I have being flying this plane a bit now and is really nice, . Performance seems accurate, teh xp12 ver has the corretc txp12 engine spec. Haad to correct my self

There are both 11 and 12 acf i deleted the 11 acf or it shows in xplane menu

Edited July 30, 20241 yr by mjrhealth
Corret error

This plane along with its smaller bretheren the Dash 8-100/200 are pretty impressive. The developer was not an active simmer but computer engineer who took it upon himself to take the old Rivieir Dash's (100/200/300 and 400) and rebuild them all for XP11 then onto XP12 at the suggestion of his son who said you could do better than this Dad! Sometimes think Manky wonders what he got himself into but I give him 10/10 for slowly and surely fixing up so much that the current editions are pretty close to payware quality better actually than some. All the systems are just about modelled correctly now along with the instrumentation, PFD and EFIS NAV systems. The current version is 1.7.57. And correct delete the XP11 stuff if you install them just Mankys' way of doing XP11 and XP12 version together. 

There are some minor blemishes or model errors which Manky has been slowly correcting (that not being his strong suite). The internal could do with a decent texture artist to pick them up but otherwise are fine. With XP12 on the up and changing it has been a real challenge to get the engine and prop stuff right and to get the book values for the PW engines at various power settings and altitudes correct as well. 

There are still lots more updates and changes to come as Manky fixes up and effectively installs proper electrical and ECU systems etc so that nearly all the little things so to speak are now correctly modelled. Sounds have been a problem and Manky is working on FMOD stuff (The Beta range sound on the ground is not that great). Been involved with this one from the beginning as an old Dash driver it took my interest but I take no credit for the work which is all Manky's I am just the old bloke with real pole time on the Dash who flew them as a C&T Captain who provides Technical and Operational Data checks etc to Manky to get it right. Manky has done some very skillful work with the EFIS systems and there are more updates in the pipeline as more arcane or unusual systems and processes are on the way (Like a composite EFIS for system failures etc.) Autofeather checks are correct and do what the real thing did as well!

So yep it now flies like a Dash, handles like a Dash, the numbers are correct and they are very good simulations of the Dash 8. I expect the 400 will match the FJS in all but textures and overall finish before long as well. 

I strongly recommend the latest xchecklists for them as well as the systems etc are now extensive and work so few things to do in the pointy end. Manky has not really caught up with paperwork re manuals instructions etc but for basic Dash 8 technical data to get you going the Online Smart cockpit on the Dash will work as the model is now a faithful replica of the Dash.  

This is the analogue cockpit of the 100 but it and the 300 have neat menu built in now that allows you to switch to the Electronic PFD etc effortlessly or like the older 100 you can have the analogue instruments. 

All the usual XP goodies like AVITAB, FMS etc. 

Edited July 30, 20241 yr by coastaldriver

3 hours ago, coastaldriver said:

This plane along with its smaller bretheren the Dash 8-100/200 are pretty impressive. The developer was not an active simmer but computer engineer who took it upon himself to take the old Rivieir Dash's (100/200/300 and 400) and rebuild them all for XP11 then onto XP12 at the suggestion of his son who said you could do better than this Dad! Sometimes think Manky wonders what he got himself into but I give him 10/10 for slowly and surely fixing up so much that the current editions are pretty close to payware quality better actually than some. All the systems are just about modelled correctly now along with the instrumentation, PFD and EFIS NAV systems. The current version is 1.7.57. And correct delete the XP11 stuff if you install them just Mankys' way of doing XP11 and XP12 version together. 

There are some minor blemishes or model errors which Manky has been slowly correcting (that not being his strong suite). The internal could do with a decent texture artist to pick them up but otherwise are fine. With XP12 on the up and changing it has been a real challenge to get the engine and prop stuff right and to get the book values for the PW engines at various power settings and altitudes correct as well. 

There are still lots more updates and changes to come as Manky fixes up and effectively installs proper electrical and ECU systems etc so that nearly all the little things so to speak are now correctly modelled. Sounds have been a problem and Manky is working on FMOD stuff (The Beta range sound on the ground is not that great). Been involved with this one from the beginning as an old Dash driver it took my interest but I take no credit for the work which is all Manky's I am just the old bloke with real pole time on the Dash who flew them as a C&T Captain who provides Technical and Operational Data checks etc to Manky to get it right. Manky has done some very skillful work with the EFIS systems and there are more updates in the pipeline as more arcane or unusual systems and processes are on the way (Like a composite EFIS for system failures etc.) Autofeather checks are correct and do what the real thing did as well!

So yep it now flies like a Dash, handles like a Dash, the numbers are correct and they are very good simulations of the Dash 8. I expect the 400 will match the FJS in all but textures and overall finish before long as well. 

I strongly recommend the latest xchecklists for them as well as the systems etc are now extensive and work so few things to do in the pointy end. Manky has not really caught up with paperwork re manuals instructions etc but for basic Dash 8 technical data to get you going the Online Smart cockpit on the Dash will work as the model is now a faithful replica of the Dash.  

This is the analogue cockpit of the 100 but it and the 300 have neat menu built in now that allows you to switch to the Electronic PFD etc effortlessly or like the older 100 you can have the analogue instruments. 

All the usual XP goodies like AVITAB, FMS etc. 

 

I really like turboprops and the Dash Q400 is one of my favorites. I use the FJS Q400 and always look for a Dash that is old school analog. I am pleased to read your comment where you describe that it is a very good freeware airplane. I will try it and continue supporting its future updates.

Thanks for the report Coastaldriver. Manky has come a long way with this plane. I have test piloted his upgrades in  the past, with good results. Good man to work with. I look forward to doing the same for him in the near future,,   HAPPY  FLYING  !!!!!!!!

Edited July 30, 20241 yr by Paul Deluca

Yes got latests checklist yesterday, but only used it once, it's not really a hard plane to fly.

It's a great project and I've even invested a few hours in correcting a few modeling items for him (e.g. nacelles, engine levers). Some of these never made it into the model though because I'm using Blender and he's using AC3D and format interchangeability is minimal.

I just hope that fmod sounds aren't too far off because that's one big feature that's really missing.

And thanks to all involved. Might have to try the 100

mjrheath - you will not be disappointed - the 100model is actually a 100/200 that is you have the option to run a 100 or a 200 series (The engines changed thats all). The Dash8 was always a little agricultural - that is rough about the edges and it was that generation of medium size turboprops that began to move to EFIS systems not just analoque. They were stiff in the undercarriage but otherwise had no particular vices or problems and were pleasant to fly. If you work at it you can get almost STOL performance out of the 100 series. Dirt strips not a problem either. It had some peculiarities, like its hydraulic systems. 

Bjoern - yes run up against that problem too myself. Manky is remarkably receptive to comments and suggestions. The project goes from strength to strength and the model is now fun and realistic to operate in the sim. 

3 hours ago, coastaldriver said:

mjrheath - you will not be disappointed - the 100model is actually a 100/200 that is you have the option to run a 100 or a 200 series (The engines changed thats all). The Dash8 was always a little agricultural - that is rough about the edges and it was that generation of medium size turboprops that began to move to EFIS systems not just analoque. They were stiff in the undercarriage but otherwise had no particular vices or problems and were pleasant to fly. If you work at it you can get almost STOL performance out of the 100 series. Dirt strips not a problem either. It had some peculiarities, like its hydraulic systems. 

Bjoern - yes run up against that problem too myself. Manky is remarkably receptive to comments and suggestions. The project goes from strength to strength and the model is now fun and realistic to operate in the sim. 

And old style navigation where you actually have to be aware of where you are.

100 is nice, found a bug, incorrect data ref in an ini file fixes the speed bug in both planes. Posted in the download comments so Manky can fix it.