Death Korps of Krieg Mortar team

Death Korps of Krieg - Mortar teamHello,I dared to write my first tutorial. As I think my painting is quite good I would like to share some experience and knowledge with you...for the beginning I chose an easier model - specifically the Death Korps of Krieg Mortar team designed by the Forge World company...I like their models pretty much though I have some qualifications but let's dig into this in another part. For painting this model I used the Citadel Colors from Games Workshop, Model Color and Game Color from Vallejo. I also used brushes of various width and size, superglue gel Loctite 454 and a matt varnish Genius Pro.Bases were created by Hornedrat along with other sculptors. I think this is enough for the opening words and now for the actual painting.Legend:GW - Games WorkshopFW - Forge WorldDKoK - Death Korps of KriegMC - Model Color (Vallejo)GC - Game Color (Vallejo)CC - Citadel Color (Games Workshop)
1. Unpacking and cleaningModels from FW are packed in small plastic bags which is both cool and unfitting. I would be more comfortable with a classic sprue in a paper box. After unpacking the model I was slightly negatively surprised by the quality of the model. Ignoring redundant material I am irritated by the airscrewed parts (specifically barrelsides of the mortar). But head-map and confiscated hair drier of my wife soon fixed everything.To clean the model I used a specialized model toolknife with exchangeable razors and smooth sandpaper. If you ever get to complete any model made of resin, caution is in place especially when you are separating the model parts from the frame. The above mentioned hair drier can help to soften the resin and it is better worked up.
2. UndercoatThe basic undercoating color is a Chaos Black spray from GW. Laying on the paint is too classic to be further analysed (just don't forget to work in a well ventilated area). To speed up the drying process I created a wire "tree" to which I attached the individual frames.  [pagebreak]
3. PaintingI would split the whole tutorial in two separate parts. In the first part I will pay attention to the mortar and in the second I will look closely to the crew and the accesories.
3.1. Painting the mortarTo the mortar. After glue application to the individual parts I used the Catachan Green (CC) basic color in two to three thin layers. It is better to use thin paint than dense one which could cover some details on the shape. 
3.1.1. The sights and the control features of the mortarOn the metal parts of the barrel control wheel I used Boltgun Metal (CC) as a basic paint.  Then I applied a mix of these two inks - Dark Green Ink and Black Ink (both CC) and water in proportion 1:1:4 on the wheels and the safety lock was painted. The control clique was painted by water-thinned down Black Ink (1:3). Lastly I applied a light coat of Boltgun Metal on the wheel (not on the teeth).
3.1.2. Painting the mortar bodyBecause the gun is used in various weather conditions, I wished to display this by starting corosion on several parts of the mortar. I used this method on my first DKoK model - a heavy bolter but that time I used drybrush to paint the corosion representation and the result was not good looking at all. I learned my lesson and this time I applied the Vermit Brown (CC) with a thin brush only on the edges of the weapon. The image is not very true in comparison to how cool this looks in reality.To represent the first layer of scorching on the end of the weapon barrel caused by flames when fired I used the above mentioned mix of inks and water. Second layer is made of pure Black Ink, then Chaos Black (both CC) and in the end a very light drybrush of Tin Bitz (CC). To symbolize the flaking off paint of the mortar I used a layer of Chaos Black and on the same spot I applied the Boltgun Metal (both CC). The last color arrangement I made on the mortar was a lightmost drybrush of Vermit Brown and Boltgun Metal (both CC) applied on the whole weapon. I think I made it to the finish with grace. Judge for yourself.  [pagebreak]
3.2. Painting the mortar crewNow we get to painting of one member of the crew. When I first met the new models of DKoK army, it was very clear to me, that if I ever get to painting them, it has to be done in Wehrmacht colors. Therefore I had to think up the scheme and find the right color shades. Imagine how surprised I was when I first had a chance to look on the images of DKoK army from FW and found that my scheme almost matches to the 143rd Siege Regiment's. To paint it I used more types of colors so I have made a simple list to shorten future description.
3.2.1. Undercoating colorsThis is just a simple list of colors I used to paint the model:1. Coat and trousers - Black Grey (MC), Sombre Grey (MC), Night Blue (GC) and Chaos Black (CC) in 2:2:2:32. Puttees and the mask - Graveyard Earth (CC)3. Bots, gripsack with filter and straps - Charred Brown (GC)4. Mask snout and connector of the snout to the mask - Tin Bitz (CC) and Codex Grey (CC)5. Filter clock - Ghost Grey and Gory Red (both GC)6. Helm, shoulder plates and gloves - German Grey (MC)7. The mortar grenade and metal parts of the straps - Boltgun Metal (CC)8. The collar triangle - Beasty Brown (GC)) 
3.2.2. First layer1. Coat and trousers - undercoat mix plus 2 bits of Sombre Grey (GC)2. Puttees and the mask - Desert Yellow (CC)3. Straps and everything leather - Beasty Brown (GC)4. Mask snout and connector of the snout to the mask - Shining Gold and Fortress Grey (both CC)5. The collar triangle - Snakebite Leather (GC)6. Helm and shoulder plates - light highlight of Boltgun Metal (CC)   
3.2.3. Second final layer1. Puttees - Bonewhite (GC)2. Knobs - Shining Gold (CC)3. Abrasions, sign, helm spikes and shoulder plates - Boltgun Metal (CC)4. Mortar grenade - Black Ink (CC)    I cannot provide you with the equivalent shades of various manufacturers. You have to find for yourself if you wish to use your favorite one and only. I added comparsion photos for your consideration - on the left is the model we've been painting through the course of this article and on the right is a model from Imperial Armour Vol. 5.  There are the final mortar squad.