Hello! I am thinking of picking up the Flight 1 MD-80. Is there a 3D upgrade for the VC. The stock aircraft has a very flat VC which bugs me a lot. It is a shame as it otherwise looks great. But I won't buy it unless there is a 3D upgrade, the stock VC looks like some horrible freeware someone spent 2 seonds on.

What about the Maddog? Have you checked it?

Yes, I have heard about the maddog, but I can't find anywhere (reputable, at least) to buy it.

What about directly from the developer's page? http://www.flythemaddog.com/

Yes, I have heard about the maddog, but I can't find anywhere (reputable, at least) to buy it.

 

Maddog is a reputable simulation of MD80 for FSX(and fs9 too, 2 in 1), actually - it's one of the best ever simulation for fsx. You can find it here: http://www.flythemaddog.com/

Another vote for the Maddog, still a most amazing simulation.

How rough is it on FPS? I have heard some negatives in that department. Also, I have heard that the paint schemes look really dated.

She isn't that easy on the fps. I was just looking into your list of addons and couldn't find a comparable (in fps terms) plane. So my guess would be that your system will take quite a hit. :mellow:

 

I'd say she definitely is the top notch MD80 when it comes to systems, tools and package value. The model detail derives from the FS9 plane, so you have a downside in that chapter which also affects some repaints.

Leonardo's Maddog + its FS2 Crew.

Second only to NGX + fs2.

 

How rough is it on FPS? I have heard some negatives in that department. Also, I have heard that the paint schemes look really dated.

 

If you wan't to have only good locking MD80, go for CLS or Flight1 and McPhat textures. You will be disapointed with flight model and systems.

If you wan't realistic flight model and maybe the best system simulation ever, go for Leonardo Maddog. This is my best invested money for fsx so far, Maddog and NGX. Textures are ok in my opinion, is not like NGX becouse is older, but textures are correct(everything is in place)and it looks good for me(dirty paints), fligh model too good for fsx, and system simulation maybe better than NGX. It's hard on FPS becouse of so detailed simulation, but is smoother on low fps than other complex aircrafts, i noticed less stutters.

So, it's your choice. It's depends what you wan't, good locking or realistic MD80

Avoid the Leonardo Maddog at all costs:

 

- broken VNAV -> does not follow descent profile

- broken loader -> aircraft does not get the fuel you enter in the loader -> you need to ESC the flight and reload it

Hmm - That's the first negative comments I've heard on the Leonardo model... My own personal experience - Coolsky/Flight1 MD-80 is one of my favorite planes... As mentioned - Coolsky combined with McPhat textures is a work of art... While the functionality might be slightly less than the Leonardo model - the panel is quite advanced and more than enough for me... They have a great system for pre-configuring the plane for each phase of flight - when you don't feel like going through cold and dark... They have a comprehensive training program built in to teach you to fly properly and I love the artwork on the panel... The flight model seems very realistic to me - she's a joy to fly... Two thumbs up in my book...

 

Regards,

Scott

Leonardo is just perfect and by far the best MD-80 out there, Flight 1 is okay too and CLS good if you want just eye candy.

CLS best FPS bet.

Hello! I am thinking of picking up the Flight 1 MD-80. Is there a 3D upgrade for the VC. The stock aircraft has a very flat VC which bugs me a lot. It is a shame as it otherwise looks great. But I won't buy it unless there is a 3D upgrade, the stock VC looks like some horrible freeware someone spent 2 seonds on.

 

I use the CoolSky MD80 pro which I will agree could use a prettier VC face but it is as easy on frames as default aircraft and has many systems modeled well--it's a great plane!