Sd.Kfz.223	Tamiya, 1/35 scale
by Dr Hilton de Mello e Oliveira

Description

Here is my diorama featuring hand applied mud camouflage on a D.A.K. Sd.Kfz 223

Leafing through the Squadron/Signal Publications “Panzer Colors” I decided to build a D.A.K. vehicle with unusual camouflage, something to create some controversy (debate) with my fellows modelers in the next IPMS contest in my region.

That was about 15 years ago. The kit I selected for this project was the first issue of the Tamiya Sd.Kfz 223, in 1/35 scale.

Controversy - I had a lot. Some people said “Why is somebody bringing this odd model, so badly and crudely brush painted, to a contest"

Tamiya's 1/35 scale Sd.Kfz.223 was built straight from the box, with some extra gear installed on the outside, and a roll of wire made from electric cord.

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Thumbnail panels:

Painting

I used Tamiya dark grey matt acrylic for the main external camouflage color.
Tires, exausts and minor parts also painted with Tamiya acrylics.

The Mud

I mixed a light sand enamel with baby powder (my 17 years old daughter was a baby by that time). Applied with an old brush, it sticks very well to the model surface!

To simulate wear and abrasions caused by handling the turret and doors, or by vegetation on the sides of the vehicle, I removed the “mud” from the edges and corners with a tooth pick and a soft cloth.