| Actually using your strict criteria, pilots probably would not be the most knowledgeable with regards to aircraft specs. These questions would have to be for the crew chiefs and maintainers then. Reference materials in the past were not necessarily the best, but some of the current materials are quite excellent. Some of the reference materials I have do a great job in breaking down the differences in model types. One does a great job in breaking down the model differences of Bf 109G series, an example would be covering the differences between the Bf 109G-4/R-2 and the R-4 variants. Reference material in the past just were not that detailed, while some of the more current material goes into great depth. I just do not buy into the you have to have sat in it to have an basis for an opinion. By the way anyone have guess on what the differences between the R-2 and R-4 models are? I guess you probably would had to have some time in a Bf 109 to know,,, I haven't but do know the difference. |
My statement earlier was based upon the man I worked for, the owner, Tom Reilly, who restored 10 B-25's, 2 B-17's, a B-24 (one of only 3 actual bomber variants in the world that are airworthy; the others were converted transport aircraft), a Corsair, a P-40, etc. Since Tom built these aircraft, usually over the span of 4 years on average, and flew the bombers in airshows, then he understands the flight characteristics of these birds better than any other person that I know. He knows more about American WW2 bombers than any other person on this planet, period. The man did restore these and other aircraft over a span of 30 years and has over 10,000 hours in Mitchells, Flying Fortresses, and Liberators. I went to airshows and watched him fly B-25's and B-17's on many occasions. If he gave a review of a B-25, B-24, or B-17 diecast and stated that there was inaccuracies in the aircraft, then I would believe him since he is an expert on these aircraft.
I never stated that the only opinion one can have on a diecast is if you have sat in the aircraft; walking around the aircraft (again, the correct variant/sub-model) and comparing the 'real' aircraft to the diecast is your most accurate assessment. This still will not answer the possible scenario of field modifications, which were common and a possibility that the diecast manufacturer took into consideration. As for books, not all of them have accurate information. For example, many books that I have stated that the top speed of a B-17 is 287MPH. The man who restored 2 of these to operating condition and has logged more than 800 hours in them said that there is no possible way a B-17 can reach that speed, even in a dive. I will believe someone with his knowledge and understanding of his stature over someone who reprinted information from the design specifications of a B-17 that was 'supposed' to reach this speed. In other words, the Boeing design team anticipated this speed when it was put to blueprints and this erroneous information was simply passed down thru the years. Books are excellent, but I like to link this information with people that I interviewed, combat footage (both black-n-white and color), and, if possible, the actual aircraft itself.