PDA

View Full Version : Annuschka Adventures in the Orbx World



cavaricooper
May 7th, 2017, 04:30
I’ll admit being a bit late to the party. Lately, with the DC-6 beta, I’ve been flying a lot in Orbx Alaska instead of the higher FLs in Eurasia. I just installed Orbx KORS (Orcas Island) and when flying in last night, was stunned by what I saw. I couldn’t believe my eyes, so I went back to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. This morning was just as captivating. Here goes…

Here we are walking up to my beloved Annuschka SP-AMN (painted by our very own YoYo).
http://i.imgur.com/untobw7.jpg

Next, the view out the side window whilst taxying down to the other end. Like Pilot Country Estates in my bit of the world, Orcas Island has homes on the property, with taxiways to the runway from the home garage/hangars.
http://i.imgur.com/oK8uQEL.jpg

Final- with Orcas! Watching them cavort in the water was distracting to say the least. It did not diminish my wonder at the scenery- just superb!
http://i.imgur.com/I2iIt5J.jpg


Short final- with the airport ahead in all it’s glory. We just passed some very nice cabin cruisers tied up on the left. This entire area is ablaze with detail. Incredible!
http://i.imgur.com/z8zvCVr.jpg

Mostly flying far above, and passing by so fast, I didn't realize what Orbx had wrought! This is as close to my low and slow days in my Aeronca Champ- and a nice change of pace.

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
May 7th, 2017, 05:58
So, whilst the rest are chortling at my wondrous discovery (being old hat for most here at SOH), here we are on the way to KFHR (Friday Harbor)...

http://i.imgur.com/Vy2nWFO.jpg

Final at Friday Harbor.... so familiar (yet gloriously different from default) to those who flew/fly FSX...

http://i.imgur.com/Qdvhpyl.jpg

Here's another instantly familiar (yet TOTALLY different) view...

http://i.imgur.com/Zn58fIn.jpg

and in the taxi to gas up.... something again so right and so familiar to those of us who learned to fly at small local fields. Someone washing the FBO windows, another sweeping up. A few owners tinkering with their aeroplanes in readiness for the day ahead.... beautiful...

http://i.imgur.com/R6UnIIb.jpg

Better late than never.... I am LOVING each moment of this Orbx discovery. The PNW waits to enchant... forgive my exuberance but I am CAPTIVATED!

Best- Carl

Anthin
May 7th, 2017, 12:24
Lovely shots plus Antonov.Perfect.

Anthin..:applause:

Roger
May 7th, 2017, 12:53
ORBX sceneries are addictive, Carl. I was hooked many years ago when I downloaded their Tasmania demo. It was so different and so much more realistic from FsX default that there was no going back.

cavaricooper
May 7th, 2017, 14:05
ORBX sceneries are addictive, Carl. I was hooked many years ago when I downloaded their Tasmania demo. It was so different and so much more realistic from FsX default that there was no going back.

Roger-

How nice of you to pop in.... I spent most of my teens and early twenties, blatting around Central Florida with an elbow out the window, below 1000agl, in a 1946 Aeronca Champ with an 85 Continental. The Annuschka and Orbx has resurrected the feel of low and slow for me. In between carting 20,000lbs of cargo in the DC-6 for PMDG, I shall hop through the PNW stuff from Orbx, and add a few lines to this post now and then. I hope it is enjoyable for some.

Ta- C

Penzoil3
May 7th, 2017, 14:28
Nice shots. PNW low and slow is very enjoyable. Welcome to OrbX addiction, resistance is futile...
Sue

cavaricooper
May 8th, 2017, 08:39
SP-AMN & I left Friday Harbor and flew down to the south tip of San Juan Island,

http://i.imgur.com/n8BhkoX.jpg



past Cattle Point and then south of Lopez Island, headed directly over Deception Pass Bridge. Have a look and tell me when the last time you had to look and avoid power-lines (with vis-balls) was.... It's not often scenery is this good!

http://i.imgur.com/Q9diA5r.jpg

Then a sweeping turn north had us headed past the refinery

http://i.imgur.com/RGCHadD.jpg

and another sweep over the Anacortes Harbor

http://i.imgur.com/fiipBCc.jpg

had us positioned nicely for a left downwind at Anacortes.

cavaricooper
May 8th, 2017, 08:46
http://i.imgur.com/svleM3N.jpg

We stopped only long enough to pick up a salesman and headed off once more.

http://i.imgur.com/S2SOnGU.jpg

This time it was straight overhead, past Skagit Regional....

http://i.imgur.com/rIjtMNl.jpg

to Israel's Farm. The beauty of this scenery is that it feels sparse! From swiveling constantly trying to find it, despite having it clearly marked in Google Earth; to the desolate, overgrown, unkempt look of the runway and the slowly rotting airplanes and control surfaces scattered about, everything about Israel's Farm was realistically contrasted with what I had spent hours earlier marveling at. The contrast was unsettling enough, where I was thinking about having a word with the family about tidying up a bit. The fertilizer salesman I dropped off here, set me straight!

http://i.imgur.com/sAvHqGj.jpg

Portia911
May 8th, 2017, 14:21
Very nice, Carl. Good to see you and your An-2 out and about in the PNW - I enjoyed a similar thread you started some time ago flying around southern Alaska.

You know, the best thing is you can fly from where you are now back to where you were then, and it's ORBX-quality scenery all the way (PNW, Pacific Fjords, Tongass Fjords (FSAddons) and SAK). Toss in a few Misty Moorings settings along the way, and it truly is a beautiful world - especially for low n slow aficionados.

Happy flights.

cavaricooper
May 8th, 2017, 14:37
Thanks! I was wondering if anyone would make the connection.... yes, I intend to spend lots of time in the An-2 (between the stuff PMDG keeps me busy with).

There is something relaxing about watching the world go by at 85kts and 800ft (or 155Kph and 300m). I remember waking up early to be the first one at the airport. Then I would lift through the 50' fog layer at Vandenburg and go meet the rising sun. Without time for convective currents, the air was so still it was as though I were suspended, and the earth was moving below my outstretched Ceconite arms. The only thing that resurrects that emotion in the FS world is my beloved An-2. I am hoping that the forthcoming Beaver will do likewise... but that remains a question....

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
May 8th, 2017, 16:35
We left Concrete and followed the Sauk River at 400m, dodging the mountain peaks and high tension wires (little did I know high tension would re-assert itself at Darrington).

http://i.imgur.com/5SqUOJ4.jpg

I had to fly in a couple of tight circles to find the runway at Darrington peeking out at me between the trees. I could see the boughs swaying beneath me as I passed feet overhead to plunk down and stop in at the port-a-let. I needed a break after that approach!

http://i.imgur.com/dwpZXLd.jpg

The peaks really do surround this field... flat Florida it 'aint!

http://i.imgur.com/dy9Pzkc.jpg

Flyboy208
May 8th, 2017, 19:11
What an enjoyable post. Cool sceneries and I love that Antonov , fly it quite often myself in the sim. Pilot Country , funny , I grew up in Hidden Lake Estates , New Port Richey and have been to Pilot Country several times Mike :wavey:

cavaricooper
May 9th, 2017, 02:39
Thanks Mike!

The only time I was able to "fly to work" was when taking some continuing education classes at Gowers Corners, across the road from Pilot Country Estates. I'd fly there and a buddy picked me up at the airport. Took me back in the evening, and I'd fly back to Tampa. Great fun except for the one day I had to wait out a nasty summer storm until very late.... and the Champ didn't have an electrical system......

The Annuschka is the only airframe that lets me re-create that feel of flight, and I am optimistic for the Milviz Beaver.... fingers x'ed!

Best- Carl

PS- opening the screenies and clicking will show each in full 4K.

YoYo
May 9th, 2017, 08:26
Nice shots! I see You use PTA... so try this :) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/105608-PTA-tool-Reshade-and-my-profile . :wavey:

griphos
May 9th, 2017, 08:31
The Colt is indeed a nice airplane, particularly for recreating the feel of classic flight, like in my Chief (also sans electrical). However, the A2A Cub also does a nice job.

Bjoern
May 9th, 2017, 13:13
Man, do I crave a flight in FSX right now. But on a laptop with an XBox pad and a bare bones FSX, it just ain't fun!


Keep posting!

cavaricooper
May 9th, 2017, 14:17
Lest you think I was kidding about the terrain at Darrington- here's a peek looking at each end of the runway...

http://i.imgur.com/cXu9eZv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8O2pLFy.jpg

Here we are just out of 28....

http://i.imgur.com/Y3kYfNV.jpg

With the plan being.... keep the high tension wires on my left.... the Sectional mentions a valley cable obstruction around the corner and I shall be looking!

Bjoern
May 9th, 2017, 14:21
I'd go all Buck Buckerington on that mountain and try an elegant turn to the right after clearing the trees. The Anna should theoretically be able to do this without much complaints.

cavaricooper
May 9th, 2017, 15:05
Remembering the adage, "There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots" I chickened out and stayed in the wider valley, then angled south. A few minutes of flying over beautiful verdant countryside had us angling towards Monroe First Air (W16).

http://i.imgur.com/2dql1Mn.jpg

It's got a NARROW runway and turning base I swallowed hard. The one thing my old girl doesn't do well is crosswind landings...

http://i.imgur.com/1oxRv65.jpg

You can see I slowed her way down to get a feel for the wind (slats are out).... and then we turned final early, for some more windage....

http://i.imgur.com/YH6GFm9.jpg

Anytime the runway is in the side window... things are going to be interesting! I won't lie, there was a LOT of rudder and even a bit of brake, but I kept her (relatively) straight....

Here we are on the back taxi... I wasn't kidding- NARROW!!

http://i.imgur.com/4X9WL2k.jpg

YoYo- I will investigate your presets for sure- I LOVE your screenies!

Bjoern- Thanks for the interest!

Best- C

stearmandriver
May 9th, 2017, 19:48
... The PNW waits to enchant... forgive my exuberance but I am CAPTIVATED!

Best- Carl

Haha I know the feeling, simming has made me feel this way several times as well. I was an avid user of very early MSFS (think wireframe panels and runways) when I was a kid, then fell away when I started flying for real. A few years ago, a neighborhood kid wanted to show me his sim. My jaw literally dropped as he flew me up the Gastineau channel to Juneau in the PMDG NGX. I felt like I was at work... I sat there mumbling a running litany.... "lnav / vnav path, dial the dirt... wow, there's Mt Roberts, and Sheep Mountain, and the JD bridge... couple cruise ships in Juneau now... there's Lemon Creek, and the Mendenhall glacier, and there's the Cut, west of the airport... J$#us Ch@*st, man!"

Well, re-creating work got old quickly lol... But I've rediscovered the magic feeling of low and slow flying as well. Grass strip hopping in the A2A J-3, flying the bush in Alaska with Return to Misty Moorings scenery locations (they have a bunch for the PNW area as well) in the Aerosoft Beaver (also looking forward to the MilViz)... the ORBX world is amazing.

The most challenging, and beautifully rendered, bush strips I've seen are the ORBX Tapini and Kokoda "experience" packages (they both contain several strips) in Papua New Guinea. Not a part of the world I'm familiar with, but I picked up those strips with the idea of trying a bush flying business in Air Hauler... and man, I've never had more fun in the sim. They will REALLY test you!

Anyway, enjoy your discovery! :ernaehrung004:

cavaricooper
May 10th, 2017, 02:32
I well remember the wire frame grid, river and mountains; all on an Apple IIc.... and yes, flight sim has indeed come a long way!

Ketchikan and Juneau are both great, but then so are Yakutat, Homer, Kenai and others (which is how I came to intstall and fall in love with the Orbx World).

When time permits I will definitely check out Tapini and Kokoda- thanks!

Best- Carl

patful
May 10th, 2017, 14:37
Wow, those shots are beautiful! Just last week I said I wouldn't bother with Orbx since they don't cover the whole continent, but this thread has me second-guessing. Just afraid my new computer can't handle those detailed airports... Thanks for this thread.

Pat

cavaricooper
May 10th, 2017, 15:10
I am pleased to see that there are some enjoying these photos. I cannot tell you what a revelation spending time in the Orbx world has been for me. The vast majority of my flight simming occurs in the flight levels, and involves large Boeings. Orbx used to be FTX Global and Vector. These smaller, but beautifully detailed reports were hitherto to unknown.

It was this forum that piqued my curiosity enough to explore general aviation once more. Along the way I have discovered the joy in Manfred Jann's C-47 ecosystem, and the SibWings An-2. Those two airplanes, in combination with this forum, and lately the DC-6 have open my eyes to the incredible beauty that Orbx has managed to capture in the more picturesque parts of the world. It was the discovery that has changed a portion of my flight choices.

That ability to fly 397T of Boeing 747-436 to CAT3 minima one day, and then luxuriously explore the Pacific North West at 300m in bright sunshine the next, is the reason flight simulation has been and continues to be one of my main hobbies.

I hope to be able to give back to the members of Sim Outhouse in some small way through this thread.

Best- Carl

Bjoern
May 11th, 2017, 14:15
Your shots really got me interested in FTX Global. Was ready to click "purchase", but found no PayPal option. Asked the big G and found out that ORBX cancelled PayPal support last December. Bummer.

Roger
May 11th, 2017, 14:42
Your shots really got me interested in FTX Global. Was ready to click "purchase", but found no PayPal option. Asked the big G and found out that ORBX cancelled PayPal support last December. Bummer.

It is a problem Bjoern, but the issue was created by Paypal and left no option for ORBX but to go down different routes to market.

patful
May 11th, 2017, 17:00
Do they take cash? :beguiled:

cavaricooper
May 11th, 2017, 17:12
Your shots really got me interested in FTX Global. Was ready to click "purchase", but found no PayPal option. Asked the big G and found out that ORBX cancelled PayPal support last December. Bummer.

Bjoern-

Despite your very best efforts to shroud yourself in a veil of sarcasm and caustic commentary, I've pegged you as a kind, generous and very giving person who is passionate about Flight Simulation and does his level best to "give back" to the FS community through his talent and effort (but don't worry, I won't tell a soul).

It is because of this, that I extend my neck and urge you try a CC (even if it is one you buy and put cash on just for FS purchases). The Orbx product range IS SO WORTH THE EFFORT to obtain (and the sale makes a good idea BRILLIANT). Obviously, do only what you are comfortable with. I have never had a security issue with the Orbx purchase system and am confident in recommending it to you, if you can try and live with using a CC.

I remain awestruck by this communities willingness to share their talent and assist others in the hobby. SOH is a wonderful place to be a member.

Best- C

Bjoern
May 12th, 2017, 05:08
It is a problem Bjoern, but the issue was created by Paypal and left no option for ORBX but to go down different routes to market.

That's what I've heard as well. I'm quite stunned that both sides didn't try to work it out as PayPal does, after all, seem to work out for other devs (e.g. Milviz) or publishers (e.g. JustFlight, Flight1) or just about anywhere else.

While international reactions to the announcement were ho hum, most of the german flight simmers (where credit cards are not that widespread) decided not to buy from them anymore.




Bjoern-

Despite your very best efforts to shroud yourself in a veil of sarcasm and caustic commentary, I've pegged you as a kind, generous and very giving person who is passionate about Flight Simulation and does his level best to "give back" to the FS community through his talent and effort (but don't worry, I won't tell a soul).

It is because of this, that I extend my neck and urge you try a CC (even if it is one you buy and put cash on just for FS purchases). The Orbx product range IS SO WORTH THE EFFORT to obtain (and the sale makes a good idea BRILLIANT). Obviously, do only what you are comfortable with. I have never had a security issue with the Orbx purchase system and am confident in recommending it to you, if you can try and live with using a CC.

I remain awestruck by this communities willingness to share their talent and assist others in the hobby. SOH is a wonderful place to be a member.


I appreciate the warm words, but unless I have an actual necessity for a credit card, which is limited to travels outside of the European Union, one or two flightsim purchases just don't warrant the monthly fee.
As good as the ORBX stuff is, if I have to jump through hoops to get it, it's not for me.
Ground Environment is an alternative, but much too expensive for global coverage.
Fortunately, there's at a set of freeware textures that can be used to spice thing up a little.


Regardless, keep on posting!

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 07:09
Ok, we're out of Monroe for a short hop over to Harvey (S43)... what a beautiful part of the world, and how lucky to be able to spend "time" here....


http://i.imgur.com/rXYQhh4.jpg

Did anyone else notice the airplane shadow on the green fields, looking at it chasing us is mesmerizing!

Look LEFT, and you will see the ENORMOUS Boeing Assembly Building in the distance.... guess where I'm going next? ;)

http://i.imgur.com/W1vucWm.jpg

A little fly past, whilst marveling at the balloon activity in the area and we turned in towards Harvey Field, and suddenly I realized what all the fuss is about...... CANNOT IMAGINE FLYING IN A NON ORBX WORLD ANYMORE!

http://i.imgur.com/V1Sj4CL.jpg

The SHEER VOLUME of visual AND AUDITORY DETAIL is STAGGERING! The incredible flight model of the An-2 courtesy of our own Alex Metzger does help- but when watching all this ahead it's EASY to forget I'm flying an armchair.......

griphos
May 12th, 2017, 07:13
I appreciate the warm words, but unless I have an actual necessity for a credit card, which is limited to travels outside of the European Union, one or two flightsim purchases just don't warrant the monthly fee.
As good as the ORBX stuff is, if I have to jump through hoops to get it, it's not for me.
Ground Environment is an alternative, but much too expensive for global coverage.
Fortunately, there's at a set of freeware textures that can be used to spice thing up a little.


Regardless, keep on posting!

Not trying to talk you into anything, and things may be different in the EU, but no credit card I've ever had involved a monthly fee. You use it and keep a balance and there's interest. You use it and pay it off and there's no cost at all. I suspect your bank would be happy to give you a credit card with a low spending cap and low interest for you to use. Then, when you're not using it, there's no expense, no statements, nothing. It's as if you don't have one.

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 07:18
http://i.imgur.com/bETn8SK.jpg

How much really needs to be said about that photo?

Here we are, turned off with bags of room, and more balloons just lifting off! How else can you cart as much, as far and fly into just about ANY LANDING STRIP IN THE WORLD. The An-2 is a TOTALLY BRILLIANT (mostly because of the FDE from our very own Alex Metzger) way to explore the Orbx world- which BTW is TOTALLY BRILLIANT AS WELL!

http://i.imgur.com/pgQKf9B.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lUrjBOf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DtE2381.jpg

I sound like a stuck record (remember those?) but this stuff blows me away.... I'm gassing up, and then asking for a waiver for a Boeing overflight.... might as well see where my G-CIVX was born, whilst I meander through this bit of the world....

Holy C%$#- I'm parked by the FBO and I can HEAR THE PHONE RINGING and muffled voices talking- WOW, just WOW!

C

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 09:41
We're outta Harvey and headed to the birthplace of another beloved- my Boeing 747-436 G-CIVX. The way out is too pretty to ignore though....

http://i.imgur.com/MfcCBvs.jpg

Just look what's ahead.....

http://i.imgur.com/BtWEJoc.jpg

Big building..... eh?

http://i.imgur.com/TGcqfwb.jpg

Jefferson County.... here we come!

http://i.imgur.com/o4N9Nkz.jpg

Have I mentioned I'm having a ball? Can't recollect if I've ever mentioned.... (big fan of Ol' Reliable).....

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 09:43
Yet another side window approach..... I remember my feet FULLY AWAKE in the Champ.... guess what.... they're fully awake HERE!

http://i.imgur.com/yuqH8o1.jpg

Used to fly the Champ to Lakeland for Breakfast, Cedar Key for lunch and Chalet Suzanne for dinner.... today, it's the Spruce Goose Cafe (other times it's the Chatterbox.... anyone get that reference?).

http://i.imgur.com/FsaE4nq.jpg

C

patful
May 12th, 2017, 09:53
These are so much more persuasive than the images on ORBX's site! Beautiful. Don't want to hijack the thread, but any idea of the frame rates I might get with those settings on my computer, and is there any stuttering on yours? i5-7600K (3.8/4.2 turbo, not sure how high I can clock it yet), GTX 1060 6GB, 16GB DDR4 2400.

Pat

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 10:04
Pat-

Glad you are enjoying the trip....

I can tell you that I experience absolutely zero performance issues, but I gave up on frame rates long ago. Steve Waite, the brilliant engineer at CodeLegend taught me to LOCK at 20FPS and ELIMINATE Long Frames- PERIOD. No matter what- the PMDG NGX, 777, 744 or DC-6, this Annuschka, the Jahn/Viser C-47, A2A 183... whatever- it's smooth as silk.

I will have to add though, that I run a 6700K at 4.8 GHz, DDR4 RAM, coupled with M2 SSDs and a Nvidia 1080 GTX card ....all running at 4K on a Sony TV with sliders maxed. My only concession for the PMDG heavies is to back off the Building Autogen from Max to Normal- that's it. I do NOT run traffic (fly on Vatsim).

Obviously your performance will depend on your system, but I can tell you I'm very happy with everything from Orbx so far- THEY HAVE MOVED MY GOAL-POSTS- Just AMAZING!

Best- Carl

patful
May 12th, 2017, 10:19
Thanks, Carl. I have a couple of 850 EVOs, not quite your M2s, but I only run 1080P, so my inferior GPU should do okay. Will mostly be flying frame-rate-friendly A2A and Warbirdsim, and rarely run traffic. Thanks for your help, and keep the screenies coming!

Pat

cavaricooper
May 12th, 2017, 14:22
Here we are clawing our way out of Jefferson County (International no less) and climbing to only 300m for the hop to Diamond Point. This old girl has me spoiled- intersection take offs are a non event... actually a few hundred feet of almost flat ground is more than sufficient...

http://i.imgur.com/dtArNDB.jpg

It's just over the Sound into Diamond Point... up and down...

http://i.imgur.com/KYwXAx0.jpg

What do you know, Diamond Point is another residential pilot community! I really HAVE TO GET UP HERE in person!

http://i.imgur.com/ACkWhgh.jpg

My Annuschka, all tucked away for the night, in the golden light of sunset.... not often you have a public road crossing an active taxiway.... NICE!

http://i.imgur.com/8yhWBFv.jpg

... and so to bed... and to all you mothers, a very happy Mother's Day!

Best- C

Flyboy208
May 12th, 2017, 22:07
Still enjoying your thread here , Chalet Suzanne , pretty much the highest elevation in Florida. Was a challenge for my Dad to land the Aztec on that grass strip. Cedar Key , have been there almost 20 times in old N74JC , the previously mentioned Aztec ... great seafood , and one heck of an ugly courtesy car ... circa 1989 ...

Mike :wavey:

stearmandriver
May 13th, 2017, 01:16
Loving these pics! I live up here and haven't flown to half these places...

Bjoern
May 13th, 2017, 08:13
It will take away a bit of liberty due to the requirement to file a flight plan, but if you want to spice things up a bit: https://sites.google.com/site/fsxstuffbybk/gauges/maintenance-income-tool




Not trying to talk you into anything, and things may be different in the EU, but no credit card I've ever had involved a monthly fee. You use it and keep a balance and there's interest. You use it and pay it off and there's no cost at all. I suspect your bank would be happy to give you a credit card with a low spending cap and low interest for you to use. Then, when you're not using it, there's no expense, no statements, nothing. It's as if you don't have one.

My home bank charges $7 a month for a basic CC without any benefits for travels abroad. As I've said, that's not a good deal for just one or two CC-related purchases.




Steve Waite, the brilliant engineer at CodeLegend taught me to LOCK at 20FPS and ELIMINATE Long Frames- PERIOD.

Steve's anlysis of the FSX engine in terms of frame stability are excellent; best I've seen.

griphos
May 13th, 2017, 09:33
Well plenty of CC companies charge nothing.

Bjoern
May 13th, 2017, 10:01
Well plenty of CC companies charge nothing.

They sure may do, but I'm running a tight, barebone operation here to keep paperwork and liabilities to a minimum. It's either my home bank or no bank.


But let's not dwell on that. If ORBX doesn't want my money, it's their problem, not mine.

cavaricooper
May 15th, 2017, 04:52
Bjoern-

Completely agree! That's the brilliant thing about any hobby. One can do it how and when they like, and in the way it best suits one's life. Sometimes it's important to remind ourselves, we do this for fun and relaxation (and entertainment and education). The personal choice and decision is integral to the relaxation part. There are too many stressors IRL for me to stress about my "escapes".

Best- C

Bjoern
May 15th, 2017, 07:54
Well, for a hobby it surely always put me on the ball in getting the most out of my hardware or upgrading - which wasn't quite cheap. :biggrin-new:


I think I'll invest the money saved from ORBX into a webcam for use with FaceTrack. Might be a better, more flexible investment.

griphos
May 15th, 2017, 10:47
Except if you're flying default scenery, I'm not sure why you'd want to turn your head to look at it. :-)

I'm also not sure why you'd want to turn this lovely thread about re-discovering and enjoying a lot of special Orbx scenery into a kind of repetitive dig about them not offering your preferred payment method.

cavaricooper
May 15th, 2017, 11:19
Ok, today we were out of Diamond Point fairly early. The neighbors were outside yacking with each other about the upcoming home owner's meeting and dues going up. Someone had just cranked up a lawn-mower, which we quickly drowned out with our Shetsov...

http://i.imgur.com/PEDbkfK.jpg

I'm getting so comfortable with this old girl, it's like slipping on a favorite pair of comfortable slippers. Another intersection departure and we were up and off..... headed to Sequim Valley....

http://i.imgur.com/PT5jjGA.jpg

Here it was just a 180 and follow the coast, which extending would put us nicely on the RIGHT downwind for 08.... What a lovely part of the world...

http://i.imgur.com/KvB91dh.jpg

I barely had time to reduce to 8/1800 when Sequim showed up... time to go for 6/1800 and begin the shallow descent.... oops, close those cowls tight... she won't have time to cool properly and we will need to save the heat. At least climbing to only 300M doesn't strain her much...

http://i.imgur.com/3syp9jo.jpg

Best- C

cavaricooper
May 15th, 2017, 11:39
Sequim Valley's 08 has the first thousand or so feet sheltered by a tree line. In this part of the world that can mean the difference between coming home, or overnighting elsewhere.... I remember flying into Vandenburg, hitting the rudder stop and VERY GLAD that there were row hangars to my right, allowing me to stay aligned with 36.... without that wind lee, I would have had to head over to Plant City or Lakeland for a few hours anyways...

http://i.imgur.com/SxQBhu4.jpg

We turned off, taxied to park out of the way of everyone else.... what a little jewel Orbx hath wrought....

http://i.imgur.com/vgXOGg9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/eKhFRfG.jpg

When's the last time you saw a Trislander ANYWHERE??

http://i.imgur.com/6owf8Ws.jpg

Hope you guys are enjoying this as much as I am!

Best- C

YoYo
May 15th, 2017, 12:15
If You like trips on An-2 You can take the other skin (around the world in 1997):

http://www.an2flyers.org/RoundTheWorld.html :wavey:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/An-2/SP-DLA_An-2_screen2_zps6e1e2e5c.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/rafikst/media/An-2/SP-DLA_An-2_screen2_zps6e1e2e5c.jpg.html)

"In 1997, a Polish team, consisting of Waldemar Miszkkurka (Captain), Andrzej Szymanski (Copilot) and Bogdan Gajek (Flight Engineer) completed the first (and only, so far) AN-2 flight around the world.


The flight began on 22 July 1997 and was completed on 21 October 1997. The flight covered 36,000 km.


The crew spent 188 hours and 2 minutes airborne averaging 191 km/hr for the flight.


They landed at 31 airports in 16 countries.


The flight had some dramatic moments. The exhaust manifold failed in Iran. They were escorted by an
MI-24 gunship over Afghanistan. The oil cooler needed repair in Thailand and they had to circumnavigate
a typhoon over the China Sea. Chinese authorities refused to grant permision to overfly China forcing a
change of route. Russian military officers delayed permission to fly from Petropavlovsk to St. Paul, Alaska
(an 11 hour leg)."

btw. some of guys from ORBX Forum did it :D.

vora
May 15th, 2017, 13:16
Wonderful log. I definitely need to do a PNW tour as well again after I'm finished touring the Dalmatian coast.

BTW if your next destination is Sekiu then crank up all your sliders and be prepared get your mind blown. It's one of Misha's best work in my opinion. The surrounding is simply incredible. The airport in the midst of a forest shouldn't be a problem for the Anoushka, that thing is almost a helicopter, but beware of the deers close to the runway. And keep up the rules - there's a state prison nearby...

Bjoern
May 15th, 2017, 13:40
Except if you're flying default scenery, I'm not sure why you'd want to turn your head to look at it. :-)

I'm also not sure why you'd want to turn this lovely thread about re-discovering and enjoying a lot of special Orbx scenery into a kind of repetitive dig about them not offering your preferred payment method.

Ah, kick the dead horse awake and haul it straight into Assumptionville. Just how I like it. First, my scenery is anything but default (UTX) and second, the payment related discussion had been settled two or so posts ago.

Now, if you don't mind, I'd very much like to focus on C's exploits again.

cavaricooper
May 15th, 2017, 14:20
Wonderful log. I definitely need to do a PNW tour as well again after I'm finished touring the Dalmatian coast.

BTW if your next destination is Sekiu then crank up all your sliders and be prepared get your mind blown. It's one of Misha's best work in my opinion. The surrounding is simply incredible. The airport in the midst of a forest shouldn't be a problem for the Anoushka, that thing is almost a helicopter, but beware of the deers close to the runway. And keep up the rules - there's a state prison nearby...

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I am indeed headed to Sekiu next.... then a southerly turn. FWIW my sliders are already full right, hoping you're not seeing anything less than you're used to....

I'm already salivating at the thought of a steep approach in the Annuschka... Alex has done such a brilliant job with the FDE, that you can hold her right on the edge, and control your vertical speed with throttle very precisely. This flight model is incredible, and I can't find anything that compares. My fingers are crossed for Rob's upcoming MilViz Beaver........

Best- Carl

griphos
May 15th, 2017, 15:18
Yes, the Colt is possibly the most convincing flight model of any (of the many) aircraft I own. I used to own an airport in FSE in the Samoan Islands and one in the Seychelles, and I've done many a hop from island to island in the Colt. Perfect for that job.

cavaricooper
May 16th, 2017, 13:34
Headed out of Sequim Valley... with lots of air under our wings, after yet another intersection departure. Have I mentioned I love this aeroplane?

http://i.imgur.com/rWUA5m7.jpg

We turned west and slipping below the starboard wing was the Ediz Hook Cgas Facility.... neat!

http://i.imgur.com/JgPRzot.jpg

I've heard that the environment was important to the folks up here- nice to see someone's private solar array...

http://i.imgur.com/MDEBWnO.jpg

Here we are abreast Pillar Point with Clallam Bay just ahead....

http://i.imgur.com/bP2xITZ.jpg

cavaricooper
May 16th, 2017, 14:09
Vora-

Seiku is indeed a slice of heaven! Here we are cruising down the north side of Calallam Bay, and while the sectional tells us that the airport is just over the ridge ahead and off to our left, I cannot see a thing..... incredible!

http://i.imgur.com/sclCdy9.jpg

Time to investigate! After announcing on Unicom I flew a crosswind about where I though I would bisect the runway, and with the wind, and the short runway, I crossed over in time to see it laid out very nicely beneath my wings...

http://i.imgur.com/aMcFNdI.jpg

The plan was to fly a down wind, and then cross over to turn inbound (almost like a teardrop hold entry) so that I would allow myself the most time to stabilize the approach and to get comfortable..... lot's of positional announcements on Unicom- thankfully with the rains starting it was quiet here...

http://i.imgur.com/diPCXb4.jpg

We did a 180 following the cliff line and lined up very nicely, just in time to suck some very plaid seat covers... this was going to be tight!

http://i.imgur.com/lPmJ0c7.jpg

cavaricooper
May 16th, 2017, 14:15
Pish posh- my Annuschka made short work of the approach- we had scads of room to play with. I tell you holding her on the edge, with slats and flaps out, and incredibly precise descent control with the throttle, we were down near the numbers, and stopped shortly after.... she's a DREAM TO FLY!

http://i.imgur.com/mEmIdTG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/YoRNCTE.jpg

Once again Orbx has knocked it out of the park, for a six, well you get the idea! Completely believable PNW and rain to boot! Lovely, lovely, lovely....

http://i.imgur.com/RVxG8u6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rmLcn2w.jpg

All chocked up for the night... it's Taco Tuesday... and a Margarita awaits.... but not to worry. I won't be able to stay away from Orbx or my Annuschka for very long....

Best- Carl

stearmandriver
May 16th, 2017, 21:16
This makes me want to grab a Cessna out of Bremerton and fly to Seiku for real; never been there. Beautiful shots and description! (Also makes me want to grab that AN-2 and try her out... Sibwings is it? )

cavaricooper
May 17th, 2017, 02:37
Aye, 'it's the SibWings An-2 indeed. What Orbx does for scenery design, Alex Metzger hath wrought for the FDE. Superlatives don't quite suffice..... I'd rent that Cessna for sure....

BTW- seeing your name reminded me of something from a fair bit ago.....
http://simflyer.blogspot.com/2006/12/what-its-all-about.html

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
May 17th, 2017, 16:19
I spent some time studying the sectional trying to figure out the best way to Cushman Meadows. After a bit, I decided I would circle offshore a bit and climb to 900m and strike off towards Forks... so that's what we did.... Here we are turned around and getting ready to shove off...

http://i.imgur.com/FuXxJg8.jpg

The sun was already low in the sky as we climbed out... what a lovely place to live!

http://i.imgur.com/nhoBiYH.jpg

Here's the Penn I was warned about... don't want 3 hots and a cot here!

http://i.imgur.com/s3FyS3C.jpg

Here's the dilemma.... too high and we're in the thick of it... two low and we're done for... but what bush driver hasn't wrestled with the 'twixt?

http://i.imgur.com/HIFqoVq.jpg

griphos
May 17th, 2017, 19:57
Ain't it the truth?!?! I know that anxious feeling all too well.

AussieMan
May 17th, 2017, 22:02
Hope ORBX are paying you well for this extended infomercial.

thefrog
May 18th, 2017, 00:29
There's no dilemma. Even if I'd taken-off (which I doubt), I would turn back and land and wait for better weather.

vora
May 18th, 2017, 02:00
I don't see a dilemma either... follow the coast and stay over the water.
Sekiu to Bowerman can be flown with wet feet entirely.

cavaricooper
May 18th, 2017, 02:32
Hope ORBX are paying you well for this extended infomercial.

Absolutely not Pat. The motivation is gratitude for what they have done to increase my willing suspension of disbelief- no more. Additionally, I hope this post is viewed by most as enjoyable- I'm not a fan of infomercials, and sorry that you feel this is one. I was merely trying to share my exuberance at my discovery, heretofore mostly flying in the higher FLs.

i did not realize this was offensive to some. I apologize and shall not disturb further.

Best- Carl

ncooper
May 18th, 2017, 02:40
Hello Carl,

Though I do have a vested interest, please don't stop chronicling your virtual travels just because of one
sarcastic remark.
It's always a pleasure to see someone simply enjoying anything so much.

strykerpsg
May 18th, 2017, 03:47
Hello Carl,

Though I do have a vested interest, please don't stop chronicling your virtual travels just because of one
sarcastic remark.
It's always a pleasure to see someone simply enjoying anything so much.

Agree with Nick 100%. As its a virtual representation of my home town area, makes me miss the great PNW just a bit more while in Korea.

Perhaps Pat is tipsy from tending to the cantina he is bar-tending for. He'll be better in the morning I suspect.

strykerpsg
May 18th, 2017, 03:51
BTW, absolutely gorgeous pics and while I have always found the Colt to be unique, your story line makes me want to give her a try in my FSX hangar too.

fuzz1
May 18th, 2017, 08:39
Carl, I'm really enjoying your AN-2 virtual adventures in ORBX land. I have many ORBX offerings but never did pick up the AN-2. Lamenting on my lost opportunity in acquiring the Realair Lancair Legacy when I still had the chance,
I decided not to risk this with the AN-2 so last night I plunked down the (very) few bucks necessary to put it in my hangar. Only 3 hours flying time thus far but having a blast with this high quality aircraft in PNW. Superb modelling and
FSX optimization. I'm using the v2.3 FDE which feels great.

I am also one who experiences the FSX crash on exit with the AN-2 loaded and have read much about the phenomenon. My solution is to simply change aircraft to the default c172 and make certain it's showing in the FSX preview
window prior to shutting down. It's a little annoying but a small price for the many hours of joy I know this aircraft will bring me....provided you're in no rush to get anywhere fast, of course:adoration:

patful
May 18th, 2017, 16:44
I love this thread, look for it every day! If you were pushing ORBX or SibWings on us you'd be mentioning other regions, Vector, Global, other aircraft... Keep on flying!

jeffv
May 18th, 2017, 17:19
Those ORBX screenshot are from FSX or P3d?

manfredc3
May 19th, 2017, 07:58
I am loving the story line and pics.

You inspired me to get back to the low and slow flights.

So. keep bushing along, and don't you dare keeping it from us :encouragement:

strykerpsg
May 21st, 2017, 16:45
Any more progress to report? Love what you've shown thus far and it's getting me spun up on reinstalling my Orbx PNW region to recreate your route, as well as giving the An-2 a serious consideration for adding to my already full hangar. Just hoping one naysayer did not totally derail your vision.

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 02:49
I really appreciate the supportive feedback. I have really thought about this, and do not want to discount Pat's viewpoint. However, after some angst, I realized, I do not want to discount anyone else either. All I wanted to do was share my enthusiasm for what Orbx has added to my simming... that can't be too offensive....

With respect, people are free to choose what they want to read, and I would ask each to exercise their choice at will.

Cushman Meadows awaits....

Best- Carl

PS- In re. jeffv's question- P3D v3.4

strykerpsg
May 22nd, 2017, 03:57
Spot on attitude and reply Carl. I look forward to the forthcoming pics.

AussieMan
May 22nd, 2017, 04:56
My comment was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek comment with no malice intended. FYI I am enjoying this tour as much as the rest of you. I have all the NA regions and many airports. I have eased off buying ORBX at the moment because of the PayPal thing.

strykerpsg
May 22nd, 2017, 05:53
My comment was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek comment with no malice intended. FYI I am enjoying this tour as much as the rest of you. I have all the NA regions and many airports. I have eased off buying ORBX at the moment because of the PayPal thing.

So sorry to hear about your affliction delaying your reply for 5 days. Hope it gets better with time. :biggrin-new:

Looking forward to additional shots.

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 09:31
My comment was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek comment with no malice intended. FYI I am enjoying this tour as much as the rest of you. I have all the NA regions and many airports. I have eased off buying ORBX at the moment because of the PayPal thing.

Thanks Pat. That's a relief! As you are one of the SOH team, I sure didn't want to offend you. Any chance you could add an "n" to Anuschka in the title? I can't edit it anymore, and didn't notice my typo until it was too late?

Stay tuned, and thanks again!

Best- C

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 11:49
Ok, so we outran the scud and started our let down, planning to get low over the water of Lake Cushman. Here we are, as the light turns gold, letting down over the west end of the lake...
http://i.imgur.com/du3Jlmz.jpg

As you can see, there are a series of turns ahead. Thankfully, I had reccee'd the area on Google Earth, so I knew this would be another obscured approach. Instead of steep turns, over water, at dusk, I decided to fly past the airport, and on to the south east corner of the lake for a turn-around over the dam. It was going to be interesting. Here the airfield comes into view on the left...

http://i.imgur.com/WsV1dzk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CYYS8KZ.jpg

It's another one of those one-way airports.... but at least this time, despite the downwind approach, there isn't much of a crosswind.... still lot's of chances to suck seat. We will fly down to the end and crank hard over, hopefully leaving us positioned correctly.... We start the turn to head back to the field.... just before the dam.

http://i.imgur.com/IzVHhs4.jpg

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 11:57
Continuing a hard right, and popping out Flap 15 in the turn, we straightened to look ahead...

http://i.imgur.com/gO1zoub.jpg

Oh goody.... more hi-vis balls...

http://i.imgur.com/d4AUNeh.jpg

I let path decay on purpose, knowing my Annuschka, and knowing that with throttle I could drive her on, and stop before the first turn off. As it happens, with this old girl, she took all in stride, and truth be told, I could have turned off way sooner....

http://i.imgur.com/lOxkaot.jpg

Dark comes quickly here, and by the time we were tied down, it was flashlight time. Still, it will be a beautiful morning departure, out over the water. Hopefully, you will come along for the ride! Right.... time for dinner.

http://i.imgur.com/R8IoFqk.jpg

Best- C

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 12:04
Couldn't resist... don't you love the phosphorescence? The EPA would go nuts.... but it sure is cool....

http://i.imgur.com/LLI6Agg.jpg

Best- C

Roger
May 22nd, 2017, 13:19
Good to see your progress again C

Roger
May 22nd, 2017, 13:24
Thanks Pat. That's a relief! As you are one of the SOH team, I sure didn't want to offend you. Any chance you could add an "n" to Anuschka in the title? I can't edit it anymore, and didn't notice my typo until it was too late?

Stay tuned, and thanks again!

Best- C

"n" added:engel016:

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 14:21
Many thanks Roger!

Ok, we were up early, and just because this bit of the Orbx World is SO BEAUTIFUL we taxied down to the other end, to have a peek. Hopefully the coffee and breakfast sandwiches at the Flying Fork Cafe are hot!

http://i.imgur.com/mqF9Vsr.jpg

Remember me mentioning High-Viz Balls.... here they are, UP CLOSE!

http://i.imgur.com/9hIjNUO.jpg

A turn at the end (we REALLY do NOT want to depart Runway 36!) to head back to the other end.....

http://i.imgur.com/Tm2cyQd.jpg

And HERE'S WHY... there's this great big mountain in front of us! We'll duck out on 18 and head to Swanson next.... you coming along too?

http://i.imgur.com/AbWXhKk.jpg

Best- Carl

PS- If you REALLY want to see how beautiful this scenery is, RIGHT-CLICK and download to view in FULL 4K resolution.

strykerpsg
May 22nd, 2017, 15:19
Superb shots! Really digging the addition of people at camping sites. You tell a great virtual storyline my friend.

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 16:46
Thanks Matt!

Ok, this is one of my favorite views, my Annuschka clawing into the sky, making short work of obstacle departures...

http://i.imgur.com/qZk9EVG.jpg

This was such a beautiful place, that the only thing that prompted my departure was someone at the Cafe telling me that there were gorgeous views of Mt. Rainer enroute Swanson. The other thing he told me was that the airport was a tough approach.... great!

In the departure turn out of Cushman, it was so pretty, I forgot to be worried!

http://i.imgur.com/z6PrOVV.jpg

Here we are, cruising over some incredible scenery, and it's hard to remind myself that SeaTac is a skip and a jump away.... BIG BOEING contrails litter the sky.... I used to be up there A LOT, but at the moment, I don't really miss it that much.... shhhhh don't tell G-CIVX!

http://i.imgur.com/GBprzkK.jpg

This stuff is so wonderful, that with the blatting of the engine, the movement generated by EZCA, the constantly changing atmospherics by AS16+ASCA and Alex's brilliant flight model... it's not that hard to smell 100LL again. I miss blue gas!

http://i.imgur.com/MrbjWOj.jpg

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 16:57
I did say, constantly changing atmospherics, right?

http://i.imgur.com/82CVwA3.jpg

That's Grey with a few BUFFs on the line.... the controllers were feeling magnanimous today, and cleared me across. Reminded me of early mornings in Tampa Bay when I'd bug the controllers at MacDill for a few GCAs. Truth be told, they needed to stay current, and so they were happy to oblige. My favorite was when they asked me to fly north of the runway for departing F-16s... the vapor of those wings as they pulled almost vertical was a roiling swirl of fascination.

Anyway... we did get to see Mt. Ranier after all....

http://i.imgur.com/lSoJAzF.jpg

Seeing Swanson, was another matter. It took a couple of twists and turns to find the blessed thing.... this PNW flying can be hard work... but the DETAIL that Orbx puts in more than makes up.....

http://i.imgur.com/vFHxpSL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/thEm4E3.jpg

I was kicking rudder, pulling on elevator, cranking aileron, fisting the throttle and hammering her around in the curved hollow of a valley, so much so that I was throughly enjoying myself..... enough that the trolly-dolly poked her head into the den and demanded that I turn down that bloody racket. The sound set on my An-2 is glorious, and the blatting of the Shetsov is intoxicating. In all things however, beauty is in the eye (ear) of the beholder, and it would appear that I was the only entranced one.....

cavaricooper
May 22nd, 2017, 17:05
I was finally able to establish final, albeit more a curved carrier approach, and then the little ribbon of asphalt unwound ahead....

http://i.imgur.com/vhUTUK0.jpg

I let her roll out all the way down, to turn off at the very end...

http://i.imgur.com/Q3wKic8.jpg

One burst of throttle, together with the shhhhhhht of the pneumatic brake/steering and we poked into someone's BBQ gathering. As soon as we shut down, willing hands came up to push my Annuschka back into a convenient spot. She flies like a goddess, but taxies like an ugly duckling. Still, I wouldn't trade her for anything....

http://i.imgur.com/uQh3Ibd.jpg

Throw out the chocks, shutter the cowl tight, make sure the coffee can catches most of the oil drips, and take one last look back.... time for a hot-dog!

http://i.imgur.com/2E3BWHO.jpg

I hope you came along for this one... it's hard to believe, but this Orbx World gets better and better.... mind-blowing!

Best- Carl

strykerpsg
May 22nd, 2017, 17:44
I did say, constantly changing atmospherics, right?

http://i.imgur.com/82CVwA3.jpg

That's Grey with a few BUFFs on the line....



I always chuckled when seeing the BUFFs at Gray AAF...runway's a bit short for B-52s, but it was nice seeing Orbx at least populated military aircraft at a military field, though McChord is just a stones throw away and could very easily accommodate BUFFs. I just chalked it up as artistic licensing. :very_drunk:

Thanks especially for this area, my house not very far from here at all. Missing home already.

Bjoern
May 23rd, 2017, 08:57
Wonder if the BBQ and kiosk crowd on the airfield is daylight and season controlled. Nights or winters might be a bit cold in the PNW.


G-CIVX. B744 (ER?), del 09/98, LN 1172, F14/C86/W30/Y145, RB211-524G; LHR-IAD, LHR-JFK, ORD-LHR...aaaaaand now I feel like a stalker.

cavaricooper
May 23rd, 2017, 12:17
Bjoern-

I'm new enough to the Orbx detailed airports, that I do not know definitively, but im sure there are old hands here that can confirm. Keeping in mind Orbx's usual perfection, I would hazard a guess in the affirmative.

As far as G-CIVX, she has been my preferred airframe for over a decade, beginning with PS1, then the PMDG 744, PMDG 744 v3 and PSX. I have flown the paint off her- taking her to the far reaches of the world and having the time of my life.

Through several PMDG beta cycles, I have referred to her... so I do it mostly out of habit :)

Best- Carl

Bjoern
May 24th, 2017, 08:17
I wish I had such an intimate relationship with an airframe. No MI Tool save file states more than fifteen hours flying time for any airplane. D:


- E:
Scratch that. Metro 3 N425ML. 25.2 hours. And a single engine failure.

cavaricooper
May 24th, 2017, 14:13
Bjoern et al-

The 747-436 will always be my first love, but this An-2 is totally brilliant. What amazes me is the detail in the Orbx World. I spent so long in the FLs, that I did not realize that there was a chance to re-create my early days in aviation, where the smell of avgas and oil permeated my being. Where I lived for a few moments at the sticks (how many people would fly each of the rentals around the patch with the Hobbs off, just to park them at the other end of the airport)? I sincerely hope the statute of limitations has run out on that one.... Still, a case could be made to support my position that I was doing everyone a favor by "exercising" the props in the interest of their health....

I have spent so long obsessed with perfect flight, ETP calculations, EROPS (now only ETOPS) calculations and systems management during cascading failures; that the visceral feel of flight that the Annuschka transmits is a delightful change.

My big Boeings will always get time (currently they are suffering because of a certain Long Beach creation as well), but I shall continue to eke out a few hours for low and slow- it's mesmerizing.

All that said, where should I go next.... NE to Fall City and then Cle Clum... or head SW first, to go towards Walter Sutton's? Any suggestions?

Best- Carl

strykerpsg
May 24th, 2017, 15:13
All that said, where should I go next.... NE to Fall City and then Cle Clum... or head SW first, to go towards Walter Sutton's? Any suggestions?

Best- Carl

Man, tough choice. If you go SW, you could ride the PCH. Curious how they modeled the Sequoia's and Klammath Falls. If you go NE, you'll leave the mountain regions for high sierra plains, though it's a beautiful transition in real life.

I am really beginning to think how errant I was in flying this region, for which I have spent about 10 years of my life, but always flying at such an altitude that I miss the great stuff you and Orbx have showcased in this region particularly. With the Colts great glasshouse cockpit, it's just more impressively immersive.

No matter which way you go, I don't think you'll be disappointed. However, you are nearing the region of Mt. St. Helen's, so perhaps let that be your intersection before deciding.

stearmandriver
May 24th, 2017, 15:29
I vote South towards Walter Sutton's and some of the other grass strips in northern Oregon. Then work back north, being sure to take a nice close up tour of the Columbia gorge and Mt. St. Helen's. I recommend a stop at Ranger Creek after a close tour of Rainier... all the volcanoes are rendered beautifully, you don't know how beautifully until you get up close! The terrain surrounding Ranger Creek, and the challenging approach, are modeled perfectly in Orbx... as for the airport itself, Ozx has a freeware version that looks a little more true to life if you're interested, but it's unnecessary... the terrain and approach are the fun parts and that's all Orbx.

Then you could continue to work north. When you get to the north Cascades you'll want to spend some time. And don't miss Israel's Farm.

And this is only the western third of the state... Orbx has done justice to the whole thing!

Anyway, just tossing out suggestions... you go to the places that interest you. If you keep sharing these vivid descriptions and enjoyable pics, we all win ;-).

vora
May 24th, 2017, 16:04
Bjoern et al-
...
All that said, where should I go next.... NE to Fall City and then Cle Clum... or head SW first, to go towards Walter Sutton's? Any suggestions?
...


If you have all PNW airports (like me) I'd go south as there is another cluster of FTX airports around Portland. Misha's Vernonia O5S, Alex' Goheen W52 and Walter Suttons WA 79 by the boss himself. These 3 small airfields are not easy to find and might be a challenge even for the Anoushka. Walter Sutton's is quite interesting because Gordon Madison (our very own ******** here) did rework the place and added a corn field that grows according to season. Also, it includes another airstrip close by, Walter Musa's WA7M, that will definitely be a challenge for the old Russian lady.
A little further south you'll find Bill Womack's two fine airports Stark's Twin Oaks 7S3 and Siletz Bay S45. Further south you'll come to Creswell 77S, the most southern FTX airport in PNW.

A little hint: after Misha Cajic left OzX and just before he joined OrbX he actually released his own payware package incorporating 3 fine small airstrips in the Umpqua valley just south of Creswell but still well within and perfectly adapted to PNW. So, they aren't easy to find and land a fat biplane on. The package is called MCA Design's North American Airstrips Vol 1, and it's only sold on PCAviator for 10 bucks:
http://www.pcaviator.com/store/product.php?productid=19792

cavaricooper
May 25th, 2017, 02:35
Thanks all!

Southbound to Walter Sutton's then.....

I will install those other strips (Misha's) this weekend... she's portly btw... NOT fat ;). Nothing that flies like her can be anything but graceful. As far as getting in and out of small strips, I'll bet you a Ruble she'll be just fine. Now when it comes to taxing to the pumps.... that's another matter :).

Will post the next leg soon.

Best- C

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 11:36
It was later in the morning when we got started. With this old radial, it's a good idea to motor the blades through a few revolutions (after pulling through first). I suppose if one isn't interested in the smell of Aeroshell Oil, one needn't bother with this lady. Anyway, we loaded up, thanked our new friends for the BBQ and taxied down to the end of 34 for a departure. As with most of my recent destinations, there was an unforgiving tree line ahead. This time however, my trepidation was minimized, with the experience I was gaining in my Annuschka. Trees were something to be wary of in a mere mortal aeroplane. This Annuschka would clear them in a flash!

http://i.imgur.com/3KzivyT.jpg

We held brakes and brought up the MAP to 12kPa with the prop full forward, almost allowing her to pull 2200RPM. I had 14kPa at my disposal, but surely I didn't need that- we were 1 horse, 6 sled dogs and 3 babushka's short of anywhere near max take-off weight. Sure enough we clawed forward, and in less time than it took you to read these couple of lines, we had daylight under our wheels. Looking down crossing the threshold at the far end, the trees were a complete non-event.

http://i.imgur.com/qwhba1Y.jpg

We took off to the north, but Walter Sutton's was south of us, so a turn had us headed in the right direction. The multiple valleys, ridges and topographical changes that Orbx so superbly represents had me marveling... perhaps you will too?

http://i.imgur.com/2W74HMB.jpg

Looking at the sectional, I had decided to work my way down to Alder lake whilst climbing to just over 1800M (or 6000') so as to follow the valley comfortably, weaving amidst the higher peaks, and working southwest all the while....

http://i.imgur.com/7mRMgwe.jpg

It was going to be a lovely day...

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 11:51
We cut down our chosen valley, planning on flying past Mineral and over Carson, and worked south in the bit of low ground we had. All around us the glory of nature, captured and presented in a fashion only pilots are allowed to appreciate, rolled beneath my Ceconite. There was a clean fresh look to everything, so very different from the brown and concrete I am used to in the Sunshine State. With the thermometer outside habitually over 90, the lush green was a welcome respite.

http://i.imgur.com/mXYUecA.jpg

We took one long look at beautiful Mt. Rainier... so cool and majestic...

http://i.imgur.com/3RBL6Xm.jpg

Then as I looked ahead to see what was to come, this is what I saw, framed perfectly. Isn't the world a lovelier place when framed by two wings?

http://i.imgur.com/MyPlL5k.jpg

Mt. St. Helens was ahead and thankfully she looked asleep!

http://i.imgur.com/JutoRS5.jpg

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 12:01
For someone who spends a lot of time in a hot, flat state, these hills are quite something! Here is Mt. Adams off our left wingtip....

http://i.imgur.com/sJT4bBD.jpg

We're a little closer to Mt. St. Helens now....

http://i.imgur.com/mJODv38.jpg

The sectional says this area is where one can see landslide debris... seemingly innocuous... yet, when I look at what Orbx has done- AWESOME and FOREBODING spring to mind!

http://i.imgur.com/ZOrQfpS.jpg

I spent several years in Darjeeling, in what feels like another lifetime, and the topography is both unfamiliar and very familiar at the same time. At least here, I'm not worried about two leaves and a bud.... that reminds me, time for a cuppa. Don't forget to look at these at full 4K!

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 12:10
Take a look at the next two photos and the words, "Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man" spring to mind..... what awesome power it took to create THIS!

http://i.imgur.com/JT88NS1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kuecaaC.jpg

A twig in a torrent....

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 12:17
As I have been warned about the difficulties in finding Walter Sutton's I plan to fly to Lake Merwin (even I should be able to find that!) and then follow the lake in. The entire area is full of gorges, valleys and peaks, and I am staying comfortably above, but even at 5kPa... she might not be descending quick enough!

http://i.imgur.com/oKy7Ayy.jpg

Where is this blasted strip? I've kept my neck on a swivel, and yanked and banked for the past 10 minutes- NOTHING! Then I had an urge to look DOWN... and there it was!

http://i.imgur.com/z9BRIHH.jpg

Orbx has done such a good job blending textures, that you can't just look for the mismatched rectangle and find your airport. You had better chart your position carefully, and even then, cheat with a GPS every now and then just to keep the "picture"...

http://i.imgur.com/hJn3u8w.jpg

Detail, glorious detail abound... a feast for the eyes. This trip is just an appetizer... I will have to come back and fly these valleys and hills for the main course. This stuff is too good to experience only once..... just look!

cavaricooper
May 26th, 2017, 12:48
A few moments of hard turns and we were suddenly greeted with success... Walter Sutton's lay ahead... after we cleared some wires, those pesky High-Viz balls AND a couple of farm implements! Wow, just wow!

http://i.imgur.com/7WPMdTk.jpg

We ran all the way to the end to clear the active, hoping Walter or one of his farm hands would come out to greet us. Sure enough, just behind the hangars, Walter was working on his tractor, but horror of horrors- it was a red Massey Ferguson. No wonder it was being worked on :p COME ON ORBX! EVERYONE KNOWS tractors are supposed to be GREEN!

http://i.imgur.com/NXTPUp1.jpg

What a nice place to spend the evening....

http://i.imgur.com/SvyQ2R6.jpg

It's Memorial Day weekend, and so let me thank any First Responder, Veteran or Serviceman/woman who might come across this drivel. We collectively, are eternally grateful for your service and remain obliged.

Happy Weekend All- C

DennyA
May 26th, 2017, 13:22
Thanks so much for the wonderful travelogue!

I live in the PNW about 25 minutes south of FirstAir, so it's great to see these fields as I look at which OrbX fields I want to buy next. :)

vora
May 26th, 2017, 14:26
...
Orbx has done such a good job blending textures, that you can't just look for the mismatched rectangle and find your airport.
...
Detail, glorious detail abound... a feast for the eyes.
...


These two sentences pretty much sum up what is meant by "OrbX experience".
And the best is you can have it from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, all the way down to the Baja California.
I call it "Holgerland".

cavaricooper
May 27th, 2017, 04:07
I'm very glad that others are enjoying this journey... I certainly am! It's incredible to wake up in the morning, walk to the aeroplane (boot the computer) and while prepping, hear a dog barking at the cows, who themselves are mooing. To hear the birds chirping, what sounds very much like a Mooney drone by overhead, and watch the birds in the trees. Fairly fabulous!

It was time to leave Walter and his Massey-Ferguson behind, and head over to Goheen. This was the way out. A run down a bumpy grass/dirt strip (memories of Wiamauma where I met Steve Wittman, flying his creation) to lift off, past the cultivator and over the wires, up through a valley and then circle to the right to head off- wonderful stuff.

http://i.imgur.com/4sUVKkR.jpg

There's something VERY RIGHT about this next photo. I have never traveled this part of the world, but I will; and when I do it will be familiar.....

http://i.imgur.com/fWfrjlU.jpg

Biplane shadows are fantastic things, mesmerizing in person and the stuff that haunts dreams. Never is world more beautiful than when framed betwixt them- the Orbx World included! There's the Sutton family, early risers all... thank goodness they at least have a GREEN combine!

http://i.imgur.com/BOkNMgp.jpg

This Orbx world is stuff of genius! I was clawing for altitude, confined to a narrow departure corridor, surrounded by mountains (ok, hills really) and then suddenly, when I turned I was way too high to make Goheen comfortably. Suddenly it was all about shuttering the Shetsov, minimizing thermodynamic cooling, and reducing altitude.... we went from 14kPa/2200 to 6kPa/1800 in the blink of an eye. We went from worrying about over-temping to worrying about shock-cooling in less time than it takes to say, "Where's Goheen?". Despite all this, I had to take one last look at Walter Sutton's....

http://i.imgur.com/1TGMMhl.jpg

cavaricooper
May 27th, 2017, 05:11
All of a sudden Goheen was just ahead, and we were still a bit high...

http://i.imgur.com/9htXdHF.jpg

It went by below, as I reduced even further, and planned on a long down wind to lose some height....

http://i.imgur.com/leiyXTk.jpg

Not a bad thing, as I am learning with these Orbx airports.... Florida is FLAT, the PNW isn't.... and a bit of reconnoitering isn't a bad thing. I am constantly amazed at how similar Orbx is to Google Earth. If it's there in the real world, chances are pretty good that Orbx has put it in.... even the FBO owner's boat! Anyway, we extended our downwind and after a normal base leg, turned in towards the field. Again, a bit of crosswind, so we were glad to see the treeline..... what is it with power lines though? They are EVERYWHERE!

http://i.imgur.com/JnTtJbU.jpg

That thoughtful tree line angles a bit, so we decided to stay right, and slip in towards the left, which worked out quite nicely with the quartering crosswind.... with the added height (weren't we a bit high just moments earlier?) the slip worked out well, and we rolled to a stop in time to ask the neighborhood teens if the fishing was any good?

http://i.imgur.com/XlBoEId.jpg

Apparently it is!

cavaricooper
May 27th, 2017, 05:17
We found a nice spot at the end, right by the road actually, and pulled in to the parking row to wait for our passenger. He was running late, and it was going to be a while.... still, if one had to hang around.. this place isn't so bad....

http://i.imgur.com/YZhA2e0.jpg

Hey! There's a 170 being worked on in that hangar.... perhaps it's worth a visit... we will shut down after all. Happy Memorial Weekend all.

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
May 28th, 2017, 05:29
What a wonderful airport to call home field. Goheen (W52) would be a great place to rent a hangar.... it's grown enough for the modern conveniences, yet far away enough (in time) to be a place of comfort. Still, a short flight puts you in the heart of Portland, with all the amenities of a city- perfect!

http://i.imgur.com/HQ44YR8.jpg

With all the excitement of the MilViz Beaver release, SP-AMN is a bit long in the tooth, though truth be told, she's been old for decades. Still she fills my fancy. I did purchase the DHC-2, but am waiting for a few more SPs before attempting to install. In the meanwhile, I am happy driving her Russian Cousin- this aeroplane never fails to put a smile on my face.

Here's the way out... trees ahead.... who knew....

http://i.imgur.com/q5d0x15.jpg

This next seemingly meaningless image typifies all that is right with this combination- The An-2 and the Orbx World. I cannot begin to express the comfort in my cocoon. The noises (from the An-2 and Orbx World), the constant movement (from EZCA) coupled with the rolling of the terrain below me, undulating in a sinuous dance of delight, the atmospheric visuals (a la AS16+ASCA) that ensure I lose the horizon when I look away, the delight of this flight model and above all else, the stunning details that Orbx has wrought, all combine to move me to a place of peace. The day's toil of making small rocks out of big rocks at the salt mine fade away, and for a while (albeit much too brief) I am in my Annuschka, with the Pacific Northwest unraveling below- and all is right with the world. This combination sates the thirst for flight that constantly plagues me, and for that I am grateful.

http://i.imgur.com/xMROeWG.jpg

So here we are, just about to turn crosswind, directly over the center of Veronia (05S)... another one of these jewels, it is very hard to spot from the air, until up close. Add in rolling hills that have to be avoided, and the mystery compounds...


http://i.imgur.com/H4fjnG9.jpg

cavaricooper
May 28th, 2017, 06:30
Take a look at the next two photos, and you will see why this Annuschka keeps me faithful... we begin our final approach at 500m (much too high, but the terrain says otherwise). Crossing the ridge I pull power back, airspeed is down to about 70Kph and the VSI begins to plummet. We bleed off altitude at a rate that would induce acute concern in almost any other aeroplane. Then we keep adding flap- but only really need to go to 30 (I normally never use more than 15 for landing).
After that, it's a simple matter to control VS with throttle, and she drops, stable as a rock until a push forward on the throttle arrests descent at 10' agl for a very normal landing... TOTALLY BRILLIANT!

http://i.imgur.com/smFfuQp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2tbmgqC.jpg

What is chest pain inducing in other aircraft, is a non-event in this one. Take a look at how much runway we actually used....

http://i.imgur.com/ZhKoIKH.jpg

...and how much we have left...

http://i.imgur.com/2ieZcfP.jpg

Hopefully, this thread is still being enjoyed by some. I am just as captivated as I began, and hope that there are others who feel the same way?

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
May 28th, 2017, 06:44
What's not amazing about this bit of the Orbx World, I'm a hopeless fan...

http://i.imgur.com/K2ARo7B.jpg

Happy Memorial Weekend to all who served!

C

strykerpsg
May 28th, 2017, 07:44
Hopefully, this thread is still being enjoyed by some. I am just as captivated as I began, and hope that there are others who feel the same way?

Best- Carl




Carl, your thread always brings me here each day. I thoroughly enjoy each new leg and as I stated before, makes me miss the great PNW even more. Thank you for posting and may you also have a great Memorial Day too.

Matt

griphos
May 28th, 2017, 09:50
Been following it closely and enjoying it immensely.

Indeed, your thread has prompted me to pull LY-KAF out of the hangar, give her a 100 hour inspection and start back in the charter business in Pago Pago. Been loving island hopping in this beauty again in FSE.

Alex did an amazing job on this plane. Details like her inertia are the difference that make this FDE brilliant.

gaab
May 28th, 2017, 13:15
Hopefully, this thread is still being enjoyed by some. I am just as captivated as I began, and hope that there are others who feel the same way?

Best- Carl


I am also captivated by your thread and visiting it every day. Thank you for all theses screens.
Thanks to it, I restarted to visit Alaska.

I just started to follow your track (with SP-UXI) but I am already facing VAS and OOM between Orcas and Friday Harbor. I had to decrease LOD to 5.0 but kept all other parameters quite high... for my modest configuration : FSX Acc DX10 with Fixer, I5 4690K @ 4.4 Ghz, GTX 760 2G, 8 Go RAM, ORBX all regions and a lot of small airports in Alaska. I took the sales opportunity to increase my collection :)
Would you mind to share your configuration and settings ?

And keep making us dream...

Gérard

stearmandriver
May 28th, 2017, 15:29
Hopefully, this thread is still being enjoyed by some. I am just as captivated as I began, and hope that there are others who feel the same way?

Best- Carl



As others have said, I've gotten used to looking forward to your daily updates. I love this area with a passion, and like you I'm continually impressed at how well ORBX has captured it. Thanks for the enjoyable thread! I hope your interest doesn't wane anytime soon and you keep it going (no pressure) ;-).

cavaricooper
May 29th, 2017, 03:31
Gerard-

In re "I just started to follow your track (with SP-UXI) but I am already facing VAS and OOM between Orcas and Friday Harbor. I had to decrease LOD to 5.0 but kept all other parameters quite high... for my modest configuration : FSX Acc DX10 with Fixer, I5 4690K @ 4.4 Ghz, GTX 760 2G, 8 Go RAM, ORBX all regions and a lot of small airports in Alaska. I took the sales opportunity to increase my collection :)
Would you mind to share your configuration and settings?"

Steve Waite, the brilliant engineer at CodeLegend taught me to LOCK at 20FPS and ELIMINATE Long Frames- PERIOD. No matter what- the PMDG NGX, 777, 744 or DC-6, this Annuschka, the Jahn/Viser C-47, A2A 183... whatever- it's smooth as silk.

I will have to add though, that I run a 6700K at 4.8 GHz, DDR4 RAM, coupled with M2 SSDs and a Nvidia 1080 GTX card ....all running at 4K on a Sony TV (at 30FPS)with sliders maxed. My only concession for the PMDG heavies is to back off the Building Autogen from Max to Normal- that's it. I do NOT run traffic (fly on Vatsim).

Here's my .cfg-

[JOBSCHEDULER]AffinityMask=85


[Display]
ChangeTime=4.000000
TransitionTime=4.000000
TEXTURE_FILTERING=8
TEXTURE_MAX_LOAD=3
MSAA=4
SSAA=0
VSYNC=0
FXAA=0
TRIPLE_BUFFER=0
SKINNED_ANIMATIONS=1
TEXTURE_BANDWIDTH_MULT=60
UPPER_FRAMERATE_LIMIT=20
WideViewAspect=True
FullScreenExclusive=True
FullScreenAutoFill=True
ActiveWindowTitleTextColor=255,255,255
ActiveWindowTitleBackGroundColor=0,28,140,64
NonActiveWindowTitleTextColor=255,255,255
NonActiveWindowTitleBackGroundColor=24,33,87,64
InfoUpperRightTextColor=255,0,0
InfoUpperRightBackGroundColor=0,0,0,0
InfoLowerLeftTextColor=255,255,255
InfoLowerLeftBackGroundColor=255,0,0,128
InfoLowerRightTextColor=255,255,255
InfoLowerRightBackGroundColor=255,0,0,128
InfoBrakesEnable=True
InfoParkingBrakesEnable=True
InfoPauseEnable=True
InfoSlewEnable=True
InfoStallEnable=True
InfoOverspeedEnable=True
InfoWeaponSystemEnable=True
InfoCountermeasureEnable=True
FullScreen=True
InfoUpperLeftTextColorUser=255,0,0
InfoUpperLeftTextColorNonUser=255,127,0
InfoUpperLeftBackGroundColor=0,0,0,0
InfoUpperRightTextEnable=True
FullScreenBackground=True


[SCENERY]
MaxRegionsPurgePerFrame=16
POP_FREE_AUTOGEN=1
AUTOGEN_BATCH_LOD=2
AUTOGEN_TREE_MAX_DRAW_DISTANCE=9500.000000
AUTOGEN_TREE_MIN_DISTANCE_TO_LOD=2500.000000
IMAGE_COMPLEXITY=5
MaxRegionsPurgePerFrame=16


[Main]
FIBER_FRAME_TIME_FRACTION=0.01
//MIN_FIBER_TIME_SEC=0.01
User Objects=Airplane, Helicopter, Submersible, ExternalSim
LabelsSupported=Airplane, Helicopter
Location=0,0,3840,2160,\\.\DISPLAY1
LocationFullScreen=0,0,3840,2160,\\.\DISPLAY1
Maximized=1
HideMenuNormal=0
HideMenuFullscreen=1
ShowInfoText=1
SimobjectPaths.0=Simobjects\UT2 Aircraft
SimobjectPaths.1=Simobjects\IVAO_MTL


[PANELS]
IMAGE_QUALITY=1
SAVE_AND_LOAD_PANEL_STATE=0
PANEL_OPACITY=100
PANEL_MASKING=1
PANEL_STRETCHING=1
UNITS_OF_MEASURE=1
QUICKTIPS=1
PANELS_ALWAYS_ON_TOP=1
MAX_VC_TEXTURE_RESOLUTION=1024


[Weather]
WindshieldPrecipitationEffects=1
MinGustTime=10
MaxGustTime=500
MinGustRampSpeed=1
MaxGustRampSpeed=200
MinVarTime=5
MaxVarTime=50
MinVarRampSpeed=10
MaxVarRampSpeed=75
TurbulenceScale=1.000000
WeatherGraphDataInDialog=0
AdjustForMagVarInDialog=1
DynamicWeather=0
DownloadWindsAloft=0
DisableTurbulence=0
CLOUD_DRAW_DISTANCE=6
DETAILED_CLOUDS=1
OPTIMIZE_DENSE_CLOUDS=0
CLOUD_COVERAGE_DENSITY=8
THERMAL_VISUALS=0
VolumetricFog=1
CLOUD_FACING_MODE=0


[CONTROLS]
Controls_Default=Standard
Controls_Current=Standard
KBDAIL=64
KBDELEV=64
KBDRUD=64
JOYSTICKS=0
force_master_gain=10000
force_stick_force_enabled=1
force_stick_shaker_enabled=1
force_gear_bump_enabled=1
force_crash_enabled=1
force_ground_bumps_enabled=1
force_machinegun_enab led=1


[TextInfo.1]
Latitude=1,1
Longitude=1,2
Altitude=1,3
Heading=1,4
AirSpeed=1,5
WindDirectionAndSpeed=1,6


[TextInfo.2]
FrameRate=1,1
LockedFrameRate=1,2
GForce=1,3
FuelPercentage=1,4


[TextInfo.3]
Latitude=1,1
Longitude=1,2
Altitude=1,3
Heading=1,4
AirSpeed=1,5
WindDirectionAndSpeed=1,6
FrameRate=2,1
LockedFrameRate=2,2
GForce=2,3
FuelPercentage=2,4


[SlewTextInfo.1]
Latitude=1,1
Longitude=1,2
Altitude=1,3
Heading=1,4
AirSpeed=1,5


[SlewTextInfo.2]
FrameRate=1,1
LockedFrameRate=1,2


[SlewTextInfo.3]
Latitude=1,1
Longitude=1,2
Altitude=1,3
Heading=1,4
AirSpeed=1,5
FrameRate=2,1
LockedFrameRate=2,2


[DynamicHeadMovement]
LonAccelOnHeadLon=-0.000000
LonAccelOnHeadPitch=-0.000000
RollAccelOnHeadLat=0.000000
YawAccelOnHeadLat=-0.000000
RollAccelOnHeadRoll=0.000000
MaxHeadAngle=0.000000
MaxHeadOffset=0.000000
HeadMoveTimeConstant=0.000000


[VirtualCopilot]
VirtualCopilotActive=0


[GRAPHICS]
//ENABLE_MEMORY_OPTIMIZATION=2
MIPMAP_VC_PANELS=1
TESSELLATION=1
TEXTURE_MAX_LOAD=4096
NUM_LIGHTS=4
COCKPIT_HIGH_LOD=1
AIRCRAFT_REFLECTIONS=1
LANDING_LIGHTS=1
DAWN_DUSK_SMOOTHING=1
LENSFLARE=0
HDR=1
BLOOM_LEVEL=2
SHADOW_QUALITY=3
TERRAIN_SHADOW_CAST_DISTANCE=0
CLOUD_SHADOW_CAST_DISTANCE=3
OBJECT_SHADOW_CAST_DISTANCE=1
CONTENT_NO_SHADOW=0
INTERIOR_SHADOWS_CAST=1
EXTERIOR_SHADOWS_CAST=1
SIMOBJECT_SHADOWS_CAST=1
TERRAIN_SHADOWS_CAST=0
VEGETATION_SHADOWS_CAST=0
BUILDING_SHADOWS_CAST=0
CLOUD_SHADOWS_CAST=1
INTERIOR_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=1
EXTERIOR_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=1
SIMOBJECT_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=0
TERRAIN_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=1
VEGETATION_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=0
BUILDING_SHADOWS_RECEIVE=0
SHADOW_NUM_CASCADES_LOW=4
SHADOW_NUM_CASCADES_MID=5
SHADOW_NUM_CASCADES_HIGH=7
SHADOW_NUM_CASCADES_ULTRA=12
GROUND_SHADOW_TEXTURE_SIZE=2048
CLOUD_SHADOW_TEXTURE_SIZE=512
SHADOW_LOG_PARTITION_LOW=0.850000
SHADOW_LOG_PARTITION_MID=0.850000
SHADOW_LOG_PARTITION_HIGH=0.850000
SHADOW_LOG_PARTITION_ULTRA=0.850000
EFFECTS_QUALITY=1
EFFECTS_DISTANCE=1
TEXTURE_QUALITY=3
IMAGE_QUALITY=0
See_Self=1
Text_Scroll=1
HDR_BRIGHTNESS=0.650000
HDR_BLOOM_THRESHOLD=3.000000
HDR_BLOOM_MAGNITUDE=0.350000
HDR_BLOOM_BLUR_SIGMA=0.800000
TONEMAP_DAY_EXPOSURE_KEY=0.280000
TONEMAP_NIGHT_EXPOSURE_KEY=0.130000
HDR_SATURATION=0.850000
DYNAMIC_REFLECTIONS=0
SCREEN_CAPTURE_MAX_JOBS=10
VIDEO_CAPTURE_WIDTH=480
VIDEO_CAPTURE_HEIGHT=360
VIDEO_CAPTURE_FPS=30
VIDEO_CAPTURE_BIT_RATE=800000
ViewGroup_Number=-1
VIDEO_CAPTURE_IS_THREADED=True
VIDEO_CAPTURE_INFO_SEND_RATE=20
VIDEO_CAPTURE_MAX_FRAME_SIZE=500000
VIDEO_CAPTURE_TTL=255


[DISPLAY.Device.NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080.0.0]
Mode=3840x2160x32


[TrafficManager]
AirlineDensity=0
GADensity=0
FreewayDensity=0
ShipsAndFerriesDensity=0
LeisureBoatsDensity=0
IFROnly=0
AIRPORT_SCENERY_DENSITY=0


[AContain]
ShowLabels=0
ShowUserLabel=0
ShowLabelManufacturer=0
ShowLabelModel=0
ShowLabelTailNumber=0
ShowLabelDistance=0
ShowLabelAltitude=0
ShowLabelAirline=0
ShowLabelAirlineAndFlightNumber=0
ShowLabelFlightPlan=0
ShowLabelContainerId=0
ShowLabelAirspeed=0
ShowLabelHeading=0
LabelDelay=1000
LabelColor=FFFF0000
EnableRibbonVisuals=0
ShowRibbonUser=0
ShowRibbonGroundAI=0
ShowRibbonAircraftAI=0
RibbonFidelity=5.000000
RibbonMaxDistance=3218.689941


[TERRAIN]
LOD_RADIUS=6.500000
TESSELLATION_FACTOR=90
MESH_RESOLUTION=23
TEXTURE_RESOLUTION=29
AUTOGEN_VEGETATION_DENSITY=5
AUTOGEN_BUILDING_DENSITY=2
DETAIL_TEXTURE=1
WATER_REFLECT_CLOUDS=1
WATER_REFLECT_USERAIRCRAFT=1
WATER_REFLECT_SIMOBJECTS=0
WATER_REFLECT_TERRAIN=1
WATER_REFLECT_AUTOGEN_VEGETATION=0
WATER_REFLECT_AUTOGEN_BUILDINGS=0
WATER_REFRACT_CLOUDS=0
WATER_REFRACT_USERAIRCRAFT=0
WATER_REFRACT_SIMOBJECTS=0
WATER_REFRACT_TERRAIN=0
WATER_REFRACT_AUTOGEN_VEGETATION=0
WATER_REFRACT_AUTOGEN_BUILDINGS=0
ENABLE_BATHYMETRY=0
WATER_CLARITY=30
WATER_DETAIL=1
UseGlobalTerrainView=False


[ATC]
AutoOpenAirTrafficWindow=0
UsePilotVoice=0
PilotVoice=458752
ShowATCText=0
COMM_MSG_AI_ATC_COLOR=0XFF8C00
COMM_MSG_ATC_AI_COLOR=0X00008B
COMM_MSG_ATC_USER_COLOR=0X006400
COMM_MSG_USER_ATC_COLOR=0XA52A2A
COMM_MSG_ATIS_COLOR=00000000 (tel:00000000)


[INTERNATIONAL]
ASLAT=2
ASLON=1
MEASURE=1


[REALISM]
PFactor=1.000000
Torque=1.000000
GyroEffect=1.000000
CrashTolerance=1.000000
General=1.000000
UnlimitedFuel=False
AllowEngineDamage=True
TrueAirspeed=False
AutoCoord=False
RealMixture=True
StressDamage=True
GEffect=True
ManualLights=True
GyroDrift=False
CrashWithDyn=True
CrashDetection=False
OnCrashAction=0
AutoTrim=False


[ATTACHMENTS]
WeaponHighlight=False
HighlightDuration=1.000000
AutoWeaponSwitching=False
UnlimitedWeapons=False
UnlimitedCountermeasures=False
IgnoreAttachmentWeight=False
IgnoreAttachmentForces=False
[RECORDER]
RecordAITraffic=True
RecordAirportVehicles=True
RecordLeisureBoats=True


[SIM]
SYSCLOCK=1
OPTIMIZE_PARTS=1


[SOUND]
SOUND=1
SOUND_QUALITY=2
SOUND_LOD=0
PrimaryPlaybackDevice={DEF00000-9C6D-47ED-AAF1-4DDA8F2B5C03}
VoicePlaybackDevice={DEF00002-9C6D-47ED-AAF1-4DDA8F2B5C03}
VoiceCaptureDevice={DEF00003-9C6D-47ED-AAF1-4DDA8F2B5C03}
UISound=1
SOUND_FADER1=0.500000
SOUND_FADER2=0.500000
SOUND_FADER3=0.500000
SOUND_FADER4=-0.500000


[STARTUP]
DEMO=0
STARTUP_DEMO=
LOAD_SIMDIRECTOR=1
LoadWindow=1
LOAD_SCENARIO_TOOLS=1
LoadCorePlugins=1


[USERINTERFACE]
PAUSE_ON_LOST_FOCUS=0
PROMPT_ON_EXIT=1
SHOW_SCENARIO_WINDOW=1
RestoreTimeOnMove=0
SHOW_MISSION_CAPTIONS=0
Map_Orientation=2
MUTE_ON_LOST_FOCUS=1
ScreenshotImageFormat=2


[PointOfInterestSystem]
CycleSetting=0


[FACILITIES]
COUNTRY=
STATE=
CITY=
GTL_BUTTON=4096


[Misc]
Com_Rate=7


[MOUSE]
EnableGestures=False


[Avatar]
AvatarModeEnabled=0




[MULTICHANNEL]
condAccountPassword=0
[MULTIPLAYER]
condAccountPassword=0
VoiceVolume=-1.000000
FrameSyncRate=0


HTH- Carl

cavaricooper
May 29th, 2017, 03:49
Glad to hear this post hasn't run it's course, yet. I am intending to fly Orbx and keep enjoying myself, but I don't want to waste others' time. As long as there's interest (and time at this end) I shall add to this post.

So- time to bid Veronia adieu, and head west to the coast. There I plan to surf all the way down to Siletz Bay. We taxied down to the end to depart west and this is the way out...

http://i.imgur.com/yhA0LHf.jpg

It is incredible that this old girl performs like she does, so many years after her birth. I shall look for similar flight characteristics from the Beaver (just got another update in the mailbox this morning- ta MilViz). With flap out and the power at 12kPh/2200 she climbs like an Otis elevator-

http://i.imgur.com/LUVoH83.jpg

A few minutes west through some dodgy visibility and the Pacific Coast stretched out before us...

http://i.imgur.com/JdhjHu5.jpg

Here's Rockaway Beach.... any other Mark Knopfler fans here?

http://i.imgur.com/JNN9ERz.jpg

cavaricooper
May 29th, 2017, 04:49
We're just rounding Three Rocks and angling in to descend into Siletz Bay (S45)...

http://i.imgur.com/MSgKZTR.jpg

cavaricooper
May 29th, 2017, 05:18
Our course just off the beach put us nicely on downwind, and as we saw the airport, the rain started. Here we are on base, keeping close in due to the deteriorating weather...

http://i.imgur.com/FlLdejP.jpg

Final, and again, into the trees.... lest you think that this is a carved out airport in the middle of a forest... it is.. from the sides, it's unbelievably difficult to spot without being almost on top...

http://i.imgur.com/hm1NzHD.jpg

We pulled straight in, and again, willing hands came out to push us into place. She flies like an angel, but taxis like a Muscovi Duck!

http://i.imgur.com/Rr3zEBX.jpg

I'm very fond of the guy cleaning the windows (even in the drizzle)... mainly because I used to be the one tasked with using propwash to clean the FBO windows (a Looooooooooooong time ago)....

http://i.imgur.com/s10lZO3.jpg

Happy Memorial Day (esp. you at Camp Casey Matt)- Thanks to ALL who serve!

Best- Carl

gaab
May 29th, 2017, 08:35
I will have to add though, that I run a 6700K at 4.8 GHz, DDR4 RAM, coupled with M2 SSDs and a Nvidia 1080 GTX card ....all running at 4K on a Sony TV (at 30FPS)with sliders maxed. My only concession for the PMDG heavies is to back off the Building Autogen from Max to Normal- that's it. I do NOT run traffic (fly on Vatsim).

HTH- Carl

Obviously, we are not playing in the same yard (translation word for world of a french expression - hopes it is understandable, and not offending - always fear translations ;)

Thanks for your input, I will try to decrease some parameters :)

Thanks to continue this beautiful trip and publish your screens (which may convince me to invest on hardware... )

Take care - Gérard

vora
May 29th, 2017, 08:48
Gérard, the area where you get the OOMs is also called the "Bermuda Triangle of VAS". You have to know that the simulator loads everything within a bubble of 60 nm around your aircraft. At Friday Harbor that means Vancouver and Seattle, tons of FTX airports, OzX NA airfields (if you have them), and so on...
If you fly a complex airport it might be a good idea to deactivate airports which are not on your flight path.
The better idea actually would be to change to P3Dv4 tomorrow :very_drunk:

gaab
May 29th, 2017, 15:50
Gérard, the area where you get the OOMs is also called the "Bermuda Triangle of VAS". You have to know that the simulator loads everything within a bubble of 60 nm around your aircraft. At Friday Harbor that means Vancouver and Seattle, tons of FTX airports, OzX NA airfields (if you have them), and so on...
If you fly a complex airport it might be a good idea to deactivate airports which are not on your flight path.

You are right, the area is really crowded with airports ! Will try that suggestion.


The better idea actually would be to change to P3Dv4 tomorrow :very_drunk:



Yes, no OOM, but no Annuschka as well :crybaby:. There are .dll with the Antonov and no more Sibling developpers around :banghead:

Gérard

cavaricooper
May 30th, 2017, 13:39
Gerard-

Actually, I'm installing v4 as we speak... very much hoping that the An-2 will work there... fingers x'ed (is it conceivable?). Waiting for all the 3rd party add-on's to get compatible, so it may be a while yet....

Best- Carl

gaab
May 30th, 2017, 15:08
Gerard-

Actually, I'm installing v4 as we speak... very much hoping that the An-2 will work there... fingers x'ed (is it conceivable?).

Best- Carl

I doubt, but allways keep hope !

Let us know !

strykerpsg
May 30th, 2017, 15:33
Happy Memorial Day (esp. you at Camp Casey Matt)- Thanks to ALL who serve!

Best- Carl

Carl,

My apologies for not seeing your note directed at me. Admittedly, just smitten with all your great pictures and the Orbx immersion. Spent the day reminiscing about the great people I served with and continue to serve with. Thank you for personal praise. I am humbled.

Matt

strykerpsg
May 30th, 2017, 15:34
Gerard-

Actually, I'm installing v4 as we speak... very much hoping that the An-2 will work there... fingers x'ed (is it conceivable?). Waiting for all the 3rd party add-on's to get compatible, so it may be a while yet....

Best- Carl

I am looking forward to seeing how much of this great scenery works in v4 myself, along with the Colt. Please keep us posted.

cavaricooper
May 31st, 2017, 02:20
Prepar3D v4 installed and working. Lots to do yet..... may be quiet for a bit.... still, if anyone gets the An-2 working in v4 PLEASE let me know!

Best- C

gaab
May 31st, 2017, 10:30
Hello,

Concerning .ddl compatibility between FSX/P3D 1, 2, 3 and the new P3DV4 I found this clarification on LM Site. :angryfire:

We will loose a lot of aircraft (both freeware and payware) if the developper does not decide to update it's dll gauge - which is the case of your beloved Annuschka ...


Simconnect compatibility V3 vs V4 (http://www.prepar3d.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6310&t=124739#p158155)Post (http://www.prepar3d.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=158155#p158155)by Beau Hollis (http://www.prepar3d.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=124) » Wed May 31, 2017 10:52 am


If your plugin is a standalone exe (which many of the SDK samples are), then it is possible to stay 32-bit and target older SDK versions. If your plugin is a dll, then it must be updated to x64 and compiled against the v4 SDK in order to link and run properly.
Beau Hollis
Prepar3D Rendering System Lead

blanston12
May 31st, 2017, 22:21
Hello,

Concerning .ddl compatibility between FSX/P3D 1, 2, 3 and the new P3DV4 I found this clarification on LM Site. :angryfire:

We will loose a lot of aircraft (both freeware and payware) if the developper does not decide to update it's dll gauge - which is the case of your beloved Annuschka ...

That was in response to my question on the LM page, and for the record, 32 bit standalone programs, even those using the FSX simconnect library, can connect to P3D V4, its only as a dll you need to be 64 bit.

cavaricooper
June 1st, 2017, 02:03
Thanks Joe & Gaab... if that is the case (still hopeful some of our more learned members here will find a solution) v3 will remain on my drive indefinitely.....

Best- Carl

PS- appreciate your SERVICE Matt!

cavaricooper
June 2nd, 2017, 14:35
We arrived at Siletz in the rain, and left a couple of days later, also in the rain. Not unusual in the great PNW... Here we are on the taxi out, and sure enough, there's a guy working on a wood boat in a corner of his hangar... perfect!

http://i.imgur.com/bVfr1UA.jpg

As we lined up in the drizzle, I couldn't help but notice what this fairly regular constant watering does to the countryside. It is absolutely beautiful in late Spring, early Summer.... but I am already excited to come back in the fall and winter. That ought to be splendid too!

http://i.imgur.com/TqiGxOo.jpg

Doesn't our YoYo's paint look just incredible. She's old, but her charms enthrall me. Like with a good woman, I am never inclined to stray.... I have installed P3D v4 and the PMDG stuff is keeping me busy there, but until my An-2 can transition, v3 will continue to reside on my SSDs. In fact, with all the work in transition, and while waiting for FSUIPC5 (registered) and ASN4_ ASCA4 I decided a perfect way to de-stress would be to spend time with my faithful girl. The climb-out is perfect, bright flowers contrasted with a dull day, all wet and glistening... makes up for the hot, hot Florida day outside....

http://i.imgur.com/btKSesF.jpg

Doesn't this next photo just SCREAM PNW? We're scud-running at a barely legal 600' over the water... visibility is getting worse, and I'm smiling... this aeroplane just inspires confidence... and the Orbx World DEMANDS attention- a brilliant combination!

http://i.imgur.com/QAt0Ki2.jpg

patful
June 2nd, 2017, 14:55
Those latest look even more stunning with the awful weather! Thanks.

cavaricooper
June 2nd, 2017, 15:11
http://i.imgur.com/tJNSQgi.jpg

Look at that little valley tucked into the rolling vista... I wonder who lives in those homes, and how their peaceful lives unfold? While at first bizarre, the preceding sentence underlines the willing suspension of disbelief with this combination. The Orbx World, and my little Annuschka combine to let my mind wander far from the madding crowds, and to a place where all is well, all is good and where I can wash away the sundries of the day. I am grateful.

fuzz1
June 2nd, 2017, 20:24
Terrific screens Carl. If you're looking for other interesting places to take this pleasantly plump gal, might I suggest the ORBX PNG Experience Kokoda strips.
I'm having a blast getting her in and out of these tantalizingly treacherous dirt driveways, mostly kicking and screaming, in all manner of weather, lighting and weight.
She is absolutely in her element there. Crash detection on, of course!

vora
June 3rd, 2017, 02:23
Terrific screens Carl. If you're looking for other interesting places to take this pleasantly plump gal, might I suggest the ORBX PNG Experience Kokoda strips.
...

For the sake of Carl's credit card I won't mention NCA if you don't mention PNG. Deal? :biggrin-new:

griphos
June 3rd, 2017, 05:28
I love flying her in Tim', et al, Samoas. Perfect plane for those little island strips. That single engine makes me a little nervous over all that water, though. But she's quite reliable if attended to.

cavaricooper
June 4th, 2017, 04:38
Yes, there's a lot of the Orbx World I don't have, and a lot that I would like, but at the moment converting to v4 Pro is occupying my time and my wallet. I needed a break so I decided I'd hop over to Cle Elum (S93) and take a look at De Vere (2W1) while I was at it. I needed some time in the An-2 after what was work, getting v4 Pro up and running. I am still waiting on several bits and bobs to release, and so this was the perfect time to recharge my batteries. I hope it allows others a moment of respite as well... I headed out of Swanson... and turned right after getting some altitude built up.... it was early- my favorite time to fly...

http://i.imgur.com/Qe2TSeR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/a33T1gm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mkn0Ofj.jpg

Take a look at THAT! x64 might be all the rage, but this ain't too bad!

http://i.imgur.com/RbCKTMa.jpg

The difference is Orbx- period. AS16 + ASCA doesn't hurt either... beautiful.

cavaricooper
June 4th, 2017, 04:39
Good Morning from the Orbx PNW :)

http://i.imgur.com/Ek95NU2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k5XqnTY.jpg

simtech
June 4th, 2017, 09:41
Carl, at first I wasn't sure what Annuschka was and ignored the thread for a couple of weeks. I popped in out of curiosity and realized it's about one of my most favorite air beasties, the AN-2 Colt. You've done a wonderful job chronicling(?) your adventures and wish you many, many hours of pleasure. Thank you for rewarding the community with your wonderful adventures. Now, one question: On several occasions you mentioned limiting frame rate to 20 and eliminating Long Frames. How does one eliminate Long Frames. I didn't find any reference in my .cfg or yours that you included earlier. Could you point me in the right direction? Again, thank you so much for your frequent posting, I now look forward to each and every one. Terry

patful
June 4th, 2017, 11:14
On several occasions you mentioned limiting frame rate to 20 and eliminating Long Frames. How does one eliminate Long Frames. I didn't find any reference in my .cfg or yours that you included earlier. Could you point me in the right direction? Again, thank you so much for your frequent posting, I now look forward to each and every one. Terry

A long frame is just another type of stutter, not a setting.

simtech
June 4th, 2017, 11:36
Well, that makes sense. I've manipulated all the graphic controls to eliminate the stutters and flickers, but failed to make the connection to Long Frames. Thank you. That's what I love about the FSX forums: You learn something new everyday. Thank you, Patful.

cavaricooper
June 4th, 2017, 11:40
Terry-

Glad you're also a fan of the An-2 and enjoying this thread. I have yet to fly an FDE that surpasses it in terms of communicating what it is to feel flight.

As far as long frames- I was taught (by Steve Waite) and believe, that to feel fluidity, it is hugely important to have a constant frame rate, without any hiccups. My computer will deliver MUCH HIGHER frame rates, but then I stand to chance them not being exactly at the same "spacing" if you will.... therefore I use AM=85, lock at 20 and sync my 4K TV at 30mHz.

That combination lets me free up cores for my other beloved, the 747, when I fly PSX and use P3D merely as a scenery generator.

There are so many incredible experiences that FS allows, we are fortunate to share this great hobby. I am smitten, and have been since I "flew" an Apple IIc.

Best- C

simtech
June 4th, 2017, 12:05
Yes, Carl, I really am enjoying this thread. I've duplicated some of your flights using a lowly five year old laptop running default scenery only because it doesn't have the horsepower. A new capable rig is on the horizon, but until then, I can look at posts much like yours and look forward to that time I, too, can share your vivid excitement and glee. Thank you for posting and I want to look up your postings in Alaska as I spent almost 8 years in the Kenai peninsula. Fair winds and clear skies. Terry

cavaricooper
June 4th, 2017, 16:20
Once the daydreaming that comes with sunrise was over, we thought we had better continue our travel with our head on a swivel and one eye peeled for unknown ridge lines. Having spent the majority of my life in very flat Florida, and despite spending a few years in Darjeeling (in the Himalayas) I am still mesmerized by traffic patterns that are multi-dimensional. The very carefully practiced rectangles, with proper wind component cancellation are a thing of memory. Here, it is more important to stay off the rising ridge, and if the pattern becomes a tad serpentine, so be it!

http://i.imgur.com/EBPToYD.jpg

Here we are flying a pseudo-base, with s-turns around rising hillocks. S-turning on a taxiway is something I remember doing a lot of in a S2A, but in flight, because I HAVE TO......

http://i.imgur.com/TNQ65jn.jpg

Yet another curving carrier final.... can't really be helped.... and just look at the rising terrain all around!

http://i.imgur.com/BmVqlCU.jpg

This whole settling into terrain has me mostly terrified.... but then every so often, I have a moment of clear calm....

http://i.imgur.com/THbv4Bh.jpg

As an earthbound misfit I, what can one really find wrong with this picture. Even Richard Bach would approve... I hope.

cavaricooper
June 4th, 2017, 16:28
Me, and my sha... dow....

http://i.imgur.com/Nz1Dh9d.jpg

Here's another picture of the place I run to.... an America, where a single rope clearly shows where one is and isn't permitted, and more importantly SUFFICES! These small GA fields have mostly been swallowed up in the populace South, and I am thrilled to be able to escape to places of peace such as these. Even the taxiway stops decorously, to allow nature to assert herself. Very nice indeed!

http://i.imgur.com/kWKm6ha.jpg

The older F-150 pickup, the Ag-Tractor, a couple of 172s, an RV and a few metal buildings; all surrounded by gorgeous vistas. Put them all together and you have Cle Elum Airport- Thank-you Orbx!

http://i.imgur.com/pAZgo03.jpg

Glad there are people following along. To quote Douglas, "I shall return."

Best- Carl

strykerpsg
June 4th, 2017, 22:28
Great shots again my friend. You capture the mood quite nicely.

KevinJH
June 5th, 2017, 01:34
A most excellent series - from a fellow Pink Floyd fan :applause:

stearmandriver
June 5th, 2017, 03:31
You've inspired me to do some virtual flying in the PNW... and I LIVE here! I spend most of my GA simming in Alaska, but I decided to test out FSCaptain and spend a little time in the MilViz Beaver tonight, so I started in Olympia, flew South to near Portland, then ran the Columbia gorge west on a charter to some private grass strip near Dalles. So much fun! Thanks! I've obviously been overlooking a lot of sim fun right in my own backyard...

cavaricooper
June 5th, 2017, 11:23
Thanks all, so glad you are following along... In the middle of some pretty heavy v4 conversion at the moment, but I shall need a respite (and my Annuschka) soon...

Best- C

alpha charlie
June 6th, 2017, 04:34
if anyone gets the An-2 working in v4 PLEASE let me know!

Couldn't get it working too but I thought this could be interesting to you. It looks like Octopus Group (http://octopus-gr.com/an2.html) has resumed the work on their An-2 project that was frozen for 2 years. The project's thread at avsim.su forum has been reopened.

BTW if you want MP in An-2 indicated in mmHg, PM me.

cavaricooper
June 6th, 2017, 13:34
It's nice to read about ANY An-2 development, but TBT if she doesn't fly like the Sibwings (Alex Metzger) FDE... she won't cut my mustard. Still, optimism is important to maintain, so I shall try :) . Thanks for the news.

Best- C

cavaricooper
June 6th, 2017, 13:54
We fueled up, and headed out.... blasting out of the intersection departure at Cle Elum.... with the almost 80% fuel and load we had on board it was work this time... 12kPa and 2200RPM got us past the trees...

http://i.imgur.com/IFcWBKG.jpg

We climbed out parallel to yet another ridge line on our right... and planned on heading West, before we started our turn North towards Squamish. Just before we took off though, I got a call from the fertilizer salesman we had dropped off at WA56. Fortunately, Israel's Farm was on the way (sorta) and we told him we'd drop in and pick him up.

http://i.imgur.com/WFC66M3.jpg

This time I decided to climb a bit, so here we are still pulling 10kPa and 2100, just approaching 3000m. Just stunning! How many ways can I say Orbx does scenery superbly?

http://i.imgur.com/yvfxBgE.jpg

Pilots are a select breed, that have the opportunity to really sense space, and the wonder of vistas. Do you remember how you felt staring out of a window at 37,000 while crossing the world in your pressurized tube? Removed from the cares of your departure, and still not burdened with the cares of your destination..... staring out into space, really feeling the enormous impact of visual distance, and your own microscopic being? I do. I miss having air under my chair, and blowing away the cobwebs of life. My Harley allows for momentary escape, but not for the true unshackling that comes with altitude. Staring into this... was freeing....

http://i.imgur.com/sUG5eh5.jpg

cavaricooper
June 6th, 2017, 14:08
http://i.imgur.com/Q1xnrtq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LCqySAi.jpg

cavaricooper
June 6th, 2017, 16:31
Here we are on a long downwind. Descending from high, we pulled back to 6kPa to cool as slowly as possible, helped by the tightly shuttered cowl, and after a continuous descent of about 20 minutes, found ourselves nicely positioned downwind.

http://i.imgur.com/R2kmoee.jpg

This next photo is just about were we will turn base. The plan is to be over the silo when we crank over... but take a look at what's ahead and to the right...

http://i.imgur.com/9pLARAT.jpg

This next photo illustrates everything I love about my Annuschka... VSI is plummeting, yet IAS is comfortable..... one burst of throttle and we shall arrest descent, to touch down ever so lightly... superb!

http://i.imgur.com/rKDBNhh.jpg

And with that burst, we arrested descent and alighted softer than a feather.... with lots of room ahead....

http://i.imgur.com/8uNfRv5.jpg

cavaricooper
June 6th, 2017, 16:34
This Russian babushka was made for places such as this... farm implements, assorted wings juxtaposed with bits and bobs rusting in the sun... she looks quite at home at Israel's Farm... doesn't she?

http://i.imgur.com/4Rm1NPz.jpg

We are headed North next.... won't you come along?

Best- C

cavaricooper
June 9th, 2017, 07:58
Iv'e spent some time upgrading EZCA to the latest v2.5 beta build so that I can use P3D v4 comfortably. I thought about Chaseplane for a bit, but I know and love EZCA so I decided to stick with it. The program is totally customizable, which is GREAT, but work to get things just so... still I am happy with my decision. After all that, I needed to relax and so I set it up in v3 for my Annsuchka as well....

We left Israel's Farm and headed NNW. Vancouver was pretty, but I don't think we are all here for concrete... there's enough of that at home! I concentrated on tweaking my EZCA until we entered Horseshoe Bay.... then the scenery was too important to ignore anymore. Here we are, up high at 1500m, and about to pull power. Down below, a tanker is loading, the clouds are puffy, visibility is good and the mountainscape, in true Orbx fashion- is breathtaking!

http://i.imgur.com/ywmdrwK.jpg

SQUAMISH, in all her glory. Orbx has even thought to include the log rafts as they make their way South to get picked up by the logging companies for mills and further transport- incredible!

http://i.imgur.com/t9r2fVS.jpg

Squamish Airport is tucked behind a lee, behind the town and port.... so it takes a bit of maneuvering to locate it the first time... and the wind favored 15....

http://i.imgur.com/YuxEIXU.jpg

Naturally, that meant that the pattern work here was going to be interesting... very like Kai-Tak (remember the subtle warning... continued flight past 2.2 DME will result in loss of terrain clearance?). There was a point where it was fairly important we turn left!

http://i.imgur.com/3RzpWem.jpg

cavaricooper
June 9th, 2017, 08:25
We stayed high enough to ensure terrain clearance.... but that left us high for short final... no worries, pull power, add flap and stand-by to push throttle....

http://i.imgur.com/mhTLu47.jpg

As expected we stopped comfortably short (I am liking the view effect improvements that EXCA v2.5 brings, I just dial them all down to about 20% of stock values).

http://i.imgur.com/cIm9HiW.jpg

...and what do you know? The FedEx guy beat me here, to pick up my parcel!

http://i.imgur.com/tflIDuO.jpg

The nice folks at Glacier Air said I could tie-down on their ramp. Would you believe after I shut down, a squirrel came out to see me? Would you believe I could hear the A&P hammering on aluminum and using compressed air inside the hangar? Truly incredible stuff- thanks Orbx!


http://i.imgur.com/kOS97zh.jpg

Ok, back to work on v4... hope you are having fun too? It's a great time in Flight Simming!

Best- Carl

cavaricooper
June 20th, 2017, 02:43
BTW- if any or our very talented group here at SOH has any thoughts on how to get my Annuschka into v4, please PM/contact me! Everything I read says it's not possible, and that is becoming a source of considerable angst....

Ta- Carl

griphos
June 20th, 2017, 05:34
It's one of the reasons I won't be moving to v4.

manfredc3
June 20th, 2017, 15:40
Hi Carl,

Enjoying your adventure a lot.So much actually, that I decided that I "had to have her",and purchased this AN-2. I have several OrbX airports in the PNW scenery, and have started to make some flights using the CR1 Ford Tri-Motor. The AN-2 will require some study of the manual before I dive in to the PNW area, getting the Tri-Motor in oand out of these dirt strips is a challenge by itself.

Keep on going, and I might run in to you at some strip somewhere sometime.

cavaricooper
June 20th, 2017, 16:28
Manfred-

That's actually good to hear! The post had gone back to page 3 and I thought that most were tired of it. The An-2 is near and dear to my heart. Perhaps the best pilot notes are the ones written by Alex Metzger himself. I tried to put up a link, however, the forum itself seems dead now.... sadly, the future is looking pretty dull for my gleaming jewel (if you look at SP-AMN you will note the adoration in that statement) ;).

Best- C

AussieMan
June 20th, 2017, 17:58
A freeware AN-2 that may interest you ..... https://library.avsim.net/search.php?SearchTerm=an2zh2010.zip

manfredc3
June 20th, 2017, 18:04
Carl,I can not agree more,

SP-AMN does look pretty worn down, but I think she will prove that she still has the spark to enjoy plenty of air time:redfire:


Hey AussieMan,

I think a found another freeware one for FSX, but it is not nearly as good as the one from Sibwings (no, I am not in any way associated with them, lol). Not just the textured, but also the sounds and FDE are outstanding.

Portia911
June 20th, 2017, 18:40
Hi Carl,

Enjoying your adventure a lot.So much actually, that I decided that I "had to have her",and purchased this AN-2. I have several OrbX airports in the PNW scenery, and have started to make some flights using the CR1 Ford Tri-Motor. The AN-2 will require some study of the manual before I dive in to the PNW area, getting the Tri-Motor in oand out of these dirt strips is a challenge by itself.

Great to read that it's still possible to buy this add-on. I had some concerns given reports of the 'dead' forum and lack of support. I'm sure the AN-2 is good-to-go, so long as the purchase and installation still works.

Yes indeed, the CR1 Ford would be a very authentic pre-cursor to operating the AN-2. Have you tried the 'Army' floatplane version, Manfred? - it flys nicely and has some great cargo textures in the back if you have any interest in 'air hauling' :encouragement:

cavaricooper
June 21st, 2017, 02:33
Thanks Pat! Will check it out....

Manfred.... do tell us more please.... especially about the FDE....

Best- C

stearmandriver
June 21st, 2017, 04:44
...Keep on going, and I might run in to you at some strip somewhere sometime.

I've always thought it'd be fun to do these kinds of hops with a multiplayer group. I usually fly on Vatsim but it seems very airline - centric and I'm usually in the bush, so it's rare I see someone...

manfredc3
June 22nd, 2017, 22:03
Have you tried the 'Army' floatplane version, Manfred? - it flys nicely and has some great cargo textures in the back if you have any interest in 'air hauling' :encouragement:

No, I have not, but I am sure I will end up signing up for some cargo flight that will take me to one of those little lake harbor places.


I've always thought it'd be fun to do these kinds of hops with a multiplayer group. I usually fly on Vatsim but it seems very airline - centric and I'm usually in the bush, so it's rare I see someone...

Hey that would actually be a great idea. I fly the B737 almost weekly with a friend, where I host the flight.

We could set up a multiplayer session, and have people join in whatever bush plane they prefer. We may not all see the correct plane, but it would just be a lot of fun.

I used to do this weekly on a different website years ago, where we had up to 15 simmers join in. Boy, do I miss those days.

I don't want to hijack this thread, so if there is interest, then I can start a new thread for that

manfredc3
June 23rd, 2017, 18:38
Carl,

We are ready for the next chapter of your adventure to get the thread back on track.

It has been a while, or is your Annuschka in the maintenance hangar?

cavaricooper
June 24th, 2017, 05:58
Manfred-

Actually, she really is in maintenance! I am getting a second Leo Bodnar USB card installed in my PFC Flight Console II, so that ALL the buttons can work. When that's complete, I shall post once more.

Actually, I wasn't sure there was still interest, so thanks for asking!

Best- C

stearmandriver
June 25th, 2017, 00:24
Manfred, I'm certainly interested in a group flight like this if you wanted to start a thread discussing it.

Carl, I'm looking forward to your continued adventures as well, when your bird is out of maintenance! ;-)

Portia911
July 6th, 2017, 18:41
Bumping this thread because I finally pulled the trigger and now the proud owner of the Sibwings An-2
(yeah, I'm sooo late to the party it feels like a reunion!)

. . . so I've downloaded a few repaints and I'm thinking about where to campaign my new toy (preferably a fairly authentic location/region). I've seen a 'fictional' Cuban military skin, and requests for an Aerotaxi repaint, but does anyone know if a Cuban civilian skin exists for this Sibwings model?
Thanks.

cavaricooper
July 7th, 2017, 12:34
I'm glad people are still buying this a/c.... perhaps the developers will stumble by SOH one day, and be re-invigorated to update our beloved for P3d v4.... Unfortunately, as I research, I am getting less and less hopeful. The An-2 remains the SOLE reason I still have a v3 installation.... My console is back and I am in the midst of some testing... planning to finally leave Squamish this weekend.... fingers x'ed.

Best- Carl

Pere
July 7th, 2017, 15:05
Although I have not yet spoken on this subject, I must say that I look forward to your next flights with this wonderful airplane, by the way one of my favorites, it is wonderful to do the complete checklist and at the end listen to your pistons.
PD I live in Barcelona, ​​near here we have the population of Sabadell and in their hangars sleeps an AN2 with a very very similar skin to the SP-AMN, the last time I could go up to his cabin was last year with my son, Although the child's face was mine

Ganter
August 6th, 2017, 22:16
Pat-

Glad you are enjoying the trip....

I can tell you that I experience absolutely zero performance issues, but I gave up on frame rates long ago. Steve Waite, the brilliant engineer at CodeLegend taught me to LOCK at 20FPS and ELIMINATE Long Frames- PERIOD. No matter what- the PMDG NGX, 777, 744 or DC-6, this Annuschka, the Jahn/Viser C-47, A2A 183... whatever- it's smooth as silk.

I will have to add though, that I run a 6700K at 4.8 GHz, DDR4 RAM, coupled with M2 SSDs and a Nvidia 1080 GTX card ....all running at 4K on a Sony TV with sliders maxed. My only concession for the PMDG heavies is to back off the Building Autogen from Max to Normal- that's it. I do NOT run traffic (fly on Vatsim).

Obviously your performance will depend on your system, but I can tell you I'm very happy with everything from Orbx so far- THEY HAVE MOVED MY GOAL-POSTS- Just AMAZING!

Best- Carl

Carl,
I love this post and have read a couple of times. Pics are amazing.
I noticed this post about settings, this time around:

May I ask what you mean by ELIMINATE Long Frames?

Penzoil3
August 7th, 2017, 02:17
OK, I picked up the Annushka, put it in FSX SE. Can't start it, when it runs I can't steer it. Full left rudder and it goes in circles to the right until speed allows the tail rudder to bite the air. Tail wheel lock switch is just a picture- no actual switch. WT ? Assigned a button to tail wheel lock, it doesn't. Half the switches numbered in the manual are just pictures. About to uninstall. AARRGGHH!
Sue

Hmm, installed to P3D 3, skipped the update. Suddenly everything works, and she's a wall behaved lady. Now I see the attraction. I think my update went bad.

Ganter
August 7th, 2017, 02:51
One for Carl I think.

He has flown it many many miles.
Don't uninstall just yet! :encouragement:

cavaricooper
August 7th, 2017, 03:39
Sue-

I always disable AV when downloading/installing new products (but I use a separate computer for the DL's behind a HW Firewall). Stick with it.... she's fabulous! Take time to read Alex Metzger's flying guide (he did the FDE) (http://www.sibwings.com/an2/AN-2%20Flying%20Guide%20V1.1.pdf) and I seem to remember Ted (Tu-Fun) or Jan-Kees did an engine mod for it. I cheated a bit and did a ground contact mod to activate my steering tiller (will look for those for for you, but I think they were all on the forum, which is now U/S). Yo-Yo did the incredible paint you see in this thread, so in many ways, she was touched and loved by more than just I here at SOH.

In the other thread, there burns a flicker of hope, and I would very much like to sit in my greenhouse behind my Shetsov in Prepar3D v4.... but as I have been cautioned, it may take a while, and patience is a virtue...

Best- C

cavaricooper
August 7th, 2017, 03:50
Ganter-

I would urge everyone to go read Steve Waite's work in the Prepar3D forum on AvSim. There I learned that I was way better off at a 30Hz refresh, and frames locked at 20 in Prepar3D v3- butter!

Then, for v4 with some of his help, I learned that I was better off at 60Hz refresh and frames locked at 24.... but this is SO individual, and system SPECIFIC. It takes time and work to arrive at what works best for YOU. I am hopeful that LM will optimize performance even more in v4.1 as despite having a fairly fast system, the sim can still bring her to her knees if I put all the sliders full right which I was able to do in v3.

Eliminating LONG frames alludes to making all the frames the same time length- so the system does not have to "fill in any gaps" by extending the time it shows one frame (for longer than the others which are shown for 1/20 or 1/24 of a second). It, I firmly believe, is the key to smoothness in the sim.

HTH- C



Carl,
I love this post and have read a couple of times. Pics are amazing.
I noticed this post about settings, this time around:

May I ask what you mean by ELIMINATE Long Frames?

rvn817j
August 7th, 2017, 05:38
Ganter-

I would urge everyone to go read Steve Waite's work in the Prepar3D forum on AvSim. There I learned that I was way better off at a 30Hz refresh, and frames locked at 20 in Prepar3D v3- butter!

Hi Carl. Searching Avsim is kind of difficult (and that may be complicated by my not being a member over there). Can you supply a link (or links) to Steve's work. Thanks.

cavaricooper
August 7th, 2017, 06:29
Jay-

A bit of a read - BUT BRILLIANT STUFF....

https://www.avsim.com/forums/topic/512995-affinitymask-why/

https://www.avsim.com/forums/topic/512995-affinitymask-why/?page=2#comment-3649865

Home of my Oracle at Delphi ;)- http://www.codelegend.com

HTH- C

rvn817j
August 7th, 2017, 07:06
Thanks Carl! Off to do some reading.

YoYo
September 17th, 2018, 21:45
Hi Carl,
see this https://dambiev.livejournal.com/1272385.html :dizzy:.

Ganter
September 17th, 2018, 22:11
Hi Carl,
see this https://dambiev.livejournal.com/1272385.html :dizzy:.


Ouch!

How come the guy who bailed at 5000' knew that was going to happen? ;-)

YoYo
September 22nd, 2018, 23:50
Ouch!

How come the guy who bailed at 5000' knew that was going to happen? ;-)

Or it was him :biggrin-new: :

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/95/96/c7/9596c786a07aa87fa3684f2ea07336c6--airplane-window-the-airplane.jpg

Ganter
September 23rd, 2018, 01:21
Or it was him :biggrin-new: :

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/95/96/c7/9596c786a07aa87fa3684f2ea07336c6--airplane-window-the-airplane.jpg

Yeah! Finally you get the call:

"Can anybody fly a plane?"

"No problem miss - step aside. Now, don't need to do CTRL + E as we're already running. Wait. Yikes!"

cavaricooper
September 23rd, 2018, 05:25
Yo-Yo-

Thanks for the article... she does have touchy brakes.

Hopefully, I will never do that to SP-AMN ;)

C