MSFS Local Legend 17: Curtiss C-46 Commando

[Fielder]

I am a vintage freak. This Curtis is a must have for me. 🙂 

To me the Diamonds are like futuristic sports cars. They can't bush trip or haul cargo 😞

But there's something for everyone in MSFS!

[History]

OK the texturing is actually good. Will get this one.

[Paul K]

9 hours ago, andy1252 said:

 For the price of a cup or two of coffee I'll certainly get this, regardless of how "ridiculously" quick the engines spin up (sigh).

If this C-46 is anything like their one for P3D, I'll settle for a large latte.

[z06z33]

Looks like a fun bird to me. I enjoy systems depth to the point of being able to go through the motions of a real flight but I could careless about failures etc.. I know everyone hates their Boeing 307 but personally I think it's pretty good not every plane needs to be uber deep systems wise as 90% of the time in real world operations you don't use every system... On the airliners I fly IRL there are plenty of dusty switches we never touch..

[Lord Farringdon]

Well it's an iconic aircraft, that did outstanding work during and post WWII. It went on to participate in the Korean and Vietnam wars and was used by Air America. But it lived in the shadow of the C-47(DC-3) a bit like the Hurricane lived in the shadow of the Spitfire so it's exploits are less well known. Of course we've all seen Buffalo Air's C-46. In civilian guise the C-46 was often climbing over tall ranges in South America (Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil etc) which it was ideally suited for and of course drug and arms runs were not unheard of. I think the remains of a C-46 still lie in the shallows of Norman's Cay. 

I doubt AH's rendition is much chop and the lack of engine start effects on these 18 cylinder radials is indeed disappointing. I know, some will say so what, but you have to have stood next to large radial engine aircraft during start to experience the sounds and billowing smoke, all  exuding so much power. It's a pleasure to both feel and behold and is a huge part of the atmosphere of these old aircraft. Dare I say, a bit 'arcady' to ignore it?   

One thing I did note in the images on the Market Place was the 'APU'  sitting on the right-hand side of the cargo compartment next to the flight deck bulkhead. This little petrol powered generator must have been used to get the engine starters turning but I can just imagine the noise and smell that little genny must have made in the enclosed cargo compartment.  I hope it was never operated in flight!! 

The textures appear reasonable and I'm sure our hard working painters will knock out a few CIA, Air America and Buffalo liveries tout de suite.

I don't expect a great flight model but its an iconic design and for the price (even in NZD) I think I may buy it just for some photo shoots with Pablo Escobar! 

 

Cheers

Terry 

[peloto]

The need to take care and love and efforts with these old jewels, a really pity the 307 Stratoliner, or the DC-3 without mods. This a no buy for me in this simulation level.

Hope the FS24 bring the more "Professionals" planes that they said, and developed, and maintained and upgraded during the time. For arcade and Xbox sure is perfect, or to watch spotting them in the Sim in online from other users is ok too for me.

[cowpatz]

Hopefully some clever modders will cast their magic over this.

[Fielder]

From 3 hours ago...

 

[Fielder]

I guess the folks at Curtis thought Condor sounded better than Buzzard or Vulture.