Boeing/Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor
I'm sure many people out there know about the F-22, or now F/A-22, and the YF-23. There was also the YF-22, and I have a model of it, but it is screaming to be refinished. For those of you who are too young to remember the YF-22 and YF-23 flyoff back in the late 80s, here's the short version. The Air Force asked for two prototypes for an Advanced Tactical Fighter, or ATF. Lockheed, Boeing and General Dynamics teamed up to make the YF-22, while Nothrop and McDonnald Douglas made the YF-23. Both planes exceeded the Air Forces requirements that were laid down, but the YF-22 was the winner mostly because it would be less expensive.
The F-22 was pretty easy to build, but there was a horrible seam on the top of the fusalage that was difficult to clean up. I didn't want to spend a lot of time on these models, so I just did a quick patch job. It looks good for casual viewing, but it won't win any competitions. I mostly buld for my viewing enjoyment anyway, so it's all good.
Before this plane was the YF-22 though. There are actually quite a few differences between the YF-22 and the F/A-22. You can see they changed almost everything except for the basic design. They really are two totally different planes.
I've got new decals for the YF-22, so I just need to refinish the YF-22 so it will look nicer. It looks ok now, but I made it over 10 years ago and it could use a refresher.
Northrop/McDonnald Douglas YF-23 Black Widow II
The other plane in the fly-off was the YF-23. It's a pretty slick looking plane. It's roughly the same size as the YF-22, but I heard it was a little more stealthy. Unfortunately it's design made it more expensive and that drove the decision to pick the YF-22.
This model was a little easier to build, but it seemed to lack detail. It turned out ok, except for the decals. Some of the glue didn't dry like normal decal glue dries, and you can see it around the decals. I thought the flat finish would cover it up, but I was mistaken. Oh well. The tail boards were also somewhat of a pain as well since they don't have a convient alignment method. You need to get them almost perfect, or it will look rather strange.
The three of these sitting together make a nice little collection. They are all going to be part of my stealth collection, and I should have it done eventually.