16
GALLERY / Relief Flight: Military
« on: October 15, 2018, 04:20:16 PM »
USAF VC-137C (a combi version) at Stewart AFB in New York - loading up for Eglin AFB. Captain Sim 707 Captain for FSX version. See attached
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17
GALLERY / DC9-30F Freighter - learning in PhotoShop
« on: January 15, 2018, 08:38:57 PM »
This is the FlySim payware DC9-33F that I repainted; obvious fiction and poetic license, but this is a pretty good piece of payware. Posed in FSX-SE at KPWM cargo area, payware KPWM scenery plus my AI 727-200F freeware add.
18
GALLERY / PhotoShop - getting the hang of it --
« on: December 23, 2017, 01:51:49 PM »
I bought a subscription to Photoshop Cloud last month, and gradually experimenting with it. Not easy, but I am old, stubborn and cranky, so I press on.
I grew up watching the long defunct Northeast Airlines operate out of Portland, Maine (KPWM) as a kid. recently, I ran across a couple of relatively poor quality pictures of the three DC-4s that NEA operated in the early 1950's. As best I can tell, these were C-54's reworked in a chop shop with FAA approved mods to include a single rear entry door, an aft lounge area and some spurious "potty" sky light portholes here and there.
I took the well regarded JBK C-54/DC-4 for FSX and worked on it, and for now I think it came out pretty good. I'm not thrilled with the reflectivity, but this ALPHA Channel stuff is making my brain hurt at this point.
Unfortunately I cannot find any right side pictures of these planes so had to extrapolate a little by looking at paint jobs on NEA DC-3s and early DC-6s as to the logos, etc.
Looking at DC-4s from other airlines, there was no such thing as a standard DC-4 in regard to the rear entry door and various small porthole windows for the toilets, what I believe was an aft lounge, etc. It appears they were custom locations when built as DC-4s, or approved mods in chop shops working on surplus C-54s. The top mounted astrodome for a navigator seems to have been installed even on some production DC-4s as an option, not just on converted C-54s - likely for long overwater flights that were being initiated during the period from after WWII to at least when the Connie and DC-6 became prevalent.
Anyway, see attached.
I grew up watching the long defunct Northeast Airlines operate out of Portland, Maine (KPWM) as a kid. recently, I ran across a couple of relatively poor quality pictures of the three DC-4s that NEA operated in the early 1950's. As best I can tell, these were C-54's reworked in a chop shop with FAA approved mods to include a single rear entry door, an aft lounge area and some spurious "potty" sky light portholes here and there.
I took the well regarded JBK C-54/DC-4 for FSX and worked on it, and for now I think it came out pretty good. I'm not thrilled with the reflectivity, but this ALPHA Channel stuff is making my brain hurt at this point.
Unfortunately I cannot find any right side pictures of these planes so had to extrapolate a little by looking at paint jobs on NEA DC-3s and early DC-6s as to the logos, etc.
Looking at DC-4s from other airlines, there was no such thing as a standard DC-4 in regard to the rear entry door and various small porthole windows for the toilets, what I believe was an aft lounge, etc. It appears they were custom locations when built as DC-4s, or approved mods in chop shops working on surplus C-54s. The top mounted astrodome for a navigator seems to have been installed even on some production DC-4s as an option, not just on converted C-54s - likely for long overwater flights that were being initiated during the period from after WWII to at least when the Connie and DC-6 became prevalent.
Anyway, see attached.
19
kACARS_Free / KACARS FREE for P3D4
« on: October 06, 2017, 02:19:50 PM »
The latest download from FS products for KACARS FREE supports P3D4, but apparently our site needs some sort of upgrade to use it. Do we have P3D4 capability yet? I have tried to set it up, get connected to P3D4 FS OK, but no login. I do have FSPUIC5, which is required in P3D4
20
GALLERY / LAND DOWN UNDER 009: WWII Bomber
« on: May 12, 2017, 05:13:25 PM »
I used Milton Shupe's superb Lockheed PV-2 "Harpoon" for this 1000+ nm flight. During WWII in the Pacific, the Navy used these from forward island airstrips as they were defended/held or captured by amphibious assault by Marines in some pretty gruesome warfare.
They conducted surface search, anti-sub patrol and anti-shipping missions against Japanese merchant ships, subs and troop transports. They carried bombs, rockets, depth charges and had cannon in the nose as well. With drop tanks they had a range of about seven hours at 210 kts TAS at 14500 ft, according to my data.
The Harpoon was derived from the well known "Ventura", but a much more capable airplane
See my pic here --
They conducted surface search, anti-sub patrol and anti-shipping missions against Japanese merchant ships, subs and troop transports. They carried bombs, rockets, depth charges and had cannon in the nose as well. With drop tanks they had a range of about seven hours at 210 kts TAS at 14500 ft, according to my data.
The Harpoon was derived from the well known "Ventura", but a much more capable airplane
See my pic here --
21
GALLERY / MD-82 Repaint Finally Finished
« on: March 05, 2017, 05:43:33 PM »
Finally finished – peaks added to upper stripes spanning upper cone and tail base.
MD-82 N950U, Manufacturer S/N 49230, was delivered to OZARK 0n June 6, 1984 from production. It was transferred to TWA ownership on October 26, 1996, then to American on February 12, 2001. It has been retired and in storage. It held the same N number for all three airlines.
Attached are two views, 1 at landing rollout, 2nd "clean" for comparison with the 3rd photo of the real airplane.
MD-82 N950U, Manufacturer S/N 49230, was delivered to OZARK 0n June 6, 1984 from production. It was transferred to TWA ownership on October 26, 1996, then to American on February 12, 2001. It has been retired and in storage. It held the same N number for all three airlines.
Attached are two views, 1 at landing rollout, 2nd "clean" for comparison with the 3rd photo of the real airplane.
22
GALLERY / MD-82 Repaint UPDATE
« on: March 04, 2017, 09:12:29 PM »
Finally finished making engine cowlings the proper tone of grey and added N number with weird white background -like pictures I have on hand. Also got the old style tail cone in place.
Now, to get the peaked end of the upper stripes onto the lower rear fin assembly --
Now, to get the peaked end of the upper stripes onto the lower rear fin assembly --
23
GALLERY / MD-82 Repaint
« on: March 04, 2017, 01:04:49 PM »
The Payware Commercial Level Simulations MD-81 appears pretty accurate and has a good cockpit, both 2-D and virtual. it is bundled as an MD-81, but making some changes to the aircraft.cfg file can make it into an MD-82 quite easily, since dimensions are the same. A TWA texture is available, but none for OZARK.
As I have said about my previous repaints of the 707-300C and 727-200C, I am no expert but am learning.
SOOoooo - I ventured forth in an effort to get an OZARK MD-82; several pictures are available on the web.
To say this was a bear is justified. The unpainted texture (white) kit is in three fuselage sections, and making them line up was tough to say the least. In addition, since the OZARK striping passes across areas such as door sills, I had to work with adjusting color transparencies and many other experiments to get things to show through green/black painted areas. The tail logo was a total project in itself.
A coned model is an option, but I will reconfigure that from the current "duck butt" tail cone once I figure out the striping at the base of the tail. Pictures I have show OZARK models with a tail cone.
I still need to add N numbers to the engine cowlings, and work on the tail, where the top striping curves up to a peak at the base, rather than extending in a straight line to the end of the top of the fuselage. I also have not figured where the heck the textures are to paint the reinforcement ribs on the fiberglass radome!
Anyway, I think it is starting to look pretty good. The external features are much more detailed than the freeware models available, and the cockpit is quite accurate and functional.
More later, as I screw up, progress, screw up, etc --
As I have said about my previous repaints of the 707-300C and 727-200C, I am no expert but am learning.
SOOoooo - I ventured forth in an effort to get an OZARK MD-82; several pictures are available on the web.
To say this was a bear is justified. The unpainted texture (white) kit is in three fuselage sections, and making them line up was tough to say the least. In addition, since the OZARK striping passes across areas such as door sills, I had to work with adjusting color transparencies and many other experiments to get things to show through green/black painted areas. The tail logo was a total project in itself.
A coned model is an option, but I will reconfigure that from the current "duck butt" tail cone once I figure out the striping at the base of the tail. Pictures I have show OZARK models with a tail cone.
I still need to add N numbers to the engine cowlings, and work on the tail, where the top striping curves up to a peak at the base, rather than extending in a straight line to the end of the top of the fuselage. I also have not figured where the heck the textures are to paint the reinforcement ribs on the fiberglass radome!
Anyway, I think it is starting to look pretty good. The external features are much more detailed than the freeware models available, and the cockpit is quite accurate and functional.
More later, as I screw up, progress, screw up, etc --
24
GALLERY / Captain Sim 727-200
« on: November 23, 2016, 08:46:13 PM »
Arrival at KCMH Columbus, OH; AI SW 737 at the gate. Freeware scenery for FSX (I use FSX-SE). A truly "steam era" plane, but one of the finest pieces of payware made.
25
GALLERY / PMDG 747-400 in TWA Colors
« on: January 01, 2016, 07:25:13 PM »
A pricey and complex piece of payware, but nonetheless a very accurate and nice flying, totally automated airplane. I have learned a lot about using an FMC, VNAV profiles and general appreciation for modern avionics with this airplane.
Sydney to Auckland at 37,000 ft, 0.836 IMN (479 KTAS) at 21,000 pph fuel flow, 568K gross weight, all optimized per the FMC.
VC cockpit is excellent; this is a far back, wide angle view. Pilot can move in much closer to actually have a clear view of all necessary instruments and controls. I have done a considerable amount of refining to the cockpit camera views to achieve smooth panning and useful views for important operations.
Sydney to Auckland at 37,000 ft, 0.836 IMN (479 KTAS) at 21,000 pph fuel flow, 568K gross weight, all optimized per the FMC.
VC cockpit is excellent; this is a far back, wide angle view. Pilot can move in much closer to actually have a clear view of all necessary instruments and controls. I have done a considerable amount of refining to the cockpit camera views to achieve smooth panning and useful views for important operations.
26
GALLERY / PMDG 747-400 Repaint
« on: September 24, 2015, 06:41:39 PM »
I have the PMDG 747-400 for FSX, but there is no add on texture for the FSX version, but one freeware repaint is available for FS2004. Unfortunately the FSX version uses dds textures, the FS2004 uses bmp files.
Luckily, the physical models are the same, so I used the freeware DXTBmp program to convert the bmp files to dds files; the bmp files all had to be flipped vertically before converting. This seems to be common in such conversions, even though the physical models may be the same.
Although I like to fly with steam gauges and old fashioned nav, I do like learning about modern automated performance and navigation through an FMC. The PMDG model is incredibly well done both in physical appearance and systems operation.
If anyone wants my texture folder let me know and I can get it to you.
It also hand-flies extremely well, including flap retraction / extension, speed changes, and full manual approach to landing!
Luckily, the physical models are the same, so I used the freeware DXTBmp program to convert the bmp files to dds files; the bmp files all had to be flipped vertically before converting. This seems to be common in such conversions, even though the physical models may be the same.
Although I like to fly with steam gauges and old fashioned nav, I do like learning about modern automated performance and navigation through an FMC. The PMDG model is incredibly well done both in physical appearance and systems operation.
If anyone wants my texture folder let me know and I can get it to you.
It also hand-flies extremely well, including flap retraction / extension, speed changes, and full manual approach to landing!
27
GALLERY / Spring Challenge Tour - 707 at its best:
« on: April 04, 2015, 01:23:47 PM »
KLAX to Cancun - FL370 / 460 KTAS
1. Flight Engineer aligning fuel "engine to engine": after transferring tips and equalizing quantities in main and aux tanks
2. Let it ALL hang out - on final 50 deg flaps / 205K GW / 140 Vapp
3. Rollout / reversers / spoilers / brakes
Which way to the beach??
Captain Sim 707-320B; still the best piece of pay ware on the planet! (in my opinion)
1. Flight Engineer aligning fuel "engine to engine": after transferring tips and equalizing quantities in main and aux tanks
2. Let it ALL hang out - on final 50 deg flaps / 205K GW / 140 Vapp
3. Rollout / reversers / spoilers / brakes
Which way to the beach??
Captain Sim 707-320B; still the best piece of pay ware on the planet! (in my opinion)
28
THE LOUNGE / FS2004 Aircraft Panel Folder: Another Good Learning Reference
« on: October 06, 2011, 11:35:18 AM »
As with my uploaded Aircraft Container file, here is one specifically aimed at the panel folder that is within an aircraft container folder.
Once again, it an invaluable reference for both the new and inexperienced FS enthusiast.
As with the aircraft container folder document, it will help people download, install and or modify panel.cfg files.
Keep it handy, and use it as a learning tool by looking hard at the contents of any panel folder, following the details and logic explained in this primer.
I hope that both these files are a big help for everyone.
Once again, it an invaluable reference for both the new and inexperienced FS enthusiast.
As with the aircraft container folder document, it will help people download, install and or modify panel.cfg files.
Keep it handy, and use it as a learning tool by looking hard at the contents of any panel folder, following the details and logic explained in this primer.
I hope that both these files are a big help for everyone.
29
THE LOUNGE / FS2004 Aircraft Container Folder: Good Learning Reference
« on: October 05, 2011, 12:29:40 PM »
This document gives a TREMENDOUS amount of detailed information about an aircraft folder (the folder that contains everything for an INDIVIDUAL airplane within the FS9/aircraft folder) - what a model / texture / panel / sound folder does, the air and aircraft.cfg files.
This should be enlightening for all, especially for less experienced FS enthusiasts. It should help many people in adding in freeware aircraft, panels, sounds or textures. Study it as you have time and compare it to the aircraft folders and files you have in your aircraft directory. It has been a big help to me over many years.
This information also applies to FSX, with a few minor exceptions.
Have fun --
This should be enlightening for all, especially for less experienced FS enthusiasts. It should help many people in adding in freeware aircraft, panels, sounds or textures. Study it as you have time and compare it to the aircraft folders and files you have in your aircraft directory. It has been a big help to me over many years.
This information also applies to FSX, with a few minor exceptions.
Have fun --
30
HANGAR/DOWNLOADS / CONVAIR CV-240 upgrade for FSX
« on: September 23, 2011, 06:03:01 PM »
Others may have found that our hangar's FS9 version of the CalClassics 240 has the typical problem when used with FSX - props and or glass areas are barely transparent or all black when viewed from outside.
I stumbled across an upgraded FS2004 / FSX version, a reworked version of Pepper/Gibson's original CV-240.
There is also an OZARK texture package for this basepack. This combination works GREAT in FSX!
Both freeware files are on the flightsim site (http://www.flightsim.com). search for the files " cv240vbfca18_basepack_010.zip" and "oz240.zip".
The Hangar's OZARK texture WILL NOT WORK with the basepack - you must use the texture file referenced above
Smush them together and you have a great OZARK CV-240 for FSX.
PS - If you don't have it, get the CV-240/340 panel from the CalClassics website at http://www.calclassic.com/convair.htm; it should work in FSX.
Hope this is of some use to someone -
I stumbled across an upgraded FS2004 / FSX version, a reworked version of Pepper/Gibson's original CV-240.
There is also an OZARK texture package for this basepack. This combination works GREAT in FSX!
Both freeware files are on the flightsim site (http://www.flightsim.com). search for the files " cv240vbfca18_basepack_010.zip" and "oz240.zip".
The Hangar's OZARK texture WILL NOT WORK with the basepack - you must use the texture file referenced above
Smush them together and you have a great OZARK CV-240 for FSX.
PS - If you don't have it, get the CV-240/340 panel from the CalClassics website at http://www.calclassic.com/convair.htm; it should work in FSX.
Hope this is of some use to someone -
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