Quick answer
Paint the M109 A2 in the NATO three-color scheme for the US Army Europe REFORGER 85 option, or in the green and black scheme carried by the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery option. Build the hull and running gear first, then paint the large side panels before adding the tracks and tools. The 2025 edition includes decals for both versions, so decide which one you are building before you start.
M109 A2
Which colors does the M109 A2 need?
The kit does not include paint, so you need to buy it separately. For the US Army Europe REFORGER 85 version, use the standard NATO palette: a dark green base, a brown disruptive band, and a black disruptive band. For the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery version, use a green base with black disruptive bands. Check the box or instructions for the exact color numbers, because Revell sometimes updates its recommended list between editions.
Should you paint before or after assembly?
Assemble the hull, turret, and gun as separate sub-assemblies first. Then paint each sub-assembly before you join them. This makes it easier to reach the inside of the fighting compartment and the area behind the tracks. Leave the road wheels and tracks off until the hull is painted, because the running gear is hard to mask once it is fitted.
How do you apply the decals without silvering?
Apply a gloss clear coat before decals. The 2025 edition includes decals for the REFORGER 85 exercise in Fulda, Germany, September 1985, and for the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, 7th Armored Brigade. Cut each decal close to the artwork, soak it in lukewarm water, and slide it onto a drop of setting solution. Press out trapped air with a soft brush, then seal with another clear coat once everything is dry.
What finish should the M109 A2 have?
Self-propelled howitzers in the field are usually dusty and matte, not glossy. Use a matte or satin clear coat over the whole model. If you want a slightly worn look, dry-brush a light earth tone over the tracks and lower hull after the clear coat has cured. Keep the finish thin, because thick clear coats can soften the decal edges.
How much experience does this kit need?
The M109 A2 is a detailed military vehicle kit, so it suits builders who have already finished at least one or two models. The kit does not include glue, brushes, or paint, so you need those separately. If you are buying your first military model, a starter set such as the Starter kit Corvette C3 is a lower-risk way to learn the basics before you move on to a tracked vehicle.
M109 A2 finishing checklist
Choose one marking option first
The 2025 edition covers a US Army Europe REFORGER 85 vehicle and a 40th Regiment Royal Artillery vehicle. Pick one before you paint, because the disruptive patterns differ. Write the option name on a sticky note and keep it with the instructions.
Test the paint on a hidden area
Spray or brush a small amount of your chosen green, brown, and black on the inside of the hull before you commit to the visible surfaces. Adjust thinning and pressure before you touch the exterior.
Seal the decals last
After the decals have dried for at least 24 hours, apply a thin matte clear coat to lock them in and unify the finish. Do not handle the model heavily for another day after sealing.
Product facts
- Model set M109 A2: Model kit of the M109A2 self-propelled howitzer, the improved version of the US artillery classic with higher rates of fire and better targeting systems. The improved M109A2 details are the reason the kit has more small parts than a basic artillery model, so plan extra painting time.
- Model set M109 A2: 2025 edition with decals for an M109 A2 of an unknown unit (US Army Europe) at NATO Exercise REFORGER 85, Central Guardian, Fulda, Germany, September 1985, and for an M109 A2 of the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, 7th Armored Brigade. You can build either a US Army Europe or a British Royal Artillery vehicle, so choose the paint scheme before you start.
- Starter kit Corvette C3: Starter kit Corvette C3 includes basic colors, glue, and brushes. If you are new to painting, this set gives you the supplies the M109 A2 kit does not include.
