ytsejam87

CF18, I don't necessarily think modeling is dying, I think it is fading here in North America. Where are the kits produced? Where is the aftermarket produced? It would be intriguing to see kit demographics on the eastern side of the asian rim. It seems to me that gundam has kept a bigger portion of younger folks in japan interested in the hobby. Nothing like that on the same scale seems to be promoted/popular here in the USA.

John53, I come from the same idea, my father encouraged me to model during the space race days, and I have had the bug ever since. Always circling back to the hobby. I don't think it is just necessarily computers. I feel that as time has gone by, less and less folks are doing ANYTHING with their hands, like automotive work, wood work and our favorite hobby. This also reminds me of a quote from one of my college professors (ironically, electrical engineeing wise, his initals were jwL): "when I (the professor speaking) went to college, there were 10 engineering students to every law student, now (back in the mid '80s) there are 10 law students to every engineer". It was intended to be motivational, but also in hindsight, a bit of a warning. So, I feel that your comments about the hobby are just a touch off. I hate to say it, but I feel that the hobby will die IN THE USA as the baby boomers die out. As such, I think it is natural that Revell Monogram USA has been dying the slow death it has been over the past 30 or so years. However, we get to experience the hobby at it's quality pinnacle, as it seems that other countries have taken the baton and truly run with it! Truly it is a golden age.

RIP, Gunney.

THANK YOU!

Not that it is a definitive source, but, according to this article on war-zone, all 19 JASSM-ER's were deployed from B-1B's.

check out doogs models on youtube. He has a really nice build series that compares between both SU-35's you have mentioned. it is called "flankoff'. He is painting as he goes along, and the series is ongoing! Highly worthwhile, and is quite neutral (in my opinion).

uh oh. need to visit some hobby lobby's and michaels today ASAP......

The smooth(er) lines of the SM are nice, but the two seaters have a burly look that to me says, "I can take a hit".

Okay, I will play. What variant would you all like to see first. I say SU-25TM.

facebook.

mr. color has this set<link to amazon>: Mr.color Featured Set CS665 Japan Air Self-Defense Force Cleaner Marine Camouflage Color Color I have it for my F-2's on my bench.

sources?

Thanks all. I guess I phrased my question somewhat incorrectly. I was attempting to solicit speculative opinions concerning the idea that Tamiya was disappointed in the F-16C series sales, subsequently, they held back on producing a family model. Alll speculation of course! (tip of the hat to 11bee!) I have built one single seater, and have 4 on the shelf, and absolutely adore it. And will continue to buy more. I feel a D model, if a later block (Like a sufa) is one that is eventually produced, it rounds out the family, essentially, allowing nearly any block F-16C/D to be produced. I believe there would be a great level of decal and aftermarket support, as most (if not all) C operators, also operate D's. I have read a goodly number of links concerning the kinetic series of f-16's and really don't think (basic modeling skills wise)I am up to the challenge that they present.

I am sure it is a "trade secret". I just cannot understand the lack of a release of a family model. From what I understand, a Tamiya F-16D would be as simple as creating two sprues(upper fuselage plus 2nd pit and a new canopy), a decal sheet and instructions.

Given their quick turnaround on the F-14A to F-14D release schedule, would I be accurate in saying that the F-16c releases were eventually, a sales disappointment? Did the disappointing sales Eventually lead to Tamiya to not release a F-16D?