The era also makes a difference. In the 2000's long, thin routes were profitable thanks to the CRJ's and Embraer E-jets. In the 1950's those same routes don't make much money because the long-range planes are either too big (Connie) or too slow (CW-20). I had planned to make a killing on long, thin routes from Central America this round, and I had to completely change my strategy when I found there weren't any 1950's planes that could do those routes well.
Have you taken a look at the Tu-70? It has can very well be described as a total "step in between" the CW-20 and L1049. Has more seats than a 20, but less than a 1049, more range than a 20, but less than a 1049. More speed than a 20, but less speed than a 1049. Has more crew than both the 1049 and 20 (6 people as oppsed to the 20's 4 and 1049's 5), but it still makes very good money for me. By the end of the round, more ideal aircraft will be in it. This is the the half of the decade when things were just getting back togeather.
I forgot to mention the issue of price. The Tu-70's too much plane for what I had in mind. It's in the top 10 of most expensive planes in the game (as is the BZ), and the routes I'm thinking of don't get very high aircraft utilization. I'd like to fly routes like Monterrey to Madison, but I'm not going to buy one of the most expensive planes in the game to do it.
Last round I could pick up a Do-728 for $16 million, fly that route with 80 seats (nice profit), and still have plenty of hours left on the plane when it got back (I steadfastly refuse to fly 0.5 frequency flights). This round the cheapest plane that fits that criteria is the HP.81, which is twice the cost of my beloved 728 in a round where profits are lower.
For your Madison - Monterrey route: have you tried the Comet? It does have less seats and a shorter range (but enough for that route) than the Hermes but is faster, needs less fuel and staff and costs just 2/3 of the Hermes price. I have just sold all of my Bellancas and DC-3s and I am happy with the Comets
But maybe its a little different here in Europe although I have a lot competition with Hermes users. I do agree that the range could be a little better and the amount of seats a little higher.Therefore I am waiting for the next generation of Comets
