OK Chris, you want airplanes...

[Guest twsimfan]

Chris,I'm going to do a series of some of my favorites... some meet your criteria... some don't.

[Guest twsimfan]

This one was a favorite since the old freeware 5.1 version. It does not meet your criteria at all... but it is both easy & fun to fly and a good one to get used to the sim with. I think you would like it... I think everybody would like it.You can get it at: www.realairsimulations.comhttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded710e40f633a3.jpgIt comes up with a panel you can't easily see over...http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded71a542163938.jpgShift 2 changes it to this.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded720c43084ef8.jpgIt comes with it's own "mini panel"... (press "W")... a lot like the FU3 VFR view.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded729443ea10aa.jpgAnd it has a nice 3D cockpit as well.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded73a145e871dd.jpgIt comes with 5 paint jobs... this is one of my favorites... I downloaded a few more from AVSIM.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded745447708d15.jpgNice animation on the gear.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded749b47f0258f.jpgOpen the canopy and it sounds just like my RX-7... wind rushing by! :) (Of course it does look a little cold for this right now! :-eek)http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded74f7487c3f61.jpgIt is easy to fly but is also fully aerobatic... great snaprolls!

[Guest twsimfan]

OK this is a good twin... not a turboprop but a really fine piston job.It can be had from: http://www.flight1.com/http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded77144dbd8672.jpgGreat detail.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded77444e0fb813.jpgDig that co-pilot!http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded77bd4ed0477b.jpg2D view.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded78144fab49e3.jpg3D cockpit.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded784a5018cfc4.jpgI love the engine detail.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded78a25105ca6b.jpgThis should give you a good idea for size.Also if you get it do not let it update your default mini gauges... I still don't have that mess entirely sorted out.

[Guest twsimfan]

This is suposed to be a mid '60s DC-9... actually they give 5 or 6 models and 2 paints on some of those. You can get it the same place as the 421C.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7a2f53ed609b.jpg2D normal view...http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7a74547dd6e6.jpgYou click on that "T" in the lower left and it gives you these enlarged primary instruments... for old guys like me. :) (Click on it again and they go back to normal.)http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7ad8559566f7.jpg3D cockpit.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7b3f563cc7d1.jpgI like the rear stairs.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7b6a56aab211.jpgThe reversers work. If you put the panel and the .air file into the MD-83 folder you can fly the AI MDs.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7dc65b16508e.jpgNifty cargo version.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded7cf2598ba704.jpgI have been in & out of that airport about 4 times... the water NEVER looked like that!There are at least 2 more versions that come with the package... Eastern & USAF.

[Guest twsimfan]

FSD... http://www.fsd-international.com/ ... has a great looking Piper PA-42-1000 Cheyenne 400 LS twin-engine turboprop... and a number of other neat looking planes. I only have their old Cub which I recently installed the new 3D cockpit update on.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded802f5f477284.jpgThis is a neat little plane... it was done for FS2K but has transferred very well... and with recent updates it is a great FS02 plane.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded80615f90a266.jpgThe 2D view with the radio "extended" for easy use... I'll show you the normal 2D later on... visibility doesn't look good in this pic because it is a taildragger and the nose is pointed up.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded80925fd18552.jpgThe 3D cockpit.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded80ea607a6ac3.jpgOK... the 2D again... without the radio "extended"... note that it has good visibility once leveled off.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded811760be00d6.jpgA great plane for getting into those tight spots.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8152610f5f49.jpgYou can almost see the control cords threaded through the "eyelets"... you can see them much better in a closer view... like from the cockpit. Look at the engine detail... the leather seats... and the pilot ain't bad either!

[Guest twsimfan]

Like I said... lots of stuff in the library. This one is a Goose by Mike Stone. If you want this one be sure to get version 2... sgoose2.zip ... I'm not showing the interior because to get it right you need 3 upgrades... takes some sorting out. I'm not going to credit each paint as it is getting late. The blue on white (3rd & 4th pics) are on the original by Mike Stone. If you want the info for the others ask and I'll get the info for you... tomorrow... they are in the library. I have six installed... 4 more I'm still deciding on.http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded85c8691d3674.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded85ec6982086e.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded861469f5e63e.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded863e6a2785d1.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded865e6a85d2c7.jpg

[Guest twsimfan]

CFS2 has lots of neat planes that work great in FS02. No autopilots or other such stuff... but 3D cockpits and everything works. You can even fold the wings on the Navy planes. Use them in CFS2 and you can even shoot stuff up! I even have all the AI planes fitted with panels and proper .air files. I really like WWII planes and these are good ones. If you want a easy sample of how good they are just look at the F4U that ships in FS02... it is straight out of CFS2. Here is the P-38F for you to gawk at:http://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded89a06feb404c.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8a1770ba206c.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8a5971348a77.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8a89718bb749.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8aa571cc1c46.jpghttp://ftp.avsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ded8aca71fb4918.jpg

[Christopher Low 5,341]

Tom,Well, that was a comprehensive message :-)The VFR cockpit in the SF260 looks pretty good, but I am certainly looking for something quite a bit larger than this. The twin piston engined plane certainly looks the part, and it might be worth downloading for the co-pilot alone ! :-lolI am actually going to test a few planes out over the next few days. I have just downloaded the FFG Saab 340, and I would like to be able to get a decent VFR cockpit for this.The FSD Piper Cheyenne 400 is a plane that I have looked at in the past. It may well be payware, but it does have a VFR cockpit :-) I must have a look on their site to see if there is a demo to download.One more thing. I realised that I had set the "general realism" setting to the far right. Does this seriously affect the aerodynamics of FS2002 planes ? What realism settings do you use ?Best Wishes, and thanks for taking the time to offer a few suggestions.Chris Low,ENGLAND.

[Hans_Petter 1]

Chris wrote: One more thing. I realised that I had set the "general realism" setting to the far right. Does this seriously affect the aerodynamics of FS2002 planes ? What realism settings do you use ?I believe that max flight realism is called "hard". You wouldn't want any other setting if you're serious about flying. Hans Petter

[Guest twsimfan]

Chris,"The VFR cockpit in the SF260 looks pretty good, but I am certainly looking for something quite a bit larger than this."I have no doubt. But this plane has much going for it that you would like. For one thing it has very neutral handling... very little trimming needed. While it is small, fast, & very nimble... it is also very stable. Suitable for long distance touring... and aerobatics. It is also a great plane to practice navigation in... I seem to remember something about how airlines such as Alitalia used it for basic flight & navigation training.I'd like to get a little closer look at the Cheyenne myself. The screenshots they show leave too much to the imagination.Download and try out lots of planes. The Goose was only intended as an illustration of what is out there. I showed you the only 4 payware planes I have... so far... but I have many downloaded ones.I am not sure of my exact settings but I tend to go for less than full on difficulty... awareness is hard enough in a sim to be making it too hard on yourself.

[Guest twsimfan]

Hans,Another purist. :) I adjust my settings according to my mood and what I'm trying to accomplish on a given flight. If I want to practice cross-wind landings that requires "hard" settings... if I am just out for a sight-seeing joyride then I don't need serious weather or heavy winds... a few puffy white clouds will do nicely. But then long experience tell me that you are not going to agree with me. Have a nice day!

[Guest]

Tom, I really appreciate the nice and detailed overview on FS2002 add-on aircraft that you have given here. Just recently started exploring FS2002 (after aquiring a PC that can run it). After FU3, FS2002 can be somewhat overwhelming, especially the amount of downloads. It nice to have a FS2002 download selection from a "FU3 perspective"RgdsRoland

[Hans_Petter 1]

Tom, I understand what you're trying to say but it doesn't really apply here. I just checked the settings -- they are easy, medium, hard and custom. I'm actually using "custom", with most things maxed out. I've set the torque to 60% or so since it's actually being exaggerated by the "hard" setting. If you don't use pedals (most simmers don't) you select "auto-coordination" and experience no torque anyway.However, "serious weather or heavy winds" has got nothing to do with the flight dynamics setting. All this one does is to decide how forgiving or benign the flight model is. I cruise around in calm weather too and that's when a "hard" setting won't make any difference. When we're not pushing the envelope we won't face any challenges, irrespective of the flight setting. By the same token, puffy white clouds or "big" weather has nothing to do with the flight dynamics setting. What a less critical setting does is to be more forgiving if you make bad landings, stress the aircraft by doing overly aerobatic maneuvers (high Gs) or go into overspeed. For a "nice stroll in the park" there'll be no difference.The FU3 equivalents would be to disable landing gear damage and stress.best regards,Hans Petter

[LAdamson 240]

Tom................nothing to add, I think you covered it pretty well! :)L.Adamson

[Christopher Low 5,341]

Roland,That is exactly why I have been asking a few questions about FS2002 on this forum. Quite a few members here are rather familiar with my "unique" style of flying, and they are obviously going to know what I am talking about when I refer to "recreating FU3 dynamics".Chris Low,ENGLAND.