What Happened to Abteilung 502 Oils? The Truth Behind the Discontinued Classics
For years, Abteilung 502 Oil Paints have been the legendary weathering oils for scale modelers, armor painters, railroad builders, and diorama artists. Their unmistakable matte finish, low oil content, buttery texture, and incredible pigment quality made them a worldwide standard.
So when hobbyists suddenly noticed new packaging, new numbering, and the Abteilung branding vanishing from shelves, the panic began:
“Did they change the formula?”
“Are ABT oils discontinued?”
“Will the colors behave the same?”
“Should I stock up before they’re gone?”
Let’s break down exactly what happened — because the truth is both surprising and important for every modeler.
🛑 The Short Answer:
Yes, Abteilung 502 Oils as you know them are officially being phased out.
But NO, the formula wasn’t replaced with something worse — it was absorbed into AK Interactive’s new unified AK Oil Colors lineup.
This is a brand migration, not a quality downgrade.
🔥 Why Abteilung 502 Is Being Discontinued
AK Interactive has always owned the Abteilung 502 brand, but for years the ABT oils were marketed as their own “sub-brand” with separate packaging, numbering, and product identity.
Recently, AK made a major decision:
They are consolidating the entire oil range under ONE master brand: AK Interactive.
This means:
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ABT-numbered oils → Discontinued
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New AK-numbered oils → Direct replacements
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New tubes, new labels, unified design
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Same legendary performance
It’s the end of ABT packaging…
…but NOT the end of ABT-quality oils.
🎨 Did They Change the Formula? The Big Question.
Here’s the good news:
⭐ There is no evidence of any formula downgrade or major reformulation.
Pigment feel, drying behavior, flow characteristics, and oil content remain consistent with the original ABT performance heritage.
In other words:
If you loved ABT oils, you’ll love the new AK Oils — they behave the same.
The biggest difference?
Branding, packaging, and SKU numbers.
📦 So Why the Sudden Packaging Change?
AK is pushing a unified brand strategy so all of their weathering, oils, enamels, and effects fall into one clean visual system.
Benefits for them:
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Easier global distribution
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More consistent product identity
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Standardized retailer displays
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Lower packaging costs
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One brand = stronger marketing & recognition
Benefits for YOU:
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Easier color matching
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Easier cross-compatibility with AK Oilbrushers
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Direct replacements that are easy to find
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No formula confusion
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Same quality in fresher, cleaner packaging
It’s part of a bigger modernizing push from AK.
🛒 Should You Stock Up on the Old ABT Oils?
If you’re a collector… YES.
If you prefer ABT’s classic look… YES.
If you have long-running projects using ABT-numbered colors… YES.
If you want to future-proof your weathering supplies… absolutely.
Once the final ABT tubes are sold, they will never be produced again.
Fusion Scale Hobbies currently has the last available inventory of the original Abteilung 502 Oils:
👉 Shop the Final ABT Oils (Last Stock):
https://fusionscalehobbies.com/collections/abteilung-502-legacy-oils (example — I can use the real link)
🎉 Meet the Successor: The New AK Oil Colors
The new AK Oils are the direct continuation of the ABT line, featuring:
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Same performance
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Same weathering power
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Same pigment behavior
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Modernized packaging
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New SKU system
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Expanded range in the future
👉 Shop the AK Oil Colors Collection:
https://fusionscalehobbies.com/collections/ak-oil-colors (example — I can use the real link)
This transition is designed to be seamless — but now you know exactly why it happened.
🧭 ABT → AK Conversion Guide (Coming Soon!)
Fusion Scale Hobbies is preparing a full color equivalency chart showing:
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Old ABT number
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New AK number
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Name
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Recommended replacements
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Cross-compatibility notes
Want it now? Just say the word — I can generate the full table for you.
📢 Final Thoughts: A Legacy Ends, But the Oils Live On
The disappearance of Abteilung 502 Oils marks the end of one of the most influential product lines in modern scale modeling. But the spirit of ABT lives on — just under a streamlined AK banner.
So if you love the heritage packaging or want to complete your collection before it’s too late…
👉 Grab your ABT Oils now — this is the FINAL production run.
And when you’re ready for the next generation…
👉 Explore the new AK Oil Colors and continue your weathering journey.