[PappyB]

Just got this one, and boy am I glad I only paid $20 for it delivered...

I like the scheme okay, and I'm not a hard-core modern collector so I don't mind the white missiles. However, the front windscreen error is a bit obvious, even to me AND what's up with the front pilot being crammed into the HUD? I hadn't heard this one before -- did I get a lemon? The pilot is so far forward his mask is practically touching the instrument panel and HUD... bizarre. And there's like no forward visibility through the windscreen due to the size of the hud, too. (looks like its the same with the one on TFM, too... so probably not a lemon...)

Probably my first and last Witty 'Cat I'd be really disappointed if I paid $45 for the thing.

My hope was it might reduce my urge to buy a Century cat, unfortunately the opposite may be true!

[skysurfer808]

I got my NSAWC Tomcat yesterday, and am pretty happy with it, even though I did not get the deal PappyB did. Mine is missing its pheonixes though. I don't necessarily mind this, but am curious if other people with that model have the same parts MIA.

As for the model itself, it is a fair representation of a Tomcat. However at 44.99 retail it is definately not worth it, especially when compared to the Century Tomcat at 59.99. Shipping will be approximately the same when taking weight into account, and shipping is something that definately adds to the cost when you live in Hawaii. I paid 34.99 plus shipping for mine, luckily I was able to combine it with several other purchases from a reputable Ebay seller. I mainly bought this one for its livery, however if Century were to put out a similar one, this model won't be worth its metal content.

As mentioned before, it is a Super Tomcat B-model, rather than the A-model of the real airplane. Still, on a positive note, the tails seem to have the correct amount of slant, while the wing sweep mechanism is definately smoother than its contemporaries (ie. Dragon, FOV, and Century). Its boxability is better than its contemporaries as well, you don't have to pry it in and out of the box, and there are very few fiddly bits. The missiles are also the correct color, gray rather than White, though the phoenixes are missing, they ought to be gray as well. I will say that this will probably be my last Witty modern jet. They just aren't worth the cost, when compared to Century, and when one already has a closet full of models.

Skysurfer808

[PappyB]

Do you have any of Witty's F-15s Sky? I got the Israeli, JASDF, and Edwards F-15s in the same sale (went a bit nuts but at the price I figured I could always unload 'em and break even if I didn't like 'em).


They are all awesome -- The Israeli model has a paint error on the underside, but it seems obvious to me this is the best F-15 in 1:72 for the moment at least (seems to have better overall detail than the rest of Witty's jets, too).

In this respect I rank Witty as follows:

1. F-15
2. F-16
3. F-18
4. F-14


The blue JASDF bird is simply gorgeous -- looks like a hotrod, but I like picking up the occasional over-the-top scheme to add some diversity to the shelf. I like the Edwards test center model for the same reason -- nice and clean and it stands out admist the greys... :-)

((Also got an Israeli F-16... (105 squadron to fly escort for my Defence Force ground pounder.. ))

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by PappyB

In this respect I rank Witty as follows:
1. F-15
2. F-16
3. F-18
4. F-14

I agree the F-15 is the best of all Witty jets..IMHO the Witty F-15 is the best on the market today.
They just look really sharp and clean detail.
JP

[RJLee]

Agree on the Witty F-15s and the "quality sequence." I have the Lakenheath F-15C and the red JASDF commemorative Eagle, and both are a cut above everything else (including Witty's other jets). Interestingly, the missiles aren't Witty's usual white -- they're gray and carry the proper striping.

I have the Witty F-16 in Edwards red/white, which has a test paint scheme and no ordnance, and therefore is a little harder to compare to the other F-16s (my overall impression is that Dragon has an edge in surface detail). Finally, I have the VFA-137 F/A-18E, and I'm not that impressed; better than the F-14, but still lacking the detail of Dragon.

On the other hand, these are very sturdy -- as Skysurfer says, portability and boxability is on par with the one-piece Gaincorps, Sunstars, etc.

[PappyB]

Just to toss in... the Israeli F-15 has gray missiles, too... (though it's missing the silver paint on the bottom of the port engine area...)

[David Hingtgen]

Just going to agree with what's already said--their F-15 is their best work, and the best F-15 out there. The JASDF F-15's also have grey missiles.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by David Hingtgen

Just going to agree with what's already said--their F-15 is their best work, and the best F-15 out there. The JASDF F-15's also have grey missiles.

My new blue JASDF actually has blue missiles .. good thing blue is my favorite color!

[skysurfer808]

I have the IDF/ASF F-15, and the 33 FW F-15C. Both of these are great models, and I have no complaints on either of them. I'd definately get an Adversary Eagle if Witty releases one, especially if it is in a blue-gray Flanker scheme. I also have the VFA-14 Black Tail Tophatters Super Hornet. As for F-16s, I have the Scorpion and First Jet Squadron Falcons, the difference in their loadouts justified those purchases in my mind, especially since the First Jet Squadron (117) participated in the Osirak raid. I also have Dirty Diana, gotta love the Dutch, and I managed to snake it for 18.00 delivered to Hawaii. I don't know if I'll get any more existing Witty Jets, but the Indian Air Force Fulcrem looks good, and I'd probably snag an Indian Flanker, especially the two seater. The Indians wiped the floor with the USAF during a Cope Thunder exercise a few years ago, and I've always respected the capabilities of their military.

As for IDF/ASF, that stands for Israel Defense Forces Air and Space Forces, which is the Israelis new name for their Air Force.

Skysurfer808

[planenutsfrog]

for a Su 30 !