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Bear's Cave
The world of Flight Simulators
short reviews by Steve "Bear" Cartwright
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In July we here at AVSIM had a turning point in that your library exceeded 17,000 files now available for download and we also saw a return of uploaded files (aircraft and scenery) for FLYII, along with files for Flights Unlimited III and earlier versions of Flight Simulator. It was the files for FS2002 that really lead the way though, both in numbers and quality, and I have once again picked my favorite 20 files from a whole host of files (literary hundreds) that were uploaded in July. This month I have something for everyone, as there were uploaded files for aircraft-adventures (historical flights), new Jetliners, Bush aircraft, Ultra-lights, General Aviation, Propliners, Aerobatic aircraft, and Helicopters, so like I said, "...something for everyone!" Scenery uploads were like it was for aircraft, something for everyone—we've got new bush sceneries, major airports depicted, multiple airport enhancements, and even a few small field scenery add-ons. So, check out my July picks here!
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Plane/Flight Tour - Breguet XIX
by Jorge Salas, Jean-Marie Mermaz
elc19.zip
uploaded 3-July-2002
4,159Kb
FS2002 Aircraft-Adventure
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The Breguet XIX biplane depicted here was a part of the Spanish squadron (Elcano) that flew from Madrid (Spain) to Manila (Phillippines) in 1926, which was a major historical event in Spanish and world aviation history. The original flight was started with three Breguet XIXs of the Elcano Squadron, with only one finishing the 8,296 mile (17,500km) route, in 159 hours and 25 minutes. The two Breguets that failed to finish were lost along the way; the first disappeared over the Sahara Desert of Africa (the crew was safely found some days later by the RAF) and the second struck a tree on landing in Macao (again the crew survived).
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This FS version of the Breguet XIX is quite wonderful in its exterior appearance and does include many of the features expected for FS2002 (animated parts, rolling wheels-tires, etc.) including reflective textures. The sound files are custom designed and are very very good (so good that I have saved them in a special folder to be used with other FS aircraft having similar engines).
The panel is also custom designed, but the 2D panel is not necessarily authentic to its original, though it is quite adequate for this application. Your secondary windows are limited to two, radio panel (with basic autopilot) and the FS2002 GPS window (both of which you can call up in the virtual panel mode). The virtual panel is very realistic, sharp, clear, and very authentic to the original Breguet XIX, but it is not dynamic with its gauges, which is not really of concern to me, because these older vintage aircraft are flown more by seat-of-the-pants flying than by monitoring your instruments anyway. ...Bear!
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Lockheed C-5A Package
by Rey Lopez
rlc5gala_2.zip
uploaded 4-July-2002
1,748KB
FS2002 Aircraft
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One of the largest aircraft ever used by the US Military is of course the Lockheed Galaxy C-5A and it has been awhile since a reasonable offering for Flight Simulator has been made available (not since FS98). Rey Lopez noted this oversight and he has designed a very good example of this true giant of an aircraft.
Rey's C-5A package includes three liveries (Standard gray & white USAF, Dover Gray, and Camouflage) and though Rey has included a very basic panel, I found that with a quick search in the AVSIM Library, a suitable replacement can be found (c17pan02.zip by Paul Schwerdtfeger is a good choice) and for some really outstanding sounds, try the FS98 version of the C-5A by Mike A. Mendez (file name of c5galx98.zip over at simviation.com), which features actual GE-TF39 sounds; this will really add a new level of enjoyment of this aircraft!
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Helping Rey on the flight dynamics was Gunther Kirschstein and I found that this aircraft flew quite well and was more than acceptable for FS2002. Being fully animated, having FS2002 night textures, and a smoke system with options for contrails or vapor trails, this is generally a very nice overall package and I do recommend it, particularly with the additional items I mentioned above (panel and sounds). Check it out. ...Bear!
David Jiménez Lynch has designed a fairly complete and very accurate set of scenery add-ons depicting the important buildings, monuments, and plazas of Madrid, Spain; each of these sceneries (4 seperate files in all) extend from Central downtown out to the North and South. From the statue of Christopher Columbus to the leaning twin Puerta de Europa Towers, this scenery is quite well done and interesting in viewing the many sections of this beautiful city. Being as I've never had the opportunity to visit the real Madrid, this is a nice add-on to at least allow all of us to visit in the virtual world of Flight Simulator.
If you too would enjoy visiting this wondrous city, check out David Jiménez Lynch's Madrid City add-on scenery! ...Bear!
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Curtiss P-36A Hawk
by Doug Westfall-Anthony Sullenger-James Banks
p36a_fs2002.zip
uploaded 4-July-2002
3,099Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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In the various films portraying the events on the morning of December 7th, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, it is often shown that the two USArmy Air Corp pilots that did get airborne (Lt. Phillip Rasmussen and 2nd Lt. Harry Brown) were flying P-40 Warhawks—but they in fact were flying Curtiss P-36A pursuit planes and were the first American fighter pilots to have downed enemy warplanes for the USA in the beginning hours of WWII. Doug Westfall and Anthony Sullenger (James Banks did the flight modeling work) have designed two versions, one a bare metal (highly polished and reflective) and the other an olive drab example of the Curtiss P-36A using the design tool Gmax (which also assures that this aircraft will work in FS2004). The reason for these two distinctive versions is to accurately depict the aircraft flown by Lt. Rasmussen (1 kill) and 2nd Lt. Brown (2 kills) that morning of December 7th.
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Doug and Anthony have included documentation that covers the true history of this aircraft, from the various engines used to its record in combat during the early part of WWII.
With full animation, opening canopy, working cowl flaps, and a dynamic virtual cockpit, this is a very nice addition to your hard drive for those that enjoy flying an aircraft of some historical significance. I do give these fellows (Doug, Anthony, and James) my Bear Stamp of Approval for their complete and outstanding example of this early Curtiss aircraft design. ...Bear!
Blazer was busy in July, uploading 4 different aircraft (WWII combat aircraft) into the AVSIM library, including various versions of the P-51D Mustang, a version of the British Spitfire, the Russian P-63 KingCobra, and one of my favorites, the P-82 Twin-Mustang (twin fuselages). Blazer's design work is quite good and his versions of the P-51D and Spitfires are equal to the best out there. It is his design of the P-82 Mustang that got me kind of excited, because to the best of my knowledge, this is the first I've ever seen of that particular aircraft for Flight Simulator.
Lacking dynamic virtual cockpits and relying on default gauges and effects, Blazer's designs, though basic, are pretty good and his Spitfire, KingCobra, and P-82 are of particular interest to me and I'm sure to many of you out there as well. ...Bear!
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BOAC Boeing 377 Stratocruiser
by Mike Stone
sb3771.zip
uploaded 10-July-2002
526Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Mike Stone is turning out high quality freeware FS aircraft faster than my little 56K modem can download them and Mike again releases another fine example of an aircraft. This time it is the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser and though lacking in a custom panel or sounds (below are my recommendations for downloading a panel and sounds), it is a highly accurate design using, once again, the Gmax design tool. Having reflective textures, FS2002 night lighting, and fully animated components (even working cowl flaps) Mike uploaded this classic propliner in a single livery—that being BOAC! Hopefully the FS aircraft painters will soon release other liveries as well.
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To download the proper panel and sounds, I recommend visiting Tom Gibson's Classic California Propliner website and here you will find the correct panel and sounds to complete this package (the panel and sounds listed at Tom's site are intended for FS2000, but I found that they work fine in FS2002).
If you're a propliner fan like myself, then Mike Stone's latest upload is a must have, enjoy! ...Bear!
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Ohio Scenery
by Ted Kessel-Gary Demos
oh02v1.zip
uploaded 12-July-2002
5,740Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Upgrading their previous FS2000 scenery release, Ted Kessel and Gary Demos have revised their scenery package for use in FS2002 and this single file download provides airport enhancements for over 80 different air fields (mostly General Aviation airports only), all within the State of Ohio.
Using mostly generic macros and textures, Ted and Gary have included some custom macros and upgraded textures for a few of the locations, but generally this is a simple enhancement to bring these 80 plus airports beyond the default. Due to the simple nature of this scenery add-on, I found no apparent impact on my system's performance (framerates) whatsoever. If your area of flight includes the State of Ohio, then I would suggest you take a look at Ted and Gary's scenery enhancement package. ...Bear!
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Thunderbird II Ultralight
by Jeridan Light-Gerry R. Rivera-Aaron Swindle-Hennie Van Rooyen
t-bird.zip
thunderbird_ii.zip (update)
uploaded 14/23-July-2002
3,135Kb/2,149Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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One of the great advantages of Flight Simulator has been the broad choices of aircraft available as freeware add-ons, rather that be a jetliner, propliner, GA aircraft, balloons, blimps, or even an ultralight aircraft. Gerry R. Rivera, Jeridan Light, Hennie Van Rooyan, and Aaron Swindle have each contributed to this very excellent example of the Thunderbird II Ultralight and their efforts are very much worth your examination. An ultralight aircraft, such as this one, is best flown at very low altitudes and it is the ultimate in short field operations—only you don't need an airport, as you can pick and choose your takeoff or landing site to be just about anywhere. I found that the best way to fly this very small aircraft was to remain just above the trees so that you can get a bird's eye view of the scenery in FS2002 and when you feel like landing, you only need about 50 meters (a 150 feet or so) of level ground.
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Aaron Swindle's sound files are also very authentic and this little aircraft (powered by a turbocharged Rotax 503 engine) can yield pretty respectable speeds. With a maximum speed of 108 knots and a recommended cruise of 75 knots, this little ultralight can be used for cross-country flights. I, on the other hand, don't recommend flying this mini-aircraft in inclement weather though, as you are rather exposed to the elements in this type of aircraft; but in the spring or summer weather conditions this is a great way to get around.
Oddly, there is no virtual cockpit/panel included, but flying this aircraft in the 2D panel mode is quite fine and more than satisfactory for the ultralight flight experience. Be sure to download Hennie Van Rooyen's update file as well, as this will help improve the sounds and FDE, enough so that I am quite confident in giving these fellows my Gold Award for one of the most enjoyable little aircraft, designed for FS2002, to fly! ...Bear!
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Stinson 108-2
by Steven Grant
stnpkg.zip
uploaded 15-July-2002
2,018Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Steven Grant has been designing and authoring one FS aircraft after another over the last couple of years, and mostly they have been all GA aircraft and usually aircraft used in the area of bush flying. Steven's latest falls into the catagory of vintage taildraggers; the Stinson 108 model (also known as a flying station wagon) was based on Stinson's 1930s Voyager 125 series of aircraft.
Being quite small and lightweight, yet capable of carrying 4 people (with a minimum of luggage), the Stinson 108-2 was able to fly cross-country at a rather spritely 120 knots or so—this little Stinson can deliver you and 3 of your friends to your favorite destination in pretty good time. Steven has also included a custom 2D panel along with 2 models of this little Stinson, a land version and a float version. If flying vintage GA aircraft is something you enjoy as much as I do, then I suggest you take a good look at Steven Grant's latest design release. ...Bear!
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Among several FS aircraft designers, there are many that I simply have liked and enjoyed everything they have designed and one of those authors is most certainly Brian Gladden, as his FS aircraft are always interesting to look at an fun to fly. Brian's latest release continues his tradition of providing the unusual and Brian, as always, released his newest aircraft as freeware. The Noorduyn Norseman is one of those aircraft that is easily recognizable, yet is fairly rare to see today, even in those areas noted for having an abundance of unique aircraft (Lake Hood, Alaska for instance).
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Brian has offered his latest in two versions, land and float, plus each includes 3 or 4 liveries. Brian has also included a custom designed panel for each and a virtual panel (non-dynamic). Using FSDS for his design work, Brian has both of these aircraft include fully animated parts, even moving rudders on the float version. Brian also included a flight dynamics file from Fred Banting (DHC2 Beaver) so that part of these aircraft is quite good, even if the FDE is not custom designed—the Norseman fly very similar to the Beaver. Yes, Brian gets my Bear Approved Stamp for the upteenth time as always his work is deserving of the recognition! ...Bear!
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Amook Bay Float Base
by Ron Vorak
amookbfb.zip
uploaded 21-July-2002
1,206Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Located out on the Western edge of Kodiak Island, Alaska (44nm southwest of the Kodiak Coast Guard Station) is Amook Bay floatplane and helicopter base. Ron Vorak (in what I believe is one of his first scenery designs for FS) has included several seaplane docks for floatplanes and multiple beaching ramps for amphibians, plus one helicopter pad, all of which are encircling the beach line around Amook Bay. Located among the trees is a large lodge for overnighters, plus there is a small military presence there as well, as noted by the Hummvees parked next to a small structure. Situated along the beach line are several large hangers which appear able to handle aircraft up to about the size of a Grumman Albratross.
Ron has designed up a simple, yet fairly complete bush scenery to give all of us yet another interesting location to visit while flying the bush country of North America. ...Bear!
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Aerospatiale SA.365C1 Dauphin 2
by Uplink Productions
up_air491.zip
uploaded 21-July-2002
2,476Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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First of all, I gave this FS aircraft (helicopter) my Gold Award, which I believe is the first time I have given my highest award to a helicopter designed for Flight Simulator, but this is simply one of my favorite helos to fly since I got my hands on the default FS2002 JetRanger!
Designed using Gmax (assuring its ability to work in FS2004), this helo has everything: fully animated parts (wheels, suspension, rotor assembly, rotor transmission, etc.), opening/closing doors, accurate 2D panel, fully dynamic 3D virtual panel-cockpit, unique and very authentic engine/rotor sounds, and a very highly tuned FDE. Each component having been designed with authenticity in mind and most certainly up to the standards of my Gold Award.
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I have several hundred different aircraft on my hard drive for FS2002 and it is a rare aircraft that continues to get my attention—and this SA.365C1 Dauphin 2 is one aircraft that I have returned to almost every day since I installed it. In my opinion, this is a must have for all you rotorheads out there; and those of you that generally stay away from helicopters, I suggest you give this one a try, you just might like it, as I did! ...Bear!
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University of Miami DC-3
by Rey Lopez
rlumdc3.zip
uploaded 21-July-2002
1,241Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Ever since Bob Rambow, Jan Visser, and company released their R4D-6 (DC-3) package for FS2000, back a couple of years ago, anyone else attempting to design a DC-3 of comparable value has found that to be all but impossible. Now I'm not going to say that Rey Lopez has matched the work of those fore mentioned gentlemen; I will say that Rey's work is most certainly worth a look-see!
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Painted in a fictional livery of the University of Miami, Rey has designed up a pretty decent little freeware package depicting the Douglas DC-3, and Rey also included a fairly nice FDE that does give a pretty realistic feel when flying it. Unfortunately, Rey did rely on FS2002 default sounds and panel, but this is easily fixed by your downloading (from the AVSIM Library) the files DC2-pack.zip and dc2fs2k2.zip, (one is the original file and the second is the update for FS2002, you will need both) for an excellent panel (DC-2 rather than a DC-3, but they are very close) and an outstanding sound set. Besides, downloading these other files will give you one of the best versions of the DC-2 ever, which is not hard considering that DC-2 was designed by some of the best in the business (Don Incoll, Rob Bosman, Jan Visser, Steve Small, Rob Cappers, Fred Banting, and Dai Griffths).
If you like flying the older propliners, then Rey Lopez's University of Miami DC-3 is one you may wish to take a second look at. ...Bear!
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Mexico City International Airport
by Bill Melichar
mexico.zip
uploaded 23-July-2002
726Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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When Microsoft released FS2002, it was noted that they had done an excellent job of enhancing numerous major airports around the world, whether it be Seattle-Tacoma International, SFO, LAX, or a whole host of others, but there are still many many airports—usually having a more International appeal—that most certainly could use some help! One of those major airports that needed some help or was open to someone providing some enhancement was Benito Jaurez International in Mexico City, Mexico.
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Bill Melichar, who has already designed some of the finest appearing scenery ever imagined for several airports in the Hawaiian Island Chain (and the only scenery designer to date to have received my Gold Award), has now applied his expertise to the neglected Benito Jaurez International! Now, even though Bill's scenery work at Mexico City is not as extensive nor as detailed as his Hawaiian work, I will say that Bill has most assuredly improved on the generic appearance that Microsoft left this very important international airport in. Bill has added local office buildings, tree-lined streets, jetliner gates, static aircraft, a completely new terminal, and his own version (always very well done by the way) of the night-lighting at the Mexico City airport, Benito Jaurez International. For those of you that like flying jetliners on international flights and Mexico City is one of your destinations, then you owe it to yourself to check out Bill Melichar's Benito Jaurez International Airport scenery enhancement. ...Bear!
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It seems that everywhere you look in recent months, someone is releasing a new jetliner for FS2002 and the Airbus line of aircraft most certainly haven't been neglected, by either the freeware or payware author/designers. This group of fellows, calling themselves Project Airbus, have previously released some truly outstanding examples of various models of the Airbus for Flight Simulator and in my opinion this is simply their best offering to date.
Designed using the Gmax tool, this aircraft has it all: fully animated components (flaps, slats, airbrakes, suspension, landing gear, thrust-reversers, etc.), photorealistic reflective textures, wing vortices effects, a very realistic FDE, and a fully dynamic virtual panel/cockpit with unique night-lighting qualities. In addition these fellows have taken full advantage of the night-lighting (exterior) capabilities of FS2002.
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For the 2D panel, Project Airbus has relied on the default 737 panel, but that means nothing because this aircraft was developed with the idea of flying it exclusively from the virtual cockpit. Released first in two liveries (house colors and Air Canada), there are already a number of repaints available in the AVSIM library—but you'd better get in line, because the House Colors livery had over 5,000 downloads within the first couple of weeks, pretty impressive as to the popularity of this FS aircraft. For unique and very authentic sounds to go with this terrific aircraft, just check out the Project Airbus website (an AVSIM Partner), as they have an excellent selection of those as well. I would assume, based on the number of downloads this aircraft has already enjoyed, I am not telling anyone that reads this anything new! So I'm going to quit talking about it and go do a little flying with this aircraft right now, so if you haven't downloaded yours yet, then you might as well get to it! Outstanding! ...Bear!
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Sanger, Oregon USA
by Michael Carr - MCDesigns 2002
sanger.zip
uploaded 25-July-2002
8,152Kb
FS2002 Scenery
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Situated along the eastern edge of the Oregon Cascade mountains, right were the mountain trees and brush give way to the Eastern Oregon Desert, lays the small town of Sanger, Oregon. Michael Carr (MCDesigns 2002) has put together a complete airport enhancement including the surrounding town, using custom macros, photo realistic textures with night-lighting, plenty of people and road traffic, the works! Michael has even included a working farm (with a couple of farm tractors thrown in) and I even noticed a small herd of Mule Deer munching grass not too far from the hard gravel runway.
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This is one of those nice little sceneries that is interesting to just wander around and explore, just to locate each of its unique features and enhancements. Whether you wish to go by the Post Office to check on any general delivery you may have, or to join some friends over at the Pilot's Lounge bar for a couple of cold ones, Michael has included just about everything any small town would have. I like this scenery add-on; thanks Michael, well done. ...Bear!
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Cessna 150H
by GfORCE TEAM
gft_c150h.zip
uploaded 24-July-2002
7,341Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Designed by the GfORCE TEAM as a tribute to the Santiago gliders flying club of Chile, they have released just what may be the best version of the Cessna 150 for Flight Simulator yet, freeware or payware. Designed using a combination of FSDS and Gmax, the fellows at GfORCE TEAM have included 3 different liveries of the little Cessna using one of two different 2D and 3D fully dynamic virtual panels. Two of the models sport wheel pants, while the third does not and each have fully animated components (rolling wheels, working suspension, flaps, flight control surfaces, and even includes a 3D prop and pilot).
These are really the answer to the many individuals that have asked for a FS2002 version of the smallest Cessna; and considering the low number of downloads since its release, I believe that many may have missed it when it was uploaded. If you did, then run over the our library and get this aircraft, it (they) are as nicely done as anyone could ask for! Excellent work fellows! ...Bear!
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Commander 114TC Package
by Brian Gladden-Michael Verlin-Scott Jensen-Tim Pinkawa
commander114tc_package-v1.0.zip
uploaded 25-July-2002
5,181Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Back nearly two years ago, Brian Gladden released his version of the Commander 114TC to the users of FS2000 and it was a big hit right out of the box. Since the release of FS2002, Brian had upgraded the visual model (external) to FS2002 standards, but now Brian, with Michael Verlin's help, has upgraded the FDE as well. On the prior versions, Brian relied on the default Mooney Bravo for a panel, or some individuals, like me, had installed Michael Verlin's FS98 114TC panel—either one was adequate for the job, but now Scott Jensen and Tim Pinkawa have gotten together to design a really outstanding panel for Brian's Commander.
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Using custom gauges and radio packs, Scott and Tim's 2D panel makes up for the lack of any virtual panel quite well, thank you, and this aircraft—always one of my favored GA aircraft anyway—is now at the top of my 'favorites to fly on a regular basis' list. I am very surprised at the overall low number of downloads for this truly outstanding freeware version of the Commander 114TC; hopefully the number of downloads will go up once everyone discovers this true gem of a GA aircraft, that once again proves that freeware does not mean low quality! Outstanding work guys! You all most certainly have my highest award for your excellent work! ...Bear!
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Grumman Duck
by Heather Sherman
grummanduck2k2.zip
uploaded 25-July-2002
2,019Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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Starting with Tom Schaad's excellent FS2000 Grumman Duck, Heather Sherman (a new name in FS aircraft repainting and redesign work) has extensively upgraded this rather historic Grumman for FS2002. Now equipped with animated gear and exhibiting true amphibian behavior, Heather has also added three new liveries (in addition to Tom's original US Navy Gray/Yellow), including US Navy dark blue, the Pink Lady, and my personal favorite, The Star-Spangled Duck!
For all of you that enjoy flying aircraft that are either classic or vintage in nature, then Heather's work on the Grumman Duck should be right up your alley! Now if I could just find a rubber version of Heather's Star-Spangled Duck, for when I take a bath, then I would be in hog heaven! ...Bear!
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Sukhoi Su-29 v2.0 Aerobatic Aircraft
by Ariel Cimino-Cherar Suarez-Aaron R Swindle
su29red.zip
su29blue.zip
uploaded 27-July-2002
3,666Kb/3,683Kb
FS2002 Aircraft
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There are many purpose-built aircraft for the professional aerobatic performer and the Sukhoi Su-29 is easily one of the most powerful ever developed. Having a 9-cylinder radial engine capable of producing in excess of 360 HP and having a roll rate approaching 420 degrees per second, the Su-29 is faster than a speeding bullet and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, so if there ever was a Superman version of an aerobatic aircraft, then the Su-29 would certainly be it.
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Ariel Cimino and Cherar Suarez have taken their FS2000 Su-29 package (2 packages, one with the red standard colors and the other with a blue standard paint job) and enhanced and upgraded them for use in FS2002, plus they have included a custom sound package from Aaron R. Swindle completing these overall beautiful packages.
Even though designed using the FSDS design tool, the textures on these two aircraft have that FS2002 reflective quality about them and they both include: rolling wheels, opening canopy, custom panel, smoke system, and the 3D pilot has a rotating head (head movement controlled by your rudder inputs). These are very nice renditions of the famous Sukhoi's and if aerobatics are something you like to practice, then these two FS aircraft are something you need to look at. ...Bear!
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