Another thread started a few days ago about 4 engine prop planes and as I was reading some of the posts, I recalled how about 10 years ago I had the FS that was current at the time with a few 4 engine props that I had downloaded. I liked these planes because when I started flying in the military in the late 50's, that is what we flew on. I decided to try and see how these planes handled in FS9, so I downloaded the Constellation on the FZdzigns web site http://fsdzigns.com/ . Half expecting to see something like I flew 10 years ago, was I in for a surprise. The cockpit and flight engineers panel looked like payware. Everything functions:( just a partial list)cowl flap switches and gauges.Carb heat switchesfuel pump switches that have a low and high pressure settingfuel valves for a very complex system of fuel feeds and bypasses. numerous warning lights that all function. When descending you have to plan your descent just like a real prop airliner to avoid shock cooling the engines. If you pull power off too quickly you turn this 4 engined plane into a glider and have to restart in the air ( which happened to me on one of my first flights) There are readme files on the kneeboard and also a forum on the FZDZIGNS web site for tips on flying what used to be the fastest passenger plane of it's time. It was even used by 2 Presidents and the military.Now I am looking at all this stuff and I am thinking, " This has to be payware. I am going to fly this thing for awhile and message will pop up asking for a credit card number if I want to continue to fly it" :). And, I would have taken out the Amex card and started punching in the numbers, without hesitation. I started the engines one at a time with billows of smoke coming out of each one at startup. Very realistic growl out of each engine. There is even a switch to sync the props once engines are turning over. Now I taxi out to the runway with my new CH rudder pedals, steering the Connie, and looked at my printed out check list and was ready to take to the air. 100 mph and I rotated and away we flew. I was on vacation yesterday and flew that Connie for hours , landing and taking off at different airports, flying the ILS, Visual approaches etc.....As I was flying back to my home base last night, I decided to see what the spot view looked like at night. Nice Contrails at 20,000 feet,and....hey look at that, flames coming out of each engines exhaust.. just like I used to see in the late 50's on the MATS planes, when I looked out the window. If you like prop passenger planes , give yourself a Christmas present, and download this plane. You will love it.

I have to agree. The Connie is an absolutely superb package. When I'm in a nostalgic mood I get her out and take a 200 mile flight. I can find nothing wrong at all with this great piece of work. What is wondeful is that you get to play at being the flight engineer as well as the pilot. Handles like a dream, comes in right on the numbers (90kts) on final. Oh yeah..the sound is also great as those radials start rumbling on takeoff and also "clatter" when on idle. It's for free so *everyone* should try it out even if you've never had an interest in anything bigger than a Navajo. I'd like an equivalent DC 7 in UAL livery, then the 50's would be complete ;-) Mike

Hi BobThis is my second thread on this topic it appears my first response never got through.What I wanted to say is that this is a superb aircraft, I accidently came across the download several days after it was released and have flown nothing but.Shortly after I installed this aircraft, there was a minor problem with CTD due to mismanagement of the engines by the user.This was quickly fixed with a patch, by the developers which shows me that the developers listen to the users.Something I have found is that like yourself when doing ILS approaches it always touches down on the numbers.Looking at the panel and spot views this aircraft could have easily been payware and not freeware.I understand that majority of simmers like the heavy jets, but well seasoned simmers like myself I like the slow and steady flights.Merry Xmas to all:)Kenny G.

Does this Constellation have a virtual cockpit?

No VC, but I believe they intend to upgrade to one at some stage.One thing I wish........The classic airline repaints of the Constellation are great, but I'd love some well-weathered cargo repaints. Normally I hate fictitious paints, but can't you just imagine that somewhere out there in the Pacific or Africa or the Caribbean, there are some long lost Connies still hauling freight....

>Shortly after I installed this aircraft, there was a minor>problem with CTD due to mismanagement of the engines by the>user.>This was quickly fixed with a patch, by the developers which>shows me that the developers listen to the users.I'll have to go looking for that patch then. I have been flying the earlier Beta version with no issues, but after installing the latest version I've had CTD's consistently... In fact, I've been unable to complete even one flight.Thanks for mentioning the issue so at least I know there IS a solution! :)

If you go to this site it will point you to the patch.Good LuckKenny G.http://fsdzigns.com/Support1.html

Does this Constellation have wing-views?

>Does this Constellation have wing-views?If you look out the Pilots window, on the looking back left side view you see the left wing and the 2 engines on that side. If you look to the rear ( I have my hat switch on my CH Yoke set for internal view switching, you look though the cabin door which is tied open, and you see the seating with the old style seats. Really looks great. View to the right in the cockpit and you can see the flight engineers panel.

Mike: You may find something you like here:http://www.calclassic.com/dc7.htmGreat site; great aircraft!-GeorgeM at 5B6

bobsk8 - Thanks for that :) Im gonna have to check it out now! Maybe Im wierd but somehow I cant feel fully immersed in an FS9 plane unless I can see the wings with the engines roaring away hee hee...

Now this one hits home. I once had an old movie prop airplane of a TWA Constellation, it was huge over 3' long and this one looks just like the miniture I had. Stupid me loss it though.Stephen,http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

Add the sextant and override the GPS and you will not have any other time for life.Thanks team!Regards,Ed

They just put a video on the web site for the Connie, it's worth downloading. http://fsdzigns.com/

Tks. for the great Video Bob. Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.Tks. again for that wonderful plane.Kenny G.