The weekly feature of the Bear Cave, which was a standard posting here at AVSIM for some 2 and ˝ years, unfortunately has been transformed into an occasionally feature only. At irregular times, I will be presenting or highlighting specific files from the AVSIM library, those freeware files that haven’t been reviewed by our regular review staff, and will post my short mini-reviews in the same tradition of the Bear Cave from the past. Also note that each file will be receiving one of three freeware awards (Gold, Silver, or Bronze), each award based on my own personal opinion or impression of that file. I know that some authors of files may feel somewhat slighted, if they happened to receive a Bronze verses a Silver or Gold. I only ask that you realize or consider that I have awarded your file whatever award you receive where the file was chosen from the many hundreds, even thousands of files that have been uploaded into the AVSIM library a distinction all should remember. Six outstanding aircraft from the first part of 2004! The following aircraft picks uploaded into the AVSIM library between February 25th and April 15th are not necessarily ones that have been overlooked by many of you, but I feel that some recognition is deserving of each. Of my latest picks there are a variety of deHavilland Twin-Otters, a popular amphibian, a classic warbird, a classic airliner, and an aerobatic-trainer aircraft popular in Eastern Europe. So sit back, take a look and maybe you’ll find something here you missed that could find its way onto to your hard drive! (Click on any file name for its Library descriptions and download link.)
DeHavilland Twin Otter
Eric
Dantes & Mauricio Illanes first uploaded their version of the deHavilland Twin
Otter for FS2002, but they have now upgraded these files to comply with FS9 and
among the choices you have for a high quality freeware example of the famous
Twin Otter, this is easily among the best. So far, only the wheeled version has
been specifically uploaded into the AVSIM library for FS9. This is still a good
choice along with the excellent version from Premier Aircraft Design. The
biggest difference you’ll note is that this model from Eric and Mauricio,
includes a DVC (Dynamic Virtual Cockpit) along with a couple of very well done
texture sets. Where the PAD version of the Twin Otter has photorealistic cockpit
views (2D panel mode only), the team of Dantes & Illanes have rendered full
views in the 3D VC mode.
A
couple of users have noted that the gauges in the 3D panel mode are somewhat
fuzzy, but I believe that your individual video cards probably effect this more than
anything. I found the gauge clarity to more than acceptable, but others may
disagree. The airfiles between the two models (the PAD version and this one)
seem to be very similar, but where the PAD models sounds (custom) are
outstanding, the sound files for the Dantes & Illanes Otter rely on the default
King Air sound files.
Where I might feel that the panels are better with this Twin Otter model, the
PAD version has better sound files. The PAD version of the Twin Otter has a much
better choice of model types (wheeled, ski, float, etc), the Dantes & Illanes’
version have a somewhat better exterior texture appearance. Sort of the six of
one or half a dozen of another! My suggestion is that you download them both and
install them both on hard drive and then after a bit you decide which you
prefer!
----Bear!
National Airlines Lockheed Electra L10A
Northwest Airlines Lockheed Electra L10A
Arik
Hohmeyer & FS-Design Berlin have come up with a really terrific FS aircraft that
truly follows the FS9 theme of “Century of Flight”, as the classic Lockheed L10A
Electra certainly fits into that category. The most famous of these aircraft was
the one that Amelia Earheart disappeared in on her last attempt to
circumnavigate the world. Arik and FS-Design Berlin have all the elements here.
Good sounds, good fight modeling, excellent 2D and 3D DVC, and several choices
of authentic period repaints.
Here
are just two of the repaints available, with one depicting the National Airlines
version (1940) and the other the Northwest Airlines livery (1934). Its my
judgment that this FS version of the Lockheed Electra is right up there with the
default COF aircraft, the Lockheed Vega, Curtiss Jenny, and the Ford Trimotor,
and frankly, if flying classic aircraft from the rich history of aviation is
something you enjoy then don’t miss these beauties!
----Bear!
Lake Renegade 270 Turbo
One
the most popular single-engined amphibians has been the line of small aircraft
from the Lake Aircraft Company. For years they have been
designing
various versions of this basic design. This FS version of the Lake 270 Turbo is
based on an original model designed for FS2002 by John Woodward, but the group
of fellows (listed above) have really out-done themselves with their upgraded
Lake 270 for FS9! Having an excellent 2D panel with a custom radio stack, left
or right seat panel views in the 2D mode, and a reasonable example of an 3D DVC.
The upgraded Lake Renegade 270 from these fellows should not be overlooked (and
based on the number of downloads I would assume that few of you have).
With Aaron
Swindle handling the custom sounds, an excellent set of documents included, and
the single download containing several choices of liveries, this is still a sure
winner in my book! If you’re one of the two or three people that hasn’t
downloaded this FS9 aircraft yet, then I would suggest you bounce on over to the
AVSIM library and get it.
----Bear!
The Definitive Lightening
To
date, David C. Copley has uploaded his Lockheed P-38 beginning back a couple of
years ago (FS2002) with his original P-38 called “Glacier Girl”. With each time
being an improved model. His latest uploaded version with several detail
improvements, and now including 8 liveries of this very famous warbird. Of the 8
liveries, included are a D-Day version, Richard Bong’s famous “Marge”, and even
a photo-recon F-5E model (“Queenie”).
With
all considered, the 2D & 3D DVC, the truly outstanding sounds, and the near
perfect exterior textures (not to mention the very accurate airfile), David
calling this his “definitive” Lightening just may be truth in advertising!
Being as I’m a closet warbird fanatic, my short list of favorite warbirds to fly
in FS9 are the MAAM B-25J “Briefing Time” and David C. Copley’s definitive
Lightening!
----Bear!
Zlin Z-526F Third Edition
Tibor Kókai has
been offering up several versions of the Zlin for FS2000, FS2002, and now he has
upgraded his Zlin 526F for FS9. Having both a
photo-realistic 2D and 3D DVC, full animation (taking advantage of FS9
features), and being painted in a real-world livery, this FS9 version of the
Zlin 526F is both fun to fly and great to look at. Exhibiting what appears to be a fairly
accurate airfile, this is a great little plane for flying (particularly from the
DVC) along low and slow, practicing your taildragger techniques. Or for enjoying
a bit of aerobatic practice, whatever your choice, this is an excellent Third
Edition example of the highly popular Zlin! Check it out from the AVSIM library
and then do a couple of loops around the pattern at your favorite airport base.
It will be an enjoyable experience I’m sure.
----Bear!
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