SPA Modeler

Modelcrazy wrote:

Stikpusher wrote:Multi mission capabilities in one design usually tends to water down the capacity to be really good at one or two.

Case in point.

Well, the JSF is a BIG improvement over the Harrier, and a moderate one over the Viper and legacy Hornets... the stealth capability will certainly enhance their strike mission effectiveness and survivability. But it in no way shape or form can truly assume the A-10’s battlefield CAS mission of close up and personal with long loiter time, big gun, and lots of ordnance.

Once it's fully developed, it'll be a game changer. The way it "sees" things is insane and it can share that with everything and everyone.

But like Stik said, it's not going to be a replacement for the A-10. It's the Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None.

Or the air superiority of the F-15 or F-22, however it does carry a truck load of ordnance. It's not very stealthy with weapons slung under the wings, but once the air and AA assets are taken care, of who cares. I've been a proponent of the F-35 while others have bashed it, but being multi roll, it's not outstanding in any mission as far as I've heard. As of yet, it can't use any of the Paveway systems except for the Paveway IV developed by Raytheon UK, not that the Paveways are the only GBUs by far.
I like them so much I have 3 F-35 kits. 2 A's and a B.
The 1/72 Academy kit is outstanding with great detail but would really benefit from RAM tape decals. The 1/72 Hasegawa kit has little detail, no open bomb bays but does include limited RAM tape. The 1/48 Kitty Hawk looks good but I really don't know much beyond that.

I have the Kitty Hawk "B" version. I want the A and C versions.

Mike, that's the one I have as well. I would like the A and C also. BTW Wolfpack makes the AM RAM tape decals for the 1/48 Kitty Hawk since, as far as I know, they don't come with any. Masking a 1/48 would be easier than a 1/72 but still a pain. Wolfpack's decals are limited so some masking is still needed if one wishes. I purchased a set for the B.

I have a masking set for the RAM panels, can't remember from who. But if you look at the current F-35's, most of the RAM panels are the same as the rest of the aircraft.

Finally got the color right did they?

This is the way the look now.

Awesome. Easy to paint

Well, I am back home from visiting Vermont & Fort Ticonderoga (pulled in last night). First, honey to do’s needs to be taken care of.

Anyhow, as I visited Fort Ticonderoga, they had a new exhibit featuring an aircraft carrier of same namesake during WW2 - USS Ticonderoga. It even had shrapnel pieces from a Japanese suicide bomber from the carrier during a battle. I will post pics soon as I figure out how to post it from my phone. The color IJN green is still visible.

Later before heading to Mt. Defiant, I shopped around in the gift shop. What did I find. A USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier kit for $20! I heldentenor off because I was unfamiliar with the Atlantis brand kit. Another reason, I held off is it included late 50’s ‘ early 60’s jet aircraft. Not what I wanted. So, I shopped around for a WW2 era USS Ticonderoga kit. Scalehobbyist has one for $89.99 (1/350 scale, Trumpeter kit).

If and when I do get this aircraft carrier Ticonderoga, this would be my choice for this GB.