The F8F was coming off the production lines in March 1945, and the only thing that prevented it from seeing combat was the fact that America wasn't desparate. I don't know 'bout you folks, but if it's designed, tested, manufactured, and equipping squadrons during WW2, I'd tend to say that it is a WW2-era aircraft.
In any case, I knew it was only a matter of time before the Numbers & Impact Crowd (TM) showed up here to stifle doing anything fun or fantastic.
The point that bugs me (both in WB and now here, apparently) is that the Numbers & Impact crowd gives no merit to the desires of those of us who want F8Fs, Ta152s, etc. We understand the desire of those who want Beaufighters, Hawks, and Defiants... we might not agree about the prioritization, but we'd acknowledge the desire (and we don't demand that these aircraft are consigned to the dustbin of being "Last"). That the reverse understanding isn't forthcoming is what chaps my ass.
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SnakeEyes
o-o-o-
=4th Fighter Group=