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Bear's Cave
The world of Flight Simulators
short reviews by Steve "Bear" Cartwright
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Well, it's already been month since my last file picks, but once again, like last month, I've got some real gems for all of you. Out of my 15 picks for the month of January, there are 11 "Bear Approved" files and believe it or not, 2 files from January received my "Bear Gold Award"! To date, I have only given out my "Bear Gold Award" 7 times (that's including these 2 from January), yet there is one designer that has, as of this month, received 3 of the 7 total I've awarded! January was a banner month for some very high quality files, making my job all but impossible, but I think you'll agree with what I found last month.
Lutton-EGGW & Wycombe Air Centre (Booker), UK
by Paul Roberts
lutonv4.zip
wycoac3.zip
uploaded 3-Jan-2002
1,335Kb/1,352Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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It seems that since the release of FS2002, the majority of the scenery (freeware) has been either to do with bush scenery intended for North America or has been airports for the United Kingdom. Regardless, in most cases the scenery that has become available has been from very good to simply outstanding.
With the latest from Paul Roberts this tradition of releasing high quality scenery continues with two airports (once again for the United Kingdom) including Lutton (EGGW) and the Wycombe Air Centre (Booker) — the latter is predominately an airstrip used for glider/soaring operations. Both of these sceneries install in a snap; no flatten-switches to install, just add it on and go fly there. I even looked in the AVSIM library for a new glider to install just to check out Paul's scenery (Booker). In addition to the two airports, Paul also included the bgl file so that you can add a couple of notable landmarks around Booker field, these files install Stokenchurch communication tower along with the Didcot Power Plant, which apparently soaring pilot's (local real-world flyers) use as reference points.
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Paul's scenery blends in nicely with the surrounding default textures, and with his buildings-hangers-static aircraft, a real sense of reality emits itself when you're there! If adding United Kingdom sceneries is on your game plan for your copy of FS2002, then don't miss these two excellent sceneries from Paul Roberts.
...Bear!
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AH-F "Modernized Cobra" US Army Tank Killer
by Rigoberto Sanchez and Manuel Gonzalez
ah-1f.zip
uploaded 6-Jan-2002
5,560Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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This is really an outstanding helicopter that is a must have, if you have even a hint of a desire to fly copters. I am not exactly a lover of helo's, but I must say, I really enjoy flying this aircraft, from its extraordinarily accurate exterior texturing (the fire-control officer's head turns with your rudder control, as does the nose mounted auto-cannon along with the forward FLIR system head assembly, pretty neat feature. Besides the standard (photorealistic) panel, there is a functional/operating virtual panel as well.
Manuel Gonzales was responsible for the sounds, which are very authentic in their presentation, particularly during start-up. I even found myself making a couple of cross-country trips, up in Alaska, with this aircraft. Check it out, if you enjoy FS helicopters, then you'll love this one!
...Bear!
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Edinburgh Int. Airport, Scotland, UK
by Iain Gallacher
edin2002.zip
uploaded 12-Jan-2002
4,000Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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This is basically a total rebuild of the default Edinburgh airport by Iain Gallacher, as he excluded every default static object (except for the runway) and has replaced it all with over 700 individually designed objects (buildings, hangers, etc.). This scenery includes night textures, area buildings (in addition to those buildings directly associated with the airport), enhanced taxiways-aprons, and Iain has also included those really terrific "Gerrish Gray's" trees. Overall I really like Iain's work and I'm sure you will too.
So, once again we have a high quality scenery add-on package for the United Kingdom (Scotland this time though), and like the others, I'm sure these will stay on my hard drive, just so I have an excuse to fly in the Kingdom!
...Bear!
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Over the last year or two, I've noted Mike Stone's name among one of the many designers of FS aircraft (and it has always been freeware) and frankly I'm sure I've downloaded his aircraft before, I just don't recall when. What really caught my eye this time though was the fact that these aircraft were packages (well, at least the A320 is) and they were designed with GMAX. Now I know that there have been a bazillion Airbus' become available (both freeware and payware) in recent weeks and in most cases they have been quite good, but I like Mike's creations as well and I think they are well worth a look-see, particularly considering that Mike has also designed a panel to go with his Airbus 320s. Another interesting feature is that Mike has also included 5 liveries with his download (Air France,British Airways, Lufthansa, Northwest and US Air for the Airbus) and they all contain the usual features— animated parts, FS2002 night-lighting, well, you know the routine!
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The second aircraft that Mike uploaded is his version of the Avro RJ85 and even though it does not include a custom panel, Mike's work is very good regardless. I believe that most FS fans remember the IADG versions of the Avro/BAe a few months back for FS2000, well Mike's versions are simply the best I've seen of this popular aircraft since those earlier versions (IADG). Like his (Mike's) A320 release, the Mike Stone Avro RJ85 comes complete with 5 different liveries—Air Botnia, Lufthansa, Northwest, Swissair, and United.
Both are nice packages and well worth the download time, plus unlike some other earlier versions, Mike's aircraft are easy on those frame rates! Excellent work Mike and I am looking forward to your work in the future! ...Bear!
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John Walker of JHW Sceneries has again given us some fine examples of his scenery work, only this time it's for 3 different airports at once; Hawarden Airport, Birmingham International, and Cardiff International Airport (all in the United Kingdom)! John's work is simply outstanding and I have to assume that his versions of these 3 important UK airports are accurate as well as they are highly detailed.
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One of things that I have noticed about John's latest is that regardless of the high detail that he has maintained, this has had little or no effect on the smoothness (frame rate) of your flight experience. While on approach to any of these sceneries you will note that John has reduced the range, for many of his airport static objects are visible, but as you taxi within a specific range (I would guess a range of around 500 to 1,000 meters or so) the general objects become viewable. John has balanced or compromised quite nicely the airport detail and the individual object's visible viewing range to maintain a smooth flight and approach to landing.
I am very pleased with John's work, as usual, and I very enthusiastically give him my "Bear Approved" stamp! ...Bear!
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Cessna C207A Stationair 8
Cessna 206 Stationair 6 II amphibian
by Mikko Haliniemi-Steven Grant-Aaron Swindle-Ian Grant
c207mggs.zip
c206_chz.zip
uploaded 13/22-Jan-2002
5,530Kb/7,393Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Mikko and the boys are just getting better and better with each release of their aircraft. Here they have achieved a new level in design; by that I am referring to their unique night-lighting in the virtual cockpit mode. Both of these aircraft are complete packages that include unique/custom sounds, 32-bit textures, fully dynamic virtual cockpits, 2D panels, full cockpit views, transparent cockpit windows with glass reflections, everything you can think of and yet they still are kind enough to maintain their freeware status.
I've always been a big fan of Mikko's work and his dedication to his designing of ultra-high quality Cessna FS aircraft models is quite extraordinary—and now with all that combined with the other true pros out there, Steven Grant, Aaron Swindle, and Ian Grant we all are in for some real treats down the road. Many of Mikko's prior designs are on my most favorite FS aircraft to fly list and now my list just grew by 2!
Excellent work guys ...Bear!
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Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW) Tacoma, WA
by Bob Bernstein
tacoma2.zip
uploaded 29-Jan-2002
6,085Kb
FS2000 Aircraft/Scenery
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Bob Bernstein had previously given us his version of the Tacoma Narrows Airport for FS2000 (early last year) and now he has updated and enhanced that scenery for FS2002, including photoreal ground textures for the surrounding area and a retextured bridge (previously known as galloping gurdy because of an earlier bridge span that danced wildly in the wind, until it collapsed in 1940).
Bob's scenery takes advantage of many FS2002-only features (photoreal ground textures, water effects, etc.) and the resulting rework of his FS2000 scenery is another masterpiece in scenery design by Bob Bernstein! With photoreal building textures, several static GA aircraft, and unique night-lighting effects, Bob has another award winning scenery on his hands.
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Cosmos Ultralight Trike
by Juan Pablo Benlliure
trike2k2.zip
uploaded 19-Jan-2002
2,410Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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This is one of those files that I fear many may have missed, as I've not noticed anyone posting any screenshots in the AVSIM Screenshot Forum of this really neat little powered hang-glider!
Juan developed this project using the GMAX design program as it was included with FS2002Pro and frankly, I really get a kick out of it. From the custom sounds to the unique virtual cockpit, though you may not get anywhere fast, you will at least enjoy the trip!
...Bear!
[Editor's Note: Also see GJ Bogaerts' full Avsim review here.]
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I've said this before with FS2000, Paul Baines is one of my most preferred FS scenery designers, and now he has been kind enough to upgrade/redesign his prior scenery releases for FS2002 (from his FS2000 files). Manchester/Barton and Aberdeen are two English airports that are barely 30 or 40 km apart and Paul has redone both of these airports (from his earlier releases) to include the beautiful Gerrish Gray trees and he has updated the static objects along with the improvement of the building textures as well. I really like Paul's work and if I didn't give him my "Bear Approved" stamp, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night!
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I used Paul's Manchester/Barton scenery (FS2000) most often for my screenshots that were used in my Bear Picks column in the past and now with his new releases, I see I will be returning to either Barton or Aberdeen for my future screenshots as well.
Now, even though I actually live across the pond and over in the high desert of Nevada (Reno), I'm sure I would feel quite comfortable if I were to fly (real-world) anywhere within the United Kingdom tomorrow, thanks to the many UK/England scenery designers, like Paul Baines. I'm also hoping that Paul intends on updating his other excellent sceneries he had done for FS2000 as well (Manchester Main and Leeds).
For all the United Kingdom flight simmers out there, this scenery is a must have! ...Bear!
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Piper Cherokee Arrow III
by Warren Baier
arrow_3.zip
uploaded 21-Jan-2002
3,283Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Warren Baier (New Zealand) is a student that designed this aircraft as his first attempt at aircraft design for Flight Simulator. If this is Warren's first attempt at FS aircraft design, then I simply can't imagine what to expect once he gains some experience...?
Warren used GMAX to create this aircraft, from the bottom up (scratch), and the end result is an FS aircraft that is truly outstanding! Warren's Arrow includes; both a 2D and 3D dynamic virtual panel (a beautifully designed one I might add), dynamic pilot and passenger (from the spot-view, you will notice the pilot and passenger reacting to any bumps in a taxiway or runway, plus the pilot's head turns with the nosegear), two paint schemes, panel files for either FS2002 Pro or Standard, and many other details too numerous to mention here (even the baggage door opens by quickly depressing <shift> <E> <2>)!
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This is truly a one-man FS aircraft design, as Warren developed all aspects, including the custom designed airfile (based on the default Mooney Bravo airfile) along with the external texturing files (Paint), I'm so impressed by Warren's work here that I'm left almost speechless!
If this was Warren's first attempt at FS aircraft design so that he could learn the art for his future planned aircraft designs, then I also predict there is a Bear "Gold Award" in the making for FS aircraft from this young man!
Excellent work Warren (sound of clapping hands), truly outstanding! ...Bear!
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A1-H Douglas Skyraider
by Ed Wilson and J-P Demmerle
gzra1hv1.zip
uploaded 28-Jan-2002
3,848Kb
FS2002/CFS2 Aircraft
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At the end of World War II, the surviving air forces of the world turned to the new jet designs for their defensive fighters, but in most cases they were still a few years away from deployment. The US Army Corp (now called the US Air Force) had recognized the need of a heavily armored single seat attack aircraft that could also play the dual-roll of dive bomber. It just wasn't possible to have this type of aircraft powered by the early jet engines, so the A1 Douglas Skyraider was designed to fill this roll, even while the War was still on. With the Skyraider's production beginning in 1945 and lasting until 1957, it became the last of the props in the US military as a front-line combat aircraft. Fulfilling this roll in Korea and then later in Vietnam, Skyraiders—fighting along side the much faster F4U Corsair in Korea—became the premier attack aircraft of its day. There are numerous Vietnam veterans that owe their life to the massive fire-power of the Skyraider (call sign Sandy) and its ability to loiter for hours over a target. I personally know at least one person, that was a crew member of a downed American helicopter (Vietnam), that said just the appearance of the Sandys overhead kept the enemy at bay for 4 hours while rescue teams got them out.
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There have been a number of excellent examples of the Skyraider (both freeware and payware) for prior versions of Flight Simulator, but this latest model from Ed Wilson and J-P Demmerle is simply the best I've seen yet. Using GMAX, these fellows have created an extraordinarily accurate example of the A1-H that is chock full of features like; dynamic virtual cockpit, fully animated parts (folding wings, dive brakes, tailhook, working gear suspension, sliding canopy, working cowl-flaps, rolling wheels, etc.), there's a working smoke system, and each download includes 4 different paint schemes, USAF, USN, VN-176, and the VNAF (Vietnam Air Force). In FS2002, this FS aircraft uses the Corsair default sounds, but other than that, this FS aircraft is all Ed Wilson and J-P Demmerle! Beautiful work guys and you've wholeheartedly got my "Bear Approved" stamp for an outstanding job! ...Bear!
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Olympic Airways ATR Aircraft and Panel
by David Durst-Marco Ravanello-Maximos Sevastopoulos
olyatr.zip
transrep.zip
uploaded 29-Jan-2002
4,973Kb/94Kb
FS2002 Aircraft/panel
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I'm not sure if I have used or have downloaded any prior work from these fellows, but I am sure glad that they opted to upload their latest work into the AVSIM last month. This is a really nice package for the ATR Turboprop which includes an outstanding panel developed by this group of FS aircraft developers, which really was the centerpiece of this project (the panel that is). According to their readme file, they spent the last 4 months developing and working on the panel and I personally believe it is the best I've seen for an ATR to date!
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When you compare the ATR panel (real-world) photographs to the panel designed by these fellows, it is remarkably similar in its appearance, and this FS version even includes a working (semi-working) electrical system panel. The panel night-lighting is excellent and this package includes full cockpit views (high quality digital bmps) as well.
The aircraft itself is pretty good, not perfect, but very good none the less and personally I have always liked the Olympic Air colors. All parts are animated including a steering nosegear with rolling wheels. The aircraft flight modeling seems to be about right and I found it to be a comfortable aircraft to fly, but it's the panel that kept me in the cockpit and for that I have awarded these fellows my "Bear Approved" stamp! ...Bear!
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FS Sky World 2002
Real Cumulus Pack 1
Real Thunderstorm Pack 1
by FSW Group
fssw2002.zip
rthderP1.zip
rcmlusP1.zip
uploaded 25-Jan-2002
2,920Kb/2,050Kb/2,590Kb
FS2002 Weather utility
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The boys over at FSW Group, Chris Willis, Oren Cohen, Jure Dolanec, Akio Tsukuma have been pretty busy at producing one of the most exciting FS utilities for FS2002 and making it a snap to install/change their latest in clouds/weather for each of your flights!
These first available cloud packs include several interesting and real-world appearing cumulus as well as some very extraordinary appearing thunderstorms, and with more cloud packs promised in the future. The real key to this program is the utility itself, which allows you to change your cloud sets prior to your firing up FS2002; or you can have the FS Sky World program apply the cloud sets in a random fashion—the choice is yours.
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It truly amazes me that these fellows are offering this very unique and quite useful weather utility as freeware, but that just goes to show the strength of this hobby. My "Bear Approved" stamp simply is not sufficient for such an outstanding program, so I am awarding the FSW Group my "Gold Award" as well! Beautiful work Chris, Oren, Jure, and Akio!
...Bear!
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Classic Goodyear Blimp: the Defender
by Bill Lyons (Golden Eagle Squadron)
gydef.zip
uploaded 27-Jan-2002
1,460KB
FS2002 Aircraft
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Since I started providing these mini-reviews – going on 2 years now – I have awarded my "Bear Approved" stamp on numerous occasions, but I have only awarded my "Bear Gold Award" 6 times, and 2 of those 6 times it was awarded to Bill Lyons and low and behold, here we go again! For the 3rd time (out of 7 total now) in 2 years, I am once again giving my "Bear Gold Award" to Bill Lyons for his absolutely outstanding Classic Goodyear Blimp! (previously my Gold Awards have gone to; Wilco-Eric Ernst for their Pilot In Command 767, Bob Rambow-Roy Chaffin-Jan Visser for their RD4/DC-3, Yannick Lavigne-Rob Young and their Falcon50, this month to the FSW group for their FSSkyWorld 2002 program, and of course Bill Lyons for his Cannuck80s and then again for his Cessna Bobcat50s)
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As far as Bill's latest, the Classic Goodyear Blimp, there are no new adjectives that I can use to describe it other than... perfect!
I have flown this FS aircraft/blimp probably more hours in the last week than any other single aircraft I've downloaded over the last 2 years; it is simply wonderful and I can't congratulate Bill more for such an extraordinary work of art. Everything, from its beautifully textured exterior to the polished wood paneling in the virtual cockpit, even the sounds are exactly right on! All I can say is for all of you (that haven't downloaded it yet) to take a look at my screenshots, then run right over to the AVSIM library, download and install this aircraft as soon as you can—I guarantee you will not be disappointed. It is freeware packages like these that remind me why I love this hobby so much and I can not thank Bill Lyons enough for the sharing of his work, thank you Bill!
...Bear!
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Over the last couple of years Fred Choate, either by himself or in partnership with someone else, has been uploading various FS aircraft and usually aircraft of the bush type variety. During the month of January, Fred has treated us with two different aircraft including the first float version of the Beechcraft D18 Twin that I recall ever seeing! Both of these FS aircraft (a Beechcraft D18 Twin and a pair of Helio 295s, one for FS2002 and the other for FS2000) are quite unique and each are a joy to fly. These aircraft include custom panels and the Twin Beech includes the best sound package yet for a float plane, very well done indeed.
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Each of these aircraft on their own is deserving of my "Bear Approved" stamp and though I prefer the taildragger version of the Helio, I've found myself flying this version too. The Beech Twin is really a joy to fly – with its custom panel and unique sounds – it too is a real blast! I've been hanging around the Bush Flyers Unlimited northern headquarters with the Twin Beech, harassing the wildlife and the campers; but just listening to the greatly improved water-splash sounds, along with the improvement in the sound of the twin radials has been a blast. I find myself flying the Twin Beech float plane of Fred's every chance I get, I really like it. Thanks Fred! ...Bear!
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