This morning, while doing some testing on another airframe, I had to establish a base line for some VATSIM operations, and so I found myself habitually selecting Manfred's C-47 and logging on to compare what I knew worked with what I had to report back on. In doing so, I subjected myself to a delightful three quarters of an hour in the C-47. I have waxed on about other airframes, but I do not remember giving this beauty her due. I was in fact, so taken, that I spent the next half hour ensuring I had all the updates (I did mostly) and installing the new sans Rebecca version for my pseudo civvi skins. Walking up the throttles whilst ensuring she was rolling straight for a moment and then reaching down to lock the tail wheel, snatching glances at the RPMs and taking out aileron (into the crosswind) I was surprised by cessation of wheel drumming and smiled- we were flying!
Manchester Tower, bless him, was patient with the silly Colonial who didn't know where the Thelwall Viaduct was and even sent me a chart so I couldn't help but find it. There we were, streaking across the green fields at 1300 pulling power and props to 30" and 2050RPM, bringing back the mixtures to Auto Lean and wondering about whether the right prop was 25RPM faster than the left, when it hit me. In all the years I have enjoyed the superlative experience of what Manfred, Alex, Gordon, Ted and the others started; and what Jan allowed to fully blossom- I had never properly expressed my gratitude for the hundreds of hours I have peered through the various iterations of Perspex that have parted the footless halls of air on my journeys to the far points of the globe. This airframe has transported me from the heat of Cox's Bazzar and though the torpid heat of Rangoon into the bush. It has taken me from Assam to Kunming, and brought me back. It has introduced me to Villavencio, Bogota, Miraflores and other heretofore unexplored destinations. It has been my magic carpet to the far points of the globe. Lately, I have been recreating Peacemaker routes from the 1940s and having a splendid time with Glenn Miller blaring on the AM radio, while the ADF needle swings indeterminably.
Then there is the entire cadre of painters that have worked ceaselessly to outfit her in liveries that befit her- to them as well, so much is owed. We are on the cusp of the next chapter in DC-3 simulation, and this old girl will soon return from AH in a completely fresh payware edition. I look forward to that immensely, but cannot help but look back to the girl who stole my heart.
I am sure that I am not alone in my gratitude. Please allow us to properly express our collective appreciation.
Gentlemen, I remain obliged- C
PS- this thread is in the Prepar3d V4 Forum as that is what I currently use. I however, started with this gem in FSX, and so if friends from "over there" wish to add their thanks- all are welcome to do so.
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