

Well historically winter "camo" was pretty much just a fast whitewash thrown on to the tank/vehicle using brooms and brushes to get it done fast and easy. There really wasn't much by way of "official" winter camo patterns because they just took too much time to implement. In LW German tanks were no longer gray so the World of Tanks paint scheme is even less historically accurate. That said if you showed up with a force well painted in this style and pattern I would commend you on your painting skills and be happy to play a game with you. Some people will get cranky and uppity about it not being "historically accurate", but if they are that uptight about your camo pattern then they will probably be a pain in the butt to play in my experience. One of the reasons I never joined any of the historical gaming groups I came in contact with in the past is because of the "Well you've only painted 5 buttons on your coats when everyone knows there are 6" type folks out there who just suck the fun out of the hobby for me. Even more so when the minis are on the table, unless you are playing 54mm or bigger, you won't even SEE the buttons in the first place.

Paint them how you will, be happy with it and enjoy it...

Skriker

Thanks for the advice guys. Pretty much what I figured. I'm still not ready to get painting yet anyway so I'll give it some more thought =)

IMO that Hetzer isn't a million miles away from the Panzer III, if a little neater in the application.

Where did you find those b/w photos? I've never seen some of those before.

The thing is the tank has to try and look good, because the game is charging you (real) money for having it applied. As you say, focus is on 'fun' rather than any real attempt at historical accuracy (which would no doubt make a very boring game).

Ghaz that link is very useful, thanks for posting it!