[bsmith13]

Interesting you should bring that up, as I just started collecting the symbols for Luftwaffe Jagdgeschwaders, Gruppen and Staffeln. The Luftwaffe really fell in with the Knights and Heraldry thing, with each Staffeln and Geschwader having their own "Coat of Arms". Individual marking existed, but were far more rare. Sort of coincides with the legendary German penchant for order.

On the other hand are the Americans. The Navy and Marine Corps were more strict regarding personal markings, but not the USAAF. Anything goes, and Thank Heavens!

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

That's a beautiful ugly if you ask me ... when can I pre-order?

.....ditto......Just the sight of it must have scared the enemy to death!....I want.

[mustangdriver]

The P-61 got the last kill of WWII. It chased a Japanese Oscar(I thik) until the Oscar ran out of gas. Never fired a shot.

[admin]

I don't know how anyone could love any of the German twin engined aircraft if they didn't love this one.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

It chased a Japanese Oscar(I thik) until the Oscar ran out of gas.

I bet it didn't run out of gas, I'll bet the pilot just fainted.

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

...that is one right ugly bird.

Smile when you say them words pardner........


Think of it as an impressive looking beast..........I want two........or three

[aradrom]

I hope that they will release one soon. Hobby Masters quality is excellent and just think how great would a P-61 look in you display case...

[Raven]

Question: What did the guy in back of the P-61 do? Run the radios? Sight see?

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by Raven

Question: What did the guy in back of the P-61 do? Run the radios? Sight see?

The three-man crew consisted of the pilot, a gunner seated behind him, and a radar observer/gunner at the rear behind the gun turret. Only the pilot could fire the cannons but any of the three could operate the machine guns.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

The noseart of US aircraft put those of their Allies (as well as the Axis) to shame.

Does anyone know why US airmen were more artistically innovative (in the popular art sense) than other airforces - was it 'rules' or 'culture' that had the most influence?

Interesting question you pose their, Cardinal. I believe it's more 'culture' than 'rules', though in the end the US Army Air Corp tried to censure all nose art with very 'riske or suggestive' themes (i.e. nude girlie pics, etc.)

I have this theory that I believe the 'culture' influence comes in to play here as you will notice that majority of the colorful nose art are very flamboyant, loud and "In your face" type messages for the enemy, which clearly demonstrates the typical american machismo mentality of that period. Again, just a theory of mine.