I was excited today when I found not one but two issues in my mail box. It was gratifying to hear that no-one was jumping all over you and Tony about getting behind on the journal. It should be apparent to even the most brain dead gamer that Air Power is a labor of love, not a get rich scheme! I know the "Skoshi Tigers" here in the Philippines (all 3 of us) appreciate the contribution you and Tony are making to the hobby.
- Best Regards
Mike Combs, Subic bay, Philippines
I liked the tournament ideas discussed in AP#10, but am wary of any form of ranking system- having read too many AREA related articles and adds (i.e. AREA 1500+ only, etc.) in the Avalon Hill General, and having seen similar things happen with other popular game systems. I think that introducing ranking in Air Superiority would be disastrous. I play games for fun (and to learn something, but that's fun to), and my experience has been that when any form of ranking is introduced, fun suddenly takes second place to ego. I don't want Air Superiority to go the same way as another game I used to play alot but have given up.
The designer surrounded himself with a tight little clique of syncophants, most of whom are tournament winners, and the rest of the world (the people who buy the games!) are expected to sit back, fork over money at regular intervals and accept the pronouncements of the members of the inner circle as holy writ. Not me. This is not to imply that I think J.D. or Tony would do something like that, but a ranking system can be the first step on the slippery slope. Air Superiority players are human (even Canadians), and it's sensible to forgo potentially divisive innovations that could wreck the comaraderie that pervades each issue of Air Power. Poking fun at Canadians is one thing; splitting the readership into "honchos" and "turkeys" is entirely another and should be avoided.
- Yours Faithfully,
Phillip Atcliffe, United Kingdom
I read Mathew Stickler's letter with extreme interest; I too wish that you would include the Me 262, He-162, Me-163/263, Ar 234, P. 1101 (an underpowered MiG-19). Allied aircraft could include the P- 80A, Meteor III, MG-9, Yak-15, and 1-270. I think that it would be important to confine th aircraft in such an expansion to just fighters and jet bombers to keep it from getting out of hand. A WW-2 jet expansion like this would be very worthwhile.
- Very Truly yours,
James Meldrum, Beloit Wisconsin
I thought I'd throw in my two cents worth on Matthew Sickler's letter in issue 12 that you include late WW-2 aircraft data cards (ME- 262, P-80, etc.). I personally would love to see some of these aircraft written up along with some "what if' oddballs such as the He-162 and Yak 15/17/23 series.
- Thanks,
Mike Pennock, Rockford Ill.
Just for your information, the Sultanate of Oman's Air Force (SOAF) has changed its name to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). Also, the RAFO cancelled the order for a squadron of Tornado F.3's and have decided to buy Hawk 100/200s instead. RAF F-4s should have an RWR type C, they are equipped with a Marconi attachment on the top of the fin and it is very effective in its roll. Back to the Tornado F.3.
Your data card indicates air to ground ordnance can be carried. Wrong! the F.3 is a pure interceptor, capable of carrying only missiles and two drop tanks. It has replaced the Lightning in RAF service. Also delete from the technology listing its bomb system, it doesn't have one. Right then, I hope that this information is good enough for you to begetting on with. Best of luck with the games designing.
- Your friend, Graham Worsfold, United Kingdom.
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