RUSSIAN 4BO MODULATION SET

What color modulation is

Modulation is a procedure in which one base color is brought to life in several shades according to how the light falls on a surface. The upper surfaces are left lighter, the sides darker, and the corners and wheel arches darkest of all. A model in scale lacks the play of light that a real vehicle has, so a uniform finish on it looks flat. Graded shades make up for that shortcoming and the finished model gains depth even in a photograph.

What the 4BO shade is for

The designation 4BO belongs to the Soviet protective green, that is, the base finish of military vehicles of Soviet manufacture. In practice the shade differed from batch to batch and with wear and fading in the sun, so a set of graded tones matches how the vehicles really looked. How many shades the set contains and in what packaging is stated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Application tips

• Stir the paints thoroughly before work, as the pigment settles at the bottom.
• Work from the darkest shade to the lightest and spray the transitions softly.
• Apply in thin coats so that the surface detail stays visible.
• Do not run the transitions along the edges of the parts but according to where the light would fall.
• The thinner intended for this range and the thinning ratio are given by the manufacturer; follow them when cleaning the airbrush as well.

Who the set is for

The set suits models of Soviet and Eastern vehicles, where it forms the base finish on which the decals, the protective varnish and the grime then follow. Even a modeler trying modulation for the first time will manage it, because the shades are already graded and do not have to be mixed. Models, thinner and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.