Another Matilda Question

[coolhand]

Hi,

About to start on Tamiya's 1/35 Matilda. After various ideas involving converting it into an BEF or Australian machine, I now fancy a more straight forward build, in a desert scheme. I want to build a non Cauter scheme machine and was wondering what the correct paint is for a single colour scheme. The period I want to depict is North Africa before the German intervention. Also looking for recommendations for aftermarket decals for this type scheme, all I have been able to track down are ones for Cauter scheme machines

 

Many thanks

 

Andy

[coolhand]

Sorry.

It seems I've asked this question before (brain like sieve!!!!!!) and therefore know the answer should be Light Stone or possibly Portland Stone. Might have to model a slightly later period too!! Would still like info on the decals please.

 

Andy

[Kingsman]

For a single colour I believe that Light Stone would be most appropriate after the Caunter era.  I'm not sure any Matildas were in Egypt in the pre-Caunter era when Portland Stone might be appropriate.

 

As for markings, you may need to make these up from generic sets of Divisional, AOS and tactical markings from the likes of Archer, or Accurate Armour if they have any left.  As you say, the pre-prepared British sets seem to be all Caunter.

[JackG]

Matildas arrived at Port Said on September 24th 1940.  

 

https://4and7royaltankregiment.com/1940-1941/

 

 

 

[Kingsman]

That's quick considering that 4 and 7 RTR were virtually wiped out in France in May 1940 and pretty much the rest of 1st Armoured Division by June.  But Matilda production was in full swing although slow to ramp up and only 16 had been available for the BEF.  Those tanks are likely to be Khaki Green 3 from the contrast with other things in the picture.  Yet to be repainted.

 

Looking through Mike Starmer's booklets it seems that Portland Stone was never actually authorised as a single base colour.  Light Stone 62 had been specified as the base colour as early as 1938.  The Caunter colours were ordered in March 1940 and being trialled in May 1940.  Light Stone was re-confirmed as the base colour in late November 1940 by GO297, which introduced the Caunter colours.  So those tanks would be about to be painted with 2 coats of Light Stone.  However if they were to be "Cauntered" then the Khaki Green could be retained instead of Slate - but I can't see them sitting around for 2 months before painting.  Portland Stone was apparently allowed as an alternative in the Caunter scheme.  Caunter was cancelled in December 1941 but hung around for a while.

 

Matildas were still around as late as Alamein almost a year later, by which time they might in theory have been Dark Green over Light Stone.  But I have yet to see a photo of one in such a scheme.  There are plenty of photos of plain ones.

[Mike Starmer]

The 1938 base colour was Mid Stone No.62 with 'dark sand' stripes over that.  Pictures of Matildas in 1942 show some with dark areas as mottles or large wheels front and back on sides with other patches between them and on the turret. I cannot pot images here.  Otherwise they were plain Light Stone No.61 including the trials Scorpion versions and those at the training unit in the Canal Zone according to a chap I knew in 44 RTR at the time.  Mail me at mikestarmer18 at gmail dot com,  subject Matilda tank  then i can send images.

[Kingsman]

FYI as a guide from an original BS381 1930 swatch book.  These swatches are gloss, and so perhaps appear slightly darker.  They were also slightly curled with age.  Note the slighly paler sections along the top and bottom edges of each where the reflectance has changed.

[coolhand]

Thanks for all the info guys