BTW, if I may let me toss in a few photos of the last nightfighter I built- Tamiya's 1/48th Gekko (Moonlight) - Allied Code IRVING. It's the same aircraft as the one in the photo above but this version didn't carry a radar and was instead directed to targets using search lights on the ground (didn't work all that well). It did carry machine guns fitted in a 'jazz music' design, that is firing up at a 45 degree angle so the pilot could 'park' his aircraft under a bomber and fire up into it's belly.

razordws

Manstein's revenge:

I'm just not feeling it for the "wolverine/dracula" motiff "either"...

 

You're implying that someone else stated they did not like the badge idea? I did not read any other posts to support your statement.  The first thing I did when I saw the badge was to shrink it to see what it would look like and it looks fine.  Maybe you should do the same before making comments to the contrary.

Multiple badges for people to choose from would probably be a good idea.

No, you are mistaken, my friend...it meant that I didn't like the original bat badge, nor did I like the vampire badge...hence, "either"...As in, "I don't like either the bat badge or the vampire badge"...

Maybe you should take time to understand what you are reading before you make assumptions...don't overthink things...it doesn't work with you...

Great stuff all around guys, you're getting me pumped up for this!

Frank: Great story, can't 'God bless the vets' enough.

Manny: Beautiful builds.

Both badges look great though I'm more partial to the bat. I think it would look better with white letters instead of the black letters on a white box but that's just my two cents. I think a bat or owl would be pretty cool. Or maybe like the vampire but just a pair of eyes on a black field.

Anyway for someone still looking for an idea here's the nightfighters I found in my stash:

Allied:

Axis:

Going with the Widow myself, been forever since I built one of those great old Monogram classic kits and I'm excited!

Manstein's revenge

I'm just not feeling it for the "wolverine/dracula" motiff "either"...

You're implying that someone else stated they did not like the badge idea? I did not read any other posts to support your statement.  The first thing I did when I saw the badge was to shrink it to see what it would look like and it looks fine.  Maybe you should do the same before making comments to the contrary.

Multiple badges for people to choose from would probably be a good idea.

humm.. maybe one of the bats used on the P-61's  ?

I'm just not feeling it for the "wolverine/dracula" motiff either......I still like the idea of a bat--just a simpler, more stylized one...remember, when these badges get shrunk down a lot of the fin detail is lost in the pic and fancy script...

Dave- I bought mine at our local veterans museum, and thought the idea behind them was a good one.  I believe it was about 10-12 years ago, but do not remember for certain anymore.  It's hard to put into words, but I feel an enormous amount of respect for those who serve, and for those who did and never came home- even more.  I have worn it everyday since I bought it, and think of Capt Fickler every time I put it on in the morning. 

John- Great markings!  I have wanted to get the 1/48 Hasegawa D Hornet as it has those markings too, but haven't procured one yet.

Those markings on the A-6 Intruder are awesome Frank ;

I recently picked up some 1/72 Superscale decals for the VMFA-242 F/A-18D ...

I'm not sure if the F/A-18D would count as a Nightfighter but the markings are very cool .

                    John .

Frank, you've roused my curiosity.  What is the significance of the bracelet and why do you wear it?

(PS: other than the obvious of wanting to honor the fallen soldiers.)

Gregbbear

The A-6E was used after dark a lot.  One of the USMC squadrons was known as the "Moonlighters" for that reason.  I am good with the Intruder, if it is one that was frequently used as a night attack.

Hmmmm... I hadn't even thought of building an Intruder!  If it is OK with you, I would like to change my build to a 1/48 Revell A-6 Intruder from VMFA-242 (The Bats).  With their motto, it should be a perfect fit (Mors Ex Tenebris- Death from the Darkness).

This will be a very special build for me- I have been wearing a Vietnam POW/MIA bracelet for many years, for a Capt Edwin J. Fickler, a USMC A-6 pilot serving with VMFA-242 in 1969.  He was shot down on 17 Jan 1969 over SVN.  I have wanted to honor him with a model of his aircraft, and only a few months ago I procured all of the bits to do so.  Even had the markings for the plane he was flying custom made.

Nice Frank, I like it!  As for the bat pic I found, that was just my first attempt, and I agree with the comments.  I appreciate (and need)  the help.

Doog, redneck engineering? mein gott!  Eric, your 262 and 190 are incredible.

Welcome aboard Mike and Dave!  The A-6E was used after dark a lot.  One of the USMC squadrons was known as the "Moonlighters" for that reason.  I am good with the Intruder, if it is one that was frequently used as a night attack.

John (helo), I used Gunze on a 3 color corsair, a -2 actually.  I will find out which paint numbers I used, and post it.

Well, the wife is glaring at me, so I better go.  I have to get in her good graces since I want to order some stuff from Owl in Czech Republic.  Thanks again guys, this is a great group!

Cheers,

Greg

Frank, sweet looking badge! 

Greg, I'd be interested in joining the GB.  I'll start off by finishing an Ar 234 (1/72 dragon) that has been started already but has been sitting on the shelf for some time.  I have plenty of others in the stash too should time and energy allow.

oo00oo vampire the masquerade, i like it.

Played around a bit with a GB badge, simple but just as idea...

Still dont trust those dots but ill beleive you. also i cant find any on google lol.

I will still join with a kit to be anounced at a later date.

No...

What about the D9? I picked up a cheap italeri 72nd kit ages ago.

Scorpiomikey

Id really like to join this build. Not sure what to enter. Also i think i might have a GB addiction lol.

My stash at the moment.

A-6E

KA-6D

Bearcat

Tomcat

FW-190

were any of those used as night fighters?

Id really like to join this build. Not sure what to enter. Also i think i might have a GB addiction lol.

My stash at the moment.

A-6E

KA-6D

Bearcat

Tomcat

FW-190

were any of those used as night fighters?

Have to agree with Manny. I like the concept of the bat, but maybe something more stylized. Also'd rather see a more intimidating font.

As for the Me-262, German night fighters always make me laugh a little bit. The antenna arrays always seemed like redneck engineering to me...

Greg,

I like the badge and it would be an honor to have it as my first.

Manny,

Nice looking 262 you did there.

I like the idea of a bat, since they are the premier night-hunter...but I don't particlarly like the image you have picked, or the lettering...maybe a more "stylized" bat??? 

In the meantime, here is a nocturnal bird of prey I did years ago that may motivate some of you mofo's:

Hey, there's a bat emblem on the side of this 262...hmmmmmmm...

I really like the badge as well Greg ;

Very appropriate

With my four USMC Nightfighter birds , the decal sheet only mentions the two color blues as Non-Specular Sea Blue and Non Specular Intermediate Blue ???

I usually airbrush with Gunze or Tamiya acrylic's , so I'll have to find some reference to those paint colors .

                                      John .

I rather like that badge Greg. Not so keen on having the German nightfighter badge as its, well German, and this is for GB's from all over.

Eric, this is one of the possibilities.  I am trying to find a way (i'm not great with editing images) to make a background made of various nightfighter unit emblems.  I like your idea though.  Do you have a link to an image of it?

I was going to try and make a couple, and members could pick from that.  What do you think?

Cheers,

Greg

Where's the badge?  I suggest using the German "diving falcon" symbol for night fighters...

HI Satch, I have been meaning to join.  I've met quite a few guys at the LHS that are members, really cool and interesting bunch of guys.  I actually am on shift this Thursday, otherwise I'd love to go.

Cheers,

Greg

Greg, do you go to the Alamo Squadron IPMS meetings?  If so I'll see you there Thursday.

Satch

Great stuff John!  That book is real good too.  It has some good stuff about the Tigercat and Skynight too. 

Thanks for joining this build John, I appreciate it.

Cheers,

Greg

Hi Greg ;

Well my four 1/72 Nightfighter kits arrived today along with Squadrons Nightfighter book...

The Owl Nightfighter resin conversion sets also arrived...

As well as the Owl US Marine Nightfighter decals , for each of my four kits .

All looks good , I'm set for 1st January 2011.

                                    John .