A Little Bearcat Action

[Bomber_12th]

Long over-due first flight in a while. I hope you enjoy the shots!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_10.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat_8.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

I'll add this one too...there are actually two aircraft related to Vertigo Studios in this shot.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Twilight%20Tear/bearcat.jpg

[Cirrus N210MS]

Great Photo's

[oakfloor]

Wow you got yours to work? mine went stupid 6 months ago..well i got my $20 bucks worth.

[heywooood]

looks about right to me..

[ZsoltB]

Great pics!

Thank you!

[roger-wilco-66]

Great shots! I think I have to re-install mine, for some reason it suddenly started to crash FSX upon loading it.

Cheers,
Mark

[fliger747]

Quite some time ago I had done a -1 and -2 FDE (As they are different enough to need seperate tratment) for Deano for this plane, not sure what he ever did with them if anything.

Fun little bumblebee of a plane!

T

[Bomber_12th]

Tom, I would love to have those! As far as I'm concerned, the only issue that I have with the product, and I feel it is a very understandable issue, is the flight dynamics, which are all over the board. If Dean doesn't express interest in providing them, it would be wonderful if you could share them directly. They, I know, would be a real treat to have! Your flight dynamics for the AF Corsair really made that one worth flying a lot more.

Speaking of which, you wouldn't have happened to have ever produced flight dynamics for the Vertigo Studios (former Real Flight) Hellcat, have you?

[fliger747]

If I get a chance (several projects going on) I'll review the files I did and eventually post them here.

Regards: Tom

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you Tom!

[fliger747]

Ah, the F6F, I don't thnk I fussed with that one yet as I got sidelined by the F7F project and some of the racers. My recollection was that the engine was not set up correctly, capable of something like 4000 hp at Sl.

A number of projects underway at the moment, bt I should look at those if I get a chance.

T

[Phantom88]

I know there's still a patch in the works so maybe that will correct some issues.

[Ian Warren]

As I said once before .. more Propeller than Aeroplane :icon_lol:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[expat]

My recollection was that the engine was not set up correctly, capable of something like 4000 hp at Sl.

Ah! That explains why she's airborne with full fuel in 20 feet and no catapult! Otherwise, I actually prefer the Hellcat to the F8F - the latter for me has handling issues. Be great for some alternative FDE' s to play with.

[oakfloor]

I know there's still a patch in the works so maybe that will correct some issues. This has been going on for almost a year..there is nothing coming as of yet, I just deleted mine and moved on.

[Bone]

I never got this plane, but if one of the big booboo's in it is 4000 horsepower at seal level, then I'm going to go buy it.

Holy torque shaft, that's alot of horses.

[Bomber_12th]

Bone, that is in regards to the Hellcat flight dynamics - I haven't experienced it in a while, but it is a bit like strapping on a rocket (unfortunately, the very first flight dynamics that were released for it, were quite close, but a little sluggish - then they were "fixed"). The Bearcat, in contrast, does not accelerate very well, and requires some higher power settings to maintain even regular cruise airspeeds. Having said that, the only thing I don't like about either product is the flight dynamics, otherwise the visuals are excellent, and sounds are not bad either (the exact same can be said about the A2A/Aircraft Factory Corsair). I have no other issues with the products, and have been impressed all along with everything besides the flight dynamics. As I mentioned too, earlier, the flight dynamics made available by Fliger for the A2A/AF Corsair (which should have been the ones used with that product) really made the difference between flying it and not. Although I can't simply just shelve the VS Bearcat because I like the Bearcat too much, I know that improved flight dynamics for it (and the Hellcat) would really complete the experience, and the flight hours on it would increase a lot. I only wish I knew more than I do about making flight dynamics.

[Bone]

...OK, thanks John. I see there was some discussion gear switching from the F8 to the F6, and I didn't make the transition with it. I'll save the money for Deano's Stearman. If the Bearcat is that underpowered in the sim, then I'm going to pass.

[Bomber_12th]

Well I've still been glad I've got it, since day 1. As mentioned in my first post, I hadn't flown the aircraft in the sim for a while, but that was due to other, non-related reasons. Recent events sort of brought the Bearcat back into my attention again. They often talk about the fact that the Bearcat is likely the easiest WWII-era fighter to fly, despite the extraordinary performance. The running joke is always, you should learn to fly the Bearcat first, then transition to the P-51, and finally the AT-6 (where it's actually always the exact other way around).

Some more recent screens:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image1-17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image2-17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image3-16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image4-16.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image5-17.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image6-15.jpg

[Daube]

This bird is definitely one of the most amazing 3D models in my FSX hangar so far.
Unfortunately, just like the F-6F Hellcat, the flight model is one of the worst. I don't really like the engine sounds as well, on my computer it seems that the engine is always on idle, only the volume increases when I push the throttle....
So I'll keep a close eye to this topic, as I am extremely interested in any mod that would make these two aircrafts better.

One additionnal question about the Bearcat: could this aircraft land on a carrier ? The propeeler is so large that any "nose down" attitude would result in a crash, no ?

[ZsoltB]

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7676/72130451.jpg
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4514/52857830.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

Daube, it could (and did) operate from carriers. The old story goes, that there were Bearcats on carrier decks heading towards Japan when WWII ended. Just like some of the very late-Mark Spitfires, you land and take off in a three-point attitude, and it (the real aircraft) allows for that very easily. You are alo supposed to only take off and land in a three-point attitude with Wildcats, Hellcats, and Avengers as well.

Even some of the old P-51 instruction movies demonstate the use of three-point attitude take offs and landings, and some pilots today will sometimes perform take-offs in Mustangs with all three-points coming off the ground at the same time, it's only a matter of holdign the tail down, longer.

[Ian Warren]

it could (and did) operate from carriers. The old story goes, that there were Bearcats on carrier decks heading towards Japan when WWII ended.
And the the new types the US Navy had to field alone in props Bearcat , Skyraider , Savage and land based Neptune's ... the impressive power of them all


<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[Daube]

Thanks for the explanations. Indeed the Bearcat should... well, MUST take off and land in a three points attitude, there's no choice, either you keep that tailwheel on the ground, or the prop is lost.
I have not tried to land the Bearcat on a carrier yet, but all my attempts with the Hellcat ended in a nose-crash, because the tail of the plane would always go up when catching the cables... Are the tailhook coordinates correct on this model ?

[fsxar177]

In respect to the infamous 3-point, and landing the Bearcat....

3-point, kinda (forgive lame announcer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLF551D6B30636982E&feature=player_detailpage&v=YpRfyxx_TYk

Not-So 3-point, still very Bearcat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcwNfFVnYu4

Joseph

[fsxar177]

Rare Bear with the paddle prop, landing at 9:50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljUgK3RdEpo&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL880BA438D267D8DD

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you for those, Joseph! The "Rare Bear" landings always look 'hot', as in a lot of speed on the aircraft still on approach, even in regular operation, but with those stubby wings, it makes sense.

This is what I meant about the props on some of the late-Mark Spitfires, being inches from the ground:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/231474093_426728b93a_b.jpg

[fliger747]

John:

Took the -1 out last night for some test flying and got the SL and critical altitude speeds correct, working a bit on mach tuck and spins. Haven't deck landed it as yet in the current flight test.

I do remember the folks having issues with the F6F nosing up on an arrested landing. I didn't really fuss with that one as yet. Part of the issue was the way everything reacted if you landed a bit fast. If you make sure you are on speed and have some wind over the deck, it behaves a bit better if not perfectly.

As to the F6F engine, it was done like the Iris P-40 series in that it it was capable of a much higher than rated MP at SL, but that was it's critical altitude, so power dropped off to normal at altitude. Indeed FSX doesen't do supercharged engines perfectly, especially multi staged ones, but neutral and low blower were not capable of really high MP values and high blower used about 400 HP! Max dry power falls off at altitude, with the same RPM and MP settings, due to the power required to drive the blower. However thrust augmentation from exhaust etc usually about cancel this out so total thrust as used in FSX usually works out OK. For proper performance at altitude, the Mach tables can be adjusted to get good speed values.

The visuals for the A2A F4u-1A and the Vertigo F6F were done by Milviz. I am currently working on their 737-200 which I flew as Captain for a number of years. Then the turbine powered versions of the S2 series are still WIP for Milton, so I am somewhat busy but will have to take another peak at these as they are nice planes!

Cheers: Tom

[fsxar177]

Tom,
Do keep us updated, as I'm sure that there are many who would at least like to try an updated FDE for either the F6F, or F8F.

I was considering doing some comparative tests with the Bearcat's original FD, and then when your work is ready, perhaps I could analyze the core differences.

Best regards,
Joseph

[fliger747]

Try this out: Speeds pretty close, has stall/spin, mach tuck in a dive, spoiler/dive flap gives nose up for recovery, deck lands Ok, but with more nose dwn on arrestment than I would like.

Note: Is for the -1 only, tested in Accel. Since SOH won't let me load .zip files, simply rename without the .TXT extension and unzip.

Tom

[Phantom88]

:salute:Thanks Tom

[Bomber_12th]

Tom, I just completed two flights and about to make a third. It is just as I expected it would be - excellent!

I'm really excited by what I have experienced with these new flight dynamics. I will say that the acceleration and airspeeds (using the system-displayed/accurate airspeed readings) that I was seeing looked spot on to what I'd expect. On take-off, with 50" MP and full low-pitch/High RPM, the acceleration is excellent, requiring very little runway, but at the same time it is not over-done at all, but just perfect (if I recall correctly, max take-off power for the R-2800 is right at or around 51" MP). Initial climb power is established at 42" MP and 2550 RPM (which is also max-continuous, and used in display flying). Cruise-climb I was using 35" MP and 2300 RPM, and the aircraft still climbed very well. Cruise settings I have at 32" MP and 2100 RPM (this is fairly standard accross the board, for all aircraft with R-2800 engines), and with those settings, in level flight, I was getting about 240-242 kts ground speed (close to 280 mph), with about 185 kts indicated (about 213 mph) which is awesome, and right in the where-abouts that it should be! One of the most important tests for me, is being able to fly the aircraft through the same type of aerobatic displays that are actually flown with the real aircraft, and at the same power settings - and it passed that test very nicely! With the over-all handling vastly improved (the ailerons and elevators all responding as you'd expect them to), and proper acceleration and power, the aircraft is absolutely wonderful to fly through a display performance, especially starting out at 5,000 ft, and entering the display area in a dive from altitude. The amount of energy that you gain through this is spectacular (just as it is in real life), and if maintained, can make for some very spirited display flying (like Stephen Grey's "Joker" routine). I should also add that landing the aircraft seems to be just as easy as described with the real aircraft, and it shouldn't be a problem for most to easily be able to three-point the aircraft, and without a single bounce.

As mentioned, off for another flight! Thank you very, very much Tom!!

(One thing I thought worth noting, is that the airspeed indicator in the model doesn't seem to be calibrated properly in the low to mid 100's)

[Bomber_12th]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/bearcat-1.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

One of Stephen Grey's Bearcat demonstrations, this one filmed at last year's Flying Legends air show (note the amount of energy on the aircraft from the very start of the display): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVRuQwowJNI

dVRuQwowJNI

[fliger747]

I am working on the -2 at the moment and am not getting the climb rate I want, the culprit seems to be the prop table. Still getting some airspeed indicator issues as well. The 22Wand 30W engines used on the -1 and -2 aircraft were quite different. The later engine, which was essentially the same as the unit fitted to the F4U5 without the sidewinders, featured a hydraulicaly driven variable speed supercharger. The theory I would guess was to achive a more optimum supercgarger blower ratio throught the altitude range.

More later: T

[Ian Warren]

Brilliant little piston pocket rocket and a very impressive display , for the people who don't have it .. ideal for your favorite airshow scenery .. for me that's this weekends 'Warbirds over Wanaka' .. would be nice to see this one brought over for the next show , course with Vertigo's Cat and Real NZ the best i can do at the moment :cool:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[fliger747]

Ian:

Enjoyed staying around Wanaka and do wish I could have coincided with the famous air show!

With regards to the -2, borrowed another prop and was able to climb Sl to 20,000 ft in 3:41 with a bit of a help from an initial zoom climb.

The quest continues: T

[OleBoy]

Rare Bear is an incredible aircraft. I loved the video of them all racing the pylons. It was deafening I had it turned up so loud while enjoying the rumble.
I was getting a great adrenaline rush watching the video. I can only imagine being there as a spectator in the side lines. WOW!!! :icon_lol:

[Bomber_12th]

Ian:

Enjoyed staying around Wanaka and do wish I could have coincided with the famous air show!

With regards to the -2, borrowed another prop and was able to climb Sl to 20,000 ft in 3:41 with a bit of a help from an initial zoom climb.

The quest continues: T

Great news, Tom! I noticed on some perfomance figures for the F8F-2, that it had an initial climb speed of just over 6,000 fpm - simply incredible!

(Speaking of which, I believe one of the records set with the F8F-2, was a take-off and climb to 10,000 feet in 91 seconds, from the moment of brake release.)

[fliger747]

As with the above file, delete the .txt and unzip.

This is a first pass at the -2 but should be a fun flier. Deck lands OK, but as with most FSX taildraggers has a tendency to nose fwd, bounce back, which can punch throught the deck.

A new prop to help low speed acceleration and climb rate.

T

[Bomber_12th]

Can't wait to try those F8F-2's now, Tom! Thank you!!

Here's some more F8F-1 related screenshots. I'm getting more and more attached to this aircraft with every new flight.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_4.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_6.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_9.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/8-ball_10.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

Tom, after a quick test flight with the F8F-2 flight dynamics, the first thing I have to say is, wow! At full power (past regular take-off power) you can really feel it pull, and the climb-rate is great! I'm also looking forward to taking it around the pylons at Reno, now. ; )

The only criticism I have, is the prop torque on take-off (which combined with the rudder authority, isn't manageable, or at least on my end). One of the things I've read about the Bearcat, is that it didn't have much torque/swing on take-off, and actually in the Budd Davisson pilot report, he states that he never felt the aircraft wanting to swing in the least, with absolutely no torque effect at all.

The full Budd Davisson pilot report is three-pages long, but if you start at the paragraph that reads "By the time I came to the end of the runway", on this page, it talks about the author's first two take-offs in the Bearcat (the one pictured at the very top of the pages): http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepBearcat.2.html

Back for more fun!

(Edit: I noticed that if I reduce the P--Factor slider in FSX, it's just fine.)

[Phantom88]

Excuse my ignorance but what files are being replaced? As I'd like to keep originals as back-up,Thanks:salute:

[Bomber_12th]

Right now, the VS Bearcat is setup with one Aircraft.cfg file and one Airfile, all within one aircraft folder. So if you want to back-up any files, the Aircraft.cfg file and Airfile are the ones to do so with.

As Tom mentions, there is more than enough difference between the F8F-1 and F8F-2 to demand two different flight models. As a result, you have to have two seperate VS Bearcat aircraft folders - one for the F8F-1 and the other for the F8F-2. What I did, was create a new folder titled F8F-2, and copied all of the F8F-2 related model and texture files over to that new folder. I also copied and pasted in the sound, panel, and main texture folders from the original VS F8F folder. I then used the Aircraft.cfg file and Airfile provided by Tom for the F8F-1, within the now designated F8F-1 folder, and then of course I am using Tom's F8F-2 in the newly made F8F-2 folder.

For any repaints you have installed, or especially if you have the extra repaint pack product, as I have, you will have to sort all of these out, between F8F-1 and F8F-2, and add all of the extra entries into the individual Aircraft.cfg files. I'll try to put some images together to illustrate.

For the sake of easing any confusion, here are Tom's same flight dynamics again, as he has so kindly provided above, but re-uploaded in .zip file form.

[big-mike]

Thank you very much,John.
Michael

[Bomber_12th]

*Note too that Tom has renamed the Airfile as either VS_F8F-1 or VS_F8F-2, where as the default Airfile that came with the product is VS_F8F, so you either have to rename the "Sim=" line in each of the repaint entries in the aircraft.cfg files, or simply rename the airfiles in each of the individual folders, to VS_F8F (it doesn't matter either way you choose). The repaint entries in Tom's files, already have the "Sim=" entries reading either VS_F8F-1 or VS_F8F-2, appropriately.

It's also easier making a new folder for the F8F-2 variants, as there are less F8F-2's covered than F8F-1's.

Edit: This is the file setup I put together, with Tom's Aircraft.cfg files and Airfiles. Also, for those who have the extra repaints product for the F8F, I have attached the two individual lines of repaint entries for both the F8F-1 and F8F-2, for quick copy and paste (you'll still have to add in any additional third-party repaints/repaint entries). Hopefully these images will help provide a good quick reference check, to see if you've got everything put where it needs to be.

[fliger747]

John:

Thanks for giving such a good explanation of the splitting of the siamese twins!

Indeed the Pee factor may be a bit high, but it is important to use a lot of right rudder trim. FS is a bit wierd in that the trim actually increases the effectivness of the control, rather than just the force required. I will probably work this over a bit more and certainly I wish I had as much info as was available for say the F4U or the F7F. I do know that there were some in service accidents from torque rolls after a waveoff. Pilot reports from the era are ocassionally repleat with a bit of the flyers mystique, as in "torque? what are you some sort of wimp, I didn't have any". There is some handling notes on the -1 in the 1944 Fighter Conf, which I have.

It amazing to climb to 20,000 ft in four mins or so!

Thanks for the comments, I am sure there are a few other holes remaining!

Best wishes: Tom

[Bomber_12th]

Tom, I think next time I'm going to try with full right rudder trim dialed in, and see what happens. I should have mentioned p-factor all along - the torque effect is good as is.

Thank you very much again!

(Also, I've been using the "single R-2800" sound set by Gary Jones, available at Flightsim.com - it is quite good!)

[Phantom88]

John,Thank you very much for your excellent instructions for those {ME:icon_lol:}Who are PC/Windows/Folder Challenged.

And of course Thank You Tom for creating/testing this package:salute:
Cheers

[VCN-1]

Has anyone tried to install this aircraft in P3D by direct install or drag the folders to P3D?

Thanks for the updates with the air files and aircraft cfg files

VCN-1

[fsxar177]

Bearcat 101

Actual Top Speed:
F8F-1: 421mph @19,700
F8F-2: 447mph, @28,000

My tested speeds, with no armament or accessories, and full of fuel.
Original Vertigo Top Speed:
F8F: 423mph @19,700, and 58 inches, 397mph at 52 inches.

Toms Updated Top Speed:
F8F-1: 420mph @19,700, with 59 inches (water injection on), 394mph at 52 inches (no water)
F8F-2: 439mph @28,000, with 59 inches (water injection on), 413mph at 52 inches.


John is correct on the proper manifold pressure settings, as well as the climb rate. I was very pleased to have water injection, and proper mixture settings at high altitude with the new FD's. The original dynamics left the aircraft remarkably sluggish, particularly at low altitude, while maintaining redline. (You almost had to exceed redline, in order to perform).

My clean, and dirty stall speeds, and characteristics were correct also. My overall performance was much improved, and the aircraft is much more nimble at altitude, as it should be. However, I also agree with John on the torque/p-factor being a bit heavy on the -2. It is correct, that WITH THE TAILWHEEL LOCKED, the Pilot almost didn't experience any torque on take-off. (However, tailwheel left to unlocked, is what gave the aircraft it's name, "Bearcat") Landing was also cherry, no bounce, and this also is accurate, for it has been said that when the Bearcat got planted, it stayed there.

Another critical aspect, is the gear. It needs to be cycled at or below 140 indicated. A little tough to do, when you have such a quick machine.

Am curious, was there ever a water level indicator on the Bearcat? I believe there was a 15 gallon capacity of mixture for the injection, housed in the lower area of the engine accessory section. It was injected at 27psi. Also, am curious if it was used during Grumman's testing, for performance specs.

One other note, having been around Bearcats most of my life, I don't at all mind the Vertigo soundset, and prefer it over that of Mr. Jones, though his is pretty good also.

John, am having difficulty locating some of the paint that you have installed....

Joseph

[Bradburger]

For those interested, and to complement the Budd Davisson one, here is another flight report on the Bearcat that I came across a while ago, written by John Deakin: -

http://www.avweb.com/news/pelican/182122-1.html

I also have one by Stephen Grey that was published in Pilot magazine a while ago, but I'll have to dig it out.

Cheers

Paul

[fsxar177]

Paul,
Excellent link! I enjoyed that immensely. The little note about the friction lock on the throttle is interesting. Same thing can happen with the Mustang. Always a good idea to check that out before take-off!

Thanks!

Joseph

[Bomber_12th]

Joseph, all of the additional paint schemes as seen in the text files, are from this addon for the VS Bearcat: http://www.pcsimstore.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-x/military-aircraft/dakota-paints-vstudios-bearcat-paint-pack.html

It's more than worth the additional small price, and the money goes to a great individual.

Thank you Paul for that link!

[Bomber_12th]

BTW, I love how Grumman designed into their aircraft, the cowls that taper away from the cockpit forward to the engine - much like what Hawker did with their Hurricane - making ground-handling and seeing past the nose much easier than other single-engine aircraft of the period.

[fliger747]

The high seating for fwd visibility was important for the Navy philosophy of training for deflection shooting. Thinking a bit about the flight link and noting that the lockable TW was quite important for a good takeoff. I expect it was especially effective since the plane sat back at a fair angle, putting quite a bit of weight on it. Unfortunatly in FS the effect of a lockable TW, while there, isn't nearly as useful. Not sure if much could be done to fix this.

At least for the gear, you do not have to hand crank it up lik the F4F!

More later: Tom

[Bone]

Now that Fliger has it all tweeked up, it looks like I'll be getting the Bearcat after all.

[fsxar177]

John,
Thanks for the link. I had forgot about that pack. Getting it now.

Bone, GO GET THE BEARCAT, 30% off Right now at pcsimstore

Joseph

[big-mike]

Tom,
i want to say thank you very much for your work on the fde--much appreciated!:applause:
Michae

[Barfly]

Definitely get it Bone! Thanks for the FDE update Tom... makes this addon worthwhile. Now it has believable flight dynamics to match the amazing 3d model..

[fliger747]

Will probably add a few more tweaks to this.

As I don't have the Effsixeff on my laptop, that one will have to wait a while (have it on the mainframe at home).

T

[fsxar177]

Thanks again for the work so far!

Joseph

[fliger747]

Doing a bit of work on the Dash-one right now. Stole the prop of of the similarly powered XP47J that I have been working on for Milton, much better low speed effency and shorter takeoff. Helps the climb as well.

Cheers: T

[Bone]

Meow. Although, she's a bit of a sidewinder on final approach with full flaps.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/theBone11/2012-4-10_12-33-20-712.jpg

[fsxar177]

Congrats Bone!

[fliger747]

Liking the -1 with the new prop, you don't have it yet, but it allows the plane to do a better job of hanging on the prop and does a lot for the climb rate. The one you have currently isn't right as exemplified by the anemic takeoff from the Essex boats. Also trimming down the low speed aileron control a bit.

A WIP so to speak. See if I can spit out a new version before my flight today.

T

[VCN-1]

I for one really appreciate your work with the FDE.

BTW there were number of freeware textures at AVSIM and flightsim.com.

VCN-1

[Bone]

A beauty to look at, and fly's great with Fligers F8F-1 FDE. Really great formation handling. I never used the FDE that came with the model.

[Daube]

Short question here, from a newbie, since I have the Bearcat since a very short time only: do you guys also get this terrible smoke effect on engine startup that brings the FPS down to 1 FPS (or less) ? Or am I missing some patch/upgrade ?

[fliger747]

Unfortunately it looks as if my laptop totally died. So probably dead in the H2O for a couple of weeks.

T

[Bone]

...not good, sorry to hear.

[Ferry_vO]

Thanks for all the work Tom! Might have to dig up the Bearcat from the hdd and give your files a try!

[imn2sims]

Short question here, from a newbie, since I have the Bearcat since a very short time only: do you guys also get this terrible smoke effect on engine startup that brings the FPS down to 1 FPS (or less) ? Or am I missing some patch/upgrade ?

Press the "L" key.

Steve

[fsxar177]

Oh no Tom!

Tragic, just tragic.... And things were going soooo good.

Look forward to ya getting back up and running.

In the meantime, happy trails!

Joseph

[fliger747]

Looks as if the HD has dies, which is fairly easy surgery. The ASUS laptops have a splash top Linux operating system that runs off of some motherboard RAM and allows some basic features without the HD. Most of my stuff is also on the computer at home, so no great losses. Thinking of revisiting the F4U 1A which could also use some low speed oomph.

Be glad when Milton gets back to the XP 47J, a really fun bird for a jug!

T

[P38man]

Thanks so much for the FDE update, Tom. :salute:

Have a great day!

[Ferry_vO]

Did a quick test with the files posted above (Used the -2 version) and it feels great! :applause:

Thanks Tom! :ernae:

[Bomber_12th]

Many thanks again, Tom! For the time being, I've sort of standardized all of the Bearcat variants to using the -2 FDE's, and it is an absolute thrill.

I had been curious for a while now, as to how many Bearcats there actually are that are airworthy around the world, and last night I set about making a full and complete listing, so here it is...

Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force:
F8F-2 N7825C

Friedkin Family Collection (father and son Dan and Tom Friedkin):
F8F-2 N1DF
F8F-2 N8TF

Historic Flight Foundation:
F8F-2 N800H

Tom Wood Estate:
F8F-1B N2209

John O'Connor:
F8F-2 N68RW

Rod Lewis/Lewis Air Legends:
F8F-1 N58204
F8F-2 N14WB
F8F-2 N747NF
F8F-2 N777L (Rare Bear)

Jens Meyerhoff:
F8F-1 N9G

The Fighter Collection:
F8F-2P G-RUMM

Royal Thai Air Force Museum:
F8F-1 "1234" (yes, this aircraft is kept in airworthy condition, and has flown on special occassions since 2007 - and it is gorgeous!)

Bob Pond Estate/Palm Springs Air Museum:
G-58B N700A

Also, under restoration at Fighter Rebuilders in Chino, CA, to airworthy condition, is G-58A N3025. The aircraft is registed to the Steve Hinton, but it sounds like it is being restored through the combined co-op efforts of all of the big names involved with the Planes of Fame Air Museum, and that it will be essentially the museum's Bearcat when complete.

[jankees]

I didn't make that many paints for this bird, but that doesn't mean I don't like it!

This is my favortite shot:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/best/FX6000_2-1.jpg

[Ferry_vO]

I didn't make that many paints for this bird, but that doesn't mean I don't like it!

This is my favortite shot:



That would look great printed on canvas and hung on a wall! :applause: Almost real art!

[fliger747]

I wish I had been able to get the -1 files off to you. The only real difference in that one was the use of a new prop file, with some very minor CDO form and mach drag changes. However enough to make big difference. The planes do have some different flight manners due to the rudder and vertical stab size and shape. Be home in a little more than a week. I will have to re-do those values, but a manner of a short time.

Cheers Tom

[fsxar177]

Tom,
I will stay tuned in, for when you get home and settled!

Joseph

[Bone]

I didn't make that many paints for this bird, but that doesn't mean I don't like it!

This is my favortite shot:




That is a good one. What scenery is that?

[Sundog]

That is a good one. What scenery is that?

It looks like Hervey Bay (http://fullterrain.com/product_yhba.html) to me, but it's been a while since I've flown there, so don't quote me on it. But when he tells you, if you don't already have it, you can get it for 44% off this month at Orbx/FTX. :)

Whatever it is, it is a great screenshot.

[Bone]

OK, thanks Sundog.

[jankees]

It is indeed ORBX software, but in this case it is Aeropelican, the airfield just visible to the right of the 3 of 327.

[jankees]

and coming back to the bearcat, you know I like my paints to show some wear and tear on the aircraft.
Some of the French Bearcats had as much wear and tear as you could hope for:

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/FX16651.jpg

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/FX16652.jpg

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/FX16653.jpg

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/Belgie/FX16654.jpg

[fliger747]

Edging up on being aviation art!

T