Dave:Did CS fix the issue with the engine start on the FSX C-130? The FS9 version goes to 100% only 5, maybe 10 seconds after hitting the starter. Totally unrealistic, being you have 60 seconds maximum (usually 40, 45 with an efficient compressor) to starter release at 60%. Also, what about the generators being online at low-speed GI, instead of 95%+ as is accurate? And, any chance there is a visible drop in fuel flow at 65% when the fuel pump goes from series to parallel operation? Oh, last thing...do you get a prototypical NTS indication (green light) on the copilots propeller panel upon engine shutdown?Rob

Hi Rob,I don't have a copy of the public release of the C-130. All I have is the Beta 2 Copy so I am not sure what the public release version has after all the beta testers reported there findings during the 2nd Beta Testing Period.Sorry. I couldn't help you more.Fly safeDave

Thanks, Chief.I understand the whole non-disclosure thing. I posted the same basic questions in the forum, but no hits yet. I bought the CS FS9 version, strictly from the exterior and interior screen shots, but the non-prototypical operation soured me soon, so I stopped using it. Even the sound on start-up, that lovely whistle-stacato-chirp sound of a real Herc wasn't there, and I just wasn't "in" a Herc. I would have loved to have been a Beta tester on the bird, but I know I would have been a pain to CS on the finds I had! Did you ever work with a John Corcoran out of Kodiak? Engine guy there.Thanks for the reply,Rob

Wow Dave!That's right out tech school.Ahh the old speeder spring and flyweight assembly. I was an engine and prop specialist on the T56-7's and Ham Standards in the Air Force about 25 years ago.Your spot on overview sure brought back some memories. :-)Cheers!Gene

Same here about the CS forum. I can lurk, but not post, or reply, and I have questions to aske before laying out a Franklin for this bird and the addon pack I want.

Gene:Nice to see another ol' engine troop in the forum. I posted a thread on FlightSim.com asking a few questions about the start-up time, generators, series/parallel operation, and NTS on shut down. Any chance you could look at it and maybe give your input? http://forums.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?t=159048Thanks,Rob

Startup is still almost instantly. Sorry.There are still quite a few bugs concerning the systems. >...NTS on shut downNTS,sigh, that brings back memories when I flew the Metro!Do you also need 3 hands to start the allison, like for the garrett in the metro?RegardsBernt Capt 767

Hmmnn...Been a while since I ran one. Let's see...sitting in the left seat, you can reach up and configure the overhead for bleed air, keeping an eye on the pressure gauge near the navigators panel. Once that is configured, left hand on the starter button (or switch), and right hand on the condition lever. Nice thing about the Herc is that the assortment of relay's should initiate full flow and ignition automatically at 16%, but you ALWAYS keep a hand on the condition lever during engine start and shutdown. After ensuring you have fuel flow (ignition can be heard in the headset-that would be COOL to have in the sim!), you just monitor for positive oil pressure and all that stuff. Keeping an eye on RPM, at 60% release the starter, look for the series/parallel flow drop at 65%, and monitor stable operation at LSGI (69-72%). Once #3 is at LSGI, reach back and pull up the LSGI button so #3 is at GSI (98%-102%) and reach up, check the #3 generator volts & freqs, select the #3 gen to online, a quick scan of all the instruments and overhead, and you're running! It's a loooooooong reach over to the copilot's side to isolate the hydraulic pumps to check them (always a good thing to have some one right seat for that, and the radios). Now, just repeat the above three more times! So, in a long-winded way (ask my students-I do that often!), you COULD do it all by yourself from the left seat, but I would only do it in a simulator as if things go badly, the person in the engineer seat can save your butt. In reality, to SAFELY run a Herc, you need someone in the pilot and flight engineer seats, and the copilot seat should be occupied by someone focused on a few tasks, but you could get away with that seat empty. If CS gets this thing sorted out so that you can operate 'by the book', I'd love to get together multi-player with some other Herc jocks and do a few engine runs by the JG (Job Guide). I haven't experimented with multi-player yet, but this is the one FS bird I'd feel comfortable enough sharing online. Oh...I almost forgot: you can't operate the flaps until once you get #1 or #2 engines operating (flaps are on the utility hydraulic system). If I recall, that was another thing wrong with the CS C-130. You could put the flaps down anytime. I hope this answers any questions. Feel free to ask again!

Rob,when you get a moment please check your emailThx

Thanks, Dave.I tried to reply, but it bounced back. I appreciate the feedback.

Does the flight model differ from the patched fs9 version or do they feel essentially the same?

Hi Dave,Have you heard any issues with joystick flight controls? I have tried 2 different sticks, I have throttle and rudder controls, but no aileron or elevator control. Only issue is with CS C-130x and all 3 packages...all other a/c the flight controls work just fine. I would appreciate any info you could assist with.Tom