Howdy ,

Still trying to buid my OIF Abrams for an upcoming show, and need some questions answered from you modern armour 'buddies o'mine'. I've also noticed an increase (generally) in the M1A1 as of late. So this seems like a good thread to start.

Anyway, my first question is: In the Tammy M1A1 instruction sheet the main periscope (the box thingie just in front of the Commander's hatch) optics are supposedly coloured Tamiya paint colour X-23 Clear Blue. Now, all the pics I've been able to muster up show the optics coloured a clear purple. Which is true?
Also (hopefully I'm allowed a follow-up question), on the Driver's hatch optics the Tamiya instructions indicate NO colour at all......again, all or most of the photos I've been able to see show these clear panels coloured red.....again, which is true?

With any luck, Sabot, BroAbrams, or even possibly TurretToad13 are listening (although you ALL can answer too! Ya never know, TT might just be lounging on top of his Abrams, sitting with his feet kicked up, plopped in a WPGC !!! #:-)

Tread out.

The GPS or gunner's primary sight (main sight forward of the TC's hatch) has two different lenses. One is clear and you can see the optics inside, the other has that type of refractive coating on it that makes it reflective like the old Polaroid sunglasses. Same deal with the driver's vision blocks, the actual color depends on the actual lighting conditions. Most have a type of pinkish orange sheen to them. Someone once suggested using that reflective type of mylar paper found in party stores. This sounds like a good idea to me, haven't tried it myself though. I've used the photo negative method where I cut the vision block lenses from old photo negatives. Looks close enough to me and if you dig though your old photo files, your bound to find plenty of the negative leftovers.

As for red, no, not really red but I can see a photo of one appearing red.

Howdy Rob,

As always, good to hear from you! As to the optics, I think I understand what you're trying to describe. I can also see where the 'party store' mylar would be a good bet. Just seems like the opening themselves are so small, that I'm not sure if the effect would be worth the effort. (Well, the GPS opening might be).
How about this suggestion (never tried this before, but I don't see why it wouldn't work). Mixing the Tamiya Clear Red and the Clear Blue together to try to achieve a 'cross' between the two. Might turn out a kind of reddish/pinkish/purpleish.......or maybe just 'mud'!

Tread.

Oops, while I might have your ear, have you checked the CIP panel thread for my post?

Its not red but a mix of red and purple