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thepitts

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Posts posted by thepitts

  1. Posted

    Just highlighting an excellent piece of modding, only just discovered by myself,  by Ezo21 from Poland available to download from the Org.

    This transforms the exterior and more importantly the cockpit. If your interests in heavy iron centre on inertia management and slow response jet engines the default MD 82 with the above package is a gem..and free ! With enough switchology to be interesting but not so much to bore or preclude half hour duration short hops in-between family duties. The auto's can hold an altitude and a heading, which is all I need, the rest is HOTAS. A great steam gauge alternative to that other great "default" freeware the glass cockpit 744 by Sparky.

    Cheers Tim

     

    • Like 3

  3. Posted

    Thanks for the replies folks. Remember this is NOT an MSFS v XPlane discussion.

    I hear the advice concerning ..........just get both ! Well Falcon BMS isn't going anywhere nor my DCS, IL2. So with limited disc space I'm allowed only one Civilian Flight Simulator. Although it could be argued that, with the paucity of combat available in DCS, it also is a Civilian Flight Simulator. Okay Okay I am sure you can get a gazillion Terabytes of disc for a couple of quid nowadays but I shudder at the thought of ripping open the internals of my computer to insert a new one. And if your immediate thought is...WIMP...you are correct.

    Anyway I am going through a minimalist phase at the moment. I remember reading a forum conversation years ago (MSF 9 - 10 era) about the latest and greatest new aircraft release. One poster wrote that the model sounded great but he was going to stick with his Level-D 767 which he had been flying exclusively for years.

    What ?!? .........I had hangars full of virtual aircraft none of which I had never really got to grips with and fully utilised. The Emelda Marcos of Flight Simulation. And this guy had picked a gem  and knew it and it's failure modes inside out. Each to their own, but there is something to be said about "Less is More". 

    Cheers Tim 

    • Like 1

  4. Posted

    Almost seduced by the Dark Side, even as a long term fan and user of X-Plane. Slightly ironic given one of my X-Plane complaints.

    After loading up X-plane12 and again getting frustrated by:

    --difficult to read basic instruments in unrealistically dark cockpits

    --laughable vortex, wing condensation effects

    --poor inertial modelling of response to out of trim conditions in some aircraft

    --rainfall from nowhere

    --show stopping turbulence effects

    I am ashamed to say I started looking at digging out my MSFS2020 discs bought on release, loaded and then after a short whoww phase un-installed.

    After an internet search I repeated the whoww experience looking at the latest  range of available aircraft, their impressive visuals and the impressive scenery visuals. However this started to wane as I got some niggling concerns.

    The almost day long download procedure indelibly etched in my memory from my previous trial. The requirement to be part of the Microsoft / Xbox Ecosystem to be able to use it. The almost absolute requirement to have a fast Internet connection. The large hard disc foot print. The payware to freeware balance. The gut feeling that MSFS was beautiful but if you wanted a flight simulation “pain in the word not allowed” X-Plane still had the better potential.

    The day was saved by finding, within the diverse forum conversations, the tip about removing X-Plane condensation effects through alterations within PlaneMaker; and RX-XP12-Enhancer. Alteration of inertial responses to out of trim within PlaneMaker requires more Aeronautical Engineering skills than I have so I am just more fussy about the aircraft I fly. The rain, turbulence and maybe cockpits look like they are issues they are seeking eventually to address.

    This is not meant to be a criticism of MSFS. It’s beautiful with some excellent aircraft in it. People get huge enjoyment out of it and that in the end is what it’s all about.

    This is meant to be a criticism of X-Plane. My favourite non-military flight simulator. Individual users may have different expectations of cockpit lighting / turbulence etc. Solution—give them more options / sliders etc. Okay a basic graphics set-up as an initial front screen but give users who want to tailor the game to their own preferences / computer the option with more detailed set-up screens if wanted. X-Plane is both great and a “pain in the word not allowed”. Crafted by a relatively small group of fanatics with a longstanding reputation (Boeing take note). With both a thriving Payware and Freeware community it still remains my first choice.

    • Like 1

  7. Posted

    Cons: it doesn't have a complex modelling of systems, it doesn't have a highly detailed internal/external model, it doesn't have a bespoke failure simulation, it doesn't take 30 minutes to start, it does require hand flying, it does require raw data navigation.

    Pros: it doesn't have a complex modelling of systems, it doesn't have a highly detailed internal/external model, it doesn't have a bespoke failure simulation, it doesn't take 30 minutes to start, it does require hand flying, it does require raw data navigation.

    If you have the usual Short Standard Domestic Time Slot for simming and want to pretend you're an airliner pilot  this ticks all the boxes.

    Looks---Great   Sounds---Great   Flys---Great  .................and it's  FREE.

    • Like 2

  8. Posted

    Interested to know the AVSIM opinion about the realism of the modelling of turboprops in X-plane 12.

    I am slowly immersing myself in the, recommended on these pages, freeware C90 Evo G1000. As Vlad.A in his excellent you-tube video put it; a great aircraft as comfortable flying into grass strips as into airports. At almost airliner levels of complexity it can be realistically flown single pilot and is much more hands-on, not least the power units. 

    What are AVSIM readers opinions about the turboprop modelling, torque / ITT limitations, alterations with temperature pressure environments, system loads etc ?

    Cheers Tim

  9. Posted

    Ha Ha, I’ve had a copy of falcon in one form or another (continuous playing since FalconAT) that I completely forgot you need to have the Falcon 4 exe. file ( and only that file) on your computer to use BMS. I think you can “obtain” that file off the internet but never needed to for the above reasons.

    I didn’t give a dam about where the devs were born up until recently. Then a delusional sociopath decided to re-create World War 1 a couple of hundred miles from where I live. In just under 24 months approx 500,000 souls (both sides included) have been prematurely and violently taken. To be accurate it’s not where the devs were born but the regime under which the company they work for operates. The devs may have views on the matter one way or the other but haven’t voiced them. Given they not only work under that regime they also live under that regime...... I don’t blame them.

    • Like 1

  13. Posted

    Khamsin T6 Texan + danhopgood1 mod (FMOD and airfile).

    Bypassing the fact it is FREE.  It flies beautifully and sounds fabulous. With the CofG back as the mod author advises it does basic aerobatics convincingly. Okay it isn't modern payware slick (notably the cockpit)......but....did I mention......IT FLIES BEAUTIFULLY AND SOUNDS FABULOUS . So consider temporarily parking up your FMC drones and rediscovering why God gave us a stick and rudder.

    Cheers Tim

  14. Posted

    You do have to wonder about the future of humanity when so much heat can be generated over computer software !!

    Mutual respect, the ability to take and receive constructive criticism, understanding people can have different opinions, and highlighting areas of agreement.....seem to be disappearing arts.

    Tim

    • Like 3
    • Upvote 2

  15. Posted

    Thank you Jcomm....and no surprise.... interesting to hear.

    I'd call sideslip behaviour (which I suspect is very difficult to model), roll moment and glider polar as FUNDAMENTALS.

    This isn't  a test of atmospheric / weather  modelling or even ground effect. I'd argue this isn't even a test of controller interface although for sure most x-plane simmers are aware of the inherent problems in trying to replicate the controls of a real airplane while using a desktop joystick..

    Is the problem the modelling or the limitations (as all have) of the software ?

    Tim.

    (PS--- just a reminder X-plane is my go to civil flight sim.... I am a fan.)

  16. Posted

    Hi Murmur,

    I'll defer to (and be interested to hear) from Jcomm about why he feels the flight model is not quite there. Obviously weather  / engine representation is important in this type of simulator. But as one way of comparing flight models the glider test seems to me the relatively easy to replicate but very demanding on the programmers..

    Yes ... THE Official JCOMM UNINSTALLER AWARD..... Yes that has a good ring about it.

    Tim  

    • Upvote 1

  17. Posted

    As a previous posters  put it.

    MFSF--- the girl / boy with the looks      X-plane---the girl / boy with the brains

    or my version

    MFSF---Hollywood Blockbuster Film      X-Plane---- Indie Cult Movie

    I have both . MFSF is in a holding pattern for me until it matures. X-plane is a blast period.

    BUT even as a fan I think constructive criticism is till valid and appropriate.

    For me that means my kind of flight sim needs to pass the  "JCOMM  TEST".

    That is it should be able to believably simulate gliding flight. The purest aerodynamic test there is. The better the flight sim the more involving / subtle / nuanced the model. The fact a current glider pilot feels that good though x-plane is it falls short on that basic test is a problem. Especially one which claims to accurately model flight. What I am confident about is that the small tight knit group of developers at X-plane have the skill and core enthusiasm to make it ever closer to perfection. So I will continue to enjoy X-plane for pleasure and currency training but keep in mind like most else it isn't perfect.

    TIM

    • Like 1

  19. Posted

    ...And equally important. How can you edit it ?

    I have the familiar problem of the Tower view being blocked and want to raise it. I understand I need to alter the end of line 14 where the height (? feet ? metres)of the tower view is set. Is the apt data available to edit direct from the installed files or do you need to use WED. Any advice gratefully received.

     

    Tim

  22. Posted

    “Let’s test the Kevlar on this baby”--- your ex-missus had a moment of brilliance.

    If you want to sound like your making love. .. French.

    If you want to sound like  your  going to war... German or Japanese.

    If you want to sound like your having an argument... Italian.

    But when it comes to hype it has to be.......  AMERICAN.

    Interesting article from the writer at Tech Crunch who seems to not be subject to a non disclosure agreement.  Glad to have my expectations punctured slightly at this stage .  I am sure the sim will be good just not perfect. Who’d have thought .  Any way I have pre purchased and with my expectations re-calibrated by the article I am sure I’ll enjoy it. If it spurs  my favourite sim (X-plane) to new heights even better.

    Now I need to get back to dreaming up more Admin / Professional  Bull  encouraged by the previous poster and his ex-missus.

    • Upvote 1

  23. Posted

    Dear Mr. Allensworth,

     

    I have read with dismay the news on the front page of the site. I don't know you personally only through your site and occasional messages on the forums.

     

    Your site is magnificent and has always been my first choice for information on Civil Flight Simulation matters. Any forum messages have been firm and fair when needed, informative at other times. You have in recent times provided space for X-planers to discuss matters away from  the sometimes overbearing moderation of other sites.

     

    You have one last great challenge ahead of you. I wish you personally and those nearest to you all the best and whilst I and my fellow X-plane simmers, and every other platform the site caters for, have functioning memory cells your spirit will be remembered.

     

    TIM

     

    (PS moderators if this is incorrectly posted please move as necessary)

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