Anigrand 1/72 McDonnell P-67B Moonbat "Virgin Widow II"

[RichB]

Some thoughts while you are developing your scheme.

1. The USAAF was using a smooth gloss black on the P-61B's. When first tested, they just applied the gloss over the existing matt paints which made the aircraft light up like a Christmas tree in searchlights due to the rough surface. After stripping the paint and reapplying it, it was found that the gloss reflected just enough light that it made the aircraft almost invisible.

2. The RAF Nighter Fighter and Intruder aircraft were using overall Medium Sea Grey with Dark Green disruptive pattern on the upper surface. Some Intruder squadrons painted their aircraft with a Black underside. By 1943 the paint was a smooth, satin finish. Bomber Command also switched over to the smooth colours. In the last months of the war, bombers were coming off the production line with gloss black undersides.

3. The uppersurface colours can be dictated by the need to protect the aircraft while they are on the ground or in the air. The RAF Dark Earth/Dark Green and Luftwaffe Schwartzgrun/Dunklegrun were defensive schemes used for ground concealment. As threats and priorities changed, colours shifted. Greys and Greens were more effective over continental Europe (land and sea) and at higher altitudes.

Cheers,
RichB

 

[Rhino]

The 1946 Deutches Kreigsmarine would rely less on searchlights as we have come to know them.
Advances in radar and jamming equipment are advancing rapidly. Infrared technology is finding it way into the purview of night air to air combat with the new German Seebanshee-Ib I/R seeking missile.

Actual combat will show the Seebanshee-1b warhead is not powerful enough to destroy Allied long range bombers with a single hit. An added disadvantage is that the launching aircraft has to keep the I/R pod pointed at it's prey as long as the missile is tracking the target. The relatively short range of the Seebanshee-1b often brought night combatants very near one another. It did make a spine-chilling sound, hence the name.

Advantages are that this early missile was fast, left a minimal smoke trail and proved relatively nimble. A frangible helical warhead increased the chances of a one missile kill not by blowing big pieces off the target aircraft with a direct hit, but rather by shredding hydraulic, fuel and oil lines and tanks with white-hot slivers of metal in a close proximity detonation.

In this new aerial arena, camouflage paint schemes might well be more for crew morale than for a practical defensive purpose.

Some of this German technology was later incorporated into our own Falcon, Maverick, Sidewinder and later Sparrow missiles. The proximity fuse and expanding helical warhead proved their mettle in the Raytheon AIM-54 Phoenix missile system.
In modern times, it is rare when an aerial intercept missile must actually hit the target aircraft to destroy it.

 

[Rhino]

I figured out what to do with the Moonbat's paint job!

 

[moon puppy]

 

[Rhino]

Paint begins. The itchy airbrush trigger finger almost painted it overall flat black. Fitting the metal A-26 landing gear legs and gun barrels has progressed a little. This particular build is becoming tedious, but I'm really close to finishing the Moonbat.
"Be the only kid on your block with a finished Anigrand resin airplane model!" Ja, Ja, ja.

 

[moon puppy]

"Be the only kid on your block with a finished Anigrand resin airplane model!"

Hmm...

 

[Rhino]

Iceland camo is finally coming together. I'm having paint adhesion trouble. The masing tape is lifting sealed enamel paint in irritating little spots.
That being said, Anigrand's cream-colored resin is really porous. If you build one of their resin kits, beware of getting the oil from your fingers on the unprimed resin.
This will be my only Anigrand build.
Thanks for looking in!

 

[moon puppy]

Taking note...clean like hell and prime.

 

[Rhino]

Taking note...clean like hell and prime.

Latex gloves and alcohol wipes? I know you want to try the Anigrand Hughes X-11. I wish you lots of patience and luck!
Now I remember I have an Isra Model 1/72 A-29/T-6 Texan II to build.

 

[Rhino]

The XP-67 Moonbat sat slightly nose up. I should have left the nose gear leg 1/16" longer, but LOOKEE!! No extra nose ballast is needed!! I'm pretty sure the Rotol props will clear as well. The nav pod and weighted external tanks will still be installed.
Next up, GUNS!

 

[moon puppy]

What a lovely silhouette, she looks great!

 

[Rhino]

Moonbat paint, props, gear and guns 4X 20mm and 2X 37mm

I'll see your sharkmouth and raise you!

Possible Keflavik night fighter squadron badges. Tail code "KV". I will make some of the decal markings.
The 1/72 Virgin Widow decals are too big to fit the slim nose of the P-67B. BUGGER!
I really wanted a girl with boobs for this project. She would help draw attention away from the 50 flaws. What to do, what to do?.........


Pictures of the KITSWORLD decal sheet..........................


Reduced to fit the 1/72 Moonbat's nose with careful trimming! Voila'! Boobs!
I love it when a plan comes together!
Thanks for enduring yet another of my meandering posts!

 

[moon puppy]

 

[razordws]

Very distracting indeed!

 

[Sharkmouth]

Pinups? I actually bought a slew of them on EvilBay because they're nicely done. Rhino, if you want a pair (most are mirrored) let me know!

 

[Rhino]

Thanks Saul, but I think I have it covered. Fitting the skinny nose on the Moonbat is problematic.

 

[Duke Maddog]

Those are so cool Saul! I might have to try looking for that set in 1/72 scale someday....

 

[moon puppy]

@Duke Maddog This aircraft is 1:72, neat aircraft ain't it?

 

[Sharkmouth]

@Rhino, what is stopping you from adding the artwork (cheesecake or teeth) to the engine nacelles? Only place for the teeth on the central pod is underneath, like an actual shark...

Add a name like Tahiti Moonlight Dream and these babes on each side to ensure the frozen crews ... Skirt corresponds with the wing identification light colors:

...and one of these sets of teeth under the central pod like the real deal:

 

[Rhino]

@Rhino, what is stopping you from adding the artwork (cheesecake or teeth) to the engine nacelles? Only place for the teeth on the central pod is underneath, like an actual shark...

Add a name like Tahiti Moonlight Dream and these babes on each side to ensure the frozen crews ... Skirt corresponds with the wing identification light colors:
View attachment 176779

...and one of these sets of teeth under the central pod like the real deal:
View attachment 176783
View attachment 176780

Nothing. I have an idea I think you will like. Patience, my toothy friend.