US Army Olive Drab

The color

Olive Drab is a subdued olive green with a brown cast, and for decades it was the base shade of the United States Army. Ground vehicles wore it from trucks through guns to tanks, and so did crates, jerrycans, tarpaulins and personal equipment. On the real machines the shade behaved in a lively way: in the sun it faded toward gray, while after rain and after a wipe with a rag it darkened, so that two vehicles of the same unit looked different.

Where it is useful

The paint serves above all as the overall base of vehicles and artillery. Because the real subject was a single color, it is precisely the work with the shade that decides the result. Bring the surface to life with lighter and darker tones according to the size of the panels, lay a dark wash into the corners, give the edges a light drybrush and add dust and mud toward the ground. It also suits equipment and the small things on a diorama that are meant to belong with the vehicle in color.

• a modeling paint in the US Army Olive Drab shade
• the Orange Line of the Hataka brand, the manufacturer part number HTK-C065
• the base shade of American army vehicles and equipment
• the thinner intended for this line according to the manufacturer instructions
• suitable as the overall base of vehicles and for small parts

How to work with the paint

Shake the bottle thoroughly before use, as settled pigment otherwise covers unevenly. Choose the thinner, the thinning ratio and the cleaning of tools according to the manufacturer instructions on the packaging, and use the thinner intended for this line. Apply it in several light coats instead of one heavy one, so that the surface detail stays legible. Wash and degrease the area before painting. Work in a well ventilated space and close the container carefully after use.

Terms of supply

The paint alone is supplied. The model, thinner, brushes and other shades are not included, unless stated otherwise.