The latest update to the (formerly) Lago MD-80 has been released:http://www.flythemaddog.com

I'm having trouble getting into their forums. Did they update the night lighting in the VC??? :-)Everything else was already looking great if I remember correctly (uninstalled it after the Flight1 Super80 was released)...

Here is the changelog:NEW FEATURES------------------- after overhead panel and related systems- new electrical system modelled- IVAP interaction for IVAO users: SQUAWK code depending on ground sensing, it will automatically go on C mode when airborne and in STBY mode when landed as it works on the real MD. It's also now possible to ident via the radio panel instead of IVAP interfaceFMS---------- new FMS codeFIXES------------ improved flare- all FMS issues reported by users- improved flight dynamics- autopilot values and volumes altered when switching full screen/windowed mode issues solved- EDP fuel flow/used now in lbs if lbs selected via the load/setup manager- radio and lower pedestal on the same window- other small changes and improvementsLooks good flies nice, supa plane :)

Are there any US online retailers that sail the Lago MD80?

Sounds nice but I'll pass... To bad such a nice add-on can only be flown from the VC during daylight hours. It's a shame to have a VC like that without proper lighting for dusk, dawn, and night flying. I'll stick with my F1 Super80...The MadDog also still needs to be merged VC wise to the Jet City models (or should I say a version using the JetCity birds was proposed to give users many more options concerning liveries). The current VC model is very limited when it comes to paints. The F1 Super80 has a nice selection overall. I like the current Delta livery on the MD80. Lago's model has the old version that's not well done...Oh well, great model otherwise. I'm glade we have options now with the MD80. :-)

Les,Of course, I can't in any way challenge your arguments against the VC, it is a major letdown with this package.That's been known since a year and a half ago, though, right ? I tried getting your attention both via these forums and PM, when the beta process began, and never heard from you, so...This patch is not intended to fix the VC, never was. That will have to wait for v2, which will thankfully be a non-Lago product.You may not be able to excuse the VC issues, and that is your choice of course, I'm sure many would agree with you.I do think priorities should overide here though, as though the weren't able to fix the VC, at least we have a developer that is still trying to improve a product 1.5 years after release, which is more than I can say for many others.I dunno, we all want different things. The Super80, IMHO, has far too many glaring FDE issues to be enjoyable, no matter how good it looks. Again, just my opinion.I do have to agree with your last statement as well, having options is a good thing.Take care.

I want a couple things clarified...FMS is fully operational? VNAV, LNAV...? How's the model? I want a real nice AAL paint for it. Also, is there a load manager for it?I have the Flight 1 Super 80 and really like it. The only problem is I want an FMS. I understand there will be an update for it in the future that will have an FMS but who knows when that will be out.

Tim,"I want a couple things clarified..."I'll do my best :)"FMS is fully operational? VNAV, LNAV...?"Indeed it is. This latest patch cleaned up a few lingering issues with the original code, and it now works quite nicely. I won't call it a 100% accurate representation, but all things being equal, it's pretty close, and much improved over the original release. I uses the PMDG/PIC AIRAC data, and is almost, but not 100%, compatible with PMDG SIDS/STARS."How's the model? I want a real nice AAL paint for it."The VC model is pretty sub-standard, I must admit. Very few paints for it as well.The 2D model is, as you may already know, a special release of the JCA v1 model. It's, IMHO, "ok". Some interesting integration with the panel, i.e., the attendant call button on the overhead will set the boarding simulation in motion, and as part of this, pax/cargo doors will open and service vehicles will automatically appear as a result. While boarding, you will hear the FA welcoming your SLF on board, and when boarding is complete, all doors except for L1 again close automatically. Door status is also properly indcated on the panel for each door.There doesn't seem to be many paints available for this model either, and as it was a "special" JCA release, none of the standard JCA paints will work.My prefered option is the SGA model, IMHO it is superior in looks, performance, and of course available paints. This may not be accepatble to you though, as I'd have to concede a person should not have to do this for a payware package, but, it is what it is.There was alot of drama with the original Lago(VC) model, they really dropped the ball here, and the latest patch does not improve this at all. JCA also had a very difficult time getting Lago to cooperate with them for the 2D model."Also, is there a load manager for it?"Indeed there is an included load manager, fuel planner, and set-up configuration utility. A fairly comprehensive manual as well.The people that released this latest patch, have been behind the panel work since the begining. I'm not trying to make excuses here, but this is all they were ever to be responsible for, with Lago taking care of any model agreements be it in house or with JCA. And they blew it. As a consequence, the VC model remains poor, and the 2D model is sort of an orphan at this point.The 2D panel is really what this package is about, and all the team as it is now has any rights to work on. In this area they have done very well, but for the price, it is perfectly understandable that many may not be willing to accept that as enough. I personally think it is worth evey penny, and provides a very pleasing contrast to the Boeing steel that dominates my hangar. It is a very MD experience :).

Brian I remember getting an email to be on the team. I responded but never heard back from you guys. I agree the Super80 diffidently has some FDE issues but all around it's a great add-on that can be flown at any time of the day.Brian feel free to contact me as my proper email is tied to this account. I agree with you it's great this product is still being supported outside Lago and future versions are planned to address all issues reported including the VC. Who can complain about that? I was just writing on this very thing in another thread concerning support for existing add-ons by developers.If you don't mind me asking, what's up with Lago these days??? Developers are running from that company like the plague. Lago seems to have really fell off the horse in the last year and a half haven

Thank you very much for your comprehensive response. Is there a merge for the SGA model with the panel? I'm not real big on VCs anyway, so that's not a huge concern. Overall, it looks like I'll pass, although it's hard to turn down an MD with an FMS.Thanks again,

The designer of the Lago Maddog has stated on his forum (I asked) that he will not be providing a merge that would allow the Lago vc panel to work with the Jet City Aircraft. I think he plans to offer a completely redesigned model when FSX gets released. Other than that, the Lago MD 80 works like a charm. It's a nice complement to the steam gauge version. ricardo

Well, not to pick nits, but they never handled any of that, Jet City did.I guess they're looking into it, and since it would only be in their best interest to provide compatibility, I can't see why they wouldn't, but, we'll see.

I believe that Jet City provided Lago with the source code for their model so that Lago could incorporate the VC into the JCA model. This never happened. Once again Lago (not JCA) have failed to deliver.

Oh man, you're right, I totally skipped the "vc" part of Ricardo's post.Sorry guys.(-: