New Chip off the old block

[DaveB]

I wish I was a rich mans pup!

ATB
Dave

[DaveB]

Well.. to be honest, I'm not really sure where this substantial update has taken place. One thing.. the 1megawatt power supply has been changed back to 24v so the nav lights can no longer be seen by Hubble I've not delved into the PK but there I see 2 wing PSD's (1 marked wings and the other, wings left so I presume wings is wings right).

I also noticed the engine bay seems lit. I'm sure it isn't but as you see from the shot below.. you can see inside from the LH side..


Now.. the one bit that all the real pilots (and FS enthusiasts) will be looking at.. the FD. Let's put it this way.. on 1 notch of flap, it still flies off on it's own below 50kts with no headwind set. I did notice a lot more torque effect (off to the left) on takeoff which I didn't notice before. My short flight from Culdrose took me to the Penzance helicopter base. 'The helicopter base at Penzance?' I hear you ask!! 'Well, yes' On the strength of it's take-off from Culdrose, I reckoned it'd have no difficulty getting into the helicopter base and.. it didn't.. pulling up short of the concrete hard standing (westerly approach). Okey doh.. lets see if it'll get out of here too. Yes.. it did.. off the deck before the concrete apron.

Don't get me wrong.. I still like this little tinker but other than the nav lights (the importance of which isn't underestimated by me) and the PK.. I honestly can't see what's been done. I didn't check prop rotation.. I'm sure Martin will do that .. but for the occasional user (as I've been).. it feels pretty much like the same FD. It'll do me. I don't have a real one to compare it to and I can't see me ever flying a real one (though perhaps Graham will.. unlimited broadband 'n'all) I'll leave you all to make your own minds up If you want a 'toy'.. this FSX native one is fine. If you want something a lot closer to the numbers.. stick with Rick's

EDIT: My major gripe is that this has cost me 384mb of download I'm getting perilously short of and all I can see is a fixed PK and lights that are nearly as good as the ones I had on the old model!

ATB
DaveB

[233SQN]

I echo Dave’s sentiments.... I can’t spot any difference.

I have to say I’m really disappointed with it overall, apart from the unrealistic flight behaviour, the vc is real let down, gaudy colours and “flat” gauges. Back to flying the A2A P51 for me, that flies like it’s finely balanced on a knife edge and with an incredible VC.

But I suppose you get what you pay for...

[DaveB]

But I suppose you get what you pay for...

.. and hope you got it cheap during the first week!

ATB
Dave

[233SQN]

oh yes i had it within hours of release.....I was really looking forward to it too!

[Paul K]

I'm not going to re-download anything until I hear everything is fixed properly, particularly the STOL. Dave B, has the artificial horizon been rectified ?

[DaveB]

Well Paul.. I've not looked at the AI but the STOL certainly isn't fixed (read above re flying into and out of Penzance Heliport). Other than the lights and PK.. it all seems the same to me I'm afraid

EDIT: I've looked quickly at the horizon and it appears to work ok.. it certainly works how I'd expect it to. This said.. I'm not sure if it (the real one) should be caged before doing aerobatic manoeuvres. The version modelled is quite happy with aerobatics so while a control to cage it is there (and works) I can't see a use for it It all levels out and corresponds with the VSI

ATB
DaveB

[Paul K]

Thanks for that Dave, I'll give it a try out later tonight or tomorrow.

[T6flyer]

Will also try tomorrow down at Newquay, as have today been to Compton Abbas (bumpy, bumpy) to see our Rapide G-AGTM doing pleasure flights. From what I can see from the screenshot, the engine cowling is now minus the heavy riveting and is now representive of the real thing.

Thanks,

Martin

[T6flyer]

Had to have a little go, before turned in for the night and yes, good to see the cowling had changed and that the tailwheel is in the correct position. Found that the take off was a lot better, brakes still a little fierce and although better for aeros,had problems with cruise and landing configurations. As have said elsewhere, that may be down to my own home setup, so tomorrow will buy again for CAF and install on their simulator and with the aid of two Chipmunk pleasure flyers (when not doing the real thing with APLO) will try her again.

Cheers,

Martin