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Vitus
August 9th, 2017, 11:31
Hey guys,

I'm back. And I was busy! For the past year I'm working on a Lockheed Vega 5 for FSX and Prepar3D which will be released as Payware.
http://wing42.com/img/cms/Lockheed Vega/wing42_vega_alpha_exterior13.jpg

http://wing42.com/img/cms/Lockheed Vega/wing42_vega_alpha_interior02.jpg

You'll find some more information on my new website, please check it out and tell me what you think! :jump:

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 11:43
Excellent! It is great to see you back, Vitus!

Vitus
August 9th, 2017, 11:45
Thank you John, believe me it's good to be back! :ernaehrung004:

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 12:12
I've always been a sucker for the Lockheed Vega 5. Such a nicely designed aircraft - I only wish we had some flying today. There was a metal-bodied version with an incorrect cowl/engine that flew in recent years, but I don't believe it has been flying any longer - at least Kermit Weeks is having his all wood example rebuilt at this time to eventually fly again.

Vitus
August 9th, 2017, 12:33
I couldn't agree more with you, it's such a beautifully shaped aircraft. And then there is the history of the aircraft! The things Wiley Post achieved in this aircraft are amazing. Try to climb up to 51,000 feet with a plywood plane! :dizzy:

I used lots of pictures from the construction of the Shell Vega for my modeling process. They did an amazing job recreating this beauty!

Hmm lets see... This is an early version (color still far off, many details missing):
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52657&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52658&stc=1

Well, my Vega only has ONE option for the door, I'm afraid.

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 12:49
Really looking sweet, Vitus! The systems/intricate details you describe coded into the aircraft sound fantastic as well. I'm really looking forward to the Alpha release!

My favorite scheme I've ever seen on a Vega 5 was one that was painted green with a red cowl scallop leading into a red stripe down the side (I'll have to try and hunt that photo down). The US Army Air Corps used some of these as well, painted with green fuselages, chrome yellow wings, with red/white striped rudders.

(BTW, I still have dreams sometimes about your Bleriot and Lockheed 10. :love-struck:)

Switchblade408
August 9th, 2017, 12:53
WOW! This looks most excellent! Can't wait to add this plane to the collection!

Vitus
August 9th, 2017, 12:54
I'm not quite sure if I've seen the livery you are talking about, so I'd appreciate any picture. I like the Braniff paintjob as well:
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52659&stc=1

YoYo
August 9th, 2017, 13:17
Beauty!

http://www.i2clipart.com/cliparts/3/b/1/1/clipart-thumbs-up-smiley-3b11.png

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 13:17
Here is the photo I was thinking of - unfortunately not much to go by, and I'll have to see if I can try to find more on it. The photo was taken at Lockheed's plant in Burbank, and part of a YP-38 can be seen in the background (which might mean it was kept as an in-house example). I like how they had the crank case painted to match the airplane.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/lockheedvega5_zpsijnkhuzr.jpg~original (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/lockheedvega5_zpsijnkhuzr.jpg.html)

Another classic color shot:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/NASM-NASM-9A12255_zpsgnbfrqxe.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/NASM-NASM-9A12255_zpsgnbfrqxe.jpg.html)

Roscoe Turner with a very slick looking example - I've seen that interesting spinner on a few in period photos.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/roscoe-turner-lockheed-vega-1929_zpsajivsvop.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8050/8347849968_befedc034b_b.jpg
(http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/roscoe-turner-lockheed-vega-1929_zpsajivsvop.jpg.html)

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 13:28
"Goodrich Silvertowns"

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5647/23200507111_c79a60e361_o.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3789/11875308956_5333c3ed17_o.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7326/11874426545_9c3ecaa229_o.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3016/5856354845_9850762c67_o.jpg

Bomber_12th
August 9th, 2017, 13:28
"Standard Oil"

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7588/16277408013_7e2d5c4fd1_h.jpg

wombat666
August 9th, 2017, 19:01
Can I pre-order now?
Love the Vega, one of the all time Golden Age classics.
:encouragement:

IFlySWA
August 9th, 2017, 21:13
Beautiful!! :jump: One of my all time favorite classic aircraft. Keep up the great work! :encouragement:

Brian

YoYo
August 9th, 2017, 22:22
Btw. Could be little less? Model looks amazing but 50 bugs? : ( The price is very high for classic bird according me, 29, 35 will be ok but 50, hmmm....


The full release of the Lockheed Vega is scheduled for the end of 2017 and will cost around US$ 50. We are planning an Earl-Alpha release at a highly discounted price within the coming month.


P3Dv4 ready too? Good day.

AussieMan
August 10th, 2017, 00:12
Great aircraft to produce but you lost me when I saw the $US50 price tag. It will cost me more that the $US50 as the $AU is lower and would cost me in the vicinity of $60 - $65. $30 - $35 and you would have had a customer.

Vitus
August 10th, 2017, 01:19
Good morning Gentleman!

John, thanks for the photos. I saved them to take under consideration. You missed one glorious paintjob though:
https://farm9.static.flickr.com/8235/8540663742_d7392f3f7b_b.jpg


At the moment there are still a few things I will change on the model (e.g. the cockpit window frame), so additional liveries still have to wait a bit.

Yoyo, yes. The Vega will run on P3Dv4.

Thank you all for your feedback on the price tag. I totally understand your concerns and appreciate your honesty. I'd love to tell you about my thinking a bit later, but before that I would love to get some unbiased answer to the following:

If you think the price is to high for what will be offered, in your mind what would justify the price tag? I.e. what features needed to be included to justify it?

I'd love to hear your suggestions! :jump:

Cheers,
Vitus

thunder100
August 10th, 2017, 01:46
And Those
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52673&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52675&stc=1

thunder100
August 10th, 2017, 01:50
Forget the Orion-->klicking Mistake

YoYo
August 10th, 2017, 03:22
Good morning Gentleman!
If you think the price is to high for what will be offered, in your mind what would justify the price tag? I.e. what features needed to be included to justify it?


... or You can think about more content. Good example it was "The Bugatti FS2004 Adventure pack" .I remembered the very old product of Lionheart, You can chack it here (idea like old product of Bill Lyons also) :

http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Bugatti.html

so if package will have for example:

- additional scenery/ies from the old era
- driveable cars, vehicles (especially for Avatar mode in P3D!!!)
- missions with dedicated manuals, maps, VFR objects 3D for old style of flying (fictional or historical)
ect.

why not : ) ?

Examples:

http://www.lionheartcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Scrshot2942-420x311.jpg

http://www.lionheartcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Racing_Circuit-360x309.jpg

http://www.lionheartcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Scrshot0014-373x274.jpg

http://www.lionheartcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Scrshot1852-370x274.jpg

jeansy
August 10th, 2017, 04:47
Wow it does look nice snd is somewhat temping

Care to include this livery in the release candidate ?

http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a42.htm

henrystreet
August 10th, 2017, 04:50
Vitus,

I'm enjoying the dev blog and Instagram dev posts.

Henry

paulopp
August 10th, 2017, 05:18
I'm glad someone makes a decent Vega, after all. I will keep an eye on this interesting plane, looks promising!

I don't know if the price tag is too high. If the package contains realistic engine, system and flight performance modelling, and proper documentation, I'd pay fifty bucks for it. I don't care so much for eye candy and gimmicks. Perhaps different models and (engine) versions should me modelled, among which the long range versions interest me much (Earhart, Post). There could be some missions included, e.g. real flight scenarios like Earhart's Mexico flight in 1935. And I don't know if it's historically accurate, but I'd certainly appreciate a Sperry gyropilot. Finally, an engine damage module (cht overheat, plug fouling, carb icing etc.) I would consider payware standard.

Keep on the good work anyhow.

Best regards,
Christian

Moses03
August 10th, 2017, 05:36
For the interested readers, here is a nice book covering the subject.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/2008-Aviation-Books?p=681690&viewfull=1#post681690

Vitus
August 10th, 2017, 08:33
Thanks for all your input guys, every comment here helps me figuring out what the priorities for the Vega project should be. It's now my turn to share the plan I formulated over the past few weeks and months and where I stand with the project.

As mentioned before I am planning on releasing an EARLY ALPHA soon; because I think an aircraft like the Vega could really benefit from input from the fs community early in the development. It is such a diverse airplane with lacking documentation on it, so it is easy to overlook important details. I'd love to mobilize the community to come up with the best Vega one could hope to fly in the Sim.

If you decide to join the early alpha team, you will get the WIP Vega with access to progressive updates and - of course - full access to the final product when she is finished. As it is an early alpha, you must be aware that I can't promise ANYTHING works as expected, there will be bugs and there will be things that are simply not implemented yet!

But many features can already be tested, such as:
- barometric system (custom coded instrumentation, based on raw environmental data)
- vacuum system (custom coded, very detailed simulation under the hood)
- electrical system (custom coded, because Microsoft/ACES didn't know how electricity works when they coded FSX)
- unique animation code for all interactive elements in the cockpit (I'm VERY curious about your feedback!)
- Functional ramp- and payload manager
- First glimpse at the maintenance tool (limited functionality)
- Persistent cockpit

And here is a list of things that will NOT be included in the early alpha but will come in FUTURE updates:
- accurate flight model (She does fly. Just not very well at present.)
- sound engine and custom sounds
- lubrication/fuel/ignition/engine simulation
- wear/tear/failure simulation (few features implemented at present)
- manuals

All the items on the list are milestones in my project-management. Depending on the demand I do consider building both the "Winnie Mae", Wiley Post's around the world aircraft with the prototype of the Sperry autopilot and Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5 that she soloed across the Atlantic ocean.

Both of those aircraft require 3d modeling and heavy adjustments of the code as well, so I can't promise to deliver on those just yet.

There is something else you might find interesting. I will provide checklists for the Lockheed Vega. It is a bit anachronistic, since checklists weren't used until the B-17 was flown. But checklists make flying an aircraft like the Vega much easier. And here's the thing:

I will get the checklists printed! I did some prototyping and think a A6 format is feasible. The pages will be professionally printed on thick (min. 300gr) paper and coated. The pages will have metal eyelets and will be held together by a ring. You can order them with together with the Vega if you're inclined to do so and they will arrive a few days later by mail. I posted the first prototypes on my Instagram if you're interested:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXJdAo0DqH3/?taken-by=simwing42

I believe that concludes my plans for the moment and I hope you get an idea what the Vega is about. I'd love for many people to take part in the development by signing up early and bombard my forum with requests, bug reports and suggestions!

Cheers,
Vitus

Bjoern
August 10th, 2017, 09:17
Can I spam requests for a LFRR system and scenery?

Vitus
August 10th, 2017, 09:23
Can I spam requests for a LFRR system and scenery?

Haha yes of course! Bring it on! :jump:

Bookman1960
August 10th, 2017, 11:28
I'm sure you already have a plan for what you'll be creating/releasing but is there any chance you might consider making the beautiful and uncowled Lockheed Vega 1?

This first version of the famed airplane has a wonderful history. Twenty-eight Vega 1 airplanes were built by Lockheed Aircraft Company at the factory on Sycamore Street, Hollywood, California, before production of the improved Lockheed Vega 5 began in 1928 and the company moved to its new location at Burbank, California.


http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52689&stc=1
The model I'd truly love to see available was the exploration ship used by the on the first flight over Antarctica on November 16, 1928. The plane was purchased by the Australian George Hubert Wilkins, a daring aviator and photographer, who accompanied by former US Army pilot Carl Ben Eielson made the first flight across the Arctic on 15 April 1928. Setting off from Barrow, Alaska the two men flew for twenty hours through blinding blizzards and freezing temperatures to Spitsbergen, Norway, a distance of over 4,000 kilometers across uncharted land. Their daring flight made them aviation heroes and proved that such incredible flights were possible.


http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52687&stc=1

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52688&stc=1

Vitus
August 10th, 2017, 12:42
I'm sorry to disappoint, but no. The differences between the Vega 1 and 5 are too many. Different fuselage, fewer seats and windows, different engines, no cowling but a pointy cover and different vertical stabilizer. I don't even know how the cockpit looks like in that machine. I'd love to accommodate the different versions, but this would be equivalent to starting from scratch. I hope you understand.

AussieMan
August 10th, 2017, 14:43
Just posted to your blog site as Aussie157.

heywooood
August 10th, 2017, 20:10
I'm sorry to disappoint, but no. The differences between the Vega 1 and 5 are too many. Different fuselage, fewer seats and windows, different engines, no cowling but a pointy cover and different vertical stabilizer. I don't even know how the cockpit looks like in that machine. I'd love to accommodate the different versions, but this would be equivalent to starting from scratch. I hope you understand.

I love that you're doing the -5 - a beautiful and efficient air frame for the period winning many cross country races against some pure racing designs...A Golden Age of Aviation jewel for sure

Vitus
August 13th, 2017, 04:55
Hey guys,

I have a bit of a backlog, but rest assured that all of you who contacted me over the past few days will get an answer. The truth is that I've been very busy.

The good news is that I just posted a new developer's blog on the barometric module for my Lockheed Vega. Check it out on the website or in my (not very well frequented, yet) forum.

More to come, just hang in there guys!

Cheers,
Vitus

paulopp
August 13th, 2017, 05:24
Hi Vitus,

I've just read your dev blog and I must say I'm impressed and very excited. I think from what you outline the 50 $ will be well deserved. Looking forward for the elecrical systems review. :jump:

Best regards,
Christian

YoYo
August 13th, 2017, 12:10
Can I spam requests for a LFRR system and scenery?

This is the same system which it was in MV Cessna Bobcat?

Bjoern
August 14th, 2017, 03:47
This is the same system which it was in MV Cessna Bobcat?

Yes.

I'd prefer a separate add-on though (at an appropriate price) to make LFRR navigation available to other aircraft.

Vitus
September 1st, 2017, 04:56
Hey folks,
Sorry for being so quiet lately. I've been very busy getting the old lady ready. There's still so much to do before the alpha release, and unfortunately the day only has 24 hours.

Anyway, I just quickly want to let you know that a new blog post is up on my website. Check it out if you're interested.

Cheers,
Vitus

YoYo
November 3rd, 2017, 14:09
Hello Vitus,
any news about this project? :wavey:

heywooood
November 24th, 2017, 18:39
I love this one..

YoYo
November 24th, 2017, 22:42
Hi Vitus, any news about progress?

Vitus
April 26th, 2018, 03:22
Hello folks!
Sorry for the loooong wait. I had some major issues to deal with and whenever that happens I tend to stay quiet until everything is fixed up again.
The Vega is coming along very nicely. I made a lot of improvements to the 3d model, overhauled the architecture of the core system simulation, added some effects, fixed loads of bugs, worked on the website..... Let's just say: I've been busy :adoration:
I wrote a blog post on my website that sums up some of the work I've done as well, check it out if you're interested.

It's getting close for the Early-Alpha release!

I rebuilt the window frames to get rid of the blockiness:
https://i.imgur.com/wfzQ7ku.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UhVni7r.jpg

You can't see it on the image, but I spent a lot of time to make the handles swing with the movement of the aircraft:
https://i.imgur.com/Vypa5mI.jpg

Exterior lights:
https://i.imgur.com/U4shEMi.jpg

Here's a first impression of the maintenance tool. The functionality is a bit limited, because I haven't integrated many malfunctions yet:
https://i.imgur.com/z84ZH9i.jpg

Vitus
April 26th, 2018, 03:22
Here's the Wing42 livery:
https://i.imgur.com/0aBCT6V.jpg

And lastly a shot of the military livery you guys showed me. Unfortunately I couldn't find any additional information on the aircraft and I have no idea about the registration, plus I can't work out what the logo on the side is supposed to be. Maybe someone here has an idea?
https://i.imgur.com/PbiLhaL.jpg

mgchrist5
April 26th, 2018, 03:44
It looks simply magnificent so far, Vitus. Please continue to keep us all posted on your progress! It'll definitely be a 'day one' purchase for me.

Vitus
April 26th, 2018, 03:52
Thank you for your kind words Mark! The thought of releasing it is always causing me a lot of stress and anxiety, so it means a lot to me to read this from you.

I hope you also know what you're into though. Be aware that the early-alpha version is still very simplistic :applause:

Vitus
April 26th, 2018, 04:26
There's something else worth mentioning: I just uploaded the first version of the "Simulation Manual". You'll find a link in my forum.

Sundog
April 26th, 2018, 17:11
Wow, nice work Vitus. Thanks for the previews. :)

Vitus
April 28th, 2018, 05:34
My first Youtube video! Please be gentle.... :biggrin-new:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-LYUddA5mk

Roger
April 28th, 2018, 06:27
Excellent model and video Vitus! I registered at your site and am just awaiting confirmation.

Roger
April 28th, 2018, 07:26
Excellent model and video Vitus! I registered at your site and am just awaiting confirmation.

I am now registered:engel016:

Vitus
April 28th, 2018, 07:39
I am now registered:engel016:

Yes you are! :wavey:
Thanks a lot for your feedback Roger! Much appreciated.

AussieMan
April 28th, 2018, 15:10
​Just registered at your site.

SSI01
April 28th, 2018, 15:33
If you still need Alpha Testers I am available.

Always loved this old bird.

Jimmy Doolittle had a short story in "I Could Never Be So Lucky Again" about how he bent one of these things belonging to Shell Oil. Cargo overload, fortunately his family was not in the aircraft with him.

Bomber_12th
April 28th, 2018, 16:19
I am really loving this project, Vitus, and the video was fantastic as well. The animations and features are brilliant, and I really love that virtual cockpit and cabin (the new window frames look excellent!).

This is a definite must-have for me!

MustangL2W
April 28th, 2018, 16:48
Stunningly Beautiful... Can't wait to Fly your wonderful representation of the Famous Vega!!

AussieMan
April 28th, 2018, 20:07
​I'm also up for some testing for you.

Vitus
April 29th, 2018, 05:11
Thanks a lot guys! I'm glad you like what you see. Spread the word! :wiggle:

Vitus
May 5th, 2018, 11:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt_NyDHbemo

manfredc3
May 5th, 2018, 16:42
I watched the most recent video.....VERY impressive.

This is going to be one of those "Must Have"s.

Great job so far Wing42

Pat Mussotte
May 5th, 2018, 23:04
Wow the amount of details is impressive, you're a perfectionist and it's definitively a must have!

All the best for completing your awesome work

Cheers

Pat

Vitus
May 12th, 2018, 05:25
Here's a look at the ground crew interface and payload manager:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukxh0VMmIHI

The Vega is currently being tested. There's still a few things I want to incorporate in the Early-Access, so be patient. I am currently working on the flight model to get it up to specs. After that I get back to the Prepar3D conversion and that should be it for the first release. Fingers crossed.... :wiggle:

SH427
May 12th, 2018, 06:52
Looks great!
I'm not usually a big fan of the Vega but, this has certainly captured my interest!
To the point I may attempt to buy in for beta testing or early access, if either options become available! :encouragement:

Vitus
May 12th, 2018, 06:58
I want to pick your brains for a second if I may. One reference I used for modeling the cockpit of the Vega was the 3d view over at the Smithsonian:
https://airandspace.si.edu/explore-and-learn/multimedia/vr/?passthrough=/files/360/interior/A19360030000_1

One thing you'll notice when looking at the engine controls on the left is a lever to control the supercharger. I included that in my current model as well:
https://i.imgur.com/mJhrTi7.jpg

And while this would certainly make the simulation more interesting, the more I think about it the more I wonder if this was an option that was actually used in the late 5Cs. The cockpit in the Smithsonian is that of the Winnie Mae that Wiley Post used to climb to staggering 55,000 ft. And of course at this altitude he needed to make some heavy modifications to the engine to pump enough air into the manifold.
On the other hand, a regular Vega would probably be operated at a maximum of 8,000 ft for passenger comfort. And my feeling is that for you won't need an additional 2-speed supercharger to operate in this altitude, especially since the R-1340 already comes equipped with a 1:10 step-up supercharger.

What do you think?

blanston12
May 12th, 2018, 09:11
Do we have to choose only one?

But seriously releasing two different versions would probably be too much work. While it might be interesting to try to reproduce Post's altitude feat, its something I would at most once. If this was a one of customization just for this one attempt by Willie I probably would not include it. But if it was a standard option then include it.

I found this picture of the cockpit of Amelia Earhart Vega, not sure it shows that same lever or not.

https://ids.si.edu/ids/deliveryService?id=NASM-SI-2006-21920-000002

Vitus
May 12th, 2018, 10:09
Do we have to choose only one?

No. You only suggest, I choose :playful:

Seriously though, I'd love to include multiple variations of the aircraft! It is however a matter of time management and resources. My priority is to get the passenger version of the 5C done first, after that we can think of expanding the collection to the special editions like Wiley Posts "Winnie Mae" or Earharts "little red bus". I'd love to see both in the sim, but it would require a lot of additional time and money, so I can't promise it at the moment.

I always find that with these special, historical versions of aircraft in the sim comes a problem: versatility. Take the Winnie Mae, modified for high altitude: Once you done a flight like that you probably won't fly her for a looong time. On the other hand multiple versions of the passenger variant invite you to fly different scenarios every time. That's the reason why I personally never bought a Hughes H-1, or the X-15 when it came out, even though I am extremely curious to try them out. I am sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I think that the levers in Earharts cockpit are: throttle, mixture and choke. No supercharger there...

paulopp
May 12th, 2018, 10:13
The FS9 Vega was the first plane that really caught my imagination and dragged me into serious flight simming. I'm looking forward to repeat Earhart's Mexico flight from 1935 with this beauty and try the Sperry Gyropilot prototype. Definitely a buy!

Best Christian

Vitus
May 12th, 2018, 11:39
Moin Christian,

no Sperry, I'm afraid.
https://i.imgur.com/wfzQ7ku.jpg

It'll be a full hands-on flight, just like in Earharts aircraft :jump:

blanston12
May 12th, 2018, 12:46
Moin Christian,

no Sperry, I'm afraid.
It'll be a full hands-on flight, just like in Earharts aircraft :jump:

So here is the take away I get on that, Willy Post's Vega "Winnie Mae" had a Sperry Autopilot, it also had the super charger, I would suggest the two of them go together. Either both or neither.

He had the Sperry installed when he did his second RTW trip, which was before his high altitude flights.

Vitus
May 12th, 2018, 13:46
So here is the take away I get on that, Willy Post's Vega "Winnie Mae" had a Sperry Autopilot, it also had the super charger, I would suggest the two of them go together. Either both or neither.

He had the Sperry installed when he did his second RTW trip, which was before his high altitude flights.

As for the Sperry I can confirm what you wrote. He was the first to use a "robotic pilot" for long-haul flights like this and the Sperry allowed him to even beat his previous time. :pirate:

With the supercharger... I really can't say. The only thing I got from Lockheed of that time is an old brochure like document that praises the Vega. But unfortunately it's for the Vega 1 with its Whirlwind engine. Meh.

blanston12
May 12th, 2018, 14:16
I did a little research and found this on a page from the Smithsonian Museum.

https://timeandnavigation.si.edu/navigating-air/early-air-navigators/two-men-in-a-hurry/winnie-mae

The key paragraph is this:


Post hoped that by equipping the plane with an engine supercharger and jettisonable landing gear, and himself with a pressure suit, he could cruise for long distances at high altitude in the jetstream.

This indicates that the supercharger was a custom modification and not a standard feature.

Vitus
May 13th, 2018, 12:03
Aaaaah! Thanks for the information! Great find! :wiggle:

WarHorse47
May 13th, 2018, 12:57
Just a side note.

There's a great book out called "Forgotten Eagle" about the life of Wiley Post. Sections cover his attempt at high altitude research including changes made to Winnie Mae.

The book is by Bryan B. Sterling & Frances N. Sterling.

Vitus
May 13th, 2018, 17:43
Thanks for the tip. I put it in my shopping cart. Unfortunately it'll take a month until it gets here.

Btw. any idea where Post's radio antenna was mounted? It's quite big - around 60 cm x 60 cm and needed to be turned manually for the direction finding. I didn't find any picture of the Winnie Mae with the antenna mounted anywhere visibly. I assume it was dangling somewhere in the cabin - not really an issue since the plane was made of wood. But maybe some of you know better? I'm talking about this thing: https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/antenna-loop-radio-compass-winnie-mae

blanston12
May 13th, 2018, 19:16
This is just speculation on my part, Could that square antenna have been installed inside the aircraft? from the way its built it looks like it something that would rotate but would be torn apart if in the air stream outside. I remember seeing plenty of WW2 aircraft with there round directional finders inside the canopy of the AC.

Vitus
May 14th, 2018, 03:12
Yes, that's what I thought as well. It's way to flimsy to resist 130mph of airflow. Unfortunately I couldn't find any picture or document that would tell me where it was located. The cockpit itself is way to cramped, so it must be in the back...

Vitus
May 14th, 2018, 08:49
But back to the engine controls. Looking closely at the few pictures I've got of Earhart's plane I noticed something that I didn't see before: there is actually 4 control levers mounted on that thing. And now I'm really confused what the fourth one could possible be.

A little bit of the markings can be made out. The top lever is labeled "THROTTLE" with the settings open and closed. On the bottom is the mixture ("rich"/"lean"). The other lever on the bottom side has an "on" and an "off position. Could be the carburetor heat or a choke control. I can't make out the label of the second lever on the top. The full back position is marked "RET.", I can't read the full forward position. The lever itself has a big "S" painted on, I saw that in a different picture.

And if you check out the similar Lockheed Sirius, you'll find the same four controls:
https://airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/11294pjpg

And it's definitely not the propeller pitch control, because that thing is on the dashboard, right side.

Any clue?

SH427
May 14th, 2018, 13:15
that does look like its in the right place for a supercharger control, but RET usually means "retract[-ed]" or "retard" (as in slow[-er], and not mentally, I'm not that mean) mayhaps its for a cooling flap of some kind of system that begins in "S?"

Vitus
May 14th, 2018, 15:36
The thing is that Earharts Vega didn't have lots of moving parts. There were no cowl flaps, no intercooler, no ram air...
Check the outside: https://ids.si.edu/ids/deliveryService?id=NASM-SI-2009-7962
(https://ids.si.edu/ids/deliveryService?id=NASM-SI-2009-7962)
I thought it might be a tailwheel lock, until I realized that her plane hat a skid...

Carburetor heat? Maybe its just a control to lower/retract the landing lights that were built in the wing? But then what does the "S" stand for?

If I zoom in on blanston12's image from the Smithsonian, I can work out a few letters. Where are the crossword experts?
4, or 5-letter word, starts with S. Possibly "SCREW"? But this doesn't look like a two-speed prop to me:
https://airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/2005-12594hjpg


It drives me mad... :biggrin-new:

Bomber_12th
May 14th, 2018, 16:11
The "S" lever/control is for the spark advance/retard - something you find on select aircraft of that era. The text on the side of the throttle quadrant reads, back to front: RET. SPARK ADV.

The bottom-most lever marked with a "B" is for the supercharger, on/off.

Vitus
May 14th, 2018, 17:40
You are a genius John! Of course, the spark advance makes perfect sense! :jump:

What's your source for the supercharger though?

blanston12
May 14th, 2018, 19:50
I found this panoramic of the current state of Winnie Mae's cockpit.

https://airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/11297pjpg

Either the Smithsonian removed a lot of the gauges, possible since they removed the radio loop so what else did they remove.
I also notice there is no autopilot.

Its possible that Willie was a constant tinkerer, adding and removing this based on his current whim, but I would have thought the AP would be useful on his trans continental flights. Of course its also possible Sperry and the Army wanted it back after his RTW flight.

Looking at the cockpit if Winnie Mae, there is a pull handle just under the right side of the panel that is not on Amelia's Vega, maybe that is the super charger lever.

Bomber_12th
May 15th, 2018, 02:30
You are a genius John! Of course, the spark advance makes perfect sense! :jump:

What's your source for the supercharger though?

Far from it...I'm just familiar with some other types from the same era that also had "S" spark advance levers built into their throttle quadrants (including the P-26, PT-22, Ryan STA/STM, Stearman 4E and C3R, etc.). As soon as I saw "S" on the knob, I knew what it was.

"B" is the standard/correct letter to have on the knob of a supercharger lever at the time (as you see on both "Winnie Mae" and Earhart's aircraft) - "B" stands for "Blower". This remained as such into some various types in WWII as well (such as the P-47 - which was also marked "Supercharger" on the quadrant assembly with a "B" on the lever knob). In both "Winnie Mae" and Earhart's Vegas, the throttle quadrant clearly is marked with the term "Supercharger", and thus you would find the supercharger lever there, nowhere else - and this refers to that bottom-most lever (the way the throttle quadrant is marked makes absolute sense for this, since the lever/arm extends farther to the right than any of the other control levers - "Throttle" written out for the extreme left-most lever, and "Supercharger" written out for the extreme right-most lever) - and process of elimination if you really must...

Vitus
May 15th, 2018, 04:22
Hey Joe!

I leaned very heavily on that 3d-picture when modeling my cockpit. Unfortunately this cockpit features a ton of customizations, most of them for Post's high-altitude flights and it's difficult to work out which parts are part of the original design.

The missing Sperry could just be a matter of weight as well. In order to get to 55,000 ft Wiley Post got rid of a lot of extra weight, I could imagine that the Sperry was part of that conversion.

The other thing you need to keep in mind is that there were more than one Winnie Maes! The one in the Smithsonian is the latest one, I don't know off the top of my head if it was the same plane he used to solo the world with.

Hello John!

Thank you again for your insight! It is extremely valuable to me!

What I find so puzzling about the supercharger is that it doesn't seem to have been a standard equipment on the R-1340s of that time. As far as I know, the Wasp C was equipped with a single-speed supercharger by default.

Please correct me if my thinking is wrong here, because I only derive my "knowledge" from the manuals I got and not first-hand experience. My layman understanding is that single-speed means that the supercharger is permanently engaged and there's no gear that can be changed. On the other hand the two-speed superchargers had two positions so you could choose between a low and high setting.

I hope you don't misunderstand me, because I take your point - you're certainly right - I just try to gain a better understanding.

Cheers,
Vitus

blanston12
May 15th, 2018, 09:11
Hi Vitus,

I was doing some research last night and found two interesting pages, the first is about Earhart's Vega, it stated that:


Earhart’s modified Vega 5B is powered by an air-cooled, supercharged 1,343.804-cubic-inch-displacement (22.021 liter) Pratt & Whitney Wasp C nine cylinder radial engine.

So she had one but can conclude if it was one of the modifications or original. Here is the link to the story.

https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/lockheed-model-5b-vega/

Second was about Winnie Mae, It stated that Post's employer, F. C. Hall purchased his first Vega in 1928 but returned it after the stock market crash in 1929, in 1930 he bought another, both were called Winnie Mae. The article states that in 1930 Hall "agreed to let Post prepare the new Winnie Mae for the Los Angeles-to-Chicago race in August that was part of the 1930 National Air Races. Additional fuel tanks were added in the passenger compartment, bringing capacity to 500 gallons, the oil capacity was increased to 25 gallons, and a high-ratio supercharger was fitted that brought the horsepower up to 500 for takeoff." and later for the high altitude experiments "Winnie Mae received an external supercharger"

Here is the link.

http://what-when-how.com/flight/winnie-mae/

To me these two articles add up to the fact that superchargers were not uncommon on Vega's but we can't conclude they were ever standard.

Vitus
May 30th, 2018, 13:30
Hello friends,

Here's a tiny update. Based on the conversations here I started making some changes to the interior model of the Vega. I added a new throttle quadrant and swapped the fuel pump to a more accurate one:

https://i.imgur.com/WBkdHBU.jpg

The panels that cover the wing roots also received an update:
https://i.imgur.com/kntBufr.jpg

Currently in the works:

https://i.imgur.com/beEBSZm.jpg


Release is coming SOON! :jump:

Vitus
June 2nd, 2018, 15:21
Hey folks,

if you're interested, have a look at the live stream of "The Sky Lounge" where Edson is taking the Vega for a spin:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/268632181?t=
(https://t.co/vZQBfKChNI)
And Taaaaaadaaaaaaaaaaa! We have a release date for the Early-Access! :biggrin-new:

Roger
June 2nd, 2018, 17:24
Hey folks,

if you're interested, have a look at the live stream of "The Sky Lounge" where Edson is taking the Vega for a spin:
https://t.co/vZQBfKChNI

And Taaaaaadaaaaaaaaaaa! We have a release date for the Early-Access! :biggrin-new:

That link gives a whole load of I don't know what, but mainly adverts I think.......

Vitus
June 2nd, 2018, 21:39
That link gives a whole load of I don't know what, but mainly adverts I think.......

That's odd, it worked fine for me. I changed the link from the twitter redirect to a direct twitch link. I hope that solves it.

Roger
June 3rd, 2018, 03:32
Thanks, that helped.

n4gix
June 3rd, 2018, 07:47
It's a pity that the choice of background music caused them to mute the audio... :mixed-smiley-027:

Vitus
June 3rd, 2018, 12:49
It's a pity that the choice of background music caused them to mute the audio... :mixed-smiley-027:

That's true. But fortunately the (from my point of view) important bits have audio. You can check the timeline in twitch, the parts with no audio have a different color so you can skip those.
Edson is quite a funny guy, it was a very entertaining stream. :very_drunk:

dvj
June 5th, 2018, 11:11
That's true. But fortunately the (from my point of view) important bits have audio. You can check the timeline in twitch, the parts with no audio have a different color so you can skip those.
Edson is quite a funny guy, it was a very entertaining stream. :very_drunk:

I am hearing release date soon. Can you tell us when?

-d

HvyEng
June 5th, 2018, 12:36
Looking great! I can't wait to fly it!

Minor texture note, the Lockheed logo is backwards on the vertical fin, the star always goes forward.

--Dan

dvj
June 5th, 2018, 16:03
Looking great! I can't wait to fly it!

Minor texture note, the Lockheed logo is backwards on the vertical fin, the star always goes forward.

--Dan

I think it is accurate for the Vega.

-d

mjahn
June 5th, 2018, 22:06
But there are many right-hand side pics of Vegas on the net that firmly support Dan's point. I didn't see any pic of NR-869-E though.

Vitus
June 5th, 2018, 23:50
I am hearing release date soon. Can you tell us when?

-d

Release is tomorrow, 7th of June! I was hoping that I could stir up some hype before the release, but I am soooo busy sorting out the last details. Yesterday for example updated the info (later product) page of the Vega and replaced all the outdated images, have a look and tell me what you think (https://wing42.com/en/content/11-lockheed-vega-5)!


Minor texture note, the Lockheed logo is backwards on the vertical fin, the star always goes forward.

Gosh Dan, what an eye for detail! I went through my reference library and it looks like there were a lot of Vegas with the star facing backwards. That being said, Mattern's aircraft had the star facing the other way indeed. As you can imagine, this is not really high up on my priority list, but I'll do my best to update the textures accordingly. If not now, then it will be changed in a future update! Thanks for spotting the mistake!! :ernaehrung004:


I didn't post it here before, but maybe some of you haven't it yet - I uploaded a video in which I go through the proper startup procedure and explain some of the components:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VKEtivY8E

Bjoern
June 6th, 2018, 08:54
Seeing the windscreen wipers of the Vega in the other thread, one thing to consider for future features is environmental interaction. Icing and precipitation pose quite a bit of danger at the altitudes the (regular) Vega operates at.

Vitus
June 6th, 2018, 12:59
Seeing the windscreen wipers of the Vega in the other thread, one thing to consider for future features is environmental interaction. Icing and precipitation pose quite a bit of danger at the altitudes the (regular) Vega operates at.

Yes, that's always been on my list as well. The pitot isn't heated either, so you'd be quadruple-screwed: Your wing creates less lift, your planes gets heavier, you can't see s**t and don't know how fast you're going.

Sounds like fun!:biggrin-new:

SH427
June 6th, 2018, 19:05
Yes, that's always been on my list as well. The pitot isn't heated either, so you'd be quadruple-screwed: Your wing creates less lift, your planes gets heavier, you can't see s**t and don't know how fast you're going.

Sounds like fun!:biggrin-new:

Which leads me to wonder why they call them the "good old days" :biggrin-new:

Vitus
June 7th, 2018, 02:53
https://i.imgur.com/aK5NEUk.jpg

Roger
June 7th, 2018, 03:11
Unfortunately nothing happens when I click on "order with an obligation to pay".

Roger
June 7th, 2018, 03:26
Update: having created your account you then need to wait for an e-mail telling you that you can now make a purchase.

Vitus
June 7th, 2018, 05:23
Hey Roger,
I already wrote you a pm before I saw that you already sorted out the problem. I hope everything else works smoothly for you, if you have any issue, don't hesitate to send me a pm or email!

Thank you so much for your support!

Wim
June 7th, 2018, 07:14
She flies beautiful, great aircraft.:applause:http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60871&stc=1

dvj
June 7th, 2018, 07:31
She flies beautiful, great aircraft.:applause:http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60871&stc=1


Soon I hope, download is extremely slow, over an hour now. Must be lots of sales ;-)

Vitus
June 7th, 2018, 07:44
She flies beautiful, great aircraft.:applause:http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60871&stc=1

https://i.imgur.com/OX7x70B.jpg

How do you like the magnetic compass? :wiggle:



Soon I hope, download is extremely slow, over an hour now. Must be lots of sales ;-)

Ugh, that's strange. I just tested it and I get a speed between 500 - 1000 k/s. The server is located in Berlin, Germany. It might just be the overseas connection. I'm sorry you experience this problem. Let me know via pm if it doesn't improve or even stops. Thanks for your support!

paulopp
June 7th, 2018, 08:01
This is great news! If it wasn't for a pesky little deficit on my PayPal account and the European law that allows banks to cancel any transaction within 6 working days, I would have bought it right away. Have to delay it until the start of next week. Damn! :banghead:

Until then, glad to follow this thread and the course of the glorious Wing42 Vega.

I notified the people at the California Classics' forum some months ago, so maybe some propliner pilots from there will join the launch.

Best, Christian

blanston12
June 7th, 2018, 08:52
I have purchased mine, although it will probably be a week before I can get back on my flight computer.

dvj
June 7th, 2018, 09:52
Pure Art!
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60882&stc=1

eddie
June 7th, 2018, 11:20
After purchasing this model, and getting a verification from Paypal that it went through, would be nice to get a download link,lol

Vitus
June 7th, 2018, 11:49
After purchasing this model, and getting a verification from Paypal that it went through, would be nice to get a download link,lol

Yeah, I agree... I sent you an email regarding this. It's quite odd. After you make the payment on the paypal site, it should redirect you back to wing42.com and the order confirmation. For some reason, that didn't seem to have worked.
I reimbursed you through paypal though and would ask you kindly to try again. I'm really sorry for the kerfuffle! Please let me know if you keep having issues and we'll find another way!

Roger
June 7th, 2018, 12:26
Please post comments, screenies etc. in the release thread: http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/110751-Lockheed-Vega-5-for-FSX-and-P3D-released

eddie
June 7th, 2018, 12:36
Yeah, I agree... I sent you an email regarding this. It's quite odd. After you make the payment on the paypal site, it should redirect you back to wing42.com and the order confirmation. For some reason, that didn't seem to have worked.
I reimbursed you through paypal though and would ask you kindly to try again. I'm really sorry for the kerfuffle! Please let me know if you keep having issues and we'll find another way!

After I went through Paypal and was being redirected back to your site, I got a screen that said Fatal Error, not sure what happened, but will try again tomorrow! :)