Meow

[Nick C]

.
Purrrrr (http://forum.siminsider.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=76)
.

[Dangerous Beans]

Drool, thats stunning.
If only Aerosoft could come to some arangement with A2A and add Accusim to it it would be perfect.

[Nick C]

I had the same idea many months ago and actually introduced Scott and Mathijs, however I don't think anything came of it and I also don't think on this occasion it'll be a problem. This aircraft will require reading manuals ;)

[Boomer]

:ernae::ernae::ernae:

[deimos256]

normally i could care less about a Cat, but quality like this makes me want to expand my horizons

[lifejogger]

WOW, that is going to be a great looking aircraft. Thanks for posting.

[heywooood]

I hope my rig can handle it :ernae:

[harleyman]

OMG Thats freaking awsome detail............:applause::applause::ernae:

[tigisfat]

normally i could care less about a Cat, but quality like this makes me want to expand my horizons

exactly my thoughts. I've bought addons I never imagined I would because of immense detail.

[gajit]

Yep - some products are simply Must Haves - with or without frame rate concerns on my poor old PC

[jankees]

Great!!

[Nick C]

Just broken the left engine and looking at the cylinder head temp, I'm about to break the other.

Must pay less attention on screenshots and more on engine management!



http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_16.jpg

[stiz]

a must have for sure :jump:

[EMatheson]

what is up with the artificial horizons in that last shot? the horizon line appears bent...
is that a bug or a function of the angle of the shot?

[IanP]

I think it's wrapped around a 3d object and the angle of the shot bends it.

[Nick C]

what is up with the artificial horizons in that last shot? the horizon line appears bent...
is that a bug or a function of the angle of the shot?

That is a combination of the picture angle and the "plate" on which the line is drawn, which is a 3D and I think dished slightly. Here is an image from the front.

Edit: I was also banking slightly in the shot above.


http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_18.jpg

[Marlin]

Ohh ya, look at that.
mmmmm, very nice.

[Nick C]

.
A few more pictures of the Catalina VC which show how the textures are starting to take shape.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_19.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_20.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_22.jpg

[stiz]

sold!!!!

[Nick C]

.
Two more images, this time showing the interactive checklist.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_23.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_24.jpg

[SolarEagle]

Impressive. Is that done my the same guy that did the Hughes Racer VC? That texturing as well as some of the modeling elements, specifically the little turn knobs, strike me as being of the exact same art style.

[flyinjake]

Very nice plane indeed

[crashaz]

Here I come Strawberry 5!!:rapture:

[PRB]

Here I come Strawberry 5!!:rapture:

Hehe. Got anymore of those crackers?

What an awesome looking VC. Out-bleepin-standing! I'm getting it.

When will it be released... (sorry! :icon_twi: )

[MudMarine]

Dang!! I'm just drooling over this one!! Got to buy another keyboard again!:jump:

[robcap]

This one is mine for sure:applause:

R.

[dswo]

Awesome pix, Nick! (I know, that's like telling Yo-Yo Ma to stick with the cello because he sounds really good.) Query: what scenery are you flying over in the last shot?

[EgoR64]

:wiggle:

Sweet, I'm looking forward to this as well !!

Great Pics,

Thx & Cheers !! :ernae:

[Nick C]

Impressive. Is that done by the same guy that did the Hughes Racer VC? That texturing as well as some of the modeling elements, specifically the little turn knobs, strike me as being of the exact same art style.

Certainly is the same guy.

[Nick C]

Query: what scenery are you flying over in the last shot?

I was over the English Lake District when those pictures were taken, the textures are from Horizon's VFR scenery (http://www.horizonsimulation.co.uk/store/).

In the last shot, behind the door pillar, is the famous "Striding Edge", famous because people are either slipping or being blown off!

[Nick C]

.
The following images show how the night lighting is shaping up in the VC.

Again, please remember that this product is still in Beta.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_25.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_26.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_27.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_28.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_29.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_30.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_31.jpg

[heywooood]

it just looks terrific - consider one copy sold anyways :ernae:

[Nick C]

I'm possibly spamming my own thread, but what the hell :engel016:
Just a small collection of pictures snapped while taking a flight around Hawaii.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_32.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_33.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_34.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_35.jpg

[Kiwikat]

Hows performance? Did they make it like the Twotter or the F-16?

*hopes for Twotter FPS...*

[Dangerous Beans]

Thats OK with us Nick, spam away.

[Nick C]

Hows performance?

I have no performance problems, but there again I didn't with the BHXP either. However, other testers are stating that they too are getting excellent frame rates.

[Kiwikat]

I have no performance problems, but there again I didn't with the BHXP either. However, other testers are stating that they too are getting excellent frame rates.

That bush hawk was just odd. I should try it on my new computer. Even the F-16 is giving acceptable FPS (nearly pinned at 36 in downtown Chicago)- a pleasant surprise.

[Nick C]

.
Yet more shots of the VC! Sorry :redface:
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_37.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_38.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_39.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_40.jpg

[spotlope]

Who woulda thought that old worn-out metal could be so sexy? :woot:

[crashaz]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Can't...take...much...more....teasing....but...mus t...see.....more...pic....tures.:faint:

[c87]

OK, whoever the person is that's doing the art/texturing on this needs to be held captive for all add-on aircraft going forward, at least in my book.:jump: Those shots of the cockpit looking out at the engine are phenomenal. Just beautiful work. This is definitely on the "must buy" list. Thanks for the great shots Nick.

[jdhaenens]

Gulp!.....I feel another upgrade coming on....there've got to be at least 50 megs worth of textures alone in that plane. It's gorgeous!

Jim

[Nick C]

.
Further texturing to the Catalina VC has been added.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_41.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_42.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_43.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_44.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_46.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_47.jpg
.
.

[SirBenn21]

WOW that looks GREAT.

:jawdrop:

[CG_1976]

Im on standby to purchase this Cat.:ernae:

[6297J]

OK, now I'm interested.

[BOOM]

The detail is stunning!!!!!!!!!
/Patrick/

[Mithrin]

Sick!:woot:

[LCBORDEN]

A salute to Aerosoft, for just getting it far enough for these outstanding screenshots. WOW! :faint:

Ol' Jarhead :wavey:

[Cazzie]

Now I have "Cat Scratch fever"! :applause::ernae::ernae:

Caz

[Kevboy]

I love this Cat, I will get it and if it has no 209 sqd skin I will make one, because of this. When the first Catalina came to England, see link.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/clippers/in_memory.htm

Kevboy.:applause:

[heywooood]

after looking at those 'pit shots I dont care if I only get 5 fps out of it - I'll buy it just to sit on the ramp and look around the vc

[Kiwikat]

Now I have "Cat Scratch fever"! :applause::ernae::ernae:

Caz

Please no lol... just no. They play that song literally 3 times an hour on the rock station here. I'm so sick of it...

The Cat is finally looking good. I'm pleasantly surprised.:applause:

[MudMarine]

Sick of Ted Nugent.......:hand: Uncle Ted rules!! I wish they'd play him 50 times a day!!

[Kiwikat]

I don't mind Ted, but that same song over and over and over and over and over again gets really boring... I think that radio station's playlist is about 8 songs long.

[MudMarine]

I don't mind Ted, but that same song over and over and over and over and over again gets really boring... I think that radio station's playlist is about 8 songs long.

I know what you mean. Every time I turn on the local rock station Led Zepplin is always playing. I'm sick of Stairway to Heaven!:whistle:

[jdhaenens]

RAF Oban is being a pain, but it's coming along as well.

[EgoR64]

All is Fandamntastic !! :friday:

Cheers !!

[mathijs (aerosoft)]

after looking at those 'pit shots I dont care if I only get 5 fps out of it - I'll buy it just to sit on the ramp and look around the vc

You could be pleasantly surprised. When I compare it to for example the default Goose I go from 45 fps to 39 fps.

[gajit]

You could be pleasantly surprised. When I compare it to for example the default Goose I go from 45 fps to 39 fps.


Thats very hopefull :applause:

[Kiwikat]

You could be pleasantly surprised. When I compare it to for example the default Goose I go from 45 fps to 39 fps.

How about from the F-16 to it? My new computer can run the F-16 very well, so if it is any better than it performance-wise I'd be happy.

[mathijs (aerosoft)]

How about from the F-16 to it? My new computer can run the F-16 very well, so if it is any better than it performance-wise I'd be happy.

Not only is is a LOT slower then the F-16 so scenery has time to load, but the model itself is far more optimized. Should be at least 25% better.

You have no idea how frugal we are on stuff. I wanted better leather on the seats but that would mean another bitmap, so after a few hours of fighting we settled on a different (so not another) bitmap and a changed bumpmap. So now you see the buttock imprint of the 1271 pilots that sat there without another 512kb of textures needed. Just added 3 hours to the project for a bit that customers will most likely never see or appreciate.

The big thing about this project is that we do not see it as a FSX project but as full blown games development. Steffan is not an FS developer but a professional modeler that we use for a FSX project. Let me explain that in another way. Recently we had to redo a FS airport scenery that was done by a VERY renowned and award winning FS developer. But when his modeling was worked on by trained and professional modelers we were astounded to find that we could get EXACTLY the same objects with 22% less polygons. Now the problem is that professionally trained modelers are even in this market very expensive and that they need high levels of project management from people that know FS.

Keep in mind that even though there are a lot of people who do FS addon development for a living you can count the people who did not start with it as a hobby on two hands (if not one). Steffan is not a FS addons developer, he is a high end modeler who worked on serious games. It's a total eye opener to work with him. It also explains why we now havew three full time professional developers working in our offices (though 80% of what they do is for the professional sims market).

Hope I don't piss of a lot of people, but 85% of current FSX addons could be 25% faster if they were done by people who did not have years (or even decades) of experience but 4 years of serious education. Now to make that scenery or aircraft look good means you got to be artistic as well. And to make it look good in FSX means you got to know the SDK of that sim front to back. I say there is no such developer at this moment. If I find him I will make a lot of money for Aerosoft. But we are getting close.

[empeck]

I can see your point mathijs. My full time job is a lead 3d artist in game development studio. I can appreciate a good work behind the scenes. Can't wait for your cat. Screens looks stunning, and I can certainly see how much work it cost.

Congratulations guys.

[spotlope]

Boy, you really know how to sweet-talk developers, Mathijs. :kiss:


Not only is is a LOT slower then the F-16 so scenery has time to load, but the model itself is far more optimized. Should be at least 25% better.

You have no idea how frugal we are on stuff. I wanted better leather on the seats but that would mean another bitmap, so after a few hours of fighting we settled on a different (so not another) bitmap and a changed bumpmap. So now you see the buttock imprint of the 1271 pilots that sat there without another 512kb of textures needed. Just added 3 hours to the project for a bit that customers will most likely never see or appreciate.

The big thing about this project is that we do not see it as a FSX project but as full blown games development. Steffan is not an FS developer but a professional modeler that we use for a FSX project. Let me explain that in another way. Recently we had to redo a FS airport scenery that was done by a VERY renowned and award winning FS developer. But when his modeling was worked on by trained and professional modelers we were astounded to find that we could get EXACTLY the same objects with 22% less polygons. Now the problem is that professionally trained modelers are even in this market very expensive and that they need high levels of project management from people that know FS.

Keep in mind that even though there are a lot of people who do FS addon development for a living you can count the people who did not start with it as a hobby on two hands (if not one). Steffan is not a FS addons developer, he is a high end modeler who worked on serious games. It's a total eye opener to work with him. It also explains why we now havew three full time professional developers working in our offices (though 80% of what they do is for the professional sims market).

Hope I don't piss of a lot of people, but 85% of current FSX addons could be 25% faster if they were done by people who did not have years (or even decades) of experience but 4 years of serious education. Now to make that scenery or aircraft look good means you got to be artistic as well. And to make it look good in FSX means you got to know the SDK of that sim front to back. I say there is no such developer at this moment. If I find him I will make a lot of money for Aerosoft. But we are getting close.

[heywooood]

thats all I needed to hear- where do I sign up for my $50.00 copy of a buttprint :typing: :bump:map

[mathijs (aerosoft)]

Boy, you really know how to sweet-talk developers, Mathijs. :kiss:

Yeah, but to defend myself, I got his name wrong, it's Stefan and not Steffan, lol. And Hofmann and not Hoffman. So as a sweet talker I messed up badly. That will teach me to do to do it after a few glasses of local wine.

And we have not worked together much, but in every way you have been professional, it made it easy. Not only in files but also in speed and flexibility. Customer never know that, but in the end it always shows in the project. Any second we do not have to spend on nonsense ends up in a lower price or a new feature.

Consider your behind kissed as well!

[spotlope]

I will say this... I have the Hughes H1, and it's an absolute masterpiece of modeling and texturing. Stefan is indeed a true artist. I'm really getting psyched about this Catalina!

[jdhaenens]

Geez...talk about psyched...One of the only reasons I modeled the seaplane hangars at NAS Pensacola and improved the seawall in Ver 1.2 was to give my copy of this Cat a home. Likewise Oban. I can't wait.

Jim

[Nick C]

.
The Catalina VC nears texture completion.
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_48.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_49.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_50.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_51.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_52.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_53.jpg

[gajit]

LOOK AT THAT :woot:

[Boomer]

Stunning! :applause::applause::applause:

[OBIO]

I can't fathom the amount of work that went into making that VC....more detail in that one VC than in 50 planes in my FS2004 collection put together. It's beautiful! And, it's that level of detail that people are demanding from payware packages now days...yet, unfortunatley, they want to cry and moan when a payware package sets them back $50 and $60 dollars. Details like that require a ton and a half of man hours to put together...and are deserving of adequate compensation.

I am not trying to flame anyone, or start a flame war. I am just saying that if this turns out to be a $50 package, it will be worth every penny of that money due to the amount of detailing put into it. The artists how modeled every little nut and bolt, every screw, every cable...deserve to be paid handsomely for their work.

OBIO

[jankees]

purrrrpurrrrr

[Boomer]

The artists how modeled every little nut and bolt, every screw, every cable...deserve to be paid handsomely for their work.

Here! here! :ernae:

[MudMarine]

Good Lord, please release it!!:jump::applause:

[warbird861]

I can't fathom the amount of work that went into making that VC....more detail in that one VC than in 50 planes in my FS2004 collection put together. It's beautiful! And, it's that level of detail that people are demanding from payware packages now days...yet, unfortunatley, they want to cry and moan when a payware package sets them back $50 and $60 dollars. Details like that require a ton and a half of man hours to put together...and are deserving of adequate compensation.

I am not trying to flame anyone, or start a flame war. I am just saying that if this turns out to be a $50 package, it will be worth every penny of that money due to the amount of detailing put into it. The artists how modeled every little nut and bolt, every screw, every cable...deserve to be paid handsomely for their work.

OBIO

Announced price is 29,99€ :kilroy:

[Nick C]

.
A few shots showing additional texture detail on the glass and the night lighting.

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_57.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_58.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_59.jpg

And then a couple of Catalina "moments" ;)

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_56.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_55.jpg

[gajit]

Magnificent :kiss:

[Dag]

I have some paints ready for it somewhere here and to be quite honest, I have not seen anything quite approaching Stefan's work. What little he did on the F-16 project, lifted it mile high, what he's done in the PBY sends it to space in comparison.

[harleyman]

Drools.........:Banane25: And a Happy Dance too....

[robcap]

So, enough nice pics.:kilroy:
What about a release date???? :a1089:

R.

[Nick C]

Heh, I doubt you're going to get a release date Rob, even with the promise of a whip :d

[GT182]

Nick, that is gorgeous. :faint: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/GT182/Thumbup.gif One I will surely have to buy. And I don't buy very many payware a/c.

[Nick C]

.

A few additional shots of the modelling.
.

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_60.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_61.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_62.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_63.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_64.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_65.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_66.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_67.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_68.jpg

[EgoR64]

:applause:

Me fav is the Second to last shot, Amazing !!

:ernae::ernae::ernae:

[gajit]

What a load of .......


Im only joking :applause::applause::applause:

[stiz]

now this just aint on .... they missed rivit 26AF8!!

:bump:

[JAMIE]

A must have. These shot are Great

[Quicksand]

Just when my piggy bank thought it was safe.... He's eating well now, putting on a few more pounds (pennies) every day... Little does he suspect his coming demise..... :eek::hatchet::applause::applause: I'll be in line to get this one for sure!

[CrisGer]

I grew up watching the Cats taxi in from the bay in San Diego right onto Lindberg Field, and love those old planes. this is a beautiful model being made and from what i see, acurate in all details.

[Tim_Horton]

Any chance of a Fire fighting version in the works? I've got some great Photoshop Brushes for Smoke detail and Scratches.

oh and btw, you make my dreams come true, I wish I could rip apart the stock planes and make them like this. If you have ever been to www.flightsimnation.com and on their forums you'll see I try to make every plane a little banged up and scratched and used, and wish I could do more to the inside. But I am the type of guy that looks at scenery and wants to start placing every single Pebble on the ground and grow dirt, and plant trees....... need to chill.

[warchild]

May June 1st and my paycheck come early. Simply beautiful work..

[warchild]

ya see where those bubbles are?? I want a twin bed and a desk and cubby holes for maps and charts.. ( and a lil tv and dvd player too ::chuckles:: ) perfect plane for exploring :)..

[Nick C]

ya see where those bubbles are?? I want a twin bed and a desk and cubby holes for maps and charts.. ( and a lil tv and dvd player too ::chuckles:: ) perfect plane for exploring :)..

Sheesh, you'll get a hammock and a notepad and pencil, now go make the most of it Pam!

[Matt Wynn]

yeah sleeping inside the 'greenhouse' would be a great place to sleep if it was raining, but for me i'd take her onto the beach, set up a tent and campfire and admire the Cats beauty in the dull glow :jump: can't wait!

[hews500d]

now this just aint on .... they missed rivit 26AF8!!

:bump:

In that case I just ain't gonna be able to buy it! :icon_lol:

Darrell

[Nick C]

.
A handful more...nearly there now :jump:
.

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_69.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_71.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_72.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_73.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_74.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_75.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_76.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_77.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_78.jpg

[Nick C]

.
Aaaand a few more...
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_79.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_80.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_81.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_82.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_83.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_84.jpg

[stiz]

Blister view!!!! :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:

[gajit]

:ernae::jump: No point using words

[CrisGer]

just amazing. i am in awe. Sure looks like the real mccoy...

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9366/pby5a.jpg

[Roger]

:ernae::jump: No point using words

Shhhhh....they'll put the price up:d

[gajit]

Shhhhh....they'll put the price up:d


LOL :monkies:

[robcap]

.A handful more...nearly there now :jump: Can anyone PLEASE be more specific...... nearly, s***n, I would love to fly this plane. That must be the best VC I ever saw.
R.

[gajit]

6th!! I wonder if Sibwings will also get their Bird dog out this coming week as well. :jump:

[GT182]

That is one gorgeous Cat Nick. :applause: :ernae:

[Rezabrya]

Enough pics already...Just release the damned thing!

[Nick C]

.
A few additional internal shots:
.
http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_113.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_97.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_92.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_95.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_110.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_111.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_112.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_96.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_114.jpg

[Nick C]

.
All models/skins presently included:
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http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_99.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_100.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_101.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_102.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_103.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_104.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_105.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_106.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_107.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_108.jpg

[Nick C]

This was the last image to add above (restricted to 10 images per post).

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_109.jpg

[Mathias]

That's one for my father's son! Impressive work.

[Nick C]

That's one for my father's son! Impressive work.

So you have a Brother? ;)

Right, these are the last one's I think from me. Thanks to you all for looking, and I hope when it's released that you will truly enjoy this feline flier.

Please note that there is a special forum set up for the Catalina: http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?showforum=243


http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_88.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_89.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.com/forum_screens/nick/catalina/aero_cat2_90.jpg

[jimjones]

Wonderful screenies, Nick. You're building up the desire for this plane to a frenzy!:applause:

[stiz]

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[EgoR64]

:ernae::ernae::isadizzy::ernae::ernae:

Smokin !!

[Mathias]

So you have a Brother? ;)



Yes, but he can barely tell a Cat from a 737, let alone he wouldn't be able to boot a PC even for a million bucks. :blind::icon_lol:

[Nick C]

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I'm compiling a collection of videos on YouTube of the PBY Catalina. The video footage dates from WWII, right up to news footage concerning the future of the Catalina as a fire support craft.

The playlist can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=99D72E8EB574C859
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[fliger747]

My only question has to do with the hydrodyanmics? Seaplanes have to transition to "on the step" which is a fairly critical operation at heavy weights. FS does not naturally model this and the dramatic reduction in water drag. To get on the step it is necessary to hold the stick/yoke well back and ramp up into a somewhat nose high attitude, shifting the drag center aft and then rocking down (letting the nose fall) into the planing attitude which is maintained till flying speed is achieved. As with a number of areas in FS, the sim engine is not designed to cover all circuimstances. It would take some contact point sleight of hand to achieve this but it might be possible to model. Were you guys able to achieve this to some degree?

It is a great looking plane and I am glad to see that you have gone the way you have with it!

Cheers: Tom

[Wothan]

Hi Tom

I´m Finn Jacobsen the XML Gauge developer of the Aerosoft Catalina X.

We have not done anything to make the aircraft come "on the step" more realistic, but we have made some custom coding of the water drag to make behaviour on the water more realistic.

Water in FSX ghas become less draggy than it was in FS2004 (remember the "sticky" water !).
But FSX doesn´t sense wether the aircraft is o the step or not. This means that once Your are too slow to be on the step, the aircraft still acts like it is. This means that at slow speed water drag is too low, making stopping the aircraft in the water difficult.

On the Catalina, we have added code to gradually add more drag as the aircraft slows down in the water, effectivly bringing it to a stop.

This also works when accelerating on the water. At first the water is quite draggy, but as Your groundspeed starts to build up, water drag becomes less, like if You come on the step.
I´m sure that it isn´t perfect, but still way better than the default water behaviour.

We have also added invisible watter ruders, that are extended and retracted without any user input.
This has been done to make it easier to control the Catalina i the water. These water rudders will extend when groundspeed gets below appr. 17 kts and will be retracted above.

We have also added code to add more drag from cowlflaps and floats.

Best regards
Finn Jacobsen

[fliger747]

Thanks Finn:

A good explanation. I have now flown the plane quite a bit and might submit a few comments to you personally as I am trying to be helpful and not critical. It is very apparent that the drag coefficent of the water has been changed from FS9! This also appears to be the case as well with snow and other land surfaces, with some good and bad results.

Cheers: Tom