reddsun1

My favorite has got to be Electra, from Cowboy Bepop: The Movie. Sure, Faye's a hottie too, and she's got bigger boobies. But there's something about Electra that just makes her a more attractive woman to me. It's hard to decide just which of her traits makes her most attractive: she's beautiful; her intelligence; her mysteriousness; her svelte, athletic physique; and of course she can definitely handle herself. I couldn't have put it any better than Spike himself: I love the kind of woman that can kick my ass.... This pic isn't the best, though...

Yeah, I like the "Super Chickens" too. I keep saying one of these days, I'm gonna build a Mad Max replica out of my old Falcon; but looking at a potential expense of about: $16K for the necessary parts, $2-3K for a proper engine rebuild/power increase, another $6-9K for bodywork & suspension [gotta make it handle and rust-free while it's apart], then another $3-5K for paint, needless to say that "one day" would be a looong way off... That German-built Cobra would have to be one of the few--and I mean few--times I'd have to ask "is that too much HP?" At least, for a street car? Considering the relatively small and light construction of the body style, and the short wheelbase, seems like one wouldn't be able to really drive it they way one might want to. Driving as though you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal in this thing would be an understatement; it'd have to be treated like the trigger on a loaded bazooka, metaphorically speaking. "Sqeeze, don't pull!"

Alas, this is the closest we've ever come to seeing a live-action ver. of Macross: http://macross.anime.net/production/animat...arth/index.html The scheduled release date was Christmas...1996. Apparently Kawamori-san must have pulled out of the production process or something? Not sure if the film company credited in that link is the same one I found at galaxyfilms.com; but if it is, perhaps it is best that he did? Maybe he realized whatever film that would have been produced would surely have sucked hairy elephants' ballz or something. From the looks of this w'site, this company is, ahem, "B-list"?

Ohhh, okay. So it's Hentai that's the dirty stuff, and Sentai that's the family-oriented 5-super-hero-team action show stuff? I'm guessing there's a more obvious differentiation in the native Japanese? Otherwise, could make for some potentially awkward and embarrassing situations for somebody, say a tourist, in a Japanese comic/video shop... *in somewhat broken Japanese* "...er, excuse me please, I'm looking for some of those wonderful [animated porno] tapes for my kids. They've always loved the action in those shows, and I buy them lots of those neat toys." *angry guy behind counter* "hey! fu-- off, you pervert!"

Well, what else should we expect? Something not profane? They are [space] sailors, after all...

Did they make a Bullit version for this Mustang generation yet? Steve McQueen is the man. Too bad Larry Shinoda passed away. He could've helped design the new Boss. 390497[/snapback] Not yet. But they will. I'd bet on it.

Oh, that's got to fuggin' hurt! Check this out.... "Lamborghini Gallardo - Wrecked by Dubai speed bumper Related: Lamborghini | Funny Website: Lamborghini The government of Dubai thought it would be a good idea to put a speed bump on a street where locals tended to speed. Problem is they didn’t tell anybody. This Gallardo hit it at over 60 MPH. There’s actually a video of the accident. The back end of the Gallardo goes about 5 feet off the ground. Some guys w/a camera, apparently anticipating what this huge bump would do the unsuspecting motorists, went out to watch the carnage. Saved the Lambo for last...video's here: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car_news/lamb...per-ar3138.html

Gotta hand it to Ford--they know how to milk a phenomenon for all it's worth. In this case, the whole "retro/heritage" theme. Looks as though they will be partnering with Shelby yet again; this time, Hertz will also get in on the act to produce a special run of performance modded Mustang GTs, designated Shelby GT-H, and will be available for rent exclusively through Hertz. Approximately 500 units will be built: "To connect the magical past of the original Shelby GT350H with the modern capabilities of the new Ford Mustang, Shelby, Ford and Hertz have again teamed up, and – together with the Ford Racing Performance Group – have given the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H a very classic, muscular look as well as some true performance credentials. "Like the original Hertz cars, the Ford Shelby GT-H will be fun to drive," said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. "We started with a terrific Mustang and modified it with some Ford go-fast parts and gave it a distinct look for Shelby-style driving. Whoever gets the opportunity to rent one of these unique cars will get an experience of a lifetime." All I know is, if I could get my hands on one for a w'end, it would definitely be put to good use. I live only an hour away from VIR, arguably one of the most challenging and beautiful tracks on the east coast. I could conceivably tear the ass end out of one o' them puppies down there.

I loved B:TAS too. Particularly the "original" series [1992-1995], before the change over to the Batman & Robin story arcs. I liked the character designs and animation style of the earlier series much better. Eps directed by Kevin Altieri tended to be the "best" among them. The way they handled character development was absolutely superb, compared to the vast majority of super hero cartoons before [and since]. It really was hard to pick a favorite bad buy. Of course, M. Hamill's work as Joker was great. But Mr. Freeze, and Two Face? Can't leave them out. Their respective origins/stories were compelling, and did a good job of explaining the motivations behind what made them the way they were. It could arguably be said that this series started the trend of chronologically "ambiguous" backdrops in shows--the cars, the clothes and other certain elements hinted at 30's-40's, but technology like jets, lasers and such kinda made you go "huh? just when is this supposed to be?" Of course, I watched X-Men and Spiderman back in the day too. But the animation quality on the "new" Spiderman show--X-Men too for that matter--was pretty dodgy at best. Seems like the frame rates varied, anywhere from 24 fps down to 8 or 9 fps, often in the same episode. And I know he was supposed to be seen as the underdog hero, but jeez--it seemed like Spidey was always getting his arse kicked from one end of the episode to the next, week in and week out. Ah, the good old days....

Actually, in reference to the appearance of the Macross: I found this screen cap, credited as "emerging from hyperspace" just before crashing on Earth. It for all intents and purposes, looks an awful lot like it did after refurbishing by the humans--other than the bridge/body section being missing [destroyed in battle?]. Much more square and mechanical in overall appearance, as opposed to the "organic" look of the SA gunboat sketches.

As if the AMG-tuned Mercedes CLS isn't enough, there's the ver. tuned by ART, the GTR 620. The significance of the number designation? How about: 620hp/657lb-ft! 0-100km/hr acceleration comes in just 4 seconds. The spoilers and ducts are a bit garish, but anyone who wants to criticize won't be able to keep up long enough to get in a word edge-wise. Makes prodigious use of carbon fibre inside and out, as well as leather, velour and alcantara upgrades to further increase the "diplomatic elegance" over regular Mercedes models. Didn't see a price on this one; but I figure this must be one of them rides that: if you have to ask, you can't afford it anyway...

So, you reckon they're gonna address any high-speed rear-lift issues before they actually release this one into regular production? Doesn't appear that they have...

Okay, maybe this one won't be as unforgivable...hope the link works. LOL, I love this pic.

Supaaa Rocket Turbo Powah!!!! Cor-ny! You know, it's gonna be a shame when this thread finally moves onto the 7th page--for some reason, I keep finding myself pausing at that dragster pic on the way down to the new posts... dammit! and that dubious honor belongs to me

Yup, SPEED pretty much sucks balls. What little coverage they did formerly give to the WRC was put in god-awful time slots [usually something like 12:30 or 1 am], so it's no wonder that it would be hard to build an audience. Ever since ownership of the network changed hands, it's been downhill ever since, and I find less and less reason to watch it. I do like Dream Car Garage and Sports Car Revolution though. I've met Peter Klutt, and he was a pretty nice guy. I even corresponded with Tom Hnatiw for a while about possibly doing an ep on Aussie muscle cars, but it kinda fell through. Just aren't enough of them here in the US to get enough info for a whole TV segment, I guess.

I'm tellin' ya man, it's in the food or somethin'. It's all them steroids they're feeding to the poultry and the beef cattle, to get 'em to market faster. What goes into your food, goes into you.... I had to resist the urge earlier; of course that photo just leaves the door wide open for crass and sophmoric jokes/allusions to the lovely model's, *ahem* assets. Oh yeah, I suppose any number of analogies to dragsters and the prerequisite need for "big, wide meats in the rear"; or "wide treads" and being "good for plenty of traction," and that sort of rabble rousing. That would just be too obvious. Oh, did someone mention something about a Toyota Solara being in that pic too?

Seems only suiting that I'd share this pic I found--from right here in the magazines section at MW no less...ugh, what a gruesome way to go, even for a bad guy.

It's been said here before [or the old thread, anyway] that cars in pics with scantily-clad women usually are pretty lame on their own merits. I say, true enough. Take this one for example. I'm sure this car sucks. No, there really is a car in this pic....honest.

Yeah, funny how the video dates to 1998, but the Valkyries look an awful lot like the 1/48 Yamato. Yammies were first released in '02, weren't they?

Yes, I always liked that version. One of those that'll likely go down in history in the "what-if" column of potentially great planes that never got the green light, much like the F-20 Tigershark, or the "cranked-arrow wing" Falcon. As far as jet-engined helicopters? I dunno, I guess if you took away the rotor, you'd be making a different animal out of it. There have been prototype designs that used pusher-props. There's the Cheyenne that vaguely resembles the attack copters in Patlabor. Big sum-bitch, though. Oh yeah, AH-1Z kicks arse. Always liked the HueyCobra--ever since I had that GI Joe "Dragonfly" as a kid...

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say the B-29 crews were lucky. They had their own set of problems to deal with, but just as bad in its own way. Among other things, strain on engines from long missions and climbing to high operating alt's meant a high risk of ditching at sea--not a pretty scenario, I'm sure. one of the biggest benefits/blessings of the island hopping campaign was acqusition of emergency bases for the bomber crews. I don't think it could be said Japan was "saving" its pilots for the impending invasion though. If anything, there was a desperate shortage of expeienced veteran pilots. Didn't US troops stumble upon Japan's "underground air force" shortly after the surrender? Factories, literally dug into the sides of mountains? IIRC, there were planes to [conceivably] keep fighting the war, but a great deal were unfinished due to material/parts shortages, and those that were completed sat without experienced crews to fly them. Much like the Lufwaffe in the closing days of the War, Japan's air force pilots were increasingly younger and greener, due to lack of extensive training time, or veterans to help pass on their experience.

I'm surprised they'd produce versions so different from regular production models? Especially #2--why do that? Most unusual, but it makes sense as to the performance sufferings.

People tend to talk about the F-15 in the past tense, like it's terribly out-dated and obsolescent. Is it all that bad? I found this info which seems to speak in its favor. Of course, lobbying congressmen and defense contractors might play it down or bully-hoo it, but still... In December 2000 Boeing Company delivered to the US Air Force the final three of 18 F-15C aircraft it refitted with Raytheon's APG-63(v)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, providing the Air Force the world's first operational fighter jets with the advanced-technology radar system. The AESA radar has an exceptionally agile beam, and provides nearly instantaneous track updates throughout the field of vision. Other benefits of the radar include enhanced multi-target tracking capability and elimination of the need for a hydraulic system. Addition of AESA technology substantially increases pilot situational awareness, while enhancing reliability and maintainability. The AESA radar allows the pilot to detect, track and destroy multiple enemy aircraft at significantly longer ranges. The AN/APG-63(V)2 is compatible with current F-15C weapon loads, features upgraded identification-friend-or-foe and environmental control systems, and enables pilots to take full advantage of AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Missile capabilities. It can simultaneously guide multiple missiles to several targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation, or range. The AN/APG-63(V)2 is a major radar upgrade for the US Air Force F-15C aircraft. Retaining controls and displays nearly identical to those of its predecessor, the AN/APG-63(V)1, the new system adds an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to proven AN/APG-63(V)1 radar components. In an AESA system, the traditional mechanically scanning radar dish is replaced by a stationary panel covered with an array of hundreds of small transmitter-receiver modules. Unlike a radar dish, these modules have more combined power and can perform different detection, tracking, communication and jamming functions in multiple directions simultaneously. An AESA offers greater precision to detect, track and eliminate multiple threats more quickly and effectively than traditional radar. Because the AESA eliminates the hydraulic and electrical systems associated with mechanically operated radars, its reliability and maintainability are dramatically improved. In addition to the F-15C AESA, Raytheon is developing AESAs for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The Boeing Phantom Works unit led a team that received a $250 million contract to install the AESA radar, upgrade the aircraft's environmental control systems and install an advanced identification friend or foe system. Honeywell Aerospace and BAE Systems, respectively, provided the latter systems. The Air Force F-15 System Program Office's Projects Team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, managed the program for the U.S. government. An inertial navigation system enables the Eagle to navigate anywhere in the world. It gives aircraft position at all times as well as pitch, roll, heading, acceleration and speed information. The F-15's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats. The "identification friend or foe" system informs the pilot if an aircraft seen visually or on radar is friendly. It also informs U.S. or allied ground stations and other suitably equipped aircraft that the F-15 is a friendly aircraft. The Fiber Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) provides aircraft protection against modern radar-guided missiles to supplement traditional radar jamming equipment. The device is towed at varying distances behind the aircraft while transmitting a signal like that of a threat radar. The missile will detect and lock onto the decoy rather than on the aircraft. This is achieved by making the decoy's radiated signal stronger than that of the aircraft. A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F-15. An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick. When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display. The Eagle can be armed with combinations of four different air-to-air weapons: AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles or AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles on its lower fuselage corners, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder or AIM-120 missiles on two pylons under the wings, and an internal 20mm Gatling gun (with 940 rounds of ammunition) in the right wing root. The current AIM-9 missile does not have the capabilities demonstrated by foreign technologies, giving the F-15 a distinct disadvantage during IR dogfight scenarios. AIM-9X integration will once again put the F-15 in the air superiority position in all arenas. The F-15/AIM-9X weapon system is to consist of F-15 carriage of the AIM-9X missile on a LAU-128 Air-to-Air (A/A) launcher from existing AIM-9 certified stations. The AIM-9X will be an upgrade to the AIM-9L/M, incorporating increased missile maneuverability and allowing a high off-boresight targeting capability. " It still has relatively high thrust+low wing loading working in its favor as well? Seems like upgraded versions shouldn't be all that helpless against marauding Su 30's and MiG 29's should they? Or am I just missing something?

One of my favorite WWII designs, even though it never got a chance to be proven as a fighter. Would have been interesting to see what kind of performance it would have been capable of. Only major issues I could think of seem to be rearward vision [seems less than ideal in that configuration]. I'm also surprised that resources say the IJN placed orders for the model--seems like it would have been problematic to make that tall, narrow landing gear--esp the nose--suitably rugged for carrier operations? I thought the Marines intended to replace the Cobra with...well, an upgraded Cobra? More specifically, the "Viper"? Composite 4-blade rotors, improved avionics and targeting, etc, etc. Supposed to be an even more-improved version of the SuperCobra design? In regards to modern fighter design, I guess the debate could go on forever as to which approach is the best. The differing rationales behind design directions between Western and Russian designs is interesting; I tend to lean towards the idea of designing fighters to be the best at its intended role, i.e. air-to-air combat/air superiority. I think tying to make a given airframe a "jack of all trades" isn't neccessarily the best approach. The resulting fighter might be good at a lot of things, but it won't be truly great as a fighter. The Su's and MiG's are definitely spcialized designs for the up-close-and-dirty scenario; the combatants have est. visual contact and are actively trying to outmaneuver ea. other into a position to get the kill--the proverbial "knife fight" as it were, which some contend is a situation which will never be completely eliminated in combat/warfare. Whereas US doctrine obviously seems to favor BVR combat; "first look, first shot." Interestingly enough though, I heard once that historical evidence shows that in the vast majority of air combat kills, the victim didn't see/know they were about to be shot down. So, seeing the other guy first--as opposed to out-turning him after he's seen you--must obviously count for something, I'll concede that.

The reason usually cited why the Lightning didn't do as well in Europe was twofold: 1. the engines turbo/superchargers didn't perform as well in the [more] figid high altitude air of Europe as they did in the warmer air climes of the Pacific 2. the twin-boom layout was a dead giveaway to German pilots at altitude, especially when high enough for the engines to leave tell-tale twin contrails; the Germans could essentially spot/make out their foes sooner. They called the P-36 "twin tail Devil" or something like that, IIRC. I suppose the Lightning's biggest advantages would have been: more firepower; had cannon AND MG's in the nose, didn't it? Also, having the guns in the nose/centerline of the airframe made for higher accuracy and focus of firepower? Redundancy of 2 engines; definitely a good insurance policy when flying long missions over vast expanses of the Pacific.