British Battenberg Markings

[Fenton 210]

Battenburg Police Markings

Please note that, while it is possible to do this without Premium, this method requires 30-40 symbols and you will need to have Premium on your account to make use of it.

Wikipedia writes;  "Batttenburg markings are a pattern of high-visibility markings used primarily on the sides of emergency service vehicles in several European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. The name comes from the similarity in appearance to the cross-section of a Battenberg cake."

Step one: Select your base vehicle.
Not everything works. The Dalton Broadwing, Charge Ciscos and Patriot Vegas are not the easiest to work with at the best of times.
The Balkan Ravan however, is quite friendly to designers.
 

Step two: Undercoat.
You will loose fidelity to your design to pixellation if you do not do this. In addition, not all vehicle components react the same way to the same colour.
Apply an "undercoat" decal to stop this. Five large squares of the same colour; Front, back, both sides and top.


Step Three: Create your markings.

Really easy. A Double Battenburg is usually seven squares in two rows. These are used by most police vehicles. Variations on this can be found in single stripe and "broken" Battenburg which uses an array of shapes for maximum visibility. As a rule of thumb, try to keep it at seven squares long unless you are working for a specific design.
Our example constabulary "Force 51" doesn't exist, so we're using the basic set of seven by two.


Note the over-layer of inverted dots for the extra reflective effect. It's not essential, but it is an extra layer of detail. Use it, if it works for you.
Now is also a good time to get those other markings, roof codes and suchlike done as well....
  

Step Four: Apply your markings evenly.
Take your time with this stage, as this is where you really need to get it right comes in.
Apply your decal and stretch it out as required. Don't worry too much about over-spilling decals, that can be covered up as you go.

 

 

 

 

Step five: Tidy up.
Take some time to look round the end result. Highlight the areas you want to give special attention to and apply cover-up decals on areas where they spill over into sections you do not want coloured. Again, take your time as this is what adds to the end effect.

Step seven: Step back and admire.
It goes without saying that you should have saved your vehicle. Now is the time to put it on display and give it a final check. If you have taken your time and reviewed your reference material well, you should have the desired effect.