That very thing happened to me once. I was crossing a major airport with the mighty Squirrel HT3.
The clearance read something like: "You´re cleared to cross the active runway behind the A319, Air So-and-So".
I advised that I wash´t familiar with that type and after some more hints the controlled cleared me to cross "behind that yellow aircraft". Not at all mocking me, that was indeed very helpful! :ok:

Tom

Years and years of tradition unhampered by progress

This really is a surprising thread. :uhoh:

Anyone who decides to get voluntarily airborne should surely take more than passing interest in those other bits of metal, fabric, wood or fancy composites buzzing around with you?!?

Surely we have all been in situations in or around approaches/circuits where who/what you're following is critical?!

ATC are really trying to help.

Maybe an aircraft recognition module would be useful as part of the FCL ground exams?!?