[Elmer]

I finally received the FOV Black Knights Tomcat. Here is an attempt to contrast it with the Revell Jolly Rogers Tomcat:

1. Canopy & Cockpit: Revell's canopy is fixed (beatifully applied, no gaps); FOV's is variable--open or closed (with some slight gaps). Both cockpits have nice detail; FOV has crew, Revell does not.

2. Wings: both sweep, Revell's perhaps a little easier; Revell's glove vane's are positionable; FOV's are fixed (retracted).

3. Elevators and vertical stabilizers: Revell's elevators are fixed; FOV's are positionable. Neither model's vertical stabilizers are angled outward correctly (although FOV's are close) and the rudders of both models are fixed.

4. Undercarriage: Revell's are fixed down; FOV's are optional up or down. FOV's down position is quite unique--each wheel well/gear are preassembled in one piece and are easily and securely positioned in place with no gaps; there is no frustration securing the gear down as there is with Dragon's. The FOV struts and wells have a nice wash applied giving them a "well worn" appearance.

5. Tires: Revell's are hard plastic and fixed; FOV's are rubber and roll!

6. Nose: Revell's has an unsightly seam running horizontally from the upper edge of the air intake to nearly the tip; it then angles under the nose and comes up the other side running vertically back to the other intake. Revell's gun muzzle blast trough is not painted and looks too small. The infared sensor under the nose is not provided. You will find none of these problems with the FOV nose--it is beautifully done--including the infared sensor.

7. Panel lines: both are nicely recessed. FOV's has (I think) a wash applied--it's panel line contrast is similar to Hobbycraft's SDB Lexington. Some like the darkened panel lines, some do not. I do. It gives the FOV model an impression of being "well used."

8. Ordinance: Revell comes with two Phoenix (and pallets), two sidewinders and two sparrows; generally there are no options (although the phoenix missiles can be left off). FOV has three ordinance options with a full compliment of phoenix (four with pallets), sparrow (six) and sidewinders. FOV's missiles are highly detailed; Revell's are not.

9. Aerials/pitot tubes: Revell's aerials behind the cockpit are either metal or hard plastic (but firmly fixed); none of the pitot tubes on each side of the nose (or angle of attack probe) are provided on the Revell model. All aerials, pitot tubes, and probes are provided on the FOV (however they are... you guessed it -- rubber; I personally wish they were photo -etched metal or hard plastic, oh well at least they are there unlike Revell's). The nose probes on each model appear to be metal.

10. Detail: the FOV is better detailed--from nose to tail. As I mentioned in another thread, the Revell model has unsightly screw holes in the underside (six total); FOV has none. Both are beautifully painted. I like the livery of the Revell model more (I love the old VF-84 Jolly Roger scheme and I hope Witty or FOV does one of these soon).

Overall, I am happier with the FOV model. My only gripe is the rubber pitot tubes and aerials. (However, if you don't touch them, you may never know they are rubber!) The undercarriage is spectacular (compared to Dragon); Dragon can learn a lesson from this model as to how up or down optionable gear should be done, and how to make optional down gear firm and secure. I like the Revell model, but the unsightly seam in the nose and the screw holes are huge warts. If I could only choose one model I would easily go for the FOV. I hope this contrast of models helps some who have wondered which to get. I also found the FOV for about $10.00 less than the Revell.

[skysurfer808]

Revell Vs FOV Tomcats;

Have to agree with your points Elmer. The FOV is currently Top Gun of the Tomcats, though they are limited still to A-models. Your points were dead on, but for the Glove Vanes, they were eliminated during the 90s as causing more maintenance headaches than they were worth, and were not installed on D-models from the get go. Thus a late 20th-Early 21st Century Tomcat wouldn't have them, even A-models. I know this sounds like rivet counting, but what do you guys expect from me anyways.

Aloha,
Skysurfer808

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by skysurfer808

Revell Vs FOV Tomcats;

Have to agree with your points Elmer. The FOV is currently Top Gun of the Tomcats, though they are limited still to A-models. Your points were dead on, but for the Glove Vanes, they were eliminated during the 90s as causing more maintenance headaches than they were worth, and were not installed on D-models from the get go. Thus a late 20th-Early 21st Century Tomcat wouldn't have them, even A-models. I know this sounds like rivet counting, but what do you guys expect from me anyways.

Aloha,
Skysurfer808

Obviously I wasn't aware of that. Interesting. Thanks for the correction!