Introduction

I am back again with yet another look at one of Vallejo’s new paint sets that are a part of their AFV Painting System Series; German Red Oxide (Oxid Rot). As with most of the AFV Series set, there is six 8 ml/0.27 fl.oz. bottles of paint put together to allow the modeler to paint a theme on a model start to finish.

Contents

• 601 Imprimación Gris (Grey Primer)
• 039 Hull Red
• 041 Rotbraun RAL8017
• 253 1a Light
• 105 Braun RLM26
• 522 – Satin Varnish

Review

German Red Oxide was a thick dark red primer coat used on military vehicles during WWII. When the Red Oxide Primer coat was left exposed to the elements, the color would darken and fade depending on the conditions it was subjected to. The AFV Painting System: German Red Oxide (Oxide Rot) paint set allows color variation to show such darkening and fading of the paint on your model.

As part of the review, especially when it comes to paints, I like to be able to show the products in use. This give a good representation of what the products will work and look like and help to point out the finer points and any less than desirable results if any. I happen to have a model on the shelf that fits the bill for the oxide finish; Dragon’s Armor Pro VK.45.02(P)V in 1/72. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to review that kit and a link can be found at the end of this review. Not the best 1/72nd scale kit on the market for this subject but certainly worthy of a little paint to help it on its way. So, onto some painting!

On the back of the box there is printed the step by step instructions that will help guide the modeler in painting the Red Oxide finish to their model. Starting with Vallejo’s Grey Primer, you are asked to lay down a primer base coat before painting your model. As to be expected, Vallejo’s Grey Primer sprays cleanly and leaves a nice smooth surface for the next stages.

All of the colors for this set are from the Vallejo Model Color Line of paints. The first color the instruction call for to be used is the 039 Hull Red. This deep red brown color is to be sprayed into the corners, panel lines and lower end of the model. These are areas that would typically be darker and this application acts as a pre-shade step.

The next step involves laying down a light coat of 041 Rotbraun RAL8017 slightly covering the darker first application and moving out into the open panel sections. There is no need to completely cover the panels at this time as the next steps will fill in the empty sections.

The third color, 253 1a Light is used to fill in most of those blank spots as well as lighten the horizontal panels to give the fading variation seen with weathering. This color can be applied somewhat randomly as you see fit or in a modulation effect to show direction and appearance of the source of light.

The final stage of paint in this set is 105 Braun RLM26. This is the lightest shade to be used and would be best applied to the horizontal panels and to highlight the prominent features that stand out on the piece. This color can be applied with the airbrush; however, pinpoint application can be done with a fine tipped paint brush to add variation on points of interest in the painting.

To finish everything off, this set comes with 522 Satin Varnish to seal the work you have done. Satin Varnish is an ideal sealer to be used prior to not only decal applications but an excellent base for subsequent weathering applications.

Conclusion

Well, I have said before and I will say it again, these all inclusive sets are great! Everything needed to obtain a realistic red oxide finish in in the AFV Painting System: German Red Oxide (Oxid Rot) set of paints. These sets are perfect for anyone but especially for those who are tired of mixing paints and/or buying several different jars of paints all in the effort to gain a multi-tonal finish to their paint job.

I realize color is a subjective viewpoint and these colors may not match exactly what some individuals would call a red oxide finish; however, they are real close. It is far easier to add a drop of white, black, orange or whatever color you choose to slightly tint the colors to a shade that will please most builders. The tones shift slightly in this set depending on the coverage of the darker first applications. I painted the 1/72 VK with a darker approach as I seen this as the unused experimental vehicle it was. If you ease back the darker shading, the lighter after coats will be brighter and appear to be more faded in nature.

I do feel that Vallejo could have added one complete shade lighter of a color, possibly to almost a red orange color or even red pink to offset the shading a bit more, but again, this can be obtained by a drop or two of any lighter acrylic colors to shift the tones.

All in all, the AFV Painting System: German Red Oxide (Oxid Rot) set is a solid buy at a great price from around $17.99. With a little searching, this set is available for a couple dollars less. The quality of the paints and the value of the AFV Painting System Sets is spot on!

Related reviews

Dragon’s Armor Pro VK.45.02(P)V Live links