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Bear's Cave
The world of Flight Simulators
short reviews by Steve "Bear" Cartwright
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Again, we have 15 Library picks from the AVSIM Library for February: 9 aircraft and 6 sceneries. And 5 are awarded the "Bear Approved" stamp for exceptional excellence!
Boeing 757-200 American Airlines
by EUROFLIGHT - Dave Randolph
752aa02.zip
uploaded 7-Feb-2002
14,024Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Generally I wouldn't pick a repaint of an aircraft, but in this case the excellent 757-200 hasn't been uploaded into the AVSIM library (to my knowledge) prior to this repainted version by Dave Randolph. Though I only had a brief opportunity to fly this aircraft, it is a brand-new version from EUROFLIGHT and it has all of the features expected of FS aircraft intended for FS2002. This is truly another example of some of the outstanding new FS aircraft that are suddenly appearing as freeware for FS2002 and if having all models of the Boeing fleet is your intention, then I would say this download is a must have. I would also mention that Dave's repaint in American Airlines livery is up to par with this base 757-200 model from EUROFLIGHT. ...Bear!
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Ilyushin IL-86 Aeroflot, Pulkovo, & Armenian Airlines
by Dmitry Olenin
02_86v15.zip
uploaded 1-Feb-2002
2,978Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Continuing with another great freeware design, using Gmax, Dmtry Olenin offers up the best IL-86 I've seen yet for Flight Simulator. Hopefully this is just (as they say in Hollywood) the start of something big! I would love to start seeing some of the wonderful Russian aircraft (civilian) becoming more available to add to our aircraft libraries like the Airbus and Boeing aircraft have been. This FS aircraft design takes full advantage of Gmax and contains all of those special little details you would expect, including: smoke and chrome effects, opening doors, rolling tires, etc. Dmitry has also made this download available as an "All-in-One" package as well, which means he has also included his own custom panel and this model includes the texture files for 3 different liveries of the Ilyushin IL-86! Check it out, if you already haven't! ...Bear!
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Avion's Robin 3000 v 2.1
by Rick Brown-JHB Aerospace
jhbrbn3k.zip
uploaded 6-Feb-2002
2,519Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Starting with the original file by Nick Pike/Matthias Lieberecht/Christian Daboudet, Rick Brown and JHB Aerospace have worked over the Robin 3000 that these fellows originally designed. From the external paint to the animation of the rudder pedals, Rick and JHB have pretty much revamped this little French built aircraft from stem to stern. Beyond the obvious visual improvements that Rick and friends have applied, it is in the addition of special smoke effects and the dramatic improvement with their re-tweaking of the flight dynamics that stood out to me. You just might want to take a look at this little speedster. ...Bear!
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In Boeing's newest since their take over of McDonnell-Douglas there is the Boeing 717-200 series of jets, which is from the MD-80/90 families of proven aircraft. Nathan Tenney and Sam Chin have gotten together to re-design their 717 using Gmax to provide for an updated visual model and to update all of the animated parts (including thrust reverse clamshells). With semi-photoreal reflective textures, FS2002 night lighting, and 3D gear bays, this version is their best yet. These FS aircraft, from Nathan and Sam, are available in any of 5 different liveries (Hawaiian Air is my personal favorite) and I think they're terrific looking and they fly as well as they look. Check them out, if you haven't already done so. ...Bear!
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Yeodesigns have given us an excellent 767 freeware aircraft in the past and they now continue with their release of the older 737 model, the 200 series! Uploaded into the AVSIM library in 9 different liveries, the Yeodesigns 737-200 offers the latest in Gmax design, with fully animated parts (working suspension, rotating wheels, thrust-reverser clamshells, etc.), and those wonderful reflective textures that are not standard fair for all add-on aircraft. This aircraft does include a Yeodesigns virtual cockpit, but it is lacking a dynamic virtual panel. The upload also includes engine trail smoke ("I" key) along with FS2K2 night-lighting effects.
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Overall I found this aircraft to be pretty good, but there are a few detail errors here an there (for example: the Southwest livery textures are mirrored rather then repainted port to star-board, so the word Southwest is reversed on the port side). Yeodesign did add those other little touches though, like just a slight hint of wear and tear appearance (I noticed a slight trailing of oil and dirt around the doors and gear bays). One another point though, it is very frame-rate friendly, even from the spot view, so I would suggest you take a look at this latest from Yeodesigns, you might it find a worth a peek! ...Bear!
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In what has to be one of the first truly outstanding examples of the Boeing B-52 ever for Flight Simulator, 14 year old Kotaro has really hit the nail on the head with this one! I am not going to go into any details here, but I will suggest that you read my review of this aircraft here, in addition I would go over an read Tom's (Allensworth) rather interesting interview with this FS aircraft's beta tester, retired commander Dayton Dopke (former Air Force B-52 pilot) here. ...Bear!
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Piper PA-23-250 Aztec
by Fred Choate
aztec_2k2.zip
uploaded 20-Feb-2002
1,233Kb
FS2000 Aircraft
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Well, Fred Choate has been giving all Flight Simulator users many different aircraft (always as freeware) for some time now and he continues with a very fine example of the Piper Aztec. The Piper Aztec twin has been a very popular aircraft with pilots over the years because of its large interior and comfortable seating area, not to mention its pretty good performance. Though Fred's design is lacking the reflective textures of Gmax (FSDS was used to design this aircraft), this aircraft is still a winner for all the GA pilots out there. With a custom panel, era paint scheme, and fully animated parts, Fred has captured the look and feel of this aircraft quite well.
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Fred modeled this aircraft from a 1966 version and his flight dynamics are quite accurate based on my own personal real-world experience with this aircraft. The Aztec was the replacement aircraft from Piper, as an upgraded version of the Apache. The Apache was so underpowered that having the second engine was almost a negative rather than a positive feature, being as the Apache had a single-engine service ceiling of just under 2,500 feet, which was of little value in most locations in the world. The Aztec, with its 250hp engines, brought the single-engined service ceiling up to a safer altitude of over 8,500 feet. ...Bear!
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1903 Wright Flyer
by Paul Beardsley (Golden Eagle Squadron)
wright03.zip
uploaded 23-Feb-2002
1,160Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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On December 17th, 1903 Orville and Wilbur Wright first took to the air in a powered aircraft. That first flight wasn't even 2/3rds the distance as the wing span on a Boeing 747, but they did maintain their speed and they landed at an altitude equal to or greater than their starting point. With Paul's upload you not only get a very accurate version of that original flyer, Paul also included a small scenery package of the Kitty Hawk site, as it appeared in 1903.
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In keeping with historical accuracy, this version of the Flyer lacks any kind of panel (the original didn't have one either), so flying it is truly a seat-of-the-pants experience. With a virtual cockpit, fully animated parts (it is fun to watch the belts and pulleys as the little gasoline engine drives the twin props), and custom sounds, this is a fun little airplane and it is just in time for the 100th anniversary of that first flight. If you fly it gently and make only slight banks for turns, flying it can be a real joy and it is quite interesting to imagine the feeling the Wright Brothers had that first time! ...Bear!
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Lockheed L-1011-500 Pack v2
by Mike Stone
sl10112.zip
uploaded 25-Feb-2002
771Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Mike Stone has done it again, first it was his Avro RJ85/BAe146, then the Airbus 320-200, and now it is the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar! Mike has really gotten the handle on using Gmax and so far each of his uploads, over the last few weeks, have only been getting better and better. These are simply the best examples of the Lockheed Tri-jet for Flight Simulator I've ever seen and I for one am quite pleased that Mike has uploaded them.
As before, Mike's upload comes in multiple liveries (Air Canada, Air Luxor, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Pan Am) and each has the full compliment of Gmax features (reflective textures, animated gear, realistically slotted flaps, you know the routine!) and Mike has even included his own design custom panel (not fancy, but quite workable). Great work Mike! ...Bear!
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French Riviera Project 3
by Oliver Bochu
frp3upd.zip
uploaded 4-Feb-2002
4,759Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Oliver first uploaded this scenery package for FS2000 and now he has converted or adapted it for FS2002 with this updated file. As before, this scenery package enhances over 20 cities in the Southeast of France and particularly with those cities along the French Riviera and it also greatly enhances the Monarchy of Monaco (specifically, the city of Monte Carlo). With beaches, sailboats, yachts, European style villas, this is a handsome add-on for those of you that like to travel (fly) in this area.
Frankly, considering the winter we've had here in Reno this year, spending a bit of time on a warm Mediterranean beach sounds pretty good right now! Yes, I highly recommend this add-on/upgrade. ...Bear!
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Mannheim City EDFM
by Viktor Schacht-Martin Wieczorek
edfm2k2.zip
uploaded 5-Feb-2002
2,408Kb
FS2002/CFS2 Scenery
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In Viktor and Martin's readme file they state that this scenery upload of theirs accurately matches the real airport at Mannheim City, Germany, including nearly all buildings, the TV tower and power plant nearby, signs, and NAVIDS. Well, being as I've never been there (Mannheim City, Germany), I can not attest to its accuracy, but I will tell you it looks a whole world different (and better) than the default scenery.
From their highly realistic-appearing airport grass and taxiway concrete textures all the way over to the very realistic-appearing control tower (somehow Viktor and Martin have really got that look of concrete blocks on the tower down pat). It is obvious to me that these two fellows spent a great deal of time designing this scenery package, and if flying in and around Germany is your normal cup of tea, then by all means download this excellent scenery package from Viktor Schacht and Martin Wieczorek. ...Bear!
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Bears Outpost Bush Scenery
by Michael Carr (MRC Designs)
brsoutpostv2.zip
uploaded 5-Feb-2002
3,267Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Located up in the Yukon Territories of Northern Canada, Michael Carr has designed Bear's Outpost. Michael states that this is a small trading-tourist community and it is accessible by boat or aircraft only (kind of like Juneau, the capital of Alaska). Unlike many of the bush scenery add-ons for FS2002, Michael has developed an entire village with many different and interesting pieces of eyecandy, even including a small corral with cattle in it.
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The village of Bear's Outpost is built around a 1,100 foot dirt landing strip and it is kind of fun to explore and see all of the different things Michael included. If you happen to be flying a float plane, then there is a T-shaped dock and open water hangers for you too! I don't know if there is a real "Bear's Outpost" or not, but even if there is not, Michael Carr's add-on bush scenery (real or not) is interesting, quite well done, and a lot of fun to wander around in to note all of his little included details. Excellent package Michael! ...Bear!
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Braunschweig (EDVE) Airport, Germany
by Christian Anhalt
edve2002.zip
uploaded 8-Feb-2002
6,702Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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This is Christian Anhalt's 3rd version of this scenery package (the prior versions were for FS98 and FS2000) and this is his most detailed version ever. Braunschweig Airport is located just about smack dab in the middle of Germany (100 miles west of Berlin) and is home to many of Germany's aeronautical related offices, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where apparently Christian works in real-life.
This scenery package is highly detailed and includes the surrounding forest, new taxiway textures, static aircraft, and several interesting buildings. The only area that needs some help are the lack of any night textures (Christian promises this in future updates), but for daylight operations this a very nice scenery package. I do recommend it. ...Bear!
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Glasgow Airport/City/FSLandclass, Scotland, UK
by Iain Gallacher
glas2k2.zip
uploaded 16-Feb-2002
3,700Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Being one of the first sceneries I've installed that also makes use of the FSLandclass scenery, I am frankly quite impressed. Iain's scenery is a combination of scenery for the Glasgow airport along with the nearby City of Glasgow, including the adding of over 250 homemade macros. Iain has also included an FSLandclass file covering the better part of West and Southwest Scotland and it is with this that I am beginning to really appreciate the improvements from the default.
I have installed FSLandclass files for areas that I am quite familiar with (in real life) and the improvements they make are astounding. This scenery add-on includes improved airport textures, accurate building placement, lots of 3D objects, correctly placed freeway-highways, and many more buildings added to the City of Glasgow. Quite an impressive scenery package overall! ...Bear!
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LFSB Euroairport Bāle-Mulhouse version 2
by Alexarndre R. (Flyman)
lfsbv2.zip
uploaded 20-Feb-2002
1,238Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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The default version of Bāle-Mulhouse Airport (Northeast France) is not bad, except that they (MS) seem to have included quite a few AI aircraft, but they are all parked on a very empty tarmac (no buildings or terminal, except for a small building with tower placed a couple of hundred meters away). Alexandre has corrected this with his scenery design without being overt. I believe that this is one of Alexandre's first attempts at scenery design and I like what he has done.
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Sometimes keeping it simple works as well as being overly extensive in your details. Between MS's Autogen and improved airport detailing, our virtual world has improved greatly with FS2002 (as compared to FS98 or FS2000)—but even with these new features, many times with the simple addition of static aircraft, buildings-hangers, and a more correctly placed tower (all together giving that airport a busy look to it) the improvements are still very dramatic. All this with no visible effect on your framerate (which is of concern for many still working with a smaller computer system). If flying in western Europe is something you do on a regular basis and you haven't upgraded to a computer system with a bazillion hz, then here's a scenery package you can download that will improve Bāle-Mulhouse Airport for you without causing your system to fall to its knees and start bleeding! ...Bear!
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