RJ85

[speedbird591]

I've been doing circuits at SEATAC to get some time in with the Quality Wings RJ85. I like everything about the aircraft except the VC which isn't as high a standard as the rest of it. Which is fine ... except that I spend 90% of my time in the VC

Still, the 2D is excellent so I've been using that but it's not so 'immersive'. I'll see what the 146's VC is like before I decide whether I like flying it. The Captain Sim 732 is it's closest rival for my small jet enjoyment but the VC on the fluff jet puts it well ahead at the moment.







Ian

[DaveB]

Nice shots Ian

Fortunately for me.. I spend 99.9% of my time in the 2D which, while not perfect, is much friendlier than the VC. Can't wait for the 146 to be released with 'proper' instruments

ATB
DaveB

[WhisperJet]

I like everything about the aircraft except the VC which isn't as high a standard as the rest of it.
Which is fine ... except that I spend 90% of my time in the VC

Me too.
What do you mean by "isn't as high a standard as the rest of it". Dummy switches? Bad performance?
I'd be happy to read your comment on that - as for me a good VC is an absolute must.

Best,

Nick

[Airspeed]

Not a jet lover, but, yes Nick, a good VC is the way to go.
I use VC whenever I can.

[speedbird591]

Hi Nick. If you give me a few days I'll do a more scientific review with some screenshots! I'm at work now

Off the top of my head, I'd say that the biggest problem is that the screens and dials are very small - which isn't QW's fault! But because they are small and difficult to read they need to be very sharp and clear to read without having to zoom in every time. Unfortunately the figures in the dials aren't clear enough and having to zoom in to read a dial and then zoom out to look ahead makes it a bit tiresome. The VSI is the worst as there is only a needle with a digital readout and it's almost impossible to read the number. You can just get an impression of whether you're climbing or descending As I said, the 2D panels are superb and easy to read and use so anybody flying with 2D will be very happy with their flying experience. The externals are also excellent as is the flight behaviour which is why the VC experience is disappointing.

I'm comparing the VC to my two favourite jetliner VCs which are DM's 1-11 and the CS 732, both of which are much clearer and easier to use. It's still early days for me to try to get used to it and the 146 VC will be different so may change my opinion.

There are a few dummy switches but nothing that you really need. It's a good balance between over-complication and flyability. I'll get back with some screenshots before the weekend.

EDIT: This video actually shows it better than I could as the author switches between 2D and VC several times:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=uvyp3ZXG ... vyp3ZXGyIA

Ian

[TangoEcho]

TrackIR removes the need to zoom

[DaveG]

Some of the gauges have a larger pop-up if you click them. Not sure if the VSI has one though

[WhisperJet]

Thanks Ian, I see...!

It's always hard for any payware company to reach the level of the freeware products made available here! Hah!!
Even the VCs of DM's aircraft or also Rick's HS748 are simply perfect by all means -- you can very comfortably fly the aircraft only by VC. And once I got used to that I wouldn't want to pay for something less. So I really understand your remarks.

I think I'll buy it anyway - once the 146 series is out.
Let's see if it proves to be an enjoyment - the benchmark set around here is pretty high!

Good chance to say thank you - once again!!

Nick

[TSR2]

Looking at the real thing, the text looks pretty small too...

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Malmo-Av ... 9be3c23e3c

[speedbird591]

Looking at the real thing, the text looks pretty small too...

You're right, Ben. I think the pilots must have had to undergo much stricter eyesight tests on this aircraft! The accuracy of the modelling is very good but it's obviously much harder, if not impossible to get the same clarity in a VC as a 2D panel. I don't think QW could do much more but the actual size of the instruments make them difficult to use in VC mode.

Of course, operator error doesn't help and here's an embarrassing thing to discover when I went to take some screenshots just now. Somebody had unticked this button. And if I find out who it was ...



Anyway, with that little discrepancy sorted out, things looked a lot better than yesterday

2D panel:


3D panel:


3D panel with popups:


Sorry to mislead you about the quality of the VC, it's actually the quality of the pilot that's the problem. I guess it's really the size of the instruments that I'm having trouble with. I don't like using popups so I'll probably resort to the 2D panel to fly this one.

Ian