Steel and Tracks 1

Hello everyone,

We’re pleased to present the very first article in the Steel and Tracks series. These articles will showcase color schemes for tanks and vehicles in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Whether inspired by existing sources or entirely original, these camouflage patterns will be presented in a style reminiscent of the classic Imperial Armour books from Forge World.

The goal of this series is twofold: to enrich the narrative universe of Warhammer 40K while offering you practical suggestions for choosing color schemes for your armies. To this end, we will provide color palettes based on the Games Workshop range, allowing you to recreate the camouflage patterns illustrated in each article.

For convenience, we’ve chosen to use paint references from the GW range. However, we’re open to your suggestions regarding other paint lines, which could complement our selection. Feel free to reach out to us in the article comments to share your preferred paints or even your original color schemes — they may be featured in a future Steel and Tracks article.

Leman Russ Demolisher of the 122nd Cadian Regiment – Khai-Zan Uprising [968.M41]

This heavy assault tank belonged to the 122nd Cadian Regiment, deployed during the Khai-Zan uprising in [968.M41]. It took part in the brutal urban fighting that ravaged the city of Vogen, before ultimately being destroyed by a lascannon strike in the narrow alleys of the industrial district. Its sacrifice, however, helped slow the advance of rebel forces, granting valuable respite to entrenched infantry units in the area.

To replicate the typical camouflage of this regiment, we recommend using ‘The Fang’ and ‘Mechanicus Standard Grey’ from the Citadel paint range. This combination of cool greys, enhanced with contrasting unit markings, reflects both the disciplined Cadian military aesthetic and the harsh realities of urban warfare.

Leman Russ Exterminator Gryphonne IV Pattern of the 33rd König, named “Armageddon” – Banna Desert Offensive [861.M41]

This tank was the personal vehicle of Tank Commander Hermann Benker, used during the Banna Desert offensive in [861.M41]. Benker distinguished himself by orchestrating a crucial diversion that enabled the reconquest of the planet.

To replicate the camouflage of the 33rd König, we recommend using ‘Karak Stone’, ‘Skrag Brown’ (or ‘Bestial Brown’), and ‘Loren Forest’ from the Citadel paint range. This palette reflects the arid desert environment and the thorny shrublands of the regiment’s homeworld.

Tank Hunter Destroyer of the 331st Tallarn Regiment – Taros Campaign [998.M41]

This vehicle belonged to the 331st Tallarn Regiment, deployed during the Taros campaign in [998.M41]. Its crew was decorated after destroying a Tau Tiger Shark that threatened the Imperial artillery positions, which were particularly exposed at the time. Their intervention helped secure a strategic segment of the front, preventing a major enemy breakthrough.

To replicate the typical camouflage of the 331st Tallarn, we recommend using the colors ‘Ushabti Bone’ along with a blend of 75% ‘Karak Stone’ and 25% ‘Ratskin Flesh’. This warm, dusty color scheme perfectly evokes the desert environments where the Tallarn forces excel.

Don’t missed to support us on PATREON!

Questions, ideas, spelling error or just want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below! And if you enjoy our work, a little support would help us keep creating more and more content.

See you soon!