The Forum

I know this is a ridiculous obsession but I've always loved grille badges.  I have my MBCA (M-B Club of America) badge and my 250,000km badge direct from M-B.

Has anyone here ever considered having some made to show off their support of our W116s?  I've run across a site that will make 25 for $23.50 USD apiece ($29.81 AUD).  A little pricey I suppose, but worth it for interested parties, I'd think.

one of the south african guys on the 116 yahoo groups had a batch made, cant remember his name, but he shipped them globally a couple of years ago
regards
nathan

Quote from: Michel on 29 December 2006, 07:58 PM
I didn't know this forum had an 'owner'!
Who is he or she?

His name is admin  ;)

Sorry, couldn't resist :)

Mforcer is the brains behind the machine and there was a thread a while back talking about costs or similar, I remember putting my hand up for coffee cups and beer mugs but just tossing around ideas.  How about a w116.org stein!

I think the grille badge is a good idea. I'll get a couple.  There's possibilities for other things too but thumbs up on the badge.  Would you be thinking on the lines of being similar too the club type badges but with w116.org around the bottom?  Something like that?  I know Andrew116 could throw a graphic together of what it would look like (if he's not too busy) ;)

One thing I wont get is a sticker, there's no more space on my rear window that's covered with playboy and brewery stickers, oh and the "back off a'hole" one I added yesterday. :D 

Oscar - have you got a Conargo Pub sticker? If not, you ain't a real Riverina Redneck yet!!!
I'l put my hand up for a bonnet badge -or a 116 Gin and Tonic glass.
Regards,
BC

OOPS!!! Grille Badge. Result of a GnT I think....
BC

Quote from: Brian Crump on 30 December 2006, 03:30 AM
Oscar - have you got a Conargo Pub sticker? If not, you ain't a real Riverina Redneck yet!!!

:D  I had no idea anyone else on the forum knew about Conargo Pub and the mandatory sticker.  I'm impressed.  There's also another sticker - "Carrathool Pub" halfway between Griffith and Hay.  I could quite easily duck down the street right now and find a few utes with the complete collection.  You know, I think there's an unwritten rule as to which sticker goes where.

Oscar - you have never asked me where I grew up.....and it's too late now cos I am not telling...
BC

Quote from: Brian Crump on 30 December 2006, 04:42 AM
Oscar - you have never asked me where I grew up.....and it's too late now cos I am not telling...
BC

I'd guess somewhere very flat and dusty ::) Covers a lot of territory doesn't it.  :) Some people I've come across absolutely love it.  I prefer a bit more geography myself.

Well all,

I don't have too much graphics experience but if I could get some time this week, perhaps I could put something together...  I at least know some people that could help me.

I will see if I can't come up with something formal soon but since we all congregate at this site, I was thinking of something that would tie in to this.  I would think the badge should be a standard 3" diameter round badge (76.2mm) with two studs on the back for mounting through the grille.

Around the edge of the badge would say something like "International W116 Enthusiasts Group - The First S Class" and then a logo in the center...

Again, the price would be $23.50 USD and $29.81 AUD not including shipping...  However, I work for a company that gets a great discount on international shipping so it should be fairly reasonable...

Fantastic   please count me in  johnj

Just putting forward some ideas, but something based on this sort of design would be nice:

(http://members.iinet.net.au/~vengeanceweapons/pics/mb-1-250.jpg)



(http://members.iinet.net.au/~vengeanceweapons/pics/mb-2-500.jpg)

I think the gold is a bit tacky though, have it in silver, with "w116.org" across the top, keep the oakleaves down the side and maybe "W116 owners group" down the bottom half,

There's so many to decide from.  A grille badge with Des example in silver would match the below-the-hood-star-badge .  I've no idea what it should look like but here's some other ideas/examples.  I had thought the idea of a silhouette of a 116 in the middle and I found a similar gullwing one. 

Anyway, not to sway opinion, apply the w116 international theme to the following.  I'll go with the majority, just trying to make the decision more difficult. ;D

(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6289/289217b81ce3fg8.jpg)
(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1395/aafd17b84d88bm5.jpg)
(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2408/11ac17b871e8uy4.jpg)
(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7838/940317b7fc6asa5.jpg)
(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1065/d717b7a07fxn3.jpg)
(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2913/151b7b594a2yz7.jpg)

kinda  off topic but If anyone would like to put together a club shirt i have a screen printing biz and could do it cheap.
heres a few links of prints I have done for fun

http://forum.mbspares.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=300 (http://forum.mbspares.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=300)

http://www.fefcholden.org.au/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=s4sale;action=display;num=1045721795;start=20 (http://www.fefcholden.org.au/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=s4sale;action=display;num=1045721795;start=20)


you might notice both these thread generated more funny repys than orders for shirts  lol

Hi Hoddo,

I looked at your pics when you posted, just curious if you need group orders or can you do one-offs?   Are they screen printed or heat transfer?  How about hats?  I'd think about a custom print perhaps if I could come up with something.



Guys, where's my grille badge.  :)   I thought a few more designs would've popped up by now. I can't help, sorry.

hi Oscar.. they are screenprinted. I can do one off prints usually single colour as multi colour prints are alot of work..ie need a screen for each colour. Sorry cant do hats

Are the shirts available those from the Johnny Bobbin link still?  Any idea for a price on say a one-off polo shirt or simple tee with a pic supplied like your slc (nice car btw)  8).  PM me if you like or post, a guesstimate is fine.  I might work on something and email it to you but it wont be in the next few days, possibly a week or two.  Also what format or resolution pic do you need. eg tiff, jpeg, raw. what size pixels, mb.
Cheers, simon.

Andrew, I tried Photoshop and gave up.  I ended up using real scissors and pencil and paper.  So don't laugh you lot but think positive and squint if you have to but what do you think?  It's just a bunch of ideas thrown in one and may be too busy with detail.  Speak your minds.

(http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7467/grillbadgesmallpd4thvr7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4717/grillbadgesmallpd4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

I'll try to replicate this at a higher quality... it's a great ideea and I didn't laugh because I used to do so also.  ;)
I'll reply later with a pic.

See you soon, Andrew

Nice job!  Once an enamel (?) version of the car is used instead then I guess we're all set. 

Yes, enamel car and and don't forget to replace the oscarsans bold font with something more appropriate. :D

There's a couple of other issues some of which may sound pedantic but worth considering before a final form is decided upon.

Above all - Attn admin!! Can w116.org be used?

Secondly - the pedantic part, LHD or RHD or Euro or US or SE or SEL ???  I know, but my thoughts were that the final version if a similar pose is used that the car take on a non-descript appearance with regards to the above.  Short v Long wheel base wont matter, but without trying, the pic I used after converting to grayscale and posterizing ended up almost hiding the bumpers and wipers to the point where it's hard to tell it's anything other than a w116.

Thirdly - colours.  I'm thinking silver like Des said as a base and silver letters and lines, blue background for the text, maybe or maybe not dimples around the star and car and silver in colour.  What colour for the star and car?  I think they'd have to be different.  It would be good to match the car with your own colour  8)   Maybe the background to the star could be red.

Lastly - there's obviously no room for screw holes so the screws would have to be soldered to the rear.  Speaking of room, I have my doubts whether a real version could accomodate that many letters and words around the outside.  The oscarsans font I used is very forgiving, but I could be wrong, it may just fit.

Oscar,

I like the idea very much. 

Colours : I feel we must stick to the traditional blue, silver, white.  No red

Lettering : I think you are right that those are too many letters to be readable.  One way to cut back is to avoid duplicating the 116 reference top and bottom.  possible suggestion :

top : INTERNATIONAL ENTHUSIASTS GROUP
bottom : W116.ORG

I really like the laurels.  They must stay. 

If you do use a car image, I wouldn't worry about the LHD/RHD thing.  At the size of the badge and limited colours range it probably won't be visible anyway.  The same might hold for bumpers as well, but I vote foe Euro bumpers since I think its what most of us have, and they are generally (though not universally) preferred. 

Ryan

Quote from: s class on 11 January 2007, 09:44 AM
I vote foe Euro bumpers since I think its what most of us have, and they are generally (though not universally) preferred. 

Euro bumpers are a must...higher compression isn't the only reason the only 116s I've bought have been Euro.

What about a golf shirt (dark blue) with this embroidered in silvery white across the back - quite big, so that the letters are about the same size as on our cars?

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/4434-1/116org.gif)

Best I could do with MSWord, you get the idea.  To get the font really cood, the 6 could be traced from a 6.9 badge.  I have seen some W123 300D's sold in the US had a bootlid badge "TURBODIESEL" in the correct 70's Benz font.  That could give us the R and the O.  The G could probably come from a 70's Gelandenwagen badge.  The W and the 1's I dunno about - we'd have to take a best guess.

Ryan

Finally I finalized something... regarding your proposals I came up with this...
The dimensions and colours can be changed, the text and inside pic also...
Waiting for your opinion on this...  ;D

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/4436-1/Badge2_small.jpg)

That's pretty slick, Andrew...I like it!

Pardon what's probably an American figure of speech...slick in this case being synonymous with nice/cool/groovy, etc.

Me too, I like it.  You've done very well Andrew. I like the car's pose too.

When the car is converted to a line drawing, of all the details that are lost, I wondered how bundts would compare to hubcaps.  But when you look at the forum's official logo at the top of the page, after all this time I've only just noticed this detail is avoided all together. Hmm.  The gullwing badge on the other page has hubcaps obviously but also captures the perforations around the edge of the hubcap.  So maybe bundts would be representable.  I like hubcaps but have no preferences for the badge. Your leaves are fantastic Andrew.  I think there's a consensus on making it as close as possible to what an official badge would look like.  These leaves are spot on.

Count me in. As I'm new here, I'll go with whatever the people who have been here longer go with. Looks really good, Andrew. Hope someone is OK to ship to England. I'm happy to pay charge.

James

Oh man, I started a topic and someone else finishes!  Well all, I am not a graphic designer and learned I have really no intrinsic talent as such but I would like to show everyone what I finally came up with after downloading a trial copy of Photoshop and teaching myself to use it.

Just one thing: I can't convert the file from a .psd to a .jpg and I can't figure out how to upload it!  Help!

Up in the menu U have the option "Layers". Click it and then it the submenu you'll find "Flatten image". Click on that and you'll be able to save the file as jpeg because all your layers will combine as a hole picture.
Hope that helps...

And thanks for the appreciation, all of you.  ;) I'm glad you liked it.
There is still a lot of improvment that can be done...

Andrew in Romania

Andrew that is really nice, I would buy one

I don't think anyone has mentioned if even $1 goes to support the website with the sale of the badges,

Even if I never fitted the badge to my car, (which I will) I would still like to buy one just so it helps the forum out a little.

Thoughts on this?

Hi Des,

I'm hoping admin will give permission to use the web address.  There's no need to have w116.org but I'm sure everyone including myself would prefer it.  I don't know how a royalty would be organised unless admin organised the badges in the first place.   I'd be happy to make a donation towards the website regardless, it's saved me so much money in the past.  For the moment the badge price that maca quoted is reasonable and I'm happy to go with maca's manufacturer.  BTW I'll have 3 badges.  I forgot about my future 6.9. ;)   It'd be great to have a shop on the site so one could purchase w116 related nik-naks, pens, zippos, beer holders, coffe mugs, steins and GnT glasses etc at any stage, the list is endless.   I'd even pitch in to get it up and running.  A lot of work and funding I'd expect and a long time to get a return.

re photoshop - I know I've converted before to jpeg before but trying to do it now even after flattening the image, "jpeg" isn't coming up as an option under the format drop down menu.  I found if you click "save for web", jpeg is selectable but I'm sure it has been available under "save as".

Glad to see you chime in finally maca. ;D Look forward to seeing your badge.

Hello All,

Sad as it is to say, this took me many hours to create.  Although I'm pleased with it, I would still like to make a few changes!  If I had the time and skill, I'd clean up the lines of the car and I'd add the website arcing above the car, just under the blue ring.  I thought since the steering wheel was on the left and the lights and bumper Euro, it was a nice hybrid of American and Australian traits and therefore more suitable for the international theme...  Haha!

The badge would be made of cloisonne (superior in look to enamel) and the car could be colored so it wouldn't be merely an outline.  I'm partial to silver over blue myself ;)

The finished product looks good at 3" (76.2mm), which is standard for grille badges here...

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6938/w116grillebadge2lz8.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Maca,  I hadn't thought of a front on pose.  Well done, this is going to become difficult.  Don't worry about size, I stood back a few feet to downsize it.  ;D

Flicking between the two and keeping in mind the draft status of each I'm not sure which I like better.  I might as well get straight into it.  My two cents worth, I'll try to be brutally honest, no offence intended to either of you.  They're both great efforts. ;)

I think the wording is fine and "INT'L" is acceptable.  If w116.org gets dropped, there's no reason another design can't be struck down the track for the forum.  I know I'd buy them.  I'm glad you included the leaves. I do miss the star but don't know whether it would be worth incorporating it behind the front on pose - you wouldn't see much of it anyway.  The width of your blue band is more to scale like an official badge where as Andrew's is proportionatley thicker.   The front on pose looks more like a w116, the angled view looks sexier.

That's all I'll say for the moment.

not so sure about the abbreviation in the above badge, if someone has to look at it, look at it again to work out what it means it doesn't work in my humble opinion.

keep it simple

"W116 Owners group" across the top

then

S Class

Quote from: Des on 12 January 2007, 06:43 AM
not so sure about the abbreviation in the above badge, if someone has to look at it, look at it again to work out what it means it doesn't work in my humble opinion.
keep it simple
"W116 Owners group" across the top
then
S Class

Another work/proposal.
Des, I'll try to make another version regarding your thoughts...  ;)
I wait all gentlemen on the forum (even admin  ;D) to give me details: thickness of borders, chosen colors, text and dimensions.  8)
"I'll be back!" with progress as soon as you give more infos. Thanks!

Andrew in Romania

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/4450-2/The+Badge.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/fun/The+Badge.jpg.html)
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/4446-1/The+Badge_SMALL.jpg)

Gentlemen,

I must query the "first S class" reference. 

I always believed that the W108/9 was the FIRST S-class, the W116 was called the NEW S-class, the W126 was called the NEW GENERATION.  After that they gave up I think.....

Anyone have more info?

Ryan

And a fake 3D view:  ;D
Click for the bigger picture...

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/4454-2/The+Badge+3D.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/fun/The+Badge+3D.jpg.html)

Quote from: s class on 12 January 2007, 09:07 AM
I must query the "first S class" reference...
... the W116 was called the NEW S-class, the W126 was called the NEW GENERATION.  After that they gave up I think.....
.....
Ryan

Ryan, if you're right  ;D, then I'll modify the text as well...
Could someone gather up info on it's display...???
Or should we make a voting for it?

Text - up = ....
       - down = ....
        - middle = ....

Star / no star

Pose: front/side/angle?

Thanks a lot!
Andrew in Romania

My understanding is what is written in the first paragraph of the forum's website - "The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (internal designation: W116) replaced the 108/109 series and was the first series for which the name "S-Class" was officially used."  I've read 108/9's being called s class but always thought it was retrospective terminology for them.

I wouldn't mind if reference to being "first" was scrubbed. 

In maca's, - INTERNATIONAL OWNERS GROUP up top
and down below; W116 S-CLASS , or W116.ORG, or just W116.

Andrew's - I like your avatar  :D  I started Photoshop up this evening but shut it down after your last creation.  I thought to myself - it's no use competing. ;D
It looks much better with the reduced blue surround. I think the car looks better in the middle and I like the size of maca's text better.

Don't rush and change things, they're just my preferences.  See what other people think too. 

Don't know about colours.  I'll throw a few suggestions in; Dark/Navy blue surround, silver background and text and borders, white car.  Since the star is only in Andrew's all I'd say is that the car and star have to be different colours.  A white star would look traditional, what colour car though?  Black, blue, thistle green?

Thanks Oscar...  ;D
We finally get close to something (thanks to macatron for starting this topic ;))
I'm glad everyone is enthusiastic about it. After it is decided how it will look, remade it so everyone agrees, decide were it will be made (if it will  ::)) I will provide the .cdr file (that's the standard Corel Draw file from wich I export the .jpg one) that I created so the "workshop" has the best quality for it.

I sure hope we'll take this to the part that our galley shall have pics of our w116's with the badge on  ;D

What you all think?

With respect, Andrew in Romania

Quote from: s class on 12 January 2007, 09:07 AM
Gentlemen,

I must query the "first S class" reference. 

I always believed that the W108/9 was the FIRST S-class, the W116 was called the NEW S-class, the W126 was called the NEW GENERATION.  After that they gave up I think.....

Anyone have more info?

Ryan

S Class history, from our own gallery:

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/887-4/Mercedes-S-Class-009.jpg)

Quote from: Des on 12 January 2007, 02:43 PM
S Class history, from our own gallery:

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/887-4/Mercedes-S-Class-009.jpg)

I've always thought that pic interesting: it skips at least one generation: the W108/W109.  I'm not sure about the pre W111/W112 either, I'm not sure exactly which chassis that is from that angle.  I'd always thought of the "S" badged Pontons as the first S class, personally, but that's just me.

Quote from: 116.025 on 12 January 2007, 03:20 PM
If you note, the burgundy car in the pic has different taillights, and has a separate glass behind the rear door,

It took me a while to see that difference but yeah, finally I see it.  Well spotted.

If you think the W108/9's are missing, I'd say there is another missing and there should be 8!

My point of reference is that publicity shot of 8 "s-class" in two rows, line astern formation travelling on a three lane banked race track. I can't find the pic and I've got no idea which is missing.  All I know is the w116 and w126 were at the back of the grid.  Totally unfair!!

Here it is: from earliest I'm guessing, roundie, finnie, 108/9, 116, 126, 140 and I don't know the new two offhand. Thers a bigger pic on my computer somewhere - it used to be my desktop.


EDIT EDIT.
Actually, did you know there's been 10 s-class. Sort of.
Wikipedia says so (so it must be true :D) but also acknowledges the W116 as the first offical use of the term.
An interesting read.
Wikipedia article on answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/mercedes-benz-s-class)

(http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/5717/300pxsclassline5c1e581lo6.jpg)

The Grill Badge looks very professional and thank you fdor all the work, please count me in for one.

Bill

I know there have been a couple of questions about the "First S-Class" but here are just a couple of sources I found.  BTW, the Wikipedia article is kind of an entertaining read...  (I just didn't want people thinking me an idiot!  Haha.)

This is also from our site:

A completely newly developed luxury car was presented to the public in September 1972. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (internal designation: W116) replaced the 108/109 series and was the first series for which the name "S-Class" was officially used.

I took this from Wikipedia (I thought it was an interesting read):

While the exact beginning of the colloquial S-Class expression cannot be determined precisely, it has always referred to the most spacious and largest luxury vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, with the exception of the limited-production Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine. In some cases it also applied to vehicles requiring premium fuel or "Super" due to the higher compression ratio and output of the company's top-of-the-line engines. The name "S-Class" derives from the German word "Sonderklasse" for which "S-class" is just an abbreviation. "Sonderklasse" means "special class", meaning a specially outfitted car.

The cars are commonly accepted as the Mercedes-Benz flagship model. Though the term S-Class has been used as a colloquial term for decades, it was not officially adopted by Mercedes-Benz until the introduction of the W116 for the 1973 model year.


Edit:

I just saw Oscar's reference of this article...  Sorry for the duplicate!

OK the big 8 generation picture is

roundie
W112
W108/9
W116
W126
W140
W220
W221

The smaller rear-end pic is from the most distant
Adenauer (not the same as roundie - the lux model available at the same time as the roundie)
W112
W116
W126
W140
W220

Now I am pretty confident that S-class is an inappropriate term for anything earlier than W108.  The roundies were definately not S-class, they were a compact car, predecessor ofthe W115 if you will.  It gets murky with the fintails because there were actually three body variants :

W111 - the one we all know
W110- A modified version of the 111 using a slightly shortened nose.
W112 - air bellow suspension verison of the W111 - only available as a 300SE and 300SEL.

The W110 was fitted usually with 4 cyl engines or diesel engines, and is easily distinguishable for having round headlights as opposed to the 111/112 that had W108 style headlights, and having only single bladed bumpers. 

W110's also had more basic trim levels, 

According to the MB passenger car programme document from thenearly 60's (its undated)

W110 :

190 4 cyl, 90hp SAE
190D, 60hp SAE
I believe that in later years the 190 was replaced by a 200 - my dad had one

W111 :

220 6 cyl, 105hp SAE
220S 6 cyl, 124 hp SAE
220SE 6 cyl 134 hp SAE

Later on the 220S was replaced by a 230S.  There never was a 230SE.

W112 :

300SE 6 cyl : 185 hp SAE
the long version of the 300SE was also badged 300SE.  There was no 'L' in the designation.


So the 111/2's were separated from the 110's by having higher performance engines, higher trim levels AND the S deisgnation (except the short lived 220). 

But I don't think anyone truly regards the 111/2's as the first S class, even though they are certainly the spiritual predecessors. 

For what its worth, the W108/9 replaced the W111/2 in 1965, whilst the W110 continued in production a while longer, ot be replaced by the W115/4 in 1968 (the /8 models)  From then on their was a clear heirarchy between the base and larger models.


I have now skimmed through my archives of original MB brochures. 
The #W116 280S/SE and 350SE brochures from '72 both open with the line "The Mercedes Benz S class - 280S - 280SE - 350SE - A new dimension in motoring". 

On the other hand the orignal W108 280S/SE brochure starts "The new Mercedes Benz generation heralds the engineering, performance and safety of the future"  There are no references to the term "S class" in this brochure or the subsequent 300SEL3.5 brochure. 

SO perhaps I have supported Andrew's comment and shot myself down?

If I get a chance I may wade through the 60's and 70's In Aller Welts to see if Ican corroborate.

Ryan

I'd love a W112 or W113. Sorry. Just had to mention that. They're gorgeous.

Sounds like we're coming to a landing on the badge. Time for a vote yet ?

 :(  I'm sad... because evryone is loosing interest... or is it just me...
I asked for indications because I don't have yet a full year in owning a w116, and James is right... we should vote.
If oscar or styria or a qualified member of the forum could think on the choises that could be voted it would be great. I hope we don't get carried by the wave and forget about this... it could really be nice. I guess...  :-\

Waiting here, going nowhere, hoping to get an answer.

Andrew in Romania.

Quote from: Andrew116 on 16 January 2007, 10:16 AM
:(  I'm sad... because evryone is loosing interest...

Woah, my friend!  Don't be sad!  I'm pumped about getting a grille badge (I'll probably order 3)!  I thought the second design was incredible!  Maybe remove the "The First S Class" text, and it'll be super.  The angle pose is wunderbar.

Andrew,

I'm with 116.025.  I think I'm like a few others too, just hanging back to see any further contributions.  Your animated avatar shows off a side on pose which had me wondering again, but I do like the angled look with star. Still undecided about the wording but happy to go with what's decided upon.

If I think back to how long it took for styria's AMG spoiler to get interest, fabricated and shipped, it doesn't surprise me that the badge may take a while even though it's a much cheaper and smaller item.

Quote from: oscar on 11 January 2007, 09:07 AM
Above all - Attn admin!! Can w116.org be used?

Absolutely! In fact, I have started to think about a line of items (shirts, caps, mugs etc) with our logo. They could be sold directly through the site. No promises at this stage.

As for the logo, I love to see what everyone has come up with. How about using the logo from the website or similar design without so much detail. I think it would be much clearer when the image is smaller. I wish I could contribute some designs but my computer graphics skills are sorely lacking.

As another idea, could you try replacing the wreath with MB stars and remove the star from the centre?

Quote from: Mforcer on 16 January 2007, 07:17 PM

Quote from: oscar on 11 January 2007, 09:07 AM
Above all - Attn admin!! Can w116.org be used?

Absolutely! In fact, I have started to think about a line of items (shirts, caps, mugs etc) with our logo. They could be sold directly through the site. No promises at this stage.

Great news on all accounts!!!

QuoteAs for the logo, I love to see what everyone has come up with. How about using the logo from the website or similar design without so much detail. I think it would be much clearer when the image is smaller. I wish I could contribute some designs but my computer graphics skills are sorely lacking.

Speaking of the site's logo, is there any chance of emailing the uncut/unchopped version to Andrew?

For the moment we've just used altered photos which is much easier then doing line drawings for each version of the badge, though I don't know how macatron drew his.  The end design submitted to the badgery  ::) must be a line drawing like the website's logo and the gullwing badge in my post on the 2nd page, since there's no way the badgery could replicate too much detail.  But they're all drafts atm. 

If the angled view is decided upon and the unchopped version of the logo is available, that would make a perfect centre piece for the badge.  Especially with w116.org being used.

QuoteAs another idea, could you try replacing the wreath with MB stars and remove the star from the centre?

Sorry, you don't get input, we just needed permission. :D :D
I'm kidding. :D  This is what I was talking about in my previous post, ie more ideas and fresh ones.  I'd like to see a mockup before I pass judgement, hopefully Andrew will oblige.

I like the design, maybe loose 'the first s-class' text... and how would a front-on view look or no car at all?
put me down for one anyway if it goes ahead... if not i might just print the design and stick it in my back window!

I also like the current design, and I also prefer that we don't put "the first s-class" text in there (108 and/or 111 owners out there might disagree, hehehe).  But I like the car's diagram to be present (maybe situated in the middle, in front of the star).  I don't mind if the car's facing you straight-on or angled.   :D

First of all... I must apologise for my behaviour and for being so impulsive.  :(
Just that a BMW smacked me down because he ran a red light... back pains and angry  >:(
Back to the subject then... I'll try to make 2-3 new proposals... regarding:
1.

Quote from: styria on 16 January 2007, 04:51 PM
Andrew, I also like the picture of the 116 partly obscuring the star, although I would prefer to see more of the star. Regards again, Styria

vs

Quote from: Mforcer on 16 January 2007, 07:17 PM
As another idea, could you try replacing the wreath with MB stars and remove the star from the centre?

vs

Quote from: behrthermostat on 16 January 2007, 09:36 PM
But I like the car's diagram to be present (maybe situated in the middle, in front of the star).

2.

Quote from: styria on 16 January 2007, 04:51 PM
Just one mre thought on the design and colours-I really like the colour scheme rendition that Des submitted on 31st December....
...... Regards again, Styria

3.

Quote from: oscar on 16 January 2007, 07:57 PM
Speaking of the site's logo, is there any chance of emailing the uncut/unchopped version to Andrew?
......
If the angled view is decided upon and the unchopped version of the logo is available, that would make a perfect centre piece for the badge.  Especially with w116.org being used.
.....
hopefully Andrew will oblige.

That would be great.... it could save me 3-4 hours of drawing. I can draw it myself but being on the work all the time it's hard to do anything else.
So I'll come back soon and again please accept my apologies....

Andrew in Romania

Quote from: Andrew116 on 16 January 2007, 10:16 AM
:(  I'm sad... because evryone is loosing interest... or is it just me...

No not at all, I think you have all made some wonderful designs and comments, only hard thing will be for a decision on which badge to go for.

Here are with and without the star the new badges and withou "First s-class":

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/7821-1/Badge-star.jpg)  (http://gallery.w116.org/dl/7823-1/Badge-no+star.jpg)

Going on with details... started drawing...
Lots of work... maybe tommorow will get it done.
Waiting for opinions..

Andrew in Romania

Andrew I like the one you just posted with the star in the background, looks perfect

I like the one with the star in it - the first one on the previous post - looks brilliant.

Can't be a Mercedes-Benz without a star.

Bill

For the colour scheme if you used the badge like this with, well I'm not sure what colour for the car in the background?

(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2913/151b7b594a2yz7.jpg)

You're right Des, the background should be the metal/silver base colour.  It would be good to get the tiny balls effect that's is on the radiator badge but this might cost more.  Even if it's flat, silver should be the colour there. 

My preferrences would be -
-I like the wording Andrew has in his last post.
-Dark blue surround with silver borders similar to canadian badge and our radiator badge.
-Background Star, same dark blue with silver edges
-Car angled in the middle of the badge,not up top. The colour should be bright purple - Just kidding  ;D  White car. Although I may seem biased having a white car, I think the car will stand out the most this way.

I don't suppose we could colour code each badge to match our own cars ;D ? That would raise the cost a bit.  I'd have red, white and black ;)

Ok oscar and everyone... this is the new start:  ;D

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/7839-1/Badge-Test0.jpg)

Well... the new message in Gallery when uploading:

"Upload Complete
Successfully added 1 file.
Added Badge-Test0.jpg
You are using 26.18 MB of your allotted 50 MB.
Add more files"

If posting proposals will get me to 50... that's it for me  :D
Just have to make them smaller... :-\

How do you like the improved badge?
Andrew in Romania

Well that's pretty much what I had in mind ;D ;D  I shall wait to see what others think.

Thanks for your efforts Andrew.  Your help so far has been much appreciated by all.

I'm very glad you like it Oscar... I remember you and Ryan in South Africa solving my first problem with the car... when I became a member of this forum... now I know it's worth all the effort to acomplish such great thing and becoming friend with great people on this forum..

Let's see what the others will say... once more: this is not final... this is just a low quality sketch... ok?  ;D

Thanks... Andrew in Romania

Andrew, I couldn't help myself.  I had to try out photoshop again and I found the lasoo tool.  How cool is that thing.  It chopped the star down a little but anyway, I managed to stamp in the ball like background to see how it looked.  Not only that, I tried tracing the car to convert it futher into a line drawing.  Also I started shading like the gullwing badge on the second page.  But I'm giving up again, for the moment.  Your right about the time it takes to make a good line drawing. I just wanted to see how the background would look.

(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1287/badgetest01adq3.th.jpg) (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest01adq3.jpg)
(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1287/badgetest01adq3.jpg)

It's a shame we're not producing an SL badge. Here's a car drawing ready to go.

(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9376/ist2146617mercedesroadseq2.th.jpg) (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ist2146617mercedesroadseq2.jpg)

Quote from: oscar on 17 January 2007, 06:26 AM
I don't suppose we could colour code each badge to match our own cars ;D ? That would raise the cost a bit.  I'd have red, white and black ;)

If you want to go really custom, we could have our handle put on there...poor Big R, he'd need like 30 badges  :D  Just joking...

But in all seriousness, Andrew's latest version is positively stellar.

Quote from: 116.025 on 17 January 2007, 11:33 AM
If you want to go really custom, we could have our handle put on there...poor Big R, he'd need like 30 badges  :D  Just joking...

But in all seriousness, Andrew's latest version is positively stellar.

:D

As much as I like the dimpled background, I think the dimples which are pressed into the back of the badge are unique to whoever officially makes MB badges and whoever we go with would have to design and make a press which would significantly add to the price.  So I'll drop this idea.
The badge is coming along nicely though.

The most recent design looks beautiful.  We certainly have a wealth of talent on this forum.  Thank you all for taking this idea so far - it has gone well beyond even what I envisioned.

The designs just keep getting better and better,

you guys have put in a lot of effort and time on these designs.

I'm completely happy wit the new design.  The angled pose is purposeful, the laurels are great the wording is to the point and few enough letters to work on the small size. Why should the dimples be so expensive?

Some have mentioned personalised versions/colours-  I think this is out of the question on costs basis.

I would buy at least two, possibly three depending on the costs.

Ryan

Thanks to all of you!

Just a thought... Why not a key ring rather than grille badge? We could then buy them as gifts for people that don't own a W116 and can't make use of a grille badge.

Grill and matching key ring!!!

3 of each please. 

God knows I'll lose key rings or break them.  I have (supposedly) a 190sl key ring which is virtuallly the same as the current circle and star pendant style keyring.  But the chain and lock on this one is much cooooler. I had it for about two months before I somehow punched the middle out and lost the star.  So now it's two rings connected by chain :(

Hoddo on the first few pages gave some links re him being able to do screenprinting.  I like s-class's idea re the embroidery.  Silver thread in the font style of the trunk lid badge would look good on a polo shirt.  A screenprint of the the badge design would work well on a tee I think.


Re the design.  Andrew, I'm trying to help.  I know your busy and I'm on holidays so I've got time.  But I can't wrap my head around photoshop.  I though at least I may be able to finish the line drawing of the car but I can't.

Three things
- as it is, the badge manufacturer will have to do their own artwork so maybe I/we shouldn't fuss too much about the little details.  Looking at some UK based badgeries  (is that a term? It is now), they can work off a hand drawing and do a bloody good job at converting it to an enamelled badge.
- secondly I've modded the car a little to show what highlights would look like.  Very rough, but it gives an idea of the black/white contrast plus silver lines. I was trying to get it to have the same appearance as the gullwing badge below
- lastly, the dimpled background, I'm confused.  Was that popular or not?  I thought it was thumbs down until I read s-class' post and reread others.  re the cost, I thought if gullwing owners couldn't afford dimples what chance have we? :D ;)

It's kinda very rough :-[  The gullwing below is the effect I was trying to produce.  Maybe the wheels could be filled in with bundts or caps.  that would look better IMO than white.
(http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3503/badgetest02arp9.th.jpg) (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest02arp9.jpg)(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5447/badgetest02asmalltx1.jpg)

(http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1395/aafd17b84d88bm5.jpg)
 (http://imageshack.us)

Guys, I'm keen on these grille badges.  Is anyone willing to take up the responsibility of having them produced?

Ryan

Although I like the idea floating around on this thread, the badges which were created through the Yahoo group can be seen at the following address
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/mercedesw116/photos/browse/78e7

Does anyone remember them and who had them made?

If I remember correctly, it was some guy in America by the name of Matt. I have attached a picture of mine on the grille of my old 280S. It is the badge on your left. It is not a great picture, but I will post a better one later.

Greg

(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2571/resizeofgregs280sxy1.th.jpg) (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=resizeofgregs280sxy1.jpg)

I am still keen to see the grille badge develop but I feel that further work is required with the outline of the car. I don't think we can be ready to look at badge suppliers until we are all happy with the actual design. Unfortunately I don't have the photoshop skills (nor even a copy of photoshop) to assist with the design.

As for something else, I will be looking into three possible items using the site logo found at the top of each page;

• a key ring,
• window stickers for the rear window of your car, and
• 'business' cards to place under the windscreen of other W116 we may pass by, encouraging them to this site.

More food for thought :)

styria,

I agree with most of what you say.  You mention dropping the site address from the badge to give it greater appeal (and hence sell in larger numbers).  That's fine, but then we loose some of our individuality, which I think some of us are looking for in a badge.  I for one would like to see the site address on the badge - that's the only way the badge is going to address our main aim of growing the site's quality and appeal. 

Granted, it will cost us more for a badge of greater exclusivity/narrower appeal, but I suppose then it comes down to prices.  I too would be interested in 2 or three - price dependant.  I imagine if the price were right, we may reach the 60 mark, though it could be difficult.  So I suppose the next step from here is to find out what an approximate cost would be, per badge, ,assuming an order of 60.  I think that once we have a budgeting price, members would be more willing to commit to purchase.   If we can't get 60 firm committments at that price, well then its a no-go.

Ryan

Surely we should run a poll to get the confirmed numbers?

Sadly to say I didn't take the pictures... From the license plate I know it's about 200 kms from me but the pics I remember to be from another benz gallery.

Concerning the car's line... I can draw it in Corel and also convert the text to curves... well this is what I do 5 days a week  ;D

See ya soon... Andrew

Hello All,

I am sorry for my absence; I have been at my bachelor party.  I have read through the posts and here are my thoughts.

First, the badge should be made of cloisonne.  It is a superior technique to enamel and is similar to what one would receive from M-B for the high-mileage award.  I have found someone on the web (in the USA) who could produce such a product for what I think is a reasonable price.  Here is the web address: http://www.arniebrown.com/ (http://www.arniebrown.com/).  Of course, I haven't dealt with this person but the quality seems to be quite high.  Also, we'd have to commit to a certain qty.  Pricing is included on the site in USD.

I like my design (obviously) but I will admit that it lacks artistic flair.  The reason I like mine is because it is simple and I think given the process of manufacturing these badges, whether cloisonne or enamel would reward a simple design.  However, I also think that Andrew116's execution is elegant and very stylish.  My main concern is the level of detail - could it be reproduced in cloisonne or enamel?  I'm not sure.

In reading peoples' posts, I now feel like my statement of "First S-Class" is too controversial.  I think W116.org is good because after all, this is where we congregate.  I do think we all agree that "International W116 Enthusiasts Group" or something very similar should appear on the outer blue ring.  I also am quite fond of the laurel branches.

Ultimately, what I think I would like to see is "INT'L W116 ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" on the top and "W116.ORG" on the bottom with laurel branches separating the two phrases.  I think the abbreviation will be necessary so that the typeface isn't distorted.  All of this would be silver relief with an M-B blue background.  In the center, I would like to see a white background with a line drawing of the W116 like the one that appears on the top of the forum's pages.  I think it would be kind of fun if we could use European bumpers with the 4 headlight setup of the American cars to stress the international angle of the web group but I don't know how much support I'll get on this!   ;)  Perhaps the car could be filled in with silver or some other color.  Accent colors would definitely help it pop off the badge.  Lastly, I would like to see the 3-point star in the background.  I think a blue star would be tasteful.

I would like to have a grille badge over a key ring simply because I think it is a big yet tasteful way to show pride in one's affiliations and activities.  In my area of the globe, it is something that is quite traditional for Mercedes-Benzes in particular because of M-B's issuance of a grille badge for their high mileage award.

Sorry all as this post is a bit rambling.  I will see what I can do to illustrate my revised proposal.  What a great group we have!!!

Quote from: macatron on 29 January 2007, 11:52 PM
What a great group we have!!!

My thoughts exactly!

Before continuing, I just want to add that regardless of anyones position with the site or preparing the badges, we all must accept that not everyone will like all the ideas. I am sure we can work out a badge design together :)

Quote
I like my design (obviously) but I will admit that it lacks artistic flair.  The reason I like mine is because it is simple and I think given the process of manufacturing these badges, whether cloisonne or enamel would reward a simple design.  However, I also think that Andrew116's execution is elegant and very stylish.  My main concern is the level of detail - could it be reproduced in cloisonne or enamel?  I'm not sure.

I agree with this; a simple outline of the car would look best on the small scale.

Quote
In reading peoples' posts, I now feel like my statement of "First S-Class" is too controversial.  I think W116.org is good because after all, this is where we congregate.  I do think we all agree that "International W116 Enthusiasts Group" or something very similar should appear on the outer blue ring.  I also am quite fond of the laurel branches.

Ultimately, what I think I would like to see is "INT'L W116 ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" on the top and "W116.ORG" on the bottom with laurel branches separating the two phrases.  I think the abbreviation will be necessary so that the typeface isn't distorted.  All of this would be silver relief with an M-B blue background.  In the center, I would like to see a white background with a line drawing of the W116 like the one that appears on the top of the forum's pages.

I think it would be kind of fun if we could use European bumpers with the 4 headlight setup of the American cars to stress the international angle of the web group but I don't know how much support I'll get on this!   ;)  Perhaps the car could be filled in with silver or some other color.  Accent colors would definitely help it pop off the badge.  Lastly, I would like to see the 3-point star in the background.  I think a blue star would be tasteful.

I would prefer not to abbreviate with INT'L but rather have "INTERNATIONAL W116 ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" or even just "W116 ENTHUSIASTS GROUP". Even without mentioning International, we are not mentioning any particular country.

My preferred alternatives would be "INTERNATIONAL ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" around the top and "W116" or "W116.org" around the bottom. Why repeat the term W116 when the image should reveal the focus of our club? I would absolutely love to see W116.org on the badge but will leave that up to everyone else.

As for the Euro vs USA style bumpers, I feel that we need to respect the home land of our cars and what the original design was.

I am not convinced about the 3-point star on the badge behind the car. I feel it may add to the clutter on the badge and detract from the car. Being a badge on the grille, there should be a large enough 3-pointed star just above the badge ;)

Quote
I would like to have a grille badge over a key ring simply because I think it is a big yet tasteful way to show pride in one's affiliations and activities.  In my area of the globe, it is something that is quite traditional for Mercedes-Benzes in particular because of M-B's issuance of a grille badge for their high mileage award.

Who said we can't have both?! :)

Oh yes, I certainly agree we can have both.  But, if we are forced to choose grille badge over key chain, etc., I wanted to cast my vote.

Also, I see the validity of your statement that W116 should not be repeated.  I would vote, then, for "INTERNATIONAL ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" AND "W116.ORG" separated by the laurel branches.

I can take or leave the 3 point star behind the car in the center.  I like the execution of it in Andrew116's design.  Perhaps it could be incorporated in another way?

Lastly, I see your point about the bumpers.  I figured it wouldn't be a popular suggestion especially as I get the impression many see the American version as a bastardization of the form.  However, I do love those headlights...   ;D  I concede that it doesn't make much sense to combine aspects of multiple versions and when in question, it seems most logical to revert to the original.

At this point, I feel my view is maybe even TOO well-covered so I will back off so that we can hear from the other members!

Guys, I agree in general with the direction this is taking.  My desires (with respect) are :

1) laurels separating the upper and lower text
2) the lower text should be W116.org - since this is who we are
3) upper text.  I think it needs to be as brief as possible due to limited space.  If "INTERNATIONAL ENTHUSIASTS GROUP" will fit, that would be great.
4) I like the idea of the car at an angle, either something like Andrew has drawn, or what's at the top of our page.  The simplicity of the line drawing on this page may win through due to practicalities. 
5) whether its enamel or whatever I really know nothing about this, so I'll leave it up to those who do. 
6) I prefer a grille barge over a key-ring, as at least a badge can be seen at club meets etc.  No-one will ever see my key-ring except me, and I already have a number of key rings from MB museum and others.

7) wherever in the world the badge is made, someone needs to be willing to handle the shipping, and be able to receive payment, either by credit card or paypal.

Ryan (respectfully plugging his wishes)

Macatron, I thought you'd be in Honolulu on a beach by now on your honeymoon.  Didn't expect to hear from you for a while.

I agree with maca's type of cloisonné enamelling and thanks for the link to the badge maker.  I've been googling badgeries over the last few days with mixed results.  These blokes seem to have just what we'd want with the right quality and the screws attached in the right place. Here's the link again since it's on the previous page http://www.arniebrown.com/ (http://www.arniebrown.com/). 

I like their explanation of the manufacturing process and the thickness of the badge will give the badge strength unlike the factory pressed radiator badge.  So I'd be happy to go with these guys.  At $23.50US it's a good price for under 50 badges.  These guys can accept paypal too. The badge maker would have to be approached to see if many payments or a single payment is required. 

I nominate shipping to be organised by maca.  He volunteered for it in a roundabout way on the first page. ;) 


Re the design;

-the car IMO should appear ambidextrous.  My attempt at a line drawing reflects it with no steering wheel or wipers visible, so does the website logo.  The bumpers are the only problem, but you know ::) Euros look  8) ;D
-I too am happy with the wording and surround with laurel etc.
-I like the angled car better as I think it shows the car's shape more than front on.  On a 3" badge with a 2" car, true the detail has to be kept to a minimum. An eventual final line drawing or use of the above logo will reflect that I believe.
-As for the rest. Background star and colours, with or without, I'm easy.
-keyrings, yes them too.  If there's enough interest, I'll have three of those too.

I wonder if we shouldn't have a vote and get on with it now ?

(1) Someone (Michael / Mforcer - suggest that be you) needs to propose something (i.e. choose the final design) and then for the W116 massive to say how many they would like to buy and what of (badges, key rings, stickers etc).

Then.

(2) Someone needs to approach a supplier (Oscar - suggest you approach the company you saw on the net) and project manage the order and delivery (OK Oscar ?). The owner of this part of the project should say if he needs money up front (via a Paypal account ?) or if he's happy to work on trust or if the supplier can handle the charging directly to individuals.

I think (just my humble opinion) that we've talked this one through enough and that we should act now. What do you all think ? Discussion could last for ever unless someone takes a decision and acts. Just being practical is all. Hope no one is offended because that's not at all my intent.

Cheers,

James

Hi All,

Hawai'i is in 3 weeks!  Until then, I'm still hanging around.

The only thing we need to do is finalize a .jpg image of the badge, I believe.  I think all the ideas are floating around out there and all we need to do is put them into a finished image for people to approve.

I will try to get another trial version of Photoshop.  Mforcer, would you be able to get me a complete version of the image from the header of the website?  I'd like to use it because it is ambidextrous as suggested (steering wheel doesn't appear) and it is simple enough that I think it could be reproduced in cloisonne.

I'd like this to be taken care of before addressing the supplier regarding payment especially as I've never worked with this medium before and am not sure what limits or changes the mfr. might suggest.  How does that sound?


Mike

Thumbs up from me! ;D 

BTW maca, my full version of photoshop was downloaded off Limewire.  Give that a shot. Rego details are in a readme file with the download I think.

Must be time to bump up the grille badge again :D :D

But seriously.  I've had a long think about styria's post re the design.  He's right about the likeness to other MB badges.  That may or may not be a bad thing, yet I've tried to open my mind to the possibility of making it stand out more or just to be different.  There's elements of the MB logos and trademark's I personally don't want to lose but taking it to the extreme, who said it has to be a round badge?  But I'm not that open minded at this stage.  :D

I know there's an air of C'ARN.  That's aussie for "Hurry up please" :D But I don't mind the wait to make sure we get one that we are all mostly happy with. 8)  Styria's brought on some more ideas and although I'm 50/50 about changing wording, plus I don't know how to, just focus on the colours for a moment and whadya think? I like the german flag/colours. Anything else? Any more ideas, don't hold back.  As usual, keep in mind my photoshopping is very substandard. ::) Cheers.

(http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9062/badgetest3aflagstarnz4.th.jpg) (http://img47.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest3aflagstarnz4.jpg)(http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/7317/badgetest3aflagnostaril0.th.jpg) (http://img47.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest3aflagnostaril0.jpg)(http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/5228/badgetest3aflagnostar2xb7.th.jpg) (http://img47.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest3aflagnostar2xb7.jpg)(http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/4332/badgetest01flagwh7.th.jpg) (http://img490.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest01flagwh7.jpg)I'd do more straight ones but photoshop wont let me

The problem with putting the German flag behind the car is that people with either think that you are German or that this forum is German. I think best to keep it simple and leave it with the golf ball style dimples as the background. IMHO.

James

It may be worth trying variations of the three colours such that the the outer circle is one of the three colours, the inner background is a another and the vehicle itself is the last colour. Just an idea :)

A few more to ponder trying to match the ideas above. Maca's front on appearance makes a comeback ;)

All drafts of course. The German flag filling in the entire background,  I'm not to sure of though I don't mind the colours. I tend to agree with James although the dimple design needs some more contrast in colour I reckon.

(http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/5315/badgetest0mapandflagkd7.th.jpg) (http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest0mapandflagkd7.jpg)(http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/406/badgetest01flagcolourtreo6.th.jpg) (http://img187.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest01flagcolourtreo6.jpg)(http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8382/badgetest02a3colour1ie3.th.jpg) (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest02a3colour1ie3.jpg)(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5227/badgetest02a3colourvw5.th.jpg) (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetest02a3colourvw5.jpg)(http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/1920/badgetestseethrulb4.th.jpg) (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badgetestseethrulb4.jpg)

Guys,

Once we have finally agreed on a design, as far as the mounting of the badge goes, I have had some experience with the badges we have made for the Mercedes Club here. I suggest that we stay away from welding or soldering mounting screws to the back of the badge, as these just tend to break. We should rather do what Mercedes does with their high mileage badges - they drill holes on either side, so the mounting screw holds the badge in place and there is no danger of breaking.

What do you think?
Greg

Hi All,

Inspired by Oscar's post, I've decided to post another variant of my front-on theme as frankly, I lack the skill to make a suitable 3/4 pose.  I'm not sure how elaborate a design can be replicated on these badges...

(http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/8296/grillebadge5copyhz7.jpg)

The proposed designs are very jazzy but, I feel they're just too busy. A simple badge would be much more fetching as we shouldn't detract from the car. But why put a picture of the car on the badge when the badge is attached to the car?!

Quote from: Martin 280s on 05 February 2007, 05:12 AM
The proposed designs are very jazzy but, I feel they're just too busy. A simple badge would be much more fetching as we shouldn't detract from the car. But why put a picture of the car on the badge when the badge is attached to the car?!

Hi Martin, you might be right as concerning the grille badge... but, as the others say, it's not only about the badge.
As I read these days, key rings, stickers etc. were proposed. So you came up with a great idea on simplifying one of them.  ;)
Hope the others will jump in with thoughts.

PS: Still drawing the Corel version... the program is buggy so if I forget to save... I start all over again  ::)

Andrew in Romania

Quote from: Andrew116 on 05 February 2007, 05:23 AM

Quote from: Martin 280s on 05 February 2007, 05:12 AM
The proposed designs are very jazzy but, I feel they're just too busy. A simple badge would be much more fetching as we shouldn't detract from the car. But why put a picture of the car on the badge when the badge is attached to the car?!

Hi Martin, you might be right as concerning the grille badge... but, as the others say, it's not only about the badge.
As I read these days, key rings, stickers etc. were proposed. So you came up with a great idea on simplifying one of them.  ;)
Hope the others will jump in with thoughts.

PS: Still drawing the Corel version... the program is buggy so if I forget to save... I start all over again  ::)

Andrew in Romania

Andrew, I think a  badge like your 'picture' below your name on the left would be good, similar to the grille badge, maybe in blue and gold, just the wreaths and a star with the dimple background.

I like Macatron's last concept as it is simple. I'd make it even simpler by taking out the globe part.

He who has the vision, has the job.....  Why don't we just take a vote on the design and let democracy do its thing?

Which design, Greg ?

How about I put all the main badge designs on one page in another thread for everyone to vote on?  I'll make them all the same size.

EDIT:
No vote yet,  but one will come soon.  I like all of them.  What a mess! :D :D Too many to choose from.  Plus Andrew might have something polished up his sleeve so I'd rather wait till he finishes his project/s.  Afterall, he's put most of the effort in and there's no way I could've come up with my variations had he not done the hard yards so I could copy and change them.  I can't even draw concentric circles. :-[ Shame there wasn't one badge available from the get-go.  Nevermind, it's been an interesting excercise.   I thought I might just throw them all together for everyone to look at in one spot.  gregdeklerk also mentioned something interesting about preference for screw holes v's soldered screws.  Appearance wise I'd prefer hidden soldered screws but I've never owned a badge before.

Anyway, have a look at them, make comments if you will.  See what Andrew has to say or add.  Then we'll vote, and gauge the interest in the selected design and wording.  If you've got something else, even if a handdrawing, post it in now and one of us can try and photoshop it like the other badges.

Cheers ;)



A(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8175-2/a.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/a.jpg.html)  B(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8179-2/b.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/b.jpg.html)  C(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8182-2/c.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/c.jpg.html)  D(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8184-2/d.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/d.jpg.html)
E(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8214-2/e.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/e.jpg.html)  F(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8186-2/f.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/f.jpg.html)  G(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8188-2/g.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/g.jpg.html)  H(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8190-2/h.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/h.jpg.html)
I  (http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8192-2/i.jpg)   (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/i.jpg.html)  J(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8194-2/j.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/j.jpg.html)  K(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8196-2/k.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/k.jpg.html)  L(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8198-2/l.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/l.jpg.html)
M(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8200-2/m.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/m.jpg.html)  N(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8202-2/n.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/n.jpg.html)  O(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8204-2/o.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/o.jpg.html)  P(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8206-2/p.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/p.jpg.html)
Q(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8208-2/q.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/q.jpg.html)  R(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8211-2/r.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/r.jpg.html)  S(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8223-2/Badge-Test0aclear.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/Badge-Test0aclear.jpg.html)   T(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8247-2/Badge-Test0acleargold+_Medium_.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/Badge-Test0acleargold+_Medium_.jpg.html)

Quote from: Michel on 09 February 2007, 01:41 AM
I am wondering if it is not too much trouble 'numbering' or 'naming' the badges you've just posted.
It will make it easy to discuss..
Can you?  ::)

You're right.  All fixed up now. Cheers

My vote goes for "H"

Happy weekend everyone.

All the best,

James

I've been quietly watching the great badge debate, it must be the most active thread ever, lots of contributions and comments, and we have kept it "nice" as well.

To me the important elements of the badge should be that it is obviously Mercedes-Benz, it should be simple but have class and finally, distinctive. My interpretation of this is that the star and circle should be prominent, only two colours keep it simple and choice of colours should make the badge distinctive. Blue and white are the obvious choices but black on white or white on black would look good, or possibly red and white.

Maybe we should think about what the Stuttgart designers would have done for our badge, I doubt they would have gone for the multicolour designs.

The 116 image is redundant, It makes no sense to put a w116.org badge on anything other than a 116.

I like Andrew116's early designs, the uncluttered star and circle with appropriate text. I have  taken the liberty of altering badge M from oscar's compilation by deleting the map, flag and car.


Something like this should be suitable for badges, keys, cups and bags etc.

Can we make the vote a two stage process, narrow it down to four and then chose one of the four?

As far as firm orders go I think we should commit to purchasing one (or more) of what ever badge the democratic vote comes up with.

koan

I like design S, it would really stand out in blue on gold. However, blue on sliver would be a charm to combine with my car!! ;D

If we use the word Mercedes we potentially breach Daimler-Chrysler copyright and would need to seek their permission before using it. The same applies for the use of any brand name. Sorry to be the bearer of not such exciting news but it is better to deal with that now than include a name which we then have to ammend. www.116.org is owned by the admisintrator of this site and of course he is able to authorise its use on a badge.......do we have any copyright lawyers on the site who can clarify this?
Regards,
Brian

Andrew,
was there any other designs you had before voting begins?

I added Koan's suggestion as "S" and martin's as "T".  Couldn't reproduce a flat gold appearance for the background or change the wording colour for lack of graphic skills but I'm sure you guy's can use your imagination.

I'll start two voting threads in the next couple of days.  One will be for the design, the second for the wording.  I agree with koan that the choice be narrowed down however I'll throw them all in at first then we'll see where the interest lies and go from there. 


Michel,
the owner v non owner poll.    You could start one out of interest sake but from your post I was wondering if you're worried about non prospective purchasers voting in an unpopular design.  Unfortunately, an owner poll would be as open to abuse as the badge poll IMO.  It's the kind of forum that one wouldn't expect to witness that kind of sabotage but you never know.  We shall see what happens but whilst the polls will be confidential, any doubts could be quashed by individuals posting what they voted for.

Brian,
interesting point.  I'm sure many will think it's pedantic but it's been something I've been thinking about if I do ever get round to making moulds of indicator lenses and ignition wire holders.  A sheriff may come knocking on my door with summons by Bosch and Daimler if I make them for anyone other than myself.  FWIW, when I was into model trains a little while back the very topic came up whereby model manufacturers required permission to replicate current trademarks owned by the many private rail companies around today.  However, logos of bankrupted or no longer existent entities with no subsequent owners didn't.  Same goes for replicating model parts of manufacturers of old no longer existent model manufacturers eg Lionel. 

Mercedes Benz are very much still around, but if a cease and desist order was attempted, I wonder if the fact the whole brand name wasn't used would be a saving grace.  Mind you, I'd hate to argue that the badge does not resemble an MB radiator badge. :-[


A(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8175-2/a.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/a.jpg.html)  B(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8179-2/b.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/b.jpg.html)  C(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8182-2/c.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/c.jpg.html)  D(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8184-2/d.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/d.jpg.html)
E(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8214-2/e.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/e.jpg.html)  F(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8186-2/f.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/f.jpg.html)  G(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8188-2/g.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/g.jpg.html)  H(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8190-2/h.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/h.jpg.html)
I  (http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8192-2/i.jpg)   (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/i.jpg.html)  J(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8194-2/j.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/j.jpg.html)  K(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8196-2/k.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/k.jpg.html)  L(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8198-2/l.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/l.jpg.html)
M(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8200-2/m.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/m.jpg.html)  N(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8202-2/n.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/n.jpg.html)  O(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8204-2/o.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/o.jpg.html)  P(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8206-2/p.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/p.jpg.html)
Q(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8208-2/q.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/q.jpg.html)  R(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8211-2/r.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/r.jpg.html)  S(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8223-2/Badge-Test0aclear.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/Badge-Test0aclear.jpg.html)   T(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/8247-2/Badge-Test0acleargold+_Medium_.jpg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/garage/oscars/grill+badge/Badge-Test0acleargold+_Medium_.jpg.html)

I favour F,G or H which are similar, but I thinik the line diagram in H is too detailed.  S and T are also attractive.  As far as copyright goes, I agree we should leave out any MB naming, but the star in itself - would that not fall in the same category?

Ryan

I think everyone involved has put in a massive effort to design and refine these badges, I would be proud to place any of these on the front of my car.


The only problem I see is that its like asking 200 people what you want to eat at a party, chicken wings? pizza? sausages? party pies etc.. A common consensus can be almost imposable to achieve.

I think it will be hard for everyone to agree on a design without offending someone who put a lot of work into their creation.

It's all done and dusted.  Voting is now open.  Click on the two links below to cast your vote. Cheers!!

Grill Badge Design (http://forum.w116.org/index.php/topic,1235.0.html)
Grill Badge Wording (http://forum.w116.org/index.php?topic=1236.0)

Oscar,

Thank you very much indeed. Nicely done. Well played. Loved the Eddie Izzard clip too !

All the best,

James

Sorry guys... wasn't arround...
:( Sadly, last week was a nightmare for me... 2 funerals... in 4 days. an uncle and a grandma'
That's what kept me from answering... I'm quite... f***ed up right now so...
The badge collection shows how much work everyone put in.  :)
No more surprises for me... maybe just vote for what there is.When you'll decide, I'll give you the Corel file needed for printing made upon what you choose...

Thanks for understanding, and sorry once again for my absence lately...

Andrew in Crappy Romania.

Andrew, so sorry to hear the news.  I was happy to see you make a post again thinking you've been swamped with work or on holidays, certainly didn't expect to hear of your family's losses.

All the best buddy, to you and your family.
Regards,
Simon

Thanks all for your support...
I a appreciate it. Hope I'll soon get over it and go on with my life... and contribute to the forum as we all do..
Off topic: a couple of weeks ago I became a member of the benzclub.ro forum... is mercedes forum in Romania... I proposed and allready gathered 10 people to a benz meeting next weekend.  ;D That cheers me up a bit... we'll have A, C, E, S class and a Vito and Smart also...
I hope I'll get some pics...

See ya soon... Andrew in Bed  ;)

I've voted (after reading all 11 pages of discussion!) and am putting my hand up for one.

Mforcer said he was going to send an email to all members??