The Little World

Camouflage is meant to fool you into seeing something that is not there or stop you from seeing something that is. Think of it as colourful lying for a good purpose, as opposed to most political promises. It’s found on every battleground, ocean, or sky. Unfortunately it is also found in the scale model exhibition.

I say unfortunately with my tongue in my cheek because camouflage painting is the point of many of our builds. We study colour call-outs, reference books, Google, and other people’s models to get ideas. We mask with anything from cello tape to jelly snakes and mix paints as if each attempt did not cost yet another $ 5.00. And many of us are successful with the matt spray varnish – so successful that the blessed model disappears in front of us.

Actually, it’s still there, but as far as the show goer or casual observer knows, it is only a small lump of grey or brown on the tablecloth. Part of them knows it is 101% authentic and the rest of them passes on to look at the candy-apple red manga robot. The only way you can get the show-goer’s attention for your perfect Sherman tank in 1944 winter camo is to fire a shell at them.

The same might be said about the settings for the models. I’m still not sure whether we do better with a dull and uniform display table or a colourful one. And signage can make all the difference – I think it is always better to have more for the public to read than less. Any writing that can be seen keeps the viewer there for that much longer. Just beware of typo errors in the signage. One mistake will be thrown at you repeatedly throughout the entire exhibition. Everyone’s a critic.

If we want to really educate ourselves about camouflage we should pay more attention at car shows or military displays when the Australian Army rolls their vehicles up. Most of the soldiers consider it’s probably an advantage not to be shot at and are prepared to put some effort in with a paint brush to avoid it. You have to go with their judgement on this.