Now I could finally start painting the little vehicles. Some people glue them to the head of a nail to handle them while painting. I tried it, and quickly decided not to bother.
I gave them a basecoat of Vallejo Russian Green.
I mixed the base colour with a little Vallejo Iraqi Sand, and drybrushed the vehicles with the mixture. Lastly, almost pure Iraqi Sand was drybrushed on the miniatures. I wanted a lot of contrast so the details would be visible in these tiny models.
The tires on the BTRs were painted Vallejo Black Grey, and the exhausts were rusted out with GW Vermin Brown (not too realistic, but it adds some colour).
The tracks on the tanks were painted Vallejo Hull Red, and the bottom, sides and fenders were drybrushed Vallejo U.S. Field Drab, to weather them a little. The headlights were painted with GW Mithril Silver.
Next step was a wash with Winsor & Newton Nut Brown ink. That toned down the stark drybrush, and gave definition to the model.
Lastly, I varnished the whole batch with Krylon matte varnish. Finished!
I mailed 
Editor in Chief Bill 
his due of painted armour... and kept my share.
Use in World at War: Eisenbach Gap
Now, according to the Order of Battle in WaW:EG, I need ten T-72 tanks plus another for the command tank for the Soviets 1st Tank. Done!
I have the BTRs I need for the 87th Rifle. But I still need to complete it, the 33rd Motorized and the 69th Attack Helicopter Regiment as well! That means that I will need six BMPs, four T-62s, and four T-55 tanks. Not too many. That keeps this little project well within budget!
When finished, this is a well-rounded, varied and balanced force that could be used in several other games besides WaW:EG. It could be further expanded with Shilkas and BRMDs. And once I am done with the Soviets, it will be the Americans' turn!
I need to place an order with C-in-C…