This is going to sound pretty stupid, but does it go on the bonnet or the roof? The Tamiya kit hasn't got one, but all the schemes are for Western Desert. Being awkward I've painted mine NWE. Anyone got a picture or link? I've got some photos but they either don't show one, or the angles are wrong.

the only place I have seen stars on CMP vehicles is on the doors. In fact the canadians did not put the star on straight but at an angle as a way of telling the Americans they were not part of America.

The air recognision symbol on British and Commonwealth vehicles would more likely be an RAF roundel and not a star.

cheers
Cliff

This was an occasional thing. Most stars were put on straight(ish)


The roundel was in use in Italy, but the standard recognition device for all Allied vehicles in NW Europe was the star and it should, by regs, go on the roof.

Paul

Paul interesting answers but to my knowledge and photo ref's most Canadian vehicles had the star on crooked and the roundel was used as much as if not more then the star in all theatres, except possibly the Pacific, so therefore it was more then just an occasional thing.

cheers
Cliff

PS> having said that if a star WAS used the roof is the place for it.

After further research the following was discovered.

SECRET
2D/9-6-2
HQ 2 Cdn Inf Div
16 April 44

VEH MARKINGS
Recognition marks
White stars five pointed

1. The m/n recognition marks will be painted on all ‘A’ and ‘B’ vehs, SP guns and mob mech eqpt. RAF and vehs and eqpt (marked with the Geneva cross) will not carry the white star.

2. All amd vehs (include. SP guns, carriers, half tracks, trucks 15-cwt 4x4 personnel, White scout cars) will carry the recognition marks on the top only in accordance with para 4 below.

3. All vehs and eqpts other than armd vehs will carry the sign on the top and both sides in accordance with paras 4 and 5 below.

4. On the top of the veh or eqpt the mark will be painted on the largest horizontal or near horizontal plane surface. It will NOT be carried on the cab over the co-dvrs seat (to be holed for AALMG). It will not be carried in a posn that is liable to be covered with stores, stowage or eqpts.

5. On sides it will be carried on vertical or near vertical plane surfaces NOT usually covered by fittings and eqpts.

6. Size

(a) Top - as large as possible but not less than one foot measured from center to outside of band.

(b) Sides - as large as possible but not less than 3 ins measured from center to tips

(c) If space does not permit the above minimus sizes no marks will be carried

7. Requirements for white lead GS paint (Cat. HA0293) will be submitted by units to the ADOS office. Indents will indicate the purpose for which the paint is required, number of vehs to be painted and minimum requirements for paint. No background paint will be issued.

8. The present recognition (Red White Red) marks used on AFV’s will be removed.

9. Appx

10 Recogniton marks will NOT be painted on canvas, canopies or tarps

(Signature)
(J H Adams) Maj
DAQMG
for AA & QMG 2 Cdn Inf Div

Note The circular surrounding band is 4 ins wide. It will be added on TOPS ONLY, NOT SIDES.


So there we are the Star was the 'Official" symbol for all but RAF vehicles.

This information came from Maple Leaf Up forum http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/ and was posted by Steve Guthrie.

cheers
Cliff

PS> as no directions for which way the star went it mainly went on crooked. Also note the star with a circle was used on the roof only and not the doors.

Um yeah, right thanks guys! Perhaps I didn't make my question clear enough. I'd already established that the marking should be a star in NWE post D-Day, but I'm just not sure how it was painted on, the bonnet of the Tamiya Quad isn't a flat surface, so should it be on the roof? But doesn't this break the rule about not painting it where it could be covered by stowage as the spare or gun training wheel could be mounted there? Can't go over the cab because of the opening commanders hatch. Confused? Anyone got any photos or links please?

Mate I really cannot see why you are confused. It goes on the largest flat upward facing panel which is the roof. Over the driver if it has an access hatch for a MG plus it either does or it does not have a spare mounted there. If it does not then you place the star there.

cheers
Cliff

OK thanks Cliff, looks like the backward sloping section of the roof then, with ring. This would explain why none of my pictures show it, the angle would be wrong, since they're all from the front!