Originally posted by Wotan
I doubt HT is going to get rid of an aircraft.
In terms of performance there's not that much difference between a MK XI and MK VIII.
They could basically stand in for each other. Overall I think a VIII would be the better choice but much like the single variant V I doubt HT will model both a Spitfire LF.Mk VIII and a Spitfire LF.Mk IX (clipped wing or not).
These threads are just 'wishful rationalizing'. We hope we get one thing and attempt to rationalize it as if 'its the one that is needed'.
If we follow that line then there's a good argument to 'wish' for the following Spitfire line up in AH:
Spitfire Mk Ia
Spitfire Mk Vb (@ 12 lbs)
Spitfire Mk Vc (@ 16 lbs)
Spitfire F.Mk IX
Spitfire LF.Mk VIII / Spitfire LF.Mk IX
Spitfire F.Mk XIV
All should have historic load outs, performance etc...
The Spitfire F.MK IX would still have a 'function' in ToD. If ToD comes close to being 'more then the CT' then the altitude advantage the F.IX has over the others will mean it gets good use.
My rationale behind that comment was since they are remodeling the Spits, this would be the time. And instead of expecting that many more Spits, I was looking at what made sense to give the most variety with the least amount of aircraft added.
My list was considering TOD, the variety of skins, the universal wing unclipped without hardpoints for the VIII and the multiple hardpoint, clipped E wing of the LFIXe/XVIe.
If you settle for one that can stand in for the other, we're back at the Spit FIX we have now which I don't think satisfies many of the Spit fans.
And you are correct, a lot of this is wishful thinking, but that's half the fun
Dan/CorkyJr