I recently saw that Flight1 is offering the 421C with DXT3 textures to reduce the impact on fps. Has anyone tried this, and can you relate the difference in fps vs. texture quality? I'd like to purchase the Flight1 Cessna, as it seems to perfectly fill the niche between the smaller GA A/C I fly, and the heavy jets. I don't see any performance issues with the Standard 2k2 A/C, and except for the new Simubuild A340, I've never seen my fps fall for any third party aircraft. The 421C looks great...can't wait to try it... Hope someone can take a moment and give me some good feedback...Also, how "safe" did you feel the process of ordering the product was. I'm always a tad leery about providing C.C. info. Any problems during the purchase/post purchase? Any signs of spam caused by the purchase?Thanks and Regards,John

Considering all the screen shots I've seen on this aircraft, can anybody answer?Thanks!-John

Hi John,I'm not a designer or texture specialist but qualitywise I haven't seen a difference between the original and the DXT3 textures, somebody with more expertise will have to chime in here ;-)The textures as the rest of the airplane is simply stunning!! I'd go and get it, absolutely worth the money. I have purchased quite a number of products from Flight1 and never ever had a single problem with registering/purchasing (all online purchases) and I don't recall any spam, maybe one email every other month with info from Flight1 products at the most.Would I buy it again, you bet and again and again.... ;-)Hope this helps,Petehttp://home.neo.rr.com/zaehringer/pipersignature.jpgAthlonXP2000,512MB,WinXP,DirectX8.1,Geforce3TI200(128MB)(Det.29.42),SBlive(4.06.703)

Thanks alot... I haven't purchased many add-ons for FS, given the great freeware market, but this one's interesting. Plus, my wife just spent $80.00 on a decorator stand, so I figure $22 on a great twin is a fair exchange :)-John

I've used the DXT3 textures for all my recent 421C additions, and I can't really tell any difference in quality to the appearance of those with the full textures. However, frame rates are improved.I would have no problems ordering using a credit card. Just make sure that the sites you order from use a "secure" page (the locked padlock on the bottom bar of IE) Flight One / DreamFleet require an Internet connection to verify your card details, but this only takes a few seconds to a minute. I've received no related spam that can be attributed to these sites. Once you've made the purchase, do make sure you keep a copy of the "key" in case you need to re-install.

I agree with Alastair completely. I cant tell the difference on my repaints with DXT3 and there is a 'slight' improvement with fps. What a great airplane, it's the only plane I fly. I would highly recommend it.-------------Michael

Ditto... this is one of my absolute favorites!I also use the DXT3 textures and find that the virtual cockpit and outside views load faster.

The difference between textures is this. If you look at the 421 head on or from a slight angle the paint lines are clear all the way front to back with the regular textures. With the DXT3 textures the paint lines are blurry unless you look at the plane from the side view (exactly the same blurrines that occurs on the default aircraft). I could not figure out why the 421 is so rough on frame rates. The Beechcraft Debonair from Eden and Applegate has non blurred textures and is very easy on framerates. I have the 421 and it is very nice but expect a delay when changing views. No problem with ordering process.

Hi John,I couldn't notice a visual difference between the original textures and the DXT3's. As have others, I do notice the views load a bit faster, but keep in mind it's not by alot. I have never had any problem buying from Flight1. They are first rate, and I wouldn't hesitate to bring out my C.C. for one of their products.Oh, and you'll love the 421. My most flown aircraft since it came out.Hope this helps,

Ok... Y'all convinced me!With A/C reflections off, I find fps quite acceptable... Here's a shot from my first flight.... And I love the flight dynamics!

Kewl, John!!! :-beerchug Don't forget that there are already some great repaints in the library.Greg