WELL I really encounter big problems as I plan to collect all the unbuilt modelkits that I have for my Operation IRaqi freedom Diorama. I mean all the stuff I have is mostly in A1
Like M88A1 M113A1 and so on...and then I need a bunch of CIP Pannels...of course I can buy the latest Tamya kits that have the CIP pannels on the M113 and Bradley but then I don t have enogu Pannels for the rest of my kits that are older .

Ok well I have an M88A1 ,check out Concorde magazine 3ACR BRave rifles DEsert Storm
then I check the french Military magazine RAIDS that made good fotos of Operation Iraqi Freedom and what I saw were only M88A2 Hercules with addon Armor,
Problemn is are M88A1 today stiil in service and used in Operation Iraqi Freedom?

Thanks

Yes M88A1 is still widely used by mechanized units. I was there in Iraq with 1-39 FA(MLRS), 3ID. We had all A1 versions. The A2 versions are just now being fielded in Armor battalions. Most other units still have A1s. Even the armor units in Iraq had mostly A1 versions since most of their equipment came out of prepositioned draw equipment in the gulf region.

Also, M113A2s were mostly used in Iraq, some A1s without external fuel tanks were there as well. Again older draw equipment.

For CIP panels, you can make your own. There was an article or post here a few weeks ago about making them. All you have to do is get some Evergreen clapboard siding and cut to shape, about 1" square and then build side frames from strip plastic.

Hope these help.

If you'll recall those TV scenes showing the statues of Saddam being pulled down, several were accomplished using M88A1s. That would be some diorama!