AVSIM Commercial Aircraft Review SimTech Deluxe Fokker DR1

Those guys at Simtech are at it again. Following on from their highly successful trio of aircraft, the Fokker DR1, Dornier DO 335 and Handley Hippo, which were released in standard packages (see AVSIM's SimTech 'Triple Bill' Review) the folks there have been working on DeLuxe versions of the afore mentioned aircraft. In the build up to what must be one of the Flightsim community's most anticipated releases, the Deluxe Do 335, the guys have released a deluxe version of the Fokker DR1 which is notable for Germany's most famous WWI ace, the Red Baron.

The Deluxe version of the aircraft is no simple development. This time around the aircraft boasts 23 different liveries, most of which are real life, with the odd one or two being of a fictional nature. File size is large at a fairly whopping 40MB, but we can't have everything, which is why you can also order it on CD.

Installation and Getting Started

Installation is a breeze, as the guys have this time round included an .exe, instead of the more usual zip file. You can choose whether you want to install it with FS2002, CFS2 or both which is handy. Unlike some of the automatic installations which we see developers using, this one doesn't pick up where you have FS installed, so if it isn't in its default directory you'll have to tell it where it's installed. This is a small gripe though, hardly worth complaining about.

The virtual panel

The Baron himself!

Pottering by

Once within your chosen Sim, which in my case was FS2002, select the DR1 and your chosen variation from the list and away you go.

Simtech's reputation for visual excellence within their models is continued with the DR1, a plane that utilized several software packages and techniques in its inception from GMAX and 3D Studio Max to Photoshop and the somewhat hilariously named Gimp (funny if you live in this part of the world!). The detail that is put into the plane is astounding and again makes me somewhat frustrated that some big name developers often seem lazy by comparison.

With the plane you get the following features and more:

• High Resolution Textures
• All moving surfaces
• Glass effect guages
• Moving wheels and engine
• Moving pilot parts
• Accurate suspension parts

A tight turn

Dusk

Running a little low

The clarity of the 3D model is excellent and doesn't seem to hit performance too hard. While I'm in the progress of building a new machine, I'm stuck with FS running on something of a prehistoric machine and Simtech's model performance on my archaic machine is very admirable indeed!

Impresive Stuff

The panel

Slow and easy

Test System Custom PIII 550 MHz Windows XP 256 Megs RAM Geforce 2 MX 400 32MB 48X DVD ROM Audigy 2 Logitech Wingman Digital 3D 17" LG Monitor Flying Time: 8 Hours over 14 Days The opposite! An early morning start

Up up and away

Famed for being a dangerous machine in the hands of a novice pilot, the DR1 is slow and somewhat tricky to fly—remember when landing that it doesn't have any brakes! It is also the plane of choice of Germany's number one scoring ace, the Red Baron, and so was also exteremly deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot. It is great fun to dogfight with when you have players in aircraft of a similar nature.

Soundwise, Simtech have included a custom set that is very loud indeed! Slow and puttering, the sounds complement the package wonderfully. I'd encourage a good set of speakers here, or linking your computer to your stereo.

In Conclusion

I can only say that with this package Simtech are earning themselves a good solid reputation for excellent packages and top class customer service (they are really that pleasant!). If this had of been released earlier in FS2002's life then it would surely have been an 5 star award winner, but as that award is reserved for technical innovation beyond what others have done, this package earns a very healthy 4 stars.

Roll on the Deluxe Do 335, I can't wait to see what comes after you! Well done Simtech and keep up the hard work!

The Fokker DR1 is available from the SimTech website for $20.95USD.

An excellant detail shot

Looking out over the field

An ominous paint job