Hi,I read the Aerosoft Beaver is out. I was already about to buy it but than I read a few strange comments in the Aerosoft forum. So I'm a little bit unsure now. Are all the critics well founded? All I wish is a Beaver for FS2004 similar to that great freeware Beaver of Fred Banting (and others) that was produced for FS98/FS2000.Thanks, Tom.

Hi Tom,Well, it depends what you want, if you want a "good" VC, then JL Woodward's (i think thats his name) is probably the better bet AT THE MOMENT.Aerosoft will hopefully make the VC better, then it will be a worthwhile package.As it stands the FDE, 2D and exterior models are all nice, but the VC really lets it down.Dan.

Greetings.... I purchased the Aerosoft Beaver today and so far it seems to be a decent model. I haven't had much time to fly it, just around the patch a few times. Nothing spectacular, but nice. It doesn't kill framerates, looks OK and fly's reasonably well. Aerosoft said they made the VC a little simple on purpose because they wanted the average PC owner to be able to fly it without all the stutters and frame rate hits that some payware planes create. I don't have many payware planes in my hanger (Flight1 310, C177 and Carenado 210 are it) so my comparisons may not be as complete or as thorough as someone else. I enjoy the DHC2, nothing spectacular, just nice. I don't feel robbed if that helps....lolGood luck!

"Aerosoft said they made the VC a little simple on purpose because they wanted the average PC owner to be able to fly it without all the stutters and frame rate hits that some payware planes create"And that is my biggest problem, and why I feel cheated.On the product page it states "high detail VC", not "simple VC for low spec users".If I had of known it was a "low spec" VC, I probably would not have brought it.Its a real shame, because I like Aerosoft addons, but I feel let down by this oneDan.

If you've been at the Aerosoft forums you may have read some of my comments. To sum it up:I was initially quite disappointed because the VC is very simplistic. Apparently Aerosoft did assume that most people prefer 2D panels - I don't!!! But the guys at Aerosoft listened patiently to my and other's complaints and promised to create a more detailed VC. A first screenshot already shows progress. Really have to say that I have hardly ever seen a company dealing in such a positive and friendly way with criticism. Of course it helps to express your criticism in a friendly way.Okay, what's there besides the VC?Positive:* Good external model (better than the older freeware offerings IMHO)* Lots of beautiful real-world liveries* Several model variations (wheels, tundra tires, skis, floats, amphib, crop duster, fire fighter)* Nice flight model, suitable for slow and steep approaches, slightly different for the model variations (more drag with floats)* Fantastic sounds (turn up the volume!)Negative:* Panel is not so good in my opinion. The background bitmaps are beautiful, but I don't like the way you switch between the old and modern panel variations (they are both present in all planes, you choose them with Shift+(1-4)). The modern panel uses the default Mooney gauges and radios, and the old panel uses the DC3 radio. That was my second big disappointment, especially the DC3 stuff.Would I buy it again? Probably yes, because I love bush flying! If you don't have it yet, you might wait for the VC update if that's an important part for you.Just my 2c (EUR),VOlker :]

Thank you for your comments. Tom.

Mr. Grant and some of the others that you find on some of the "Bush" theamed sites have some really good freeware Beavvers. I am not suggesting not to support payware just the Beavers I have D/L are really good.I hope this helps.