captain america

The F-15 is faster at high altitude in it's maximum speed range (mach 2.5) as opposed to the F-14's mach 2.34. However, as almost any fighter Jock will tell you, the aircraft are hardly (if ever) pushed to these limits because of the massive fuel consumption rate ($$) and safety issues. Speed tends to be more important at low altitudes, when a fighter has to get in/out of a target area quickly. Here, the venerable F-14(B/D) is king, having the best acceleration and top speed of 1.5+ at sea level, matching that of the SU-27. In terms of manoeuverability, the F-14 B/D will more or less match the performance of the F-18C in a dogfight, but has far greater range, a better fire control (and missle reach) system and is somewhat more stable in the mud-moving job. While we're still on the topic of "dogfighting", it might be interesting to note that the F-14 has a better lift/drag ratio than the F-18 AND the SU-27 and will actually lose energy more slowly (out-manoeuver)than a Flanker in a tight-in dogfight. According to the russians, the Tomcat is also superior to the Flanker in terms of instant turn performance and rate of climb. Basically, the reason the Tomcat is being retired is because of its high maintenance costs and safety record. The F-18E is more cost effective in this arena, and is much safer to bring-back aboard deck (mainly because of it's newer, all-digital flight control system... A similarly-equipped F-14 would do about as well) but it loses out to the Tomcat in almost every respect in the combat arena: far shorter range, poorer acceleration, lower speed, rate of climb, rate of turn, etc... For what it's worth, Mc Donnell Douglas won't even give any performance data for the F (which is the REAL replacement for the Tomcat, not the E model) model Hornet, which it knows will fare far worse against the Tomcat due to its extra bucket and reduced centerline fuel tank.

Hmmm, I don't think waiting until the item is no longer "new" will affect the price of parts. Rather, it's probably a better idea to try to procure them while the kit is still being produced and the dies are all set up. I doubt Bandai would bother to re-set all their machines to pump-out a handful of spues once it's off the production list. Rather, my question was aimed at anyone who may have already tried to order the parts, and whether this is cheaper than just purchasing a whole new kit.

For those Gundam fans among you who have the Perfect Grade GP01, I'm sure you'll agree that it's an absolutely spectacular model: sooooooooo many parts (1250 in total, to be exact) and all that wonderful engineering. It's without a doubt the best plastic model I've ever purchased. Having said this, I'm left with a bit of a hollow feeling. Why, you ask? Well, quite simply, the kit gives you parts to build one and a half Gundams, and that "half" is the problem. I have all the FB parts laid-out, built, but unused. My fear is that due to the enormous complexity of the PG, the constant "swapping" of parts will eventually cause something to pry loose, or break, and I'm wondering if it's worthwhile at all to simply order the parts trees necessary to build another gundam "frame", and simply build that one as an FB. Has anyone else considered this option, and if so, is it worthwhile to just buy the twenty-odd sprues, or is it simply cheaper to just buy a whole new kit. If anyone has any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear 'em

How sad that such a formidable aircraft is being "replaced" by a slower, less manoeuvrable aircraft with less payload capacity and shorter range... The things the US NAVY will do to save some maintenance bucks! Had they opted to replace the F-14's front windscreen, build it with a greater amount of composite materials, replace the engines and avionics with those derived with the F-22(and an MATV nozzle), it could have flown competitively for another decade...I'm really going to miss that ol' turkey.

Hi Haro. They seem to be using the F-14A, as Hasegawa has already released the kit in 1/72. No idea why though; the A model is practically out of service.

Hi Ewilen. To answer your question as succinctly as possible; the Zentradi Arii kits are junk. Very low on parts count and simple to construct, they nevertheless look terrible once finished. Considering the organic design of the ships, you'd be much better off building your own from scratch.

Hi Exo, nice to see a friendly face... Still trying to get used to the new forums here Actually, I think Shawn or Graham could pin a topic on this subject if they felt it was necessary, but honestly, I don't think it's important enough. Even on my end, I pretty much no longer get any e-mails about the Legioss; it's old news.

How come this topic keeps popping-up over & over?