FS9 - improvements/freeware/other

[forthbridge]

HI all,

Well, a good few days now and Ive got FS9 running as smooth as I can - with quite a few settings at maximum. I certainly don't find it too slouchy.

My biggest dissappointment I think is the quality of some of the default aircraft - which look worse than the FS8 equivalents.

(Although I have of course used so many superb add-ons in 8 that I don't yet have in 9).

I've also noticed a tendency for the clouds to look a little unreal at times, particularly in the middle distance.

The default carrier of KSFO is also bland in the extreme - again the default FS8 looked better to me!

Anyway, enough griping. I'm getting ready to steel myself for a good few add-on installations - and I am hoping a few of you can give me some pointers to anything reasonably priced - and particularly freeware ;-) in the way of scenery, mesh etc.

I could be here for some time deciding what aircraft to put in as there is so much quality freeware stuff ;-)

But I am missing my VFR terrain, enhanced meshes and various airport upgrades that I had in 8.

Funds are not aplenty, so any good freeware heads-up to get my FS9 spruced up a little will be appreciated

[Charlie Bravo]

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.cbfsim.org/cbfsim/cbfsBB/vie ... 43#p106343

[forthbridge]

Thanks for that!

[forthbridge]

Meant to actually ask this:

I have the 'first' edition VFR scenery from Just flight - is this compatible with FS9?

[DaveB]

Hi Jim,

Yes.. it is. However.. don't try and load the water textures as these are NOT compatible with FS9 ;-) The basic mesh is a bit off too so do yourself a favour and invest in the VFRTerrain pack. I know it's payware but the benefit is immense. You also get some replacement textures for the original VFRPhoto packs which also help.

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[forthbridge]

Cheers Dave.

Going up town in a bit - so I shall have a little look around ;-)

For some reason, FS9 has suddenly become very slow at the loading screens - when I create or load a flight it takes a good 30 seconds before it does anything at all - similar when I exit. I may just do a clean install again...

[petermcleland]

Those middle distant clouds are a different type called "Imposters"...I don't allow them here and set my 3D clouds to 100%.

Oh yes!...keep your discs defragged...The installation makes a huge mess!

[forthbridge]

Thanks Peter! I had only recently defragged and got a shock just now when I had a look at the chart!

I need to do some more tinkering with the weather!

[Captain Pugwash]

i can't remember which site has them, but there is a good selection of retexture sets for the default aircraft in FS9. makes the crapy looking offering from MS look rather good. sharp and good clean lines. the one that come to mind are the DC3, cessna's ( all models ) and some others. hope this helps to make your flight sim better.

[forthbridge]

Thanks Guys. Maybe just my machine, but despite a clean re-install, unless I fly in clear conditions or with simple clouds, I am getting the big stutter.

The biggest problem is that the terrain looks terrible and does not draw quickly enough. This is down to my Machine - 1g Ram. Athlon 64 3800+ and an Nvidia 6200 turbocache card.

I think I'll have to go back to FS8 in the meantime. :-(