Combat Identification Panels?

Der Kommandant · Post by **Der Kommandant** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:08 pm

CIP panels are (those patches on the Abrams front turret, or the venetian-style panels found on turret sides/hull sides on the Bradley) seen attached to virtually every coaltion vehicle in Iraq/Afghanistan. By offering a distinct thermal signature through coalition gunners', it prevents friendly-fire incidents that proved to be dangerous during the Gulf War. But most models do not include this important accessory. That Tamiya modern accessories kit is no where to be found.

Any techniques to scratchbuild them, in 1:32? My Abrams and Bradleys could use some help. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:35 am

Can you post a pic of what you are talking about ?

popeye357 · Post by **popeye357** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:06 am

Should be fairly easy to make out of styrene. The 1/18 m113 has them on the sides. They do look like washboards!

Der Kommandant · Post by **Der Kommandant** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:16 pm

These photos of a Tamiya Bradley shows the CIPs on the side of the veihicle.
http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/ ... /index.htm
Styrene should work nicely, but I couldn't seem to make the Venetian effect of the CIPs found on the turrets of Abrams. Do you guys know of any molds, or other way to render the effects?
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AlloySkull · Post by **AlloySkull** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:30 pm

Look around your house and garage. You'll be suprised what can be used.

Ruger · Post by **Ruger** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:33 pm

Not that this will be much help...

Didn't these come with some FOV pieces? I thought they did, and then I went and looked, and sure enough, I have one hanging from the rear rack of an Abrams. I'm sure it didn't come with the Abrams, but over the years I've picked up quite a few loose items. So now we know someone made one, but who and what did it come with?

I'll do some looking...

MV

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:47 pm

I know one came with the "Baghdad 2003" version of the Bradley (the vehicle with the stowage racks on the sides.) CID panels also come fixed on the rear of the turret on the Challenger Mk. II tank as well.

Der Kommandant · Post by **Der Kommandant** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:09 pm

Yeah, they included one CIP for the S2 Bradley. Only one. None of the other vehicles have it, aside from the Challenger, in which they are not detachable. I "borrowed" the CIP from the Bradley and shaved off the hooks, and stuck it on the turret side of the Abrams. But, that's only one panel. Most vehicles have at least 2, or 3 in the case of the Abrams, from the photos I've seen. Tamiya made a kit...Modern Accesories 1, with CIPs and other stuff, while the second set came with crew members and some Sabot rounds. Went to Hong Kong in Christmas, and NONE of the hobby shops have it (believe me, there are many shops). It seems to be a retired item.

I've e-mailed FoV to see if I can buy some off of them. If only there were a cloning machine: more jerry cans, extra roadwheels, CIPs, gear bags... I'll try looking around for long-lost pieces that have evaded me. Thanks everyone.

Ruger · Post by **Ruger** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:23 pm

Again, not sure if it's any help, but I can provide you with the following:

Height 18.3 mm

Width 23.5 mm

Thickness 2 mm

6 slats, approx 3 mm "ridge to ridge"

These are from the loose panel. The ones on the Challenger are actually slightly different in size, and I can measure them if you'd like. I think you're actually on to something here. If someone who was good with styrene was to make a bunch of these up, there might be a small market for them here. I know I'd be interested. Or maybe I should shut up and start playing with all that styrene I have sitting around...

MV

Der Kommandant · Post by **Der Kommandant** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:32 pm

Thanks Ruger.
I have a friend from a hobby shop, who works with all sorts of materials. But going 50 miles distant is a tough call.
Thanks again.

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:04 am

These look simple to build.
You should need just 2 sizes of strip styrene. For the louvers and for the frames.

1. Start with louver stock . Lay a piece dead even with the front of your work table . A full length strip. Do not cut the length. Tack it down so it does not move. This start strip has got to be strait.

2. Place anpther strip on top of this so that it just barley over laps and TACK it into place. Make sure you mark it as parrlel as possible. You can get a sharp pencil and use your finger as a guide and slide it down the length of the stock for marks. Or you can cut shim spacers to help you out as gauges.

3. The next strip has got to be glued well . Just repeat using shims or your finger/pencil gauge.Count the louvers some look to be 6 strips and some look like 5. After you get the corect amount let it set to dry. I would say use CA glue to stick it together. This should work but after it is set turn it over and run a bead of regular plastic glue on the back joint of the louvers so it is solid.

4. AFTER THE LOUVERS HAVE DRIED AT LEAST OVER NIGHT. Cut the panels to size.

5. Then take the frame stock and box in the panels.

6. Done.

Der Kommandant · Post by **Der Kommandant** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:47 am

Wow. That is an awesome idea. Thanks!! I'll be sure to try it soon.
Did those panels come with the Hummer? Because my Gulf War Humvee didn't come with anything except the TOW launcher and that zombie driver. Anyways thanks again for everyone's ideas.