Vallejo Soviet VVS Paint Set 71.197 (1941–1943 Air Colors)
Painting Soviet aircraft from the early years of the “Great Patriotic War” needs more than one green and one underside blue. Vallejo Soviet VVS Paint Set 71.197 gives scale modelers an 8-color Model Air palette developed for Soviet Air Force camouflage schemes used from June 1941 through 1943, covering the transition into the main wartime VVS color combinations on the Eastern Front.
This set is especially useful for Soviet fighters, light bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and early-war subjects inspired by aircraft such as the MiG-3, LaGG-3, Yak series, Il-2, and other VVS aircraft from the 1941–1943 period. The palette combines greens, blue-grey underside tones, black, white, and highlight colors, giving you a practical base for camouflage, undersides, interiors, panel variation, scale fading, and weathered operational finishes.
Included Colors
| Vallejo Reference | Color Name | Useful Hobby Role |
|---|---|---|
| 71.410 | AII Zashchitnyi Camouflage Green | Main Soviet green camouflage tone and upper surface modulation |
| 71.301 | AMT-4 Camouflage Green | Wartime camouflage green for aircraft upper surfaces and tonal variation |
| 71.303 | A-24M Camouflage Green | Secondary green variation for layered Soviet aircraft camouflage |
| 71.251 | NATO Black | Black camouflage areas, tires, shadows, preshading, and dark detail work |
| 71.317 | AII SV. Gol Light Blue | Light blue underside tone for classic Soviet aircraft schemes |
| 71.318 | AMT-7 Greyish Blue | Greyish blue underside color for wartime VVS aircraft and faded panels |
| 71.319 | A-28M Greyish Blue | Alternative blue-grey tone for undersides, modulation, and tonal variation |
| 71.001 | White | Highlights, winter effects, markings, scale fading, and color lightening |
Why Modelers Choose Vallejo Soviet VVS Paint Set 71.197
-
Focused 1941–1943 VVS palette
Built for Soviet aviation schemes from the start of the “Great Patriotic War” through the turning point period of the Eastern Front. -
Useful green and blue-grey range
Includes several camouflage greens and underside blues so modelers can avoid flat, single-tone aircraft finishes. -
Airbrush-ready Model Air formula
Designed for smooth airbrush application, controlled layering, and fine coverage on scale aircraft. -
Strong support for weathered aircraft finishes
NATO Black and White help with preshading, fading, highlights, winter effects, markings, shadows, and subtle scale contrast. -
Practical for multiple Soviet aircraft subjects
Useful for fighters, ground-attack aircraft, reconnaissance types, light bombers, and early-war aviation dioramas.
Beyond the Label
Vallejo Soviet VVS Paint Set 71.197 is not just a box-art color match. The greens can be layered to create panel variation, field-applied camouflage differences, sun fading, and factory finish variation across different aircraft. The blue-grey tones help keep undersides from looking too bright or toy-like, especially on smaller scales, while White and NATO Black give you control over contrast, preshading, highlights, and worn operational effects.
For 1/72 scale aircraft, keep the contrasts soft and controlled so the model does not look patchy. For 1/48 scale projects, you can push the modulation slightly more with thin passes of AII Zashchitnyi Camouflage Green, AMT-4, A-24M, AMT-7, and A-28M, building the finish gradually instead of forcing the camouflage in one heavy coat.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Vallejo reference | 71.197 |
| SKU format | 71197 |
| EAN / Barcode | 8429551711975 |
| Range | Vallejo Model Air |
| Set contents | 8 acrylic colors |
| Bottle size | 8 x 17 ml / 0.57 fl oz |
| Paint type | Water-based acrylic |
| Finish | Matte |
| Format | Eyedropper bottles |
| Primary use | Soviet VVS 1941–1943 aircraft camouflage |
| Application | Airbrush-ready paint for scale models and miniatures |
| Recommended surfaces | Primed plastic, resin, and metal model surfaces |
Pro Tips from the Studio
| Requirement | Expert Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Recommended PSI | Start around 15–20 PSI and adjust based on your airbrush, needle size, and distance from the model |
| Thinning | Model Air can often be sprayed directly, but Vallejo Airbrush Thinner can help with finer control and smoother transitions |
| Flow Control | Add a small amount of Vallejo Flow Improver if you experience tip dry during longer sessions |
| Surface Prep | Apply over a clean, primed surface so the greens, blues, black, and white sit evenly |
| Layering | Build camouflage with thin coats instead of heavy passes to preserve panel lines, rivets, and raised detail |
| Cleaning | Flush the airbrush with Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner between colors to reduce residue and color contamination |
Expert Tip for 1941–1943 VVS Aircraft
For a 1941–1943 Soviet aircraft, start with the main green camouflage tone, then use a second green in thin passes to create subtle panel variation and scale fading. Keep the underside blue-grey clean but not overly bright by adding controlled shading around panel lines, recesses, and fabric areas. Use NATO Black carefully for camouflage contrast, tires, preshading, and deeper shadows, then use White in small amounts for highlights, faded panels, winter effects, or markings.
Safety Note: Contains preservatives that may produce an allergic reaction. Always follow the product label, use in a ventilated area, avoid contact with eyes, and keep paint containers closed when not in use.