Hello All, happy belated 4th of July to all the American modellers on the forum. Unable to post pics at the moment so I will endeavour to try to be clear with my questions. Just need a couple of things clarified. I have the Meng A3 kit, as well as the interior for it and plan for it to be as open as can be done.

1) The right rear stowage box near the ramp, in one of my reference pictures shows a reel. I am guessing that is a tank phone. Is that right?

2) The CIP panels attached to the stowage boxes, are they just bolted on?

More questions to follow as I reach other stages in the kit. Thanks in advance.

To answer your questions:

1. yes, most likely TA-312 telephone wire.

2. no, the frame is velcro-ed on

hope this helps.

Fantastic, thanks Pete.

No problem! Got any more question, just ask.

Another question, if anyone can help. The comms gear in the turret looks very basic as supplied in the kit. Is the comms gear used Sincgars or something similar?

Yes on SINCGARS, You might use replacements from ProArt Models for example.

Like Herman says, it should be SINCGARS or newer Harris radios. The kit has the older (through mid-90s) Series 46 radios. They need to be replaced.

Thanks Herman & Gino. I think I have a couple of spare Sincgars floating around in my spares box. Next question, I am wondering how the wiring is set up? I am guessing that the crew helmets are plugged into a relay and not directly into the radios. Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance.

Here you go Tony:

Hi Tony,
for vehicular intercom systems, you can check here:
http://www.cobham.com/about-cobham/communications-and-connectivity/about-us/antenna-systems/tactical-communications/products-and-services/vehicle-intercom-systems/lv2-vehicle-intercom-system-%28vis%29.aspx
Look for AN/VIC-3 and AN/VIC-5

These should help.




As in Pete's picture, the smaller boxes are called J boxes and are what the wires from the helmets attach to. Each helmet wire end has two connectors that attach to the two terminals on the bottom of the J box. The larger box is the control box for the system. The radios connect to the control box.

Nice VIC1 set up Pete.
Tony, give me call mate. I have VIC3 just about done.

Cheers Jason

Extremely helpful. Thank you very much for your help.