End of the line.

[jknaus]

I'm going to try and build Kotares new Bf 109 K4. Its a beaut and I'm looking forward to it. Instead of the kit markings though this one will be White 16+I from 9Jg 53 in Lechfeld May 1945. The only problem with the decals is they suggest the Reich Band is blue when actually it is black. Not much mottling, but an intricate colour scheme with aluminum under wing panels. Here is the bird.

So tomorrow I' going to start cutting sprue and painting some cockpit items before construction.
James

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Cool James! Looking forward to watching!

 

[moon puppy]

I got the Spitfire from them but I don't need anymore detractions from Lulubelle!

 

[jknaus]

I got the Spitfire from them but I don't need anymore detractions from Lulubelle!

Yeah I have all their Spits and maybe that will come next. Looking forward to their Hurricane also.

 

[kryptosdaddy]

I'm going to try and build Kotares new Bf 109 K4. Its a beaut and I'm looking forward to it. Instead of the kit markings though this one will be White 16+I from 9Jg 53 in Lechfeld May 1945. The only problem with the decals is they suggest the Reich Band is blue when actually it is black. Not much mottling, but an intricate colour scheme with aluminum under wing panels. Here is the bird.
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So tomorrow I' going to start cutting sprue and painting some cockpit items before construction.
James

First time Ive heard of Kotare so I looked them up. Run by a Veterinarian in NZ! That was a shock. High quality high end kits from NZ. Is this going to be a WW 2 version of Wing Nuts? Very intrigued, though do I want to drop a buck on a 32 scale prop just yet? Thanks

 

[jknaus]

First time Ive heard of Kotare so I looked them up. Run by a Veterinarian in NZ! That was a shock. High quality high end kits from NZ. Is this going to be a WW 2 version of Wing Nuts? Very intrigued, though do I want to drop a buck on a 32 scale prop just yet? Thanks

Yes the vet did start the company, but he got almost all of the WNW employees and the instruction books look like the WNW ones. Fantastic detail on the kits and well researched. I have all the Spitfires and they are all amazing. They are coming out with a Hurricane next.
James

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Yes the vet did start the company, but he got almost all of the WNW employees and the instruction books look like the WNW ones. Fantastic detail on the kits and well researched. I have all the Spitfires and they are all amazing. They are coming out with a Hurricane next.
James

Thanks, I would really like to see a review of one of yours

 

[paddy]

Didn't we have this discussion on blue or black tail band before ?

 

[jknaus]

Wel started the cockpit and it is gorgeous. Unfortunately my hands were shaking to much to continue so assembled the tail wheel enclosure. I struggled for maybe an hour trying to match the parts to the pictures. The instructions are excellent except it didnt make sense. I think its proper now but still not 100% sure. I'll find out when I try to insert the tail wheel oleo.
Sorry no pics today because there is not much and because hands shake.
James

 

[moon puppy]

This is why I have to build 2...or 3.

 

[moon puppy]

Didn't we have this discussion on blue or black tail band before ?

Yes, I think they were home defense aircraft?

 

[jknaus]

Didn't we have this discussion on blue or black tail band before ?

Here is Googles AI answer.
The term "Luftwaffe Reichs Band" refers to the colored bands painted on Luftwaffe aircraft, particularly fighters, during the latter half of World War II, specifically for Reich Defense (Reichsverteidigung). These bands, often featuring a combination of colors like blue, white, and red, were used to aid in friendly fire identification during night and day operations, particularly against Allied bombers.



Here's a more detailed explanation:
Purpose:

• Reich Defense:
  The primary purpose was to help Luftwaffe pilots quickly identify friendly aircraft during the intense air battles fought over Germany to defend against Allied bombing raids.
  

• Friendly Fire Reduction:
  These bands were crucial in reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents, as the Luftwaffe was often facing a mix of Allied bombers, night fighters, and even their own aircraft.
  
  
• Unit Identification:
  The specific color combinations and patterns of the bands could also indicate the particular Luftwaffe unit or Geschwader (wing) the aircraft belonged to.
  

Specific Examples:

• JG 300:
  Fighters of JG 300, for example, used a blue, white, and blue band during the Reich Defense period.
  

• Other Units:
  Other units used different combinations of colors like red, green, white, and black, depending on the specific operational requirements and time period.
  
  
  
• JG 53:
  Some Geschwader, like JG 53, also used black bands in combination with other colors.
  

Key Features:

• Placement:
  The bands were typically painted around the rear fuselage (Rumpfband) and sometimes around the wingtips and engine cowling.
  

• Color Combinations:
  The color combinations varied, but often included blue, white, red, and yellow.
  
  
• Segmentation:
  Some bands were segmented, meaning they were made up of a series of colored segments rather than a solid band.
  
  
• Night Fighters:
  Night fighter units often had distinct markings to help them operate in the dark, including flame damping shields and specific band colors.
  

In summary, the Luftwaffe "Reichs Band" was a system of aircraft markings used to improve identification, reduce friendly fire incidents, and indicate unit affiliation during the intense aerial fighting over Germany during the latter half of World War II.
From Asisbiz.com comes this page.

From Pinetrist we have

From IlSturmovick a gaming sample.

James.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Thanks for the info post James. Interesting in that I never really paid much attention to the tail band markings before.

 

[Steve Ski]

Excellent, build on!