US Insignia Quick Reference
 

Once a year I try to post info on how the US insignia should look. Seems July 4th week is appropriate for the red, white, and blue. This is for builders who need to make or paint their own insignia.

There is a correct way to draw them, and you will see we get it wrong most often. Only an issue for those who care about such details.
ARF maunufacturers rarely get the marking right. One or two high end suppliers do, but most don't so maybe this will help. (holding breath)[&:]

Copy paste, or try printing the pdf attachment at the bottom. This is one sheet. Challenge yourself and friends to see if your jet has it right. You don't need a dial caliper or ruler really.

For much more detail you can check my sticky thread over in the warbirds forum:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7824449/tm.htm

Cheers,
Chris

RE: US Insignia Quick Reference
 

Sorry for the dumb question, but does this mean the center of the blue circle is in the center of the red bar (the amount of the blue circle on the top and the bottom is equal I mean)?

Thanks for posting,

RE: US Insignia Quick Reference
 

It can't be equal because of the geometry of the star. In order for the star to be centered there's more blue circle on the bottom than top.

RE: US Insignia Quick Reference
 

Isn't point 1 the center of the star AND the center of the circle? (the star is in the center of the blue circle, the points of the star are all equidistant to the edge of the circle)

The question is where is point 1 in relation to the bars? Is it in line with the bottom of the red bar?

EDIT Ok I think I got it, it is note 7 that makes it work, got it. Great resource

RE: US Insignia Quick Reference
 

Matt,
Not a dumb question at all. Most folks wouldn't notice.

This graphic may help confirm the answer. The centerline of the red bar (which is center of the bars) is not on the centerline or center point of the star. Which means it is not on the centerpoint of the circle either, since the star center point is also circle center point.

Since the top of the bars (without blue surround portion) line up with the star shoulders...and the bars are 1/2 star radius wide, the bars end up slightly higher on the circle per the diagram.
Centering the bars on the circle is an often made mistake.

Note the graphic below is without any surround around the bars or star. 15th airforce in 1943 used this before the surround was ordered.
Chris