So, for years now I've wanted a model Z-95. As I stated in an earlier thread, this fighter set the stage for my journey into the EU, and has a real soft spot in my heart.

Well, last week I was browsing the interwebs and stumbled across a model of a Z-95, at first I thought it was just a well done scratch build(something I have considered many times) but to my amazement upon further investigation I found out it was a kit. I searched and eventually found a link to a supplier who had one left, the ONLY one left...

That kit is on it's way to my place right now and should be here within the week, which leads me to a very tough decision. I love the Z-95, but trying to find Iconic paint scheme's for them( Mara Jade, Han Solo, etc.) is quite difficult. So I pose to you this challenge:

Submit a paint scheme for the only Z-95 I'm ever likely to get my hands on, your reason behind it, and any reference material related to the subject. The chosen winner will receive a Z-95 headhunter mini mailed to them at no charge painted in the winning scheme.

I won't post a hard deadline as it will vary depending on when I receive the model and finish my current projects(Corran Horns X-wing is underway) but expect this contest to close in about two weeks.

Good luck & thanks for looking!!!

Also, as an afterthought, I should point out that Schemes currently being considered include: Han Solo's, Tycho/Corrans black and gold, the Alderan Defence Force's red and white, or something scummy but with lots of character. Providing fluff and reference for these schemes will still be considered a valid entry. Thanks!

I like N'Dru Suhlak's shark nosed ship coming out with Scum (just wish I could do a better job painting it)

I do like the shark nose but I want to avoid free handing that detail. I've been painting for about fourteen years and while I don't doubt I could pull off something acceptable, I know it would be a pain. As I'm not familiar with N'Dru, I don't see it being worth the effort.

I've been painting a whopping 2 months. I have no idea what I'm doing. :/

The thing to remember is that most good paint jobs look like poop in the early stages. Just stick at it till you're happy and don't be afraid to experiment.

Also after reading a little bit on N'Dru, he's in the running. I definitely need more background on him though.

As far as I know there's no basis for this in the lore, but I'd love to see one painted up like so:

Khaki or off-white base, with dark olive green panelling and maroon trim. Add a Mythosaur skull emblem to the wing surface.

As far as I know there's no basis for this in the lore, but I'd love to see one painted up like so:

Khaki or off-white base, with dark olive green panelling and maroon trim. Add a Mythosaur skull emblem to the wing surface.

Very Fett lol, I like it but I want something iconic, something that sums up what the Z-95 is.

Now I am by no means thoroughly versed in all of EU, but I have read quite a few, and there is only one Headhunter in the books I've read that I can distinctly remember, one that played a pivotal role in one of the books, one that can be considered "iconic," AND even has a name.

Mara Jade's Jade's Fire.

If you aren't familiar with my reference to the role it played, go read "Specter of the Past" and "Vision of the Future" by Timothy Zahn (Assuming that you have already ready the Thrawn trilogy first, of course).

EDIT: Did a little research- I misspoke. The Jade's Fire was her custom Freighter. Her custom Z95 didn't have a name (as far as I can tell), but here is a picture of it:

More pictures (including views from different angles) can be found here.

Interesting, however I belive Jade's fire was her custom freighter.

Interesting, however I belive Jade's fire was her custom freighter.

You are correct. Fixed.

EDIT: You know? Looking at the pictures of it, I don't like Mara's Paint scheme. Especially the eye- what's up with that? I'm a huge fan of Mara Jade, but really, pick someone else's ship to paint.

might i suggest Rial Pernon's z95 from the Rogue Squadron comics? He's a badass beardy space knight and his ship is white with a blue dragon running doen the side and what looks almost like a blue bat symbol over the back top half. Would look good but not super-difficult. And yeh, the Jades Fire was a souped up yaught i think?

EDIT: ilu interne:. Http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Rial_Pernon%27s_Z-95_Headhunter

Okay, how about this one instead:

Eelo Begraas's Z-95, Named the Dicer. I've never heard of him until now, but his paint scheme does sound pretty cool.

From Wookiepedia:

"The Dicer was the name given to Eelo Begraas' Z-95 Headhunter. The elite Bothan pilot customized his ship, making it incredibly maneuverable. It was also rumored to contain some prototype technology obtained by the Bothan from a job for the Hutts. Begraas painted the fighter black, with highlights in blood red. Begraas' personal insignia of a clenched fist was also painted on either side of the cockpit."

"Eelo Begraas was a male Bothan from the planet Bothawui. Working initially as a podracer, Begraas later trained as a fighter pilot, going on to become a legend throughout the Mid Rim. The scrawny Bothan worked for seven years for the Navy of Thaere, although he was often loaned out to other organizations, including several Hutts. The Bothan flew a customized Z-95 Headhunter, the Dicer; with a distinctive red and black appearance, its presence often caused opposing pilots to disengage and flee battles rather than face the Bothan."

Excited to see your kit btw, never seen a big z95 before. Who is it made by?

I got it from starshipmodels but it's a dis continued kit

Dicer sounds like a cool paint scheme but I loath bothans lol. Still solid entry. Keep 'email coming folks.

Edit: Rial's has never really appealed to me, not a huge fan of organic schemes.

Personally I like the Alderaanian Red and White stripped one. It's classy, it will pop on the table, and as a Rebellion ship, it isn't a far cry that a Rebel will be flying against the Empire.

Also, I'm sure since it's a system.world defense ship, there were probably hundreds in a Navy of planets like that, even though Alderaan were peaceful, they must have had minimal defense.

Just ideas.. I may do a couple in this myself.. I just have to finish my big ships first. lol

The Dicer was the name given to Eelo Begraas' Z-95 Headhunter. The elite Bothan pilot customized his ship, making it incredibly maneuverable. It was also rumored to contain some prototype technology obtained by the Bothan from a job for the Hutts. Begraas painted the fighter black, with highlights in blood red. Begraas' personal insignia of a clenched fist was also painted on either side of the cockpit.

-from Wookiepedia

What about Crystal flown by Jaina Solo?

Can't seem to post images, seems to be red over a cream background in a geometric pattern.

If you really want to go full on fundamental archetype for a Z-95, then you probably need to look at real-world fighters from the 70s. After all, the Z-95 is the F-106 to the far more modern F-14 (the X-wing), which itself was eclipsed by the F-22 (E-wing).

I'd therefore suggest either a brushed steel look (basically a slivery metallic finish) with some panel highlights and other detailing, maybe with an Old Republic symbol on one of the upper wing surfaces, or else a mottled camo pattern, probably black/dark gray with lighter gray or white splashes, to blend in and disrupt the fighter's outline while operating in space.

Edit: You could also just go with an OT-style X-wing inspired paintjob, with significantly increased weathering.

N'Dru, Tycho Celchu/Corran horn, Alderan Defense, Or the one piloted by Han Solo. It will more than likely come down to one of these. Again it is important to supply reference material for your scheme. The main reason Han is at the back of the list is due to a lack of good reference material. Also be careful not to repeat ideas as credit will go to the first poster.

I'd have to agree with either a Jaina Solo one, or an Alderaanian Guard one. Don't forget to post pics when you are done painting!

I vote for Han Solo.

"Their fuselages, wings, and forked tails were daubed with the drab spots, smears, and spray-splotches of general camouflage coats."

Simple and classic--never goes out of style. And it matches historical real-world fighters to boot.

Also, go read chapter IV from Hand Solo at Stars End--so many good descriptions of the Headhunter: Stubborn little craft, legendary for the amount of punishment it could soak up. I love that chapter!

Some good paint schemes from WWII fighters that fit the image I had in my mind of Han's drab Headhunter camo can be found here:

http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/luftcambg_8.htm

I like the Han fluff because it leaves me a lot of artistic liberty. And an alpine scheme with character touches would be pretty cool right down to a "Solo" name plate under the cockpit. Also I would have to add a bumper sticker style decal somewhere on the back reading: "My other ride is the Millennium Falcon" (will not be re-produced on mini due to the bounds of physics and having fat hands).