I have Trumpeter's Iraq 2003 version of the Challenger II half built, but have had fitting problems with the turret storage boxes, to the extent where I now do not want them visible. I could possibly hide the parts with personal kit and an aerial recognition panel, and would rather like to finish the kit as a desertised version, rather than revert to a tank on a training exercise without the side armour.

Are there any pictures of Challengers in Iraq with camouflage nets over the turret (perhaps at rest rather than on the move)?

hello andrew
i have not seen any pictures of challengers in iraq with nets covering the turret but i have seen pictures of the tanks in kosovo with a thermal blanket type thingy fitted over the turret. this type of camo net/blanket could be made from rolled millput.challenger 2 was also deployed to poland for exercise "ulan eagle 99" and most of the vehicles mounted the standard camo netting to the turret.
try this link http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5004&SF_LASTSEARCH=%28IPTC025+contains%28ulan+and+eagle%29%29&SF_FIELD1_GROUP=1&SF_GROUP1_BOOLEAN=and&SF_FIELD1=challenger+2&SF_SEARCHINRESULT=0&doSearch=Search
neil.................

Thanks Neil

The Osprey book "Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank 1987-2000" has a photograph and a drawing of a Challenger 2 taking part in Exercise Uan Eagle. I was worried about scratchbuilding the different side armour, but have checked the kit and the front piece is included, so I will go this this version, hopefully with plenty of vegetation.

Andrew

Great pics Neil I'm building a BATUS Challenger at the moment.

Hi Chris!
If you need any pics of the BATUS Callenger II 's let me know, I work at CFB Suffield.

Todd,

PM sent your way RE BATUS Challenger 2s.

Thanks Todd for the offer but Its done. I'm working on a Can.2A6m

Looks real good Chris. Just got my Tamiya Challenger II and can't wait to build it. Have fun with the Leo 2A6M CDN.

Todd the Tamiya kit is a real peice of work, a great model. What do you plan on doing? I have a list of update if you want to model a Challenger beyond 2006.
Last week I ran into a platoon or what ever of Brits on there way back from trainer out your way, what a crazy lot they were, how do you deal with them?

Hi Chris.
I plan on making a Med Man Dio of a BATUS Challenger passing a knocked out OPFOR Scorpion. I'm wondering where you got the Accurate Armor update kit from?

Yes they are a crazy bunch and quite a handful at times, especially on a weekend. But after 7 years in Sufferfield (as some of us affectionately call it). I have learned to handle them fine. It helps being half brit my self.

Todd the only way to get the AA kit is direct, stuff from them get here faster then gear from Canada(I'm in NL). I also used a coulpe of parts from the Trumpiter kit to make up the build.

I plan to do a BATUS Warrior soon. Do you have any pictures of those?

The build was simple to do but if you have any more questions let me know. No need for you to waste time trying to figure out the parts.


Chris

Thanks Chris. I think I will do that and order directly from them. I already have a Trumpeter kit and planed on using some parts from it.

I start night shift tomorrow, so I should be able to get whatever pics you want of the Warrior. I do have two or three pics of the rear interior, if you are interested. I was planning to scratch build the interior for mine.

I'm still trying to figure out how to put the pics from my gallery on to the forum pages. I have tried several times now and can't figure out what I'm doing wrong .
I hope this works.
Cheers
Todd. http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab347/tjbear66/

Todd you have to lift the private view of your PB account. I couldn't view them. The one pic you posted is nice if you have more like that it would be great. Thanks in advance.

Chris

Sorry about that Chris. I'm sending you a PM with the details. Hope it helps you.

Cheers.
Todd.

Hey todd I got a question for yeah. I've been sorting out color modulation lately and its better to do it with solid color camo paint. I saw some pics of resent BATUS warriors with just green paint is that whats going on, or are they sticking with the two tone?

Hi Chris the Warriors you see are shipped direct from the UK to augment the battle groups for the summer. They are not a permanent resident of the base so they don't get the tan and green paint job.
Hope that helps you.
Todd.