In the past, Yak 9U -- back when we had big maps. 1st time I was able to control E knowingly. Was an eye opener. Stayed with the Yak for good while.
A Jug phase sometime later.
D9 for a good deal of time after that.
Last run at flying, I flew the 109's a good deal. Actually got to the point where I did better than suck. Before, I'd evaluate a plane on its ability to turn, climb, top speed, acceleration, etc. Doubtlessly the right way to do it. With a 109's, a year or so ago or better, I looked at their ballistics. Flew them light frequently, no gondos. Oh, would sling an egg on it though. Also, rarely took extra rounds for the ammo package.
Is it the G6 that where the move to the German equivalent of 50 cals occurs? Began to look at them from that angle. G2 has the German equiv of 30 cals?
Anywhoo, flew with some buds from DFA in their ponys. Was really a cool learning experience. Couldn't stay with the ponies once they got a head of steam up. They'd slowly and constantly pull away. Also, could not turn as well. But, despite that, got some kills nonetheless. Credit goes to the DFA guys no doubt!
I looked for targets that had set themselves up well for what I could pull off in the 109 consistently. Stayed above them if things got tight and turny. Their high 6 by a bit. 1,000 feet or less hoping they'd try to get their nose up and bleed faster than I. The idea being once they leveled, I'd have a go at them. Tried to take the fight up by increments.
Also, began to get the mindset that I did not have to put down every plane I put lead into. Got chary with ammo. Used machine guns to get 'em to turn or try to do something that would result in an advantage for me. Oh, during this period, accuracy with gunnery never did come back. Just didn't stay at it long enough. Or, I'm a lousy gunner and doomed!
The Franz was fun when it came to turning. But like other earlier birds, was vulnerable to hot rods -- at least in my hands -- and preferred something with a little more zip. Never did take to the K4 a bunch. Powerful plane, but I got more kicks from the G6.
Was fun.