I have the AK IDF set but the color looks too light to me. Anyone know the Merkava 2D tank. Thanks
If it’s close I’d use it. It wil darken as it is weathered. If you have Tamiya you could try a 1:1 mix of xf20:xf57 if you’re not happy with the AK.
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Whose kit do you have?
This is straight from Tiger Models’ Nagmachon “Dog House” Late Version HAPC. The paints used are Tamiya Acrylics.
The paint combo worked well for me.
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Thank you for this topic. I have various paints and sents from many companies but was never really satisfied. Will follow for ideas.
I’ve seen many pics of modern Israeli armor, presumably in the 2000’s, and there appears to be several distinct colors - something similar to German Field-gray; a sandy/tan color; and a darker brownish color. Is this due to different colors used at different times? Different colors used by different units in different geographical areas? Or just due to weathering due to different color sand/dust?
I wouldn’t put too much faith in photographs - too many variables:
Time of day (angle of the sun)
Sunny vs. Overcast
Geography - Golan dust vs. Negev dust
“Colour correction” (if any) done by the photographer.
The nature of the paint used by the IDF. It may react to different enviornments. I’m guessing on this last point
And of course, remember that 99% of the folks taking pictures are not concerned with an armor modeler’s quest for accuracy.
So, to quote Armorsmith,
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So which color is it closest to? 
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This topic has been discussed many times and at great length because of all of the previously listed conditions. However, the most important factor to consider is that modern IDF Sinai Grey is a color-shifting shade. A sparkling clean tank parked in the exact same place and photographed at 6 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM will appear 4 different colors completely. It has to do with the direct, unfiltered sunlight of the region and the texture and pigment of the paint. If you want a perfect “They nailed it” color for modern IDF armor, I suggest AK Real Colors RC882 IDF Modern Grey. The consensus is that they got it down just right.
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For the above reasons that Matt explained, use any color that’s close. Unless I’m grossly mistaken I’m pretty sure most of use have gotten over the “what’s the right color” question. Not trying to be *ickhead about it but it’s getting old. I know there are beginners out there and I give them a pass. Guess I’m just venting. Carry on.
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I don’t make IDF kit and don’t know much about them, but if I did, that AK colour looks remarkably like Humbrol’s Khaki Drill No 72 (enamel).
I’m sure this adds no value whatsoever(!)
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"However, the most important factor to consider is that modern IDF Sinai Grey is a color-shifting shade. " This statement seems to give some latitude to the shade of the particular color. The illustrated AK RC882, on my browser, appears to be a warmish-(slightly)brownish-grey.
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Many, many years ago when I started using Humbrol paints, that was my go to color for IDF vehicles.
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As @Evan & @SSGToms wrote, the colour the IDF uses is deliberately chosen for it’s shift properties - it will look different Golan Heights, West Bank, etc.
If I may offer…the best advice I got some time ago was to check out the IDF modelling page which lists mixes for the different colours IDF has used for ground forces since 1948. Also as a side note, it would appear hobby paint companies may have even noted a colour change recently - Hataka has a set available which has a paint included different in colour to what I had been tracking as the most recent (the old MM Sinai Grey). Given how dusty it is in most of Israel, you really can’t go too wrong with any of the modern Sinai Greys
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I used it in 1983 on my first Merkava. Loved it. SAC Bomber Tan mixed with white yielded a very similar color. As the color appeared to get darker over the years, SAC Bomber Tan uncut often looked right. It has that slightly greenish tint.
But if I wanted to post it yet again I’d bust out that photo of IDF vehicles sporting three distinct shades in the same photo.
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I forgot to mention I used to mix it with Humbrol Dark Earth.
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