mikesmodels Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Hi, Please can anyone tell me more about the yellow bird, and I assume cat, on these Lightnings. Thanks, Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catbird Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Im sure the bird is RNLAF. 316 sqn on Northrop NF5s at the time, around 1983. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troffa Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Well the thread title doesnt relate to me, but both markings look like "Zaps" to me, the Bird (Eagle?) looks to be the 23 Sqn emblem, a former Lightning unit,(Edit: Having just checked Tigercat's suggestion, I would concur with him, The Eagle is a dead ringer for the 316 Sqn RNLAF Unit crest) The cat looks to me to be the F-14 Tomcat "Anytime Baby" character. Both are examples of unofficial markings, usually applied by rival groundcrews to aircraft of rival Units, usually on detachment from home base. (Or to visiting aircraft to your base) I suspect that the "anytime baby" cat may not have been applied by US Navy guys, more likely that the Character had been purloined by an RAF unit, possibly 74 Sqn, although I am more familiar with their "Norman". Cheers, Troffa 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikesmodels Posted February 11, 2014 Author Share Posted February 11, 2014 Thank you very much Tigercat and Troffa, I am sure that your right about the eagle. Not convinced about the cat though. I wonder if both zaps were applied at the same time. From my failing memory I recall the aircraft that carried these had both at the same time, the cat on the port side and the eagle on the starboard. Thanks, Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flankerman Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 It looks like a Tiger leaning on a cricket bat ??? Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catbird Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 The 2 piccies show different aircraft. One is green/grey camo, the other is DSG. Im wondering if its a 74 sqn zap. I wouldnt be surprised if it was applied at APC in Akrotiri. Im sure both units were there at the same time, possibly 1985. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikesmodels Posted February 11, 2014 Author Share Posted February 11, 2014 Yes, I know the two photos are of different aircraft but they both had the cat on the port side and the eagle on the starboard. It is possible that in 1985 they both went to the APC and both visited 316 RNLAF, or perhaps 316 also went to the 1985 APC. With all your help I know have an idea where to look - thank you. Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catbird Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 To correct my previous post. The 316 sqn exchange was in may 1985, not 1983 as I first said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troffa Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 I'm certain that the Cat is a variation of the "Anytime Baby" character, you can discern the holstered pistol on its right hip in the image posted above, and the "Cricket bat" or whatever its leaning on is in the stead of the original "Tomcat" twin tails. Here's an example: http://th09.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2013/310/a/6/f_14_tomcat_anytime_baby_flight_insignia_by_viperaviator-d6ta9kx.png Cheers, Troffa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudge Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 There also appears to be a zap in the centre of the roundel in the lower picture. Can't see what it is, but it may tie in with the cat, possibly? And what is that just below and behind the canopy? just a 'normal' stencil? The little zap faireys have been busy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikesmodels Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 Thank you all for your help. I now need to search around for some good close-up photos of the zaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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