just saw this
http://secure.simmarket.com/virtavia...vark-fsx.phtml
correct me if im wrong but this has nothing to do with this one >http://www.f111-fsx.com/ ????
is it me, or have they dropped the ball again with externals?
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just saw this
http://secure.simmarket.com/virtavia...vark-fsx.phtml
correct me if im wrong but this has nothing to do with this one >http://www.f111-fsx.com/ ????
is it me, or have they dropped the ball again with externals?
From my understanding, and from comparing both the VC images, and the news from f111-fsx.com, the latter is a completely different product, that is not yet released.
Thanks for the heads up Jeansy, I have always loved the Aardvark. For those that have the same fondness for this aircraft, Guy Diotte made a static model some time back. It can be downloaded from flightsim.com.
I saw this and didn't wait 2 seconds to go and buy it. DL is done, and I'm gonna go give it a whirl. I really hope to see some wings from the VC.
Thanks for the HU, Jeansy.
Thanks for the alert jeansy - I grabbed this bird right away. I've got great memories of the F-111 at UK airshows gone by. :salute:
I really want this one too. I think I might await some feedback though. Anyone that own's it, can you comment on the TFR? Does it work? Also, anxiouosly awaiting screenshots.
Thanks for the heads up Jeansy. BTW, gonna do some Aussie repaints? I know it comes with one, just curious what some painters may have in mind for her.
Matt
The VC model and textures are quite nice and with some really nice wear and tear, but no external structures are visable...OK, I can deal with it, lol. The external model and textures aren't cram packed with every minute detail of the real jet, but they have it where it counts...and fps are very good. If you're like me in that you need a number of jets out there on the ramp and in the sky with you, this one has the fps goods to make that happen. I plugged in 8 of this jet into one of my fave FSrecorder formation sets, and with no drop in fps. It flies very nice, and fast.
I like this F-111 alot, however, I'm still going to buy the other F-111 when it comes out, simply because I feel like that dev needs some support.
I haven't used the TFR, or gotten in to the systems other than sitting in the VC clicking on every switch I could find. I need to read the manual.
I just tried out a few of my favorite Alphasim FS9 F-111 repaints, and the the paints work on this new model.
External screenshots seem quite "basic", don't they?
I agree.
The external model isn't the most detailed, I agree. But, it's got detail that's a nice balance which makes it extremely flyable and fluid. There are models that have so much detail that they aren't very flyable, especially with a wingman. Since this is a flying simulator, and planes are normally flown from the cockpit, that's where the detail should really be. The VC is very detailed. Here's a few external shots using an FS9 repaint on this model, and some low level in New Mexico. I think it looks pretty good on the outside, albeit not the most detailed model there is, but plenty of detail that when you're flying formation with it, it's quite nice looking.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-12-56-122.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j..._17-7-0-42.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...7-7-47-922.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-14-53-972.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-21-50-933.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-21-43-183.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-21-37-613.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...7-22-3-833.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-19-28-743.jpg
The vc looks excellent!
The VC looks very good indeed.
But the exterior model... seriously, is this a joke ?
I mean, I know that we should avoid unconstructive criticism, but the above shots are showing something which seems quite far away from what Alphasim/Virtavia usually produces, don't you think ? o_0
kinda my thoughts, thats how i felt with the last release (ch47)
im tempted but not entirely convinced with this one, for some reason i thought the other F111 was this one as merged project but this looks like a revamp of their older fs9 model , but its a good thing i guess theres another model in the works
the VC does look nice, but i cant help it as Daube says the exterior detracts from the overall package
is there external bump mappig including rivets?
I think in all fairness to Virtavia, the shots Bone posted are of his FS9 skins and I agree, they look less than realisitic, however, I think if you look at their website pics, they're a bit more convincing with some panel lines showing and such. I do want a good Aardvark, but am awaiting Frank or some other rep from Virtavia to comment more about paint kit and features.
Matt
As Strykerpsg has noted, the external shots are with an FS9 paint. I'm not trying to sell anyone on it, and that's what I was using when I decided to start hitting the V key. There are plenty of screen shots of the external with the approved FSX paint on the Virtavia website and at Simmarket, so use those shots to make your mind up about it. I'm just passing on my thoughts, which overall I like it.
Simmers should judge it for what it is...a Virtavia/Alphasim model. It was only 24 Euros, and so far I've flown it for about 45 minutes. Tonight when I flew from Atlanta to New York, I burned $6642.37 worth of jet fuel, flight time 2:24. I'm going to a bar now, and most likely will spend more money on beer than what I paid for the F-111. Lol, just some perspective.
From the screenshots i saw undoubtfully VC looks good, very good, external is what it is, but if for framerates sake, is acceptable.
So, may we say it is the best F-111 for FSX available at the moment? Weren't we waiting for a F-111?
And this is the important thing.
Thinking at it seriously, in this period I'm flying my old ugly abacus E-2 Hawkeye more than VRS F-18 beauty.
It's a question of heart.
http://secure.simmarket.com/images/p...F-111_E_03.jpg
VC looks very nice but textures outside could be better.
I rushed out and bought this, and I’m left with rather mixed feelings. The cockpit is beautiful, the flight dynamics are good, it’s a very nice airplane to fly (though of course, I’ve never flown a real F-111), but the exterior model looks a little cartoon like.
Maybe we have come to expect to much after models like theMILVIZ F-15?
So to sum up my opinion, it’s a very nice model with a very poor exterior by today's standards, maybe I should have waited for the other one, we will have to wait and see!
<o:p></o:p>
Regards,
Ian.
Maybe I'm wrong, but you don't get noticeable rivets worthy of bump mapping on fast jets. They're all flush with the panels for aerodynamics.
It looks great from where I'm sitting. A good high fps exterior model and a high detail VC is a good fun jet for FS that simmers without high end pcs can still enjoy.
Lets also not forget that the Virtavia F-111 has 5 unique VCs. The exterior I'm sure will get the repainters brushes as most releases do. The exterior model itself looks flawless, but lacks minor detail. It just depends whether you spend your time flying from the outside or from within the VC.
Can someone post some hi res screenshots of their EF-111A please.
Could some of the adverse comments regarding the model stem from the fact it is so clean? If so, I am sure it will be "dirtied" up be repainters in due time.
Perhaps this is why some feel it is not very detailed?
Well it looks very close to the old FS9 Alphasim F-111 that i still use in FSX, with a refurbished VC or, a 10 years old external model with 2012 virtual cockpit. And that's was I would have liked for my Alphasim. I'm sure our good repainters will do their work at the best.
I have always said...that the rivets are being overdone in FSX especially on fast jets, that and the panel lines which on some jets are raised....last time I check panel lines on the real fast movers....aren't raised. As to the textures....I am positive we will see some nice weathered textures come out......that is if Virtavia offers a nice layered paintkit unlike what Alphasim used to offer.
Good as the VC is according to the posts in this thread, I am left with one question before I decide to buy it. Can someone who bought the plane tell me/us whether the HUD is collimated? For me, the old Alphasim where the horizon line can be just anywhere and the flight path marker shows where the nose is pointing instead of where the plane is going kills immersion for me.
cheers for the feedback
im going to wait for the other one
Hi
What about Terain follow Autopilot?
Included?
Thanks
Roland
Hi Roland, no terrain following autopilot but the terrain following radar display is very nice indeed.
Personally, I'd like to commend the Virtavia team for releasing a great aircraft to the FSX community! This is a 'niche' product, so I don't think we can compare it to the quality of recent releases that are aimed at a different market... Having said that, the VC is simply superb and easily makes up for any flaws in the exterior. Chatting with a buddy last night about the Aardvark exterior reminded us of something a fellow simmer and mentor said many years ago - I quote - 'What on earth are you doing looking at the exterior? You fly the plane from the inside!!' I don't mean to silence those with opinions about the exterior model, I just think we need to appreciate the whole package that's been delivered for a fair price...
I'm still looking forward to seeing the 'other' F-111 when finished. I don't buy that many 'heavy' aircraft or scenery packages, so I can treat myself to the fast jets when they come along!
Like Bone, I think there's enough screenies and info. on the Virtavia / SimMarket websites for us to evaluate the F-111. By the way she performs and the sheer nostalgia of sitting in the drivers seat, I think she'll be in my FSX hangar for a long while.
Attachment 61404
Thanks
I have the elder FS9-->updated to FSX version.I think its basically same exterior with a FSX model output and a new(er) VC.I will wait on the other offerings and then decide.
At Simviation (PIG number something ) there is a terrain-follow-Autopilot mod(uses radaraltitude)
Roland
I agree with the overuse of bump mapping in regards to panel lines and rivets; I can do without it on most aircraft. This new FSX release doesn't use bump mapping. I just looked at the paint kit. It's layered PSD that only covers the external skin of the aircraft; no external stores, no VC textures. The external store textures seem easy to modify (if you feel a need to) even if they're not included in the paint kit.
Tommy
Just a question regarding the weapon loadouts. Are they fixed loads and are they not releaseable? I think in the way fsx has gone with the military style weapons and tackpack due to be released I think provisions such as releaseable weapons or tackpack integration is a must.
There's an update available, but I can't see what it's changed.
Ian.
Jeepers , that was quick .... already a patch to the pig ver.s1.1 :running:
Edit : Ian to Ian ... silly me did'nt not read the above .... now were is my gun
By posting shots of this model with an FS9 paint, I feel like I did a diservice to the Virtavia team. Sorry, my bad. I hope these shots do some justice, because this model is really a nice one, even though it doesn't have the external detail of other models. The upside to that is awesome fps. You can have a whole squadron of these things fly with you and still have a nice fluid flight.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-36-55-190.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-35-31-219.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-31-22-108.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-33-18-126.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...8-18-27-61.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-11-51-290.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...18-8-4-760.jpg
More...
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...8-26-5-412.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...8-24-5-701.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-45-56-585.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-46-59-485.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...8-52-8-235.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...-11-19-707.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...8-56-0-275.jpg
What exactly is the external model missing?
That looks pretty darn nice to me!
SOH 2012: "This plane has less detail than the actual aircraft sitting at the local air museum. I will not buy it until I cannot tell them apart!"
SOH 2013: "Why are there no new planes coming out for FSX anymore?"
I'm still hoping some painters can make her more appealing. To me, the externals are hard to explain. I see panel lines and rivets, but it just seems to lack a depth of feel to it....
Don't get me wrong, the internals are fantastic, but look as though they belong to some other model. Anyway, as neither a developer or a painter, who am I to criticize but it's not screaming buy me just yet.
Matt
Hi my Friends,
The Paintkit now available:
http://www.easyfly.co.nz/Freeware/in...=/Paint%20Kits
Regards,
Zsolt
just as an "i'll never buy it as i aint a jet guy" to be honest i dont think they've done that bad a job! Though i have to say a little bit more shine wouldnt hurt.
some pics of the real thing for comparisons sake
Attachment 61462
Attachment 61463
Bone, nice form with the Spark Vark, what scenery is that?
All this jet needs is a painter or two to get their hands on it. I am goign to download the paintkit to see how its laid out. If anyone is familiar with Adobe, maybe by simply adding some drop shadows to the panel lines it will add to the weathering and overall appearance to the paints.
WHen whoever does seem repainting, please don't forget that the F-111F that went to Cannon and got painted in the dark grey scheme never got a chance to get weathered!
ANyone remember this:
http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/04/19/f-...cans-dont-mix/
Or this one:
http://www.usahas.com/image/?ip=/gal...FB, New Mexico
The exterior detail of this model is not good simple as that. It appears to lack basic detail. It will take some painter to bring it to a decent level. Depending on paint kit quality.
I am not going to sugar coat this in anyway, but as a experienced F-111 researcher of some 20+ years they could have done so much more with this.
They also need to do some correct research on the paint schemes applied to these models before release to public.
A8-125 did not serve in that scheme at any time as far as i know.
I have become a far more demanding customer of late, i no longer pay dollars out for inaccurate FSX products.
Aircraft or scenery.
And that's a no nonsense honest account of my thoughts here.
This post is not intended in being a developer bashing post in any way, i am just calling it as i see it.
If you ask for the publics money you must also accept what the public think good or bad.
Cheers.
Just in case someone missed it, the lack of detail that's being squawked about is all due to this model not having a set of bump maps in the texture files. It's got nothing to do with how it was modelled.
I'm not going to let that get in the way of me enjoying this model, but Virtavia may want to have them in their future releases, lol.
The weapons aren't releasable for bombing purposes, however, the capability to jetison the ordnance is there, and they will dissapear from the model.
If you want to bomb something, and you have another model that came with dropable ordnance, this works with the FSX command "Release Dropable Objects":
1. Load a flight where you want to do some bombing.
2. Save the flight.
3. Look in your My Documents/Flight Simulator X Files folder for the .flt file you saved (whatever you named it).
4. Open the file in notepad and scroll to the bottom of the file.
5. Paste the follwing content in:
[DroppableObjects.0]
ObjectSet.0=M82-MLVZ, 8
6. Click on Save.
7. Reload the saved flight.
NOTE: where you see "ObjectSet.0=M82-MLVZ, 8" you need to put in the name of whatever bomb you have after the "=" sign. I just happen to be using the Milviz M-82. The "8" you see after the comma, is the number of bombs you want to carry. You can put 40 in there if you want.