Virtavia B-29 Released

[Sundog]

I just saw it at simMarket, going to buy it now.

[Barfly]

Ordered it, but didn't get a download link associated with the purchase...

[dvj]

I just saw it at simMarket, going to buy it now.

It seems you can order it, but no download links provided.

[Barfly]

I just sent a note to Virtavia customer service to let them know, and opened a ticket with Simmarket.

[Sundog]

Yeah, I just noticed that as well. I finally bought the Aerosoft Twotter as well, so I didn't notice the missing B-29 link at first.

[TARPSBird]

I bought the Virtavia B-24 Liberator package from PC Aviator this week so I'm flying Libs around FS9 and FSX right now. I'll give 'em a few days to get the B-29 downloads sorted out before I feed my "big bomber" habit some more. The B-29 package looks really nice.

[Gdavis101]

Wasn't someone else doing a B-29 also?

[Geomitrak]

Wasn't someone else doing a B-29 also?

I hope so.

[Ian Warren]

One 29 ... not quiet its only 11.36 here :cool:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[WarHorse47]

Just got it at PCAviator, and took a short hop from McChord AFB to Boeing Field. Impressive.

Wonderful job, Virtavia.

I just had to get this one as my late Father-In-Law worked on the B-29's including the Enola Gay.

Now I gotta go read the manual...

[TheGrunt]

This is definitely a must buy next week :applause: I might as well wait at least for the PC Aviator 10% off tuesday as I have no time to fiddle with this beuty before that.

[huub vink]

It looks very nice on the images on the Virtavia site. Very nicely done VC!

[dvj]

New Duxford version and B-29 - Sweet!

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/163/2vtt.jpg

[adi518]

wow looks amazing :)

I think they had to put better preview shots in the product page.. I mean bigger ones to really show it off.

[TeiscoDelRay]

How functional is the engineer station and is there any levers, gauges or buttons that do not work?

[papab]

How functional is the engineer station and is there any levers, gauges or buttons that do not work?

Head on over to the Virtavia Web:
http://www.virtavia.com/gallery_B-29.html

At the top is the link to download the users manual for the B-29

Rick

[Roger]

I'm enjoying the B-29...

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/10/20/XBHu.jpg

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/10/20/a5fz.jpg

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/10/20/KjZ9o.jpg

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/10/20/AENjY.jpg

[Pips]

Was the cockpit really that green?

And how well are the engines modelled? From what I've read they were notorious for overheating and bursting into flames if not treated properly.

[Barfly]

I've been in the cockpit of one and it's very well represented here... the green looks exactly like that IRL., and well as the color of the rest of the textures, including the seats. The real one has a fairly spare looking interior, with physical objects relatively simple in shape, also well done here, compared to much 'busier' looking cockpits in bombers developed a few years later.

It's nice to see the air ducting inside the cockpit modeled... that's something missing on older FS versions, very obviously so when you sit in one.

[ColoKent]

Paintkit! Paintkit! Can't find the paintkit!

This thing rocks for the money...

Kent

[WarHorse47]

I just finished a 3 hour practice run on some town in Oregon.

Fun to explore the plane once you reach altitude and set the autopilot.

Found a couple animations not mentioned in the manual, and checked out all the switches.

[fsafranek]

Paintkit! Paintkit! Can't find the paintkit!

This thing rocks for the money...

Kent
Paintkit is where they always are. Go to the Virtavia site and follow the link to the free stuff near the top. You'll see Paintkits in bold letters with the B-29 on the top of the list when sorted by date released.
:ernae:

[ColoKent]

Thanks, Frank!

Kent

[Geomitrak]

Was the cockpit really that green?

From looking into the flight deck of 44-61748 at Duxford, its pretty close. Maybe a tad brighter in the model, but that can be put down to monitors / eyesight etc. They've pretty much got it right.

[mal998]

For those who want a 4-50cal turret on "Dina Might" open the aircraft.cfg and ammend model to read model=B-29A_late

[TeiscoDelRay]

I am thinking of getting this and making a well worn cockpit like I did for the A2A B-17, anyone interested?

[fsafranek]

I am thinking of getting this and making a well worn cockpit like I did for the A2A B-17, anyone interested?
Sure. I always enjoy flying in a lived-in but functional cockpit.
:ernae:

[papab]

I am thinking of getting this and making a well worn cockpit like I did for the A2A B-17, anyone interested?


+1 :applause:

[ColoKent]

+1!!!

[mal998]

That would be awesome!

[adi518]

Lookie here for enhancing your b-29: http://forum.avsim.net/topic/424126-virtavia-b-29-superfortress-is-released/ (last post)

[Ian Warren]

I am thinking of getting this and making a well worn cockpit like I did for the A2A B-17, anyone interested?
Without a dout brussel sprout :cool: , I really do like the internals done on this B29 , it dose exude that 3D feel and is very well done , there are a few issues but i'm that will get sorted such as engine start ... love to see a slow whined and the kick in effect rather the electric motor type start:icon_lol:


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[dvj]

Without a dout brussel sprout :cool: , I really do like the internals done on this B29 , it dose exude that 3D feel and is very well done , there are a few issues but i'm that will get sorted such as engine start ... love to see a slow whined and the kick in effect rather the electric motor type start:icon_lol:


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

I'd fully support that work. Yes indeed.

[mal998]

I gotta tell ya, I played with that engine start-up for a long time and never could get them to "slow start". Something in the sim I guess? If any builders out there can shed some light I would be most appreciative.

[stovall]

TuFun here at SOH would be the man to contact. He has made some fantastic startup sounds and animation for MJ's fantastic upcoming C-47. Hope this helps.

[TuFun]

I gotta tell ya, I played with that engine start-up for a long time and never could get them to "slow start". Something in the sim I guess? If any builders out there can shed some light I would be most appreciative.


TuFun here at SOH would be the man to contact. He has made some fantastic startup sounds and animation for MJ's fantastic upcoming C-47. Hope this helps.

The slow prop startup is coded by Manfred Jahn (mjahn) in to his C-47 model. That gave me the opportunity to create the sound and smoke effects. mjahn can give you more insight on how this works.

[mal998]

Thanks fellas. I will check that out.

[YoYo]

The first flight.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_Virtavia_2_zps2939877c.jpg~original

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_Virtavia_1_zps061f1f24.jpg~original

[adi518]

The 2nd one.. really nice shot. Something looks odd in the cowls, or is it suppose to look like that? I mean the way they're opened.

[fsafranek]

The 2nd one.. really nice shot. Something looks odd in the cowls, or is it suppose to look like that? I mean the way they're opened.
Complete control of the cowl flaps is on the engineer's station. In the images above they have been placed in the open position.
:ernae:

[adi518]

Yeh, I know. :)

I just referred to someone's previous comment saying something looks odd about the cowls. :)

That shot is really, really nice. :applause:

[YoYo]

The 2nd one.. really nice shot. Something looks odd in the cowls, or is it suppose to look like that? I mean the way they're opened.

Here is full open but I agree, a little big gap between cowls flap.
See here: http://acc.kitreview.com/images/cec48477comparison_1.jpg
And here (full open):

http://b-29s-over-korea.com/wmayomap/MayoStoryScans/Cowlflaps.jpg

If You open from engineer position for half looks better:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/th_Screenshot21352_zps6a103e1c.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/rafikst/media/B-29%20Superfortress/Screenshot21352_zps6a103e1c.jpg.html)

Did You notice strange settings of "first" (pilot) view from VC? I havent pilot view but bomb door from VC view. The first view of VC must be set up as "F9" always in model of FSX - pilot view. Here I must operate some of "A" (key) to back view for pilot.
http://barelybad.com/FSX/FSXintro.htm

F9 key its a default (and first VC) FSX pilot view and here we have view to bomb door (back). Any idea how to solve it? In CameraDefinition You have programmed views, so not default, if You change eyepoint [View] You change all settings too - so it isnt good move. It Looks like its in the model directly.

VC screen (very good fps!):

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/Screenshot213552_zps272955a4.jpg~original

btw.
good picture for desktop :

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/th_B-29_wall_zps69e3dc50.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/rafikst/media/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_wall_zps69e3dc50.jpg.html)

Direct: (1920x1080) http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_wall_zps69e3dc50.jpg~original

[adi518]

Anyone find the paint kit?

[modelr]

Anyone find the paint kit?



http://www.virtavia.com/Freeware/index.php?dir=/Paint%20Kits

Sort by date will put it right at the top

[adi518]

ohh... I forgot to choose 'paint kits' above.. it's kind of obscure. :)

Edit: now, I figured it out... in this link pointed out on the main page: http://www.virtavia.com/Freeware/index.php there's no link to the paint kits folder like in the link you gave. Where did you fetch that one? the manual?

[modelr]

ohh... I forgot to choose 'paint kits' above.. it's kind of obscure. :)

Edit: now, I figured it out... in this link pointed out on the main page: http://www.virtavia.com/Freeware/index.php there's no link to the paint kits folder like in the link you gave. Where did you fetch that one? the manual?

No. When you use the freeware link you posted, it goes to the aircraft, but the very first line says "Paintkits". hit that one, it takes you to the page I posted. No instructions on doing it. Found by accident myself.

[adi518]

Like I said, it's pretty obscure. I looked like 5 times before I noticed that. :icon_lol:

[Ian Warren]

One has to remember cowl flaps are opened fully after landing and in ground use and slightly open on takeoff in hot climates and have a specific limited speed to which they can be left open at :salute:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[adi518]

how do you guys find the FDE so far?

[fsafranek]

ohh... I forgot to choose 'paint kits' above.. it's kind of obscure. :)

Edit: now, I figured it out... in this link pointed out on the main page: http://www.virtavia.com/Freeware/index.php there's no link to the paint kits folder like in the link you gave. Where did you fetch that one? the manual?
From a previous post in this thread:

Paintkit is where they always are. Go to the Virtavia site and follow the link to the free stuff near the top. You'll see Paintkits in bold letters with the B-29 on the top of the list when sorted by date released.
:ernae:
:ernae:

[JensOle]

Looking good! Do we have any British Washington B.1 paints?

[ftl818]

Just a question: The pilots can be switched, are the gun aiming controllers behind the blisters just before the tail also modelled? I cannot see them.

Some tweaking undertaken: introducing the real engine program (overheating and engine fires...), working turbocharging at high altitude, minor paint details (turbo cover slits, more reflective propellor hubs) .

Enjoying this aircraft very much,

Paul

[YoYo]

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_Virtavia_3_zpsd97a1cb6.jpg~original

[c87]

Nice screenshot YoYo!

[adi518]

Beauty! :salute::USA-flag::medals::guinness:

[YoYo]

1/ Im not sure but it looks like a bug on Magnetic Compass in model (here radio compass in VC with this "???" on the first picture). In Manual - 7 and 17 gauge its a magnetic compass but see this:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/Various/th_Screenshot54758_zps6f04ced1.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/rafikst/media/Various/Screenshot54758_zps6f04ced1.jpg.html) http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/Various/th_Screenshot22654_zpsf795ba88.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/rafikst/media/Various/Screenshot22654_zpsf795ba88.jpg.html)

On whiskey compass You have 253 deg, on radio - 195? It isnt too NDB or ADF finder (Like radio magnetic indicator, position 13 in manual, page 11).

What it actually shows? It looks like a mistake....

[DaveQ]

The first B-29 to arrive on Saipan was 42-24614 and was christened 'Joltin' Josie the Pacific Pioneer'. I bought the Airfix B-29 around 1964 and I remember putting the 'Josie' decal on my car; as such it was the first paint I wanted to do of the Superfort. Lots still to finish off though.



94809


DaveQ

[Ian Warren]

Looks Great Dave :cool: , like many here guess we have all seen the footage of her arrival on to that field :applause:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[YoYo]

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad52/rafikst/B-29%20Superfortress/B-29_Virtavia_6_zpsaa1fca7f.jpg~original

[AussieMan]

Some great screenshots here but need to ask this question. Has anybody noticed the propeller arcs when the engines are running? To me they appear to be not a genuine circle.

[Ian Warren]

Very start i noticed this , with all the video and film i believe the prop texture was created to give the affect or to portray that slow turning propellor tho i have not read up and compare with the aircraft types , was thinking off trading over an A2A prop texture to give another perspective .
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[ftl818]

Hi,

Same here, the propellor arcs have a more or less square appearance. If you look at the prop.dds then you can see that the yellow prop tips do not follow a perfect circle. The A2A texture is a good replacement.

Also missing the gun controller crew under the blisters and no animated oil coolers.

Paul

[dvj]

Hi,

Same here, the propellor arcs have a more or less square appearance. If you look at the prop.dds then you can see that the yellow prop tips do not follow a perfect circle. The A2A texture is a good replacement.

Also missing the gun controller crew under the blisters and no animated oil coolers.

Paul

Still flying the B-29. Which A2A texture are you suggesting? From the B-377?

[DaveQ]

I may have a go at the prop texture; the 'square prop' effect is quite off putting...! I'm using a Warbirdsim Mustang prop texture for now though 'cos I don't have the A2A 377. Enjoying flying and painting a brilliant edition to the the FSX collection.

'Joltin' Josie' is nearly done. New metalling and a few details altered/added.

94882

DaveQ

[TeiscoDelRay]

I was hoping it would have 3d props (props look real from the side) but does not seem to from the pictures I have found so far.

[rgatkinson]

I may have a go at the prop texture; the 'square prop' effect is quite off putting...! I'm using a Warbirdsim Mustang prop texture for now though 'cos I don't have the A2A 377. Enjoying flying and painting a brilliant edition to the the FSX collection.

'Joltin' Josie' is nearly done. New metalling and a few details altered/added.

94882

DaveQ

She's looking great Dave. Takes me right back to my youth and my Airfix kit-building days. The fun I had building that kit and admiring the box-top art work. Roy Cross was a brilliant artist, still admire his work to this day.

Best,

Taff.

[Ian Warren]

Almost done and looking great Dave .... I wonder how many Airfix B-29s were sold world wide :icon_lol:


One thing pointed across other forums was the prop texture affect - appears to have a squared look to it, for those lucky to own the A2A B377 i replaced the prop and result was brilliant quick fix , It would be easy to repaint the texture but this is a great substitute , i may even try the sound file as well .
http://www.fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/10/29/TPdA7.jpg

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[YoYo]

Better than manual, just needs Accu sim ;).


http://youtu.be/CsvLi8QyVwU

[Ian Warren]

Great doco Yoyo , have it on the shelf here with many others , a good study :cool:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[dvj]

"A single, irresistible instrument of destruction"

[fsafranek]

"A single, irresistible instrument of destruction"
Queue the music.
:ernae:

[rgatkinson]

Purchased this yesterday from PC Aviator making use of the 10% discount. First and foremost congratulations and thanks to Virtavia for producing this model, I am enjoying getting to grips with her. My thoughts thus far on possible updates that Virtavia might like to consider. I would like to stress that these are suggested improvements and not criticisms or complaints.

1. I believe that most, but not all, B-29s had their 20mm tail cannon removed in the field. As far as I can tell this model only depicts the two .50 machine guns in the tail. Might it be possible to include a version with the cannon as well?
2. Propeller discs, it's been noted in previous postings, don't look quite right.
3. Option to toggle on/off gun crew figures in the observation blisters.
4. Option of having the turrets/guns move randomly as if the crew are tracking potential target(s).
5. The well commented on dent behind the pilot and co-pilots windows - enough said.
6. The vents in front of the exhausts on the engine nacelles (the oil coolers that others have mentioned?) appear to me to be 2D rather than 3D. Could these be looked at and improved?

Other than than the model captures the look and feel of the giant very well. The cockpit is particularly impressive :-)

Best,

Taff.

[adi518]

Guys, anyone noticed a problem where the ailerons and rudder stop responding completely? It stops for like 20 seconds, then comes back. Not sure if a bug or just me not operating the aircraft correctly. Manual didn't give much pointers.. also, it says there to leave throttles @ 100% and use the props pitch to achieve ~ 2000rpm which I did, but manifold pressure is still far after the green zone and only reducing throttle will take it back to 'green'. Can anyone elaborate on that? :salute:

[DaveQ]

Just uploaded 42-24749, 'Tanaka Termite', 874th Bomb Sqdn., 498th Bomb Group, Saipan 1945 with the earlier T square 32 tail marking. I've put in a modified prop.dds file for those wanting to have a circular prop disc.

95099

Next is 'Jokers Wild', 42-24626, 871st Bomb Sqdn., 497th Bomb Group, flown by Lt. John W. Lawson and lost 3rd January 1945. 15 mins after bombs gone, the aircraft dropped out of formation and communication was lost. It was never seen again. Still a WIP - well look at the colour of the girl's hair for chrissake!!!

95100

DaveQ

[Roger]

Many thanks Dave:ernae:

[WarHorse47]

Still a WIP - well look at the colour of the girl's hair for chrissake!!!

Hair? What hair?? :icon_lol:

[flaviossa]

Anybody having trouble with simmarket.com installer???
I have multiple erros with this plane in installation as lack of folders and files: texture.bump don´t exist, there are many textures missing. Tried to reinstall 3 times with the same effect. (Antivirus disabled).
I´ll try download the installer again. :isadizzy:

[Ian Warren]

Just uploaded 42-24749, 'Tanaka Termite', 874th Bomb Sqdn., 498th Bomb Group, Saipan 1945 with the earlier T square 32 tail marking. I've put in a modified prop.dds file for those wanting to have a circular prop disc.

Next is 'Jokers Wild', 42-24626, 871st Bomb Sqdn., 497th Bomb Group, flown by Lt. John W. Lawson and lost 3rd January 1945. 15 mins after bombs gone, the aircraft dropped out of formation and communication was lost. It was never seen again. Still a WIP - well look at the colour of the girl's hair for chrissake!!!

Superb Dave :cool:

[adi518]

Thanks Dave!

This also looks like an interesting variant:

"Jack's Hack"

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

From this picture it also looks like not all B-29 had the same finish.. this one for example has a much more polished/mirror-like finish. I wonder if that's achievable. Also, a general problem I discovered with the stock textures is that they are way too shiny when enabling bloom. Not sure how Virtavia did it, but bloom should be considered when configuring the reflection factor. Carenado / Alabeo usually test their add-on with bloom to make sure it won't look odd.

[JensOle]

Thanks Dave!

This also looks like an interesting variant:

"Jack's Hack"

From this picture it also looks like not all B-29 had the same finish.. this one for example has a much more polished/mirror-like finish. I wonder if that's achievable. Also, a general problem I discovered with the stock textures is that they are way too shiny when enabling bloom. Not sure how Virtavia did it, but bloom should be considered when configuring the reflection factor. Carenado / Alabeo usually test their add-on with bloom to make sure it won't look odd.

Nice! Without knowing this particular B-29, museum aircraft tend to be much more polished than in service aircraft. So it might not be historically accurate if you want to show it as it was in service.

[adi518]

Hmm yes, you have a point there. :kilroy:

[DaveQ]

Thanks Dave!

This also looks like an interesting variant:

"Jack's Hack"

From this picture it also looks like not all B-29 had the same finish.. this one for example has a much more polished/mirror-like finish. I wonder if that's achievable. Also, a general problem I discovered with the stock textures is that they are way too shiny when enabling bloom. Not sure how Virtavia did it, but bloom should be considered when configuring the reflection factor. Carenado / Alabeo usually test their add-on with bloom to make sure it won't look odd.

If I had a good enough colour photo I'd have a go at 'Jack's Hack'. I'm no artist so I have to use images and Photoshop. As for metallic finishes, it's always been one of the greatest challenges to get it even remotely right. Almost every photo looks different and, as Jens-Ole says, in service they were never as polished as museum pieces. However 20th AAF B-29's were kept pretty clean by ground crews who regularly polished them with gasoline; whether one was ever set alight as a result is not recorded....!

DaveQ

Has anybody done or is doing WWII scenery for the Northern Marianas btw? Would fit the Superfort beautifully!

[stovall]

If I had a good enough colour photo I'd have a go at 'Jack's Hack'. I'm no artist so I have to use images and Photoshop. As for metallic finishes, it's always been one of the greatest challenges to get it even remotely right. Almost every photo looks different and, as Jens-Ole says, in service they were never as polished as museum pieces. However 20th AAF B-29's were kept pretty clean by ground crews who regularly polished them with gasoline; whether one was ever set alight as a result is not recorded....!

DaveQ

Has anybody done or is doing WWII scenery for the Northern Marianas btw? Would fit the Superfort beautifully!

Dave, I have just about completed most of the Marianas in WWII time frame. Over a year long project. Includes all the Islands north of Saipan, Tinian and Guam. Shouldn't be to long now. Finishing the north and northwestern airfields on Guam now. Shouldn't be to long. The scenery will include static B-29's with the proper tail identification for all islands. Tinian has an area were the A-Bombs were loaded. I will be using Mark Schimmers A-Bomb objects with complete underground pit and raising wenches. Back to work on it today. It is Called Marianas 1945.

Here is a very old video of some of the early scenery with the Shockwave B-29. Video HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgsnmw3LSAU)

[YoYo]

Stovall, good news. Cant wait too! :jump:

[Ian Warren]

That dose look impressive Tom :cool: looking forward to it

[DaveQ]

Many thanks Tom - I'll look forward to being able to put these magnificent aeroplanes where they truly belong:icon29:

DaveQ

[mal998]

General information: if you fly her over 340, 350, 360 mph, there's a chance the controls could lock up. The ASI reads MPH so that should make it easy to maintain speed.

[adi518]

General information: if you fly her over 340, 350, 360 mph, there's a chance the controls could lock up. The ASI reads MPH so that should make it easy to maintain speed.

I had this happen but I'm pretty sure I wasn't overspeeding. Strange.

[DaveQ]

I had a stall recovery yesterday that put it into a steep dive and had the controls lock because of an overspeed. Fortunately I had just enough height to level off and recover. But one thing that puzzles me is that the aircraft needs full right rudder immediately after the wheels leave the ground, to maintain a heading. This diminuishes as speed builds up and once the flaps are up. And it doesn't occur on landing but can occur if you put on full power for a go-around; it almost behaves like a single engined fighter with prop torque. I would assume the real aircraft had props geared to eliminate prop torque but maybe not, and is that how this model is set up??

DaveQ

[adi518]

What's the logic behind the controls locking?

[mal998]

No particular logic, but why would you want to fly an aircraft well beyond it's rated maximum speed? That is unless you want to kill yourself and your crew, and tear the plane apart. :icon_eek: :gameoff:

But seriously, reading through the original B-29 Pilot's manual there were a ton of restrictions placed upon pilot and crew as to how this aircraft was to be flown. It was a beast and required careful attention regarding it's flight envelope and procedures. There were quite a few accidents and crews were lost because of it. Having said that, the overspeed/control issue was something I tried to eliminate but never did find the cause. Anyone who has ever worked on an airfile will know the frustartion of sorting those little bugs out. Finding the causes of things and then correcting them can be infuriating. In the end I ran out of time and had to move on.

DaveQ,
That's odd. How do you have your realism sliders set up? I know you already know this but I'll say it anyway, re-calibrate your controller, check your weather settings for crosswinds. The real aircraft did not obtain rudder control until 60-65 mph. Pilots were told to maintain directional stability through the use of the throttles. However, I think that's asking a bit much of the simulator pilot. I would like to hear a bit more about the issue, though. Maybe we can figure out what's going on.

95190

[DaveQ]

Thanks for this Mal, it's fascinating to read the original notes and how they match with the FS experience. The yaw problem I know is at least in part down to the vagarities of my particular Logitech controller, which hangs to the left when I grip the stick. But it is just the sudden pull to the left on rotation that I've had to learn to correct for which I now can, and can fly a fairly straight course off the runway so I'm content. It's always to the left even in the absence of a cross-wind component, which is why I suspected a torque issue, but the controller grip twist is a significant compounding factor. Not to worry, I'm loving this beast!!:applause:

[mal998]

Thanks Dave for the positive words. They are much appreciated in that we usually hear about what's wrong rather than what's right so I am glad you're having a happy experience with the "beast". Now, as for the controller issues, I have a couple of thoughts; first, I've always had an aversion to controllers employing a twist grip for rudder function. To me they seem to lack a certain amount of precision because they attempted to marry 2 functions into one which to my mind is anti-ergonomic (made-up terminology). Realizing that one can get use to just about anything, I always felt uncomfortable twisting the stick while moving forward and back at the same time. That is why, when my old Saitek X-35/X-36 hit the skids I replaced it with an X-45. I preferred the older X-35-36 version but could not find any on Ebay. That's probably because I bought them all up.:cool: At any rate the thing I liked about the old Saiteks was there were 2 separate controllers that plugged into each other. One was a joystick, but the other was a throttle that employed a rocker switch on the underneath of the handle that activated the rudder. Very ergonomic, and very natural to use. The other issue with most controllers is the contacts wear out and as you have already mentioned with your twist grip you can end up with a pronounced pull to one side or another. I'm sure the Saitek or Windows software allow you to re-calibrate and center the rudder function but if the contacts are worn this will be a never-ending issue.

As far as control lockup, there was a condition known to pilot's and aeronautical engineers alike called compressibility. Here is a brief description of the phenomenom: "virtually all of the high performance a/c would enter compressibility in a dive, speed depending on Critical mach number of the wing. The complications that arose were formation of a shock wave at the point where the velocity was greatest over the wing - leading to separation, change of center of lift, turbulent flow over stabilizer, etc"

Here is a page from the B-29 Pilot's Operating Manual as it pertains to putting the B-29 in a dive (pg75)

95206

[ftl818]

I had a stall recovery yesterday that put it into a steep dive and had the controls lock because of an overspeed. Fortunately I had just enough height to level off and recover. But one thing that puzzles me is that the aircraft needs full right rudder immediately after the wheels leave the ground, to maintain a heading. This diminuishes as speed builds up and once the flaps are up. And it doesn't occur on landing but can occur if you put on full power for a go-around; it almost behaves like a single engined fighter with prop torque. I would assume the real aircraft had props geared to eliminate prop torque but maybe not, and is that how this model is set up??

DaveQ

Hi Dave,

All engines and propellors turn the same way so the torque is not eliminated in any way unlike the P38. I have the Haynes manual for the Avro Lancaster and there the BBMF describes the same: enormous torque (rudder) corrections needed during take off. At go-around the same: lots of torque and prop wash at low speed with little stability. I try to counter the effect by frequent rudder input and differential throttle settings.

Paul

[DaveQ]

Hi Dave,

All engines and propellors turn the same way so the torque is not eliminated in any way unlike the P38. I have the Haynes manual for the Avro Lancaster and there the BBMF describes the same: enormous torque (rudder) corrections needed during take off. At go-around the same: lots of torque and prop wash at low speed with little stability. I try to counter the effect by frequent rudder input and differential throttle settings.

Paul

Thanks Paul - very interesting. I fly the B-29 exactly that way; splashes of left rudder down the take-off roll keeps her on the centre line and plenty as the nosewheel comes off. Because she responds slowly to the rudder I centre it as soon as she starts to turn, then re-apply if she drift out to the left again. Flaps up incrementally from about 160mph, turn on heading when airspeed tops 200mph.

Mal - I read or heard somewhere that dive recovery can be achieved using the trim tabs if the elevators are locked by compressibility , though clearly you need enough altitude. Can't see the attachment atm.

Still enjoying flying her - if I can get permission to copy artwork there are two Korean War 19th Bomb Group repaints on-going though the models are strictly speaking inaccurate for that era because the radome only appears on the model without the turrets. Still they look great and it is only a hobby after all...........!!

304


DaveQ

[Ian Warren]

Looks Great Dave , strangely with all the reference material I have here i am very limited in regard to the Superfort tho Dragon Lady is one i do recall .
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[DaveQ]

Hi Ian

Dragon Lady was a B-29-50-BN, 44-61835, of the 30th Bomb. Sqdn., 19th Bomb.Group, flying out of Kadena, Okinawa. A great reference for Korean War B-29's is this one - http://home.comcast.net/~b29sinthekoreanwar/Units.htm. Dragon Lady was lost on 31st October 1951; about 40 miles out from Kadena No. 3 engine caught fire and caused an explosion that ripped off the right wing. There were no survivors. There are many such stories and references on the website above.

DaveQ

[Cirrus N210MS]

is this B-29 really worth it?? i was thinking about buying it Looks like a Nice Model

[Ian Warren]

Hi Ian

Dragon Lady was a B-29-50-BN, 44-61835, of the 30th Bomb. Sqdn., 19th Bomb.Group, flying out of Kadena, Okinawa. A great reference for Korean War B-29's is this one - http://home.comcast.net/~b29sinthekoreanwar/Units.htm. Dragon Lady was lost on 31st October 1951; about 40 miles out from Kadena No. 3 engine caught fire and caused an explosion that ripped off the right wing. There were no survivors. There are many such stories and references on the website above.

DaveQ
Cheers , Thanks for that Dave :friendly_wink:, I do have a scheme that has not been done yet is "The Big Stick" Z-44 of the 500th been plugging away at, surprised "Eddie Allen" has not popped up on the radar yet.

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[DaveQ]

is this B-29 really worth it?? i was thinking about buying it Looks like a Nice Model

Yes definitely. It's likely to be the only FSX-native B-29 in the forseeable future and is an excellent overall representation of the aircraft. There are holes to be picked I guess but that's true of pretty much every add-on ever published. I only have two very minor gripes; firstly it would be good to be able to move the gun turrets, and secondly the range of external models is limited. That aside it flies well and looks great.

DaveQ

[rgatkinson]

Recently discovered these gems on YouTube. Very informative and contained footage I had not seen before

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7PuxJMD_h4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyA3GJUrSAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DevQYeht74U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUzY5AWGFzM

Also

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiT5QLRHl0Q I always wanted to know how the remote control turrets were operated.

Best,

Taff

[jazz5150]

Does anyone else has trouble getting the engines to start after shut down or cold and dark start?
If I wait for more than a few seconds Manifold Pressure drops to 0 and there is no way to start the engines when that happens.

Kasper

[big-mike]

Recently discovered these gems on YouTube. Very informative and contained footage I had not seen before

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7PuxJMD_h4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyA3GJUrSAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DevQYeht74U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUzY5AWGFzM

Also

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiT5QLRHl0Q I always wanted to know how the remote control turrets were operated.

Best,

Taff

Thank you very much for the links,Taff!
Very interesting.
Mike