Panzer Colors. Camouflage of the German Panzer Forces 1939-45 vol. 1

Many of the variations in colors and patterns on World War II German vehicles were caused by variations in the paints (almost unavoidable in wartime), and, to a much greater extent, differences in the way the paints were applied. The normal (ideal) method of applying virtually all paint was by using a standard spray gun. Most tanks and heavy vehicles even had engine-driven compressors to provide the needed air pressure for pairting. In most situations, individual vehicle crews were responsible for painting their equipment. While in some newly formed (or elite) units, the commanding officer would order a «standard» pattern of colors (if more than one shade was in use), this was not common, and in most German formations, there were vast differences in the patterns of vehicles, even within a single company or platoon.