A random modeling question

[SoCalBobS]

A have a question regarding the pioneer tools (shovel, pickaxe, breaker bar, etc.) on our models, particularly on WW2 vehicles. What colors were they on the original vehicles? I've seen them painted over with the vehicle color, usually on vehicles in museums and such. I've seen them presented as bare metal and wood. Sometimes the metal is painted, but the wood is not, and vice versa. As they are used, I'm sure paint rubs off and rust can set in, so there is a mix. If the wood is left unpainted, is it a light color like ash, or is it stained dark? Museum displays aren't necessarily accurate, and most photos are black and white, or artificially colorized.

Inquiring minds want to know!

[tank_me]

I did the same research last year. Simple answer is...yes. Depending on who made them or the unit, some were wooden color handles and some were completely painted tank color. There really isn't any wrong answer. Some of the wood was light colored and some dark depending on the manufacturer. Some of the tools were bare metal and some were painted.

[SoCalBobS]

I did the same research last year. Simple answer is...yes. Depending on who made them or the unit, some were wooden color handles and some were completely painted tank color. There really isn't any wrong answer. Some of the wood was light colored and some dark depending on the manufacturer. Some of the tools were bare metal and some were painted.

Cool! I enjoy some artistic license, so contrasting or standout colors are always tempting. Thanks.

[Meter Rat]

If you want some more variety. The handles of the wire cutters would be dull red/brown, as they were made from Backerlite.

[tank_me]

If you want some more variety. The handles of the wire cutters would be dull red/brown, as they were made from Backerlite.

Yes for German vehicles. I guess my answer was more toward US vehicles.

[rb67mustang]

A have a question regarding the pioneer tools (shovel, pickaxe, breaker bar, etc.) on our models, particularly on WW2 vehicles. What colors were they on the original vehicles? I've seen them painted over with the vehicle color, usually on vehicles in museums and such. I've seen them presented as bare metal and wood. Sometimes the metal is painted, but the wood is not, and vice versa. As they are used, I'm sure paint rubs off and rust can set in, so there is a mix. If the wood is left unpainted, is it a light color like ash, or is it stained dark? Museum displays aren't necessarily accurate, and most photos are black and white, or artificially colorized.

Inquiring minds want to know!

That's a great question, Bob. Tank me answered well. I think most tools like that used hickory for the wood due to its strength and I'll bet it was unfinished. I'd say the same for the steel. The US Army needed so many sets of pioneer tools, and that's why I think they were unfinished.

Consider the cost of a Tommy Gun, compared to the Greese Gun. I'll bet Tommy Gun protection was lower after the cheaper Greese Gun became available.

How you detail the tools is up yo you, there's no wrong way to do it, as Tank me said.

[tdriver113]

Found this online, from May of 87, but the instructions would be the same for previous years.

[SoCalBobS]

Ah, the old "if it moves, salute it. If it doesn't, paint it". Seriously though, it is the most reasonable information.

[RichJohnson]

Depends on how the contract spelled it out. WWII pioneer tools came raw wood and painted both. Same with post war all the way through current time. I’ve seen them in CARC 383 green, 686 sand and just plain wood and black. Just not raw silver or chromed steel like Home Depot would have.

[keilau]

Depends on how the contract spelled it out. WWII pioneer tools came raw wood and painted both. Same with post war all the way through current time. I’ve seen them in CARC 383 green, 686 sand and just plain wood and black. Just not raw silver or chromed steel like Home Depot would have.

RichJohnson ,Can you quote me for the metal tracks set below:

1/16 Metal winter track for Leopard 2A6

Product Code: CS-0005
Brand: DKLMRC
Product Condition: New
Units in Stock: 2
weight: 1400.0g

$87.40

[DK] 1/16 Metal winter track for Leopard 2A6

[SoCalBobS]

Can you quote me for the metal tracks set below:

1/16 Metal winter track for Leopard 2A6

Product Code: CS-0005
Brand: DKLMRC
Product Condition: New
Units in Stock: 2
weight: 1400.0g

$87.40

[DK] 1/16 Metal winter track for Leopard 2A6

?

[keilau]

?

Sorry, SoCalBobS . The message is to Rich Johnson. I went to his website and found that there was no email link to him. So I borrow your thread to contact him.

[SoCalBobS]

Recommend you use the private messaging system. Find one of his posts and tap the envelope icon.

[keilau]

Recommend you use the private messaging system. Find one of his posts and tap the envelope icon.

Yes, PM is the proper forum to use. Unfortunately for me, some of the features on this forum stopped working after I upgraded to Windows 11. I tried to start a new message in PM, but the recipient window is missing. I apologize again for borrowing your thread.

[MrChef]

I remembered your post here Bob while I was looking at my reference picture collection. My opinion is that it's the modelers preference. But Here are some pics of I have of Tiger 131 showing the metal parts on all the tools painted up the same as the base coat of the tank. In this instance it is RAL 8000. Now this particular tank was painstakingly refurbished following all of the notes and known history of the tank. That being said they could also have just painted the tools according to what they at the museum desired as many museums do. But I think with what is known about Tiger 131 and the extreme efforts that were taken in it's renovation they more than likely followed what was originally done. Which also makes sense since dark metal would just stand out against the basecoat.


This first picture was during 131's most recent and accurate refit and refinish.
This above picture also shows the eternal question as to what color the inside of the hatches were painted. In this case again basecoat and Not white as many do.
This picture is much more recently IIRC Fall 2025.

I subscribe to artists license personally for my tanks and of course there are many examples to choose from. One thing that Does stand out for me is specifically when WWII German armor was field camouflage painted it is highly unlikely that the crews and support teams removed all tools and details especially towing and track cables. But I digress....