Camouflage Profile Guide one Es eWaffen Colors Editor AMMO of Mig Jimenez S.L Design Supervision and Cover Art: Mig Jimenez Concept and Historica Jan Kubitzki Concept Development and Project Manager Carlos Cuesta Texts: Jan Kubitzki and Carlos Cuesta Rendering Artist: Claudio Fernandez Layout and Graphic Design: iLUNE.com English Translation: Riek Lawler and lain Hamilton Models: Pere Valls, Special thanks to: Thomas Hartwig, Enrique Calderon, Keyvan Nayyeri, Bill Auerbach Claudio wishes to dedicate this book to: My wife Paulina and my sons Claudio Agustin and Gabriel Tomas Jan Kubitzki wishes to dedicate this book to: ‘My gitifriend Julia who always tolerates my work and helps ‘me with my model projects with critical eyes. Also, my friends Keyvan Nayyeri and Christian Wild, Carlos wishes to dedicate this book to Jesus Miguel Perez and David San Mar pushed me In the right direction, for the day they Published in Spain Printed in Pamplona-Spain (© 2013 AMMO of Mig Jimenez S.L. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, actual or future, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers2 Waren / GERMAN COLORS / Introduction and prologue People continually search for the extraordinary in life. This, of course, does not change when it comes to modelling Whether it might be an interesting subject we search for, a rare vehicle, or an outstanding camouflage. Due to high ac- cessibilty through the internet and the fact there were thou- sands of vehicles produced and photographed in World War Il, one might find it difficult to find those examples wich stand out from the ordinary, Since this is a hobby to most of us, time available for research is limited in many cases. Furthermore, many people want to focus on building mod ls without having to spend hours searching for the perfect reference photo, Our aim is to help modellers do what they like most - build- ing models. Consisting of more than 180 color profiles, this book is intended to support the reader in finding rare, inspir- ing, and interesting subjects, without having to sacrifice a huge amount of time. Although we have attempted to com- pile an objective investigation, analysis concerning colors is, in many ways, always something subjective. Other experts may disagree with some of our color choices of course. This highly challenging task, time consuming for anyone not fa- millar with certain techniques, was not the only obstacle to ‘overcome for our team. Demands were high; it takes a great deal of dedication and expertise to generate accurate color profiles out of photos which consist of only differing shades of grey. Not to mention the fact that many Wil photo- {graphs are not of the quality people are used to nowadays. With often faded and blurry images to work with, the re- quirements to be met for this book were difficult beyond any doubt. Nevertheless, Carlos Cuesta devoted his efforts in the analysis and research of the colors displayed in this book, hoping the reader appreciates the results depicted in this publication, Thanks to endless hours of research done by Jan Kubitzki, we are able to display many different types of vehicles in the following pages, thus achieving a maximum of variety not only concerning camouflage schemes, but also the full spectrum of armor shown inside this book. Finally, Claudio Fernandez put forth a large and time consuming ef- fort to obtain the best profiles possible, with the most accu- rate colors and effects, working on some pictures for weeks, Why did we choose Waffen-SS units for the subject of this ‘book? Originally created as political security guards consist- ing of just of a few, the Waffen-SS soon grew to a formida- ble fighting force, creating the fourth branch beside Ger- rmany’s Wehrmacht. The “Leibstandarte” or "Das Reich” are ‘some of the better known formations, although there were many more, While initially consisting of strictly German citi zens, the devouring tides of war resulting in losses growing ‘0 frightening proportions, forced the high command to re- duce the initially extremely high requirements and training, ‘Wile World War Il kept constantly progressing, more and more nations were allowed to join the Waffen-SS resulting in units like the “Nordland” or the better known “Wiking” CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE During the last days of war, approximately 57% of the SS ‘were soldiers descending from many different countries. France, Romania, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Hungary and ‘even Ukrainia are just a few examples to be mentioned, al ‘though some nationalities were viewed as less reliable, The lack of ideological fanatism and intensive training of some the units not descending from Germany may be the cause. In addition, training quality in general decreased over the years of fighting due to a shortage of time and men in the field (On the other hand, some of the last soldiers fighting in Bern 1945 were Waffen-SS, highly motivated and trained units like, for example, “Charlemagne” or “Nordland” consisted of Frenchmen and Scandinavians. Their reputation for exceptional fighting skils and tough- ness went hand in hand with an unusually high death toll. Many units were almost completely obliterated during single operations, loosing up to around 90% of their strength or more. By the end of war, about 180,000 Waffen-SS soldiers were killed, 400,000 men were wounded and 70,000 were missing in action, This being said, the Waffen-SS formations ‘were often privileged when it came to supplies, with the best tanks, weapons, and gear available, such as the famous “T- ger” or the “Sturmgewehr 44” At the same time, forma- tions like the “Leibstandarte” or “Totenkopf” were favored in comparison to units like “Florian Geyer” which received lower quality vehicles, making it obvious that inside the Waffen-SS an order of priority existed as well, With training, equipment and esprit de corps being remarkably high com- pared to average formations, the Waffen-SS divisions were soon known as elite forces far beyond the borders of Germa- ny and were often used as “fire — brigades”, always fighting at the hot spots of the hard pressed German front. Hence it should be an easy guess why we decided to pick up this subject for the following publication. The wide range of vehicles available combined with often unusual camouflage patterns pre- dstinates vehicles of Waffen-SS units as an ideal topic for a book focusing on color profiles. Moreover, Germany was in many re- spects, outpacing the rest of the world in military technology and the development of combat techniques. This is particularly true ‘of German camouflage schemes, some of which influence ar- mored vehicles all over the world to this day. On a related note, the role of several SS - formations as a ‘001 of destruction during some of the darkest hours within ‘the 20th century shall not be forgotten, Despite these facts, modellers stil fee! attracted in some ways by “the dark side ‘of the moon” which is yet another reason for this topic be- ing chosen. Nevertheless, our intention was by no means to belittle the tragic occurrences during this awful time period by any means. Itis also not our intention to promote, ac- claim, or apologize for the Waffen-SS or Nazi regime at all and we want to sincerely beg pardon to those who may feel offended by this subject.As mentioned earlier in this text, the desire of the team round Mig Jimenez was to create a source of inspiration suitable for all kind of modellers. We would like to invite you to a journey in time, with tanks not only existing in different tones of faded grey. Our intention was not to publish some- thing strictly made for people focusing on historical accura cy; the idea was to create something allowing everyon take the patterns displayed where ever they want to. n this way, we hope to inspire many modelers imaginations, with projects taking their roots from somewhere within this book In summary, we are hopeful that the references included give great assistance to our dear modelling colleagues. We hope you enjoy the book as much as we have enjoyed creating it, spending many rewarding hours studying the pictures. and profiles presented to you by Mig Jimenez and our team Daniel Keyvan Nayyeri Color interpretation of the famous “TIKI” Tiger |Weffen SS GERMAN COLORS / Technical information The first step in creating Color Profiles is to correctly interpret the black and white photos. By studying historical in formation, the different intensities of gray shades, and known colors in the photo such as uniforms, wheels, Balk enkreus, and grass, we can determine the corresponding color for each shade of grey. Occasionally, environmental factors can be incorrectly interpreted as another color in the camouflage pat- tern. This is why we must also consid er and analyze the effects of light, sun position, dust, and many other factors which can alter the appearance of the vehicles colors, Finally it is important to note that of- ten it is impossible determinate wi certainty what colors appear on the ve- hicle in a black and white photo. What we can do, and have done here, is give an interpretation of the black and white image based on the information and techniques that we have available. If you have color photos, additional information, or simply find a misinter pretation referring to the renderings in this book, please do not hesitate let us know However, in the end we believe it is better to enjoy painting a subjective and uncertain interpretation than ob- sess with historical accuracy and miss the opportunity to have fun and enjoy each kit! German World War colors base on des Heeres ordinance (H.M.). orical evidence, color photos of the era, RAL catalogs and Oberkommando Waffen SS / Polizei green (in use since 1935 to 1945). H.M, 1937, 5, 137, Ne 340: Anstrich des Heeresgerdts (12 July 1937), HIM. 1943, 5, 113, Nc 181 Anstrch des Heeresgerats (18 February 1943).Comparative picture of the Waffen SS Green and the classic Dunkelgrau H.M. October 31st, 1944: Coating of Equioment of the Ground Forces; Heeresverordnung no. 52, Coating of Equioment of the Ground Forces (03 February 1945) Maschinentarbe DIN 1844, ohne offizielle Anweisung. Note: printed colors can differ from original colors due to print process. FLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 5LOL 1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler 1.55-Panzer-Division “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" also known as "LAH" or “LSSAH" was formed in 1933 by Sepp Dietrich along with 120 men handpicked by Dietrich himself. Many amongst the selected later became well known commanders, names such as Fritz Witt, Albert Frey and Kurt Meyer. As a regimental sized unit, the “LAH” fought in Poland, the Nether- lands and France. In late 1940, the “LAH was upgraded to a Brigade and saw action in Balkans in 1941 and later took part in the attack on Russia. In 1942, “LAH" was regrouped and organized as Panzer-Grenadiet-Division. In 1943, the Division took part in several key battles including Kharkov and Kursk along with other engagements before being renamed and regrouped to the status of a Panzer Division in October of 1943. After the heavy fighting during 1943/44, the “LAH” was transferred to Belgium and allowed to refresh during April 1944, and later be used in the defense of Normandy during June/ July 1944, The Division suffered Heavy losses again during the summer of 1944 in the Falaise pocket. After refreshing once again, the "LAH" Division took part in “Battle of the Bulge” during December of 1944. In February, 1945, the "LAH" was ‘once again transferred to the east were it was on to fight in Hungary during the final stages of the war. ‘An Sd.k12.232 trom LAH Regiment shorty before the war began, This example features 3 are camoutlag ‘and RAL 7017 Dunkelbraun. Ths camouflage can be dificult to cistingush in period photos du to both col photos. The color diflerences are only vsble with an excellent photograph under ideal Ighting conditions rie cm BMW R-75 sidecar in Watfen SS green color, The front ofthe sideca features the complex Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler unit symbol which was used until the invasion of France. This sym! s composed by an orate, ovelaping L, an A, and a attern consisting of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau jopearing vey similar in black and whitehe “LAH employed heavy and ight platoons of armored vehicles in Poland using four, six and eight wheeled scout cas. ll the vehicles received names asin this example named "Habict” (Goshaw), This vehicle i painted in RAL 7021, but the color appear lighter due to fading and dust Rae This Early StuG Il oF Bis one ofthe fst StuG's received by Leibstandarte during 1940, which later participated in the offensive it caries the eaty “LAH!” key insignia and an eagle head of unknown meaning. Ako visible i a smal “bul’s eye" on the let stowage and right frontal plate, The colors RAL 7021‘Tis Sd kf 72 from Lebstandarte was photographed on a Parade in France, 1940. The vices painted in Waffen SS green, a color used fo second line vehicles, However, the 3.7 em Flak 36 57 is painted RAL. 7021 which was typical for combat vehices. Most likely from the campaign in Greece, this vehicle was armed with 20mm Kwk 30 and a coaxial 7,62mm machine gun. This vehicle was used with rotable success by the reconnassance uns. Note the “key” embiem af te “LAH” as used during this period of the war, displayed onthe rear ofthe Vehicle, The vehicle is painted in RAL 7021 A Ford truck as used by the “LAH” duting 1941. Lke many SS-Divsions, the “LAH” employed dozens of elifferent cars and truck variants that had been Captured during the campaigns in Poland, France, Belgium and elsewhere, This ruck i painted in RAL 7021 and the color of canopy ta faded anc dity RAL 6006 Feldgrauan also be found onthe StuG ll shown from 1941. The An interesting etal found o symbol an eagle head y seen style of unit eb y weight tasks suchas towing the ‘88mm Fak, The colar is Waffen 55 green, Citroen 23R ambulance of the medical company Leibstandarte from an unknown place and date. This example i painted in Waffen 85 green color and Caries the Red Cross symbol. i LEGUIDE 9‘Marder iD can be seen here in use by the “LAH” This Marder was photographed in Pais, 1942, ater the unit was formed into a Panzer Grenadier Division. The Marder was used by the S-Panzerjageraotelung 1 and still wears the grey colored basecoat, the “LAH® recenved a mixture of Panzer I 021 'A Panzer V F2 from PgG “LAH upon arval in France, 1942. Now structured asa Panzer Grenadier Divs Panzer Il and I which were formed into ight and heavy platoons, The base color at this ime was stil RAL 10 caMou PR IcWeen SS / GERMAN CDRS |A Marder It H from the “LAH” ‘operating in Kharkov area during the fst manths of 1943, i recognizable bythe unit emblem in the frontal armor. Noteworthy are the 10 kill marks on the 75mm Pak 40 cannon. Base color is ory hen white wash likely apalied with chalk, ‘This Panhard was captur by "LAH" in 1940 and then used training ca fr drives. Later, i was integrated into the unit and used by the Prepaganda Kompanie in Rusia 1943, The vehice is painted In RAL 7021, over which wiite ‘camouflage has been applied with visible brushstrokes. A small “LAH” symbol can be distinguishes under the turret. A rare vehicle, the Sd Kte 247 as sen inservice with Pg “LAH operating inthe Kharkov area, 1943. With just 5B units ofthe Sd. Kz, 247 bul, this ca vas primary used by regimental staff of company commanders. Both the "Totenkop!” and "Das Rech” used them as command vehicles for Grenadier Dlatoons. This example wears a camouflage of BAL 7021 and RAL 7028 applied in handmade, hard-edged stripes. NOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 11190 “LAH” in Kharkov area, 1943. Along with the 2,55-PD “Das eich” and 2, yack the city of Kharkov in 1943, This acton marked the fist engagement of the camouflaged al vehicles with white in order to blend ito the snaw covered combat environ The base color RAL 7028 of this StuG Il can be distinguished throught faded and chipped winter camouflage. The gun shows 4 victory rings and the casemate shows unusual primer for uns. 2. G from PaO “LAH” in Kharkov area 1943. The Panzer IV aust. G was the fist German tank equipped with the 75mm KwK L/48 which alowed the ‘crew to engage enemy tanks at distances up to 1000m. The tank has a wel aped winter camouflage that does not show the usual characteristics of a field applied white wash, but rather may have been painted ata maintenance faci 12 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDEWhen SS /GERMAN COLORS / “This Panzer s fom SS-Panzer Regiment 1 of PgD “LAH” The vehicle, alongside both Panzer i and I, fought during the taking ofthe city of Kharkov in February 1943. The vehicle shows a high qualty white camouflage, possibly factory applied over RAL 7021. Examples of field applied winter camou flage are usually rougher in appearance and show mare of the base colors beneath the white pain. Panzer |v Ausf. G from PgD “LAH" in Kharkov area February 1943. This unit fought alongside “Totenkopf” and “Das Rich" dhsions and recaptured ‘kharcov in the ensuing battles. This tank receved & RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau base color and well applied winter white wash key factory applied1 Watfen 55 / GERMAN COLORS tank guns in his career Killed in action ‘on August, 8, 1944, in France, Wittmann’ first Tiger was the SO4 of PD "LAH" In Russ, 1943, This vehicle ts one ofthe first tobe paint in RAL 7028 nid war base color Notice thatthe gun has been replaced and it is painted in dak grey prime for uns, and the vehicle has received vanter camouflage Details include smoke dischargers in RAL 7021 and the impressive record of kill marks on the gu. Arare "Opel Mauitier” as used by the SSPanzerorenadier Division "LAH" during 1943. The color is Waffen SS green thew heuly wor an the engine is covered in a type of blanket for insulation The tap isin the typical RAL 600 jooden cargo compartments A Schwimmwagen Type 166 as seen in Russa, 1943, before Operation Zitadell. This vehicle, along with the So.Kf.250 and Sd.kf.251 was widely used chwwimmwagen could transport 4 fully equipped solders and had a MG 42 machine gun on 1028 inital and RAL 6003, with mud and dirt on th 4 UFLAGE PJ water ss /GERMAN COLORS Marder from Pob “LAH This vehicle is painted in intial RAL 7028 with spots of RAL. 6003. This type of scheme i often seen on th Panzer i, Vand Panther during the Bate of Kursk, Other vehicies from tis unit can be seen in dark yellow without camouflage. Notice how e the dust partly covers the camouflage, especially on the lower areas ofthe superstructure Gaile in the area of Kursk, July 1943 from PgD “LAH” The "LAH" used ths vehicle forthe first time inthe Kharkov battle, February 1943. Together with Halfracs, these vehicles were used with great success by Kamofgruppe Peipe. An individual from” LAH” named Werner Kindler ssid to have destroyed two F-34/76 during the battle for Kursk wth a handful of sats from a distance of 1000m without the se of sighs. J]OUFLAGE PROFILE GUIDE 15Panzerbeobachtungswagen I from the PgD "LAH" Kuisk area during the summer offensive. Carving onbftwo MG 348 for defense, this mounted dumniy cannons made from wood allowing for more room ta cary additonal radio equipment. [Sase colori thelial Dunkel ‘wth a pattern of stipes and dots of Schokobraun, Many tanks of” LAH” ao used Olin forthe camodfiage patter, ‘This Sturngeschitz I Aust. Gis ikely rom PgD “LAH” during the battle of Kursk. This StuGhs camouflage consists of ital RAL 7028 basecoat anda pat tem of BAL 8017 Schokobraun stipes Kursk camouflage that can alo be sen on the Ferdinand, Panther and Panzer Il & IV of the same time peri, Panzer IV H (eat) from PqD “LAH during Kursk operations. In ation to the one company equipped with Tiger tanks, the “LAH used a varity of rks at Kursk including anger il and Panzer IV in both short and lang bareled versions. The elaborated 055 numeral shows that it probably a bata mn leading tank. Colors are RAL intial 7028 and RAL. 6003, 16paaeeareecmat (One ofthe Kharkov Veterans is this Tiger from the PgD "LAH" in 1943, This Tigers painted in RAL 7028 and RAL 6003. This example has only the brackets forthe smoke dischargers, these ae mising, Visble is the orginal number in black and Balkenkreuz in white. Unique details ince the Feit! fiters on the back ofthe chassis and the old stowage box Tiger from” LAH" in Kursk, Juy, 1943, During the Kurs pletekompapy of Tiger I tanks, of which onl the) enced a singe loss. although some accounts incorectl state this number at mare than a dozen his vehicle was painted in RAL 7028 ina flagedin stripes of RAL 6003, The crew later added brush stokes of RAL 8017 to the hull, al ‘A Pz.Befehlswagen Il rom “LAH” as seen in tay, 1943, Ths vehicle i stil wearing the numbers from Kursk operations, white and black outer ines that ‘were typical for tanks ofthat unit from that time and area. When in aly, the unit received anew syle and color for ther numbers and letters; most with white outines and red or black interiors, RAL 7028 intl aight RAL 6003 and RAL 8017, v7ee waren SS / GERMAN COLORS/ ‘An Sd 2.2501 (alt), taly, 1943 in use by the Fg “LAH” This vehicle, seen here a couple of weeks after Battle of Kursk and is probably one of the Suvwors of the SS-Panzergrenadie Battalion, RAL 7028 inital and RAL 6003. ‘A Panzer IV H from PgD "LAH", italy 1943, When deployed tly, the"LAH" controled many strategic postions inthe north and wes involved with the process of disarming the talian nts in that area after aly surtender. This camouflage shows typical colors of 1943: Inal RAL 7028, 6003 and 8017 [interesting how dust onthe lower ateas work to blend and cover the colors. By 4 REC LES S {A'SdKf2. 10 from 1.55-PD "LAH" operating in Ukraine, Zhitomir area during November, 1943 after the refit in tal Thishalftrack features afield moat Caton to mount 5 cm Pak 38 gun for mobile anti-tank purposes, is painted RAL 7028 inital Dunkelgelb and RAL 6003 Olvgrin, 18 CAMOUFLAGE PROFILE GUIWen SS / GERMAN COLORS/ ‘A somewhat rare Sc kf2.234/2 “Puma” as seen in use bythe SS-Aufklrungsabt. 1, 1.SS-PD "LAH" in Nocmandy 1944, This was ti} only SS unit that received the Puma with 16 yehicles being delivered in total ter Normandy there were sil 8 in use by “LAH, some were seen laf in the Ardennes offensive, The 2.5S-PD"Das Reich” received 2 prototypes ofthe Pura in late 1943, RAL 7028, RAL B017 and RAL 6003, Le Gite with 15cm SIG used by “LAH” in Normandy. The emblem of a soldier onthe left side of the structure is from “Lotlampen Battalion” (55-Panzer jer battalion 1) and yes used for the ist time ina counterattack for Kharkov by famous leader Joachim Peer. The Bataion was ater formed to a Regiment and alsa fought hr the Normandy area and later in Ardennes. Colors are RAL 7028 Ita, RAL 6003 and RAL 8017 anther A ate) from 1.55-PD “LAH" in Normandy 1944, Notice the unoffical unit emblem, a jumping Panther, which was painted in an area missing the Zimmerit, This Panther has the typical 3 tone camouflage seen in Normandy, consisting of RAL 7028 Initial, RAL 8017 and RAL 6003,Waren SS GERMAN COLORS / (One ofthe Panthers from 1.SS-PD “LAH” can be seen here, The Panthers are missing numbers and Divisional markings and have an unusual camoutiage ‘Of RAL 7028 initial, RAL 6003 and RAL 8017 that looks more lke the cemouflage Generally used onthe Puma. The SS-Panzer Regiment 1 lost mast fits anger lV and Panthers in Normandy. JagelpanzerIW/L70 from SS-Panzerjageraat, | as used by Kampfaruppe Krittel nthe Ardennes Offensive. This Abteilung used the Jagdpanzer IV and StuG it curing the Offensive along with Grenadiers from SS-Paner Grenadier Batalion This Jagdpanzer wears the rare "Disc patter” in RAL 7028 version’ 44 DG, RA. 6003 and RAL 8012 ‘A Panther G late production destroyed in the Ardennes in December 1944, Ths Panther was from the 1.S-PanzerDivsion "LAH" and was knocked out 1 La-Gleize area by Ak gun fe. The tank wears the “dsc pattern” In RAL 7028, RAL 6011 and RAL 8012. 20 iWen SS GERM ‘an exemple of alte Panther G from 1.55-PD “LAH as seen during Ardennes offensive. It wears a factory applied thre tone camouflage in the war Colors of RAL 7028, RAL 601, and RAL 8012. Notice the white sihouette of the numbers i interrupted ino sections. After along trip from the Falaise pod Aachen during winter 1944-45, (is interesting note thatthe vehicle had an "LAH" unit insignia along with a Wehrmacht bense plate. RAL 7028 Inia and RAL 6003, This Panther G from 1.55-P0 “LAH” was photographed in Gran (Hungary) during 1845. The vehicle took pat inane ofthe counterattacks in which the “LAH” suffered hea losses, This Panther wears a factory applied three tone camouflage scheme in RAL 7028 DGll, RAL BO13 and RAL 6003. The crew as peinted white camouflage markings over this base