FLIGHTSIM LABS CONCORDE X IS RELEASED!!! WOOHOO!

[Roadburner440]

It is finally released, this one should be lots of fun. Just wanted to let everyone know so I don't hog it all for myself. :ernae: http://www.flightsimlabs.com/ It is $69.99USD tho

[cheezyflier]

at that price i won't even bother clicking on the link. it could be the best model ever made, but no way would i pay that

[tigisfat]

Prediction: tech support will be a nightmare.

I only say this because I get a kind of sense of arrogance at their website. They have a purchase option right on the front page. Their advertising is more about the concorde legacy than it is about the product, as if their product actually has something to do with the original engineering and operations.

I dunno, I'm just thinking out loud, but it's just wierd.

Does we know any of these developers? Who are they? Any famous members?

[Nick C]

I think Francois Dumas is involved, but I'm not sure about the rest of them.

I wish them the best of luck with the product.

Edit: And it seems the website is all about the product, so a wild assumption about their support seems completely unfounded, although not unexpected. Good to see the daggers are out right from the offset.

[Scratch]

It is finally released, this one should be lots of fun. Just wanted to let everyone know so I don't hog it all for myself. :ernae: http://www.flightsimlabs.com/ It is $69.99USD tho

At that price it better fetch my beer too. A definite pass for me.

[boxcar]

Does we know any of these developers? Who are they? Any famous members?


http://www.flightsimlabs.com/about/members/
.

[Roadburner440]

Their head dev Lefteris used to work over at PMDG. The guy who did the sound is the former sound guy from FSX itself. A few people also involved in the development of the SST-Sim Concorde from FS2004. The last one I flew was FS2000. I will get up some screens and thoughts at first oppertunity. I am finishing a flight I started in my MD-11, and then I have to go on watch tonight. So probably will be tomorrow or Tuesday before I get to put it fully through the wringer.

[Skittles]

At that price it better fetch my beer too. A definite pass for me.

It's not a ridiculous price if you think about it. You will have paid $50 dollars for the A2A Accusim products, so for a concorde with hugely more complex modelling and some level of systems (don't know until some reviews float about) an extra $20 really isn't much.

If you DO want to find something ridiculous look at Tigisfat's comments!

[Kiwikat]

Whew that's a fair deal more than I was prepared to pay. I think I'm going to have to pass on this for now.

Maybe later?

[N2056]

If you DO want to find something ridiculous look at Tigisfat's comments!

Sir, I see that you are somewhat new here...so you might not be aware of the fact that one of the things that makes this a good place to hang out is the fact that we don't make comments like that. ;)

[Major_Spittle]

Can't get into their site to check it out. For $70 it would have to be better than Accusimed. It would have to be a game in itself.

[Willy]

If you DO want to find something ridiculous look at Tigisfat's comments!

Any more comments like that and you'll find your membership suddenly and permanently gone. We do not condone or put up with personal attacks here. If that is what you want to do, then go elsewhere.

[Skittles]

Apologies to Tigisfat, Willie and N2056.

My comment was intended as tongue-in-cheek, but I realise that this may not have come across the way I wanted. I was merely hoping to light-heartedly mention that suggesting the tech support will be poor is a little premature.

Apologies again, I'm not here to make trouble. :ernae:

[Roger]

Fabulous video from mhimhi! I wish them success with this great looking model:ernae:

[N2056]

Apologies to Tigisfat, Willie and N2056.

My comment was intended as tongue-in-cheek, but I realise that this may not have come across the way I wanted. I was merely hoping to light-heartedly mention that suggesting the tech support will be poor is a little premature.

Apologies again, I'm not here to make trouble. :ernae:

Hey, thanks for that. Much appreciated! :ernae:

[tigisfat]

Edit: And it seems the website is all about the product, so a wild assumption about their support seems completely unfounded, although not unexpected. Good to see the daggers are out right from the offset.

Well, I did admit that it was wild speculation, so to speak. It doesn't appear a bad product, but they do appear extremely proud of it.

I'd like some detail shots. Does anyone own it? Their screenshots aren't really telling me anything. They're tiny and it's like they're avoiding showing us the aircraft.

[Skittles]

Well, I did admit that it was wild speculation, so to speak. It doesn't appear a bad product, but they do appear extremely proud of it.

I'd like some detail shots. Does anyone own it? Their screenshots aren't really telling me anything. They're tiny and it's like they're avoiding showing us the aircraft.

Above the screenshots there is a link which says 'click here for a fuller view.' You can then view them full size without hindrance.

http://www.flightsimlabs.com/aircraft/concorde-x/features/virtual-cockpit/virtual-cockpit-gallery/

There for example.

[Roadburner440]

I did not mean to create a tense situation at the outset of this thread. I can see peoples point that the aircraft is a lot of money, but this seems to be the direction payware is heading. I have been watching this aircraft for sometime and expected it somewhere in this range. FS is predominantly my main hobby so cost isn't as much of a factor for me as it is with people who have other hobbies or things they'd rather do with their money. I guess you can say this is to me like a drinking/smoking habit is to other people. That is why I was sure to include the price in my original post though so that way others wouldn't waste their time sifting through it if it wasn't their cup of tea. I do apologize though as I don't like disturbing the usually good vibe on this site. :redf:

[N2056]

You did nothing "wrong". This has been a recurring issue when a product comes out with a price that is equal or greater than the price of FSX itself.

Everyone has his/her idea of what a given product is worth to them. In public venues such as this the friction arises from those given opinions colliding against the opinions of others.

In the end it would seem to me that you look at the given product, and decide if it is worth YOUR money. It's not rocket science...at least not to me :d

[tigisfat]

I did not mean to create a tense situation at the outset of this thread. I can see peoples point that the aircraft is a lot of money, but this seems to be the direction payware is heading. I have been watching this aircraft for sometime and expected it somewhere in this range. FS is predominantly my main hobby so cost isn't as much of a factor for me as it is with people who have other hobbies or things they'd rather do with their money. I guess you can say this is to me like a drinking/smoking habit is to other people. That is why I was sure to include the price in my original post though so that way others wouldn't waste their time sifting through it if it wasn't their cup of tea. I do apologize though as I don't like disturbing the usually good vibe on this site. :redf:


nah, you didn't do anything wrong. It's all just talk for now. I'm sure if the aircraft turns out to have cutting edge features like it claims, the complaining will go away. It just doesn't look worth it yet. The exterior looks kinda plain so I won't jump into the bath unless I get a full report on how the water feels. I've been fooled before. Mike's super cub looked not so good in pre-release screenshots, but then I saw it first hand and thought it was great and worth the money.


They brought some of this on themselves. Editing screenshots makes you look super-shady.

[peter12213]

Thats one steep price though but wow I'm not a tube flyer but this is one even I want!

[Scratch]

I I were a huge Concorde fan I would drop the cash in a skinny minute and fly the hell out of it. I like the bird, but not enough. They did a beautiful job on it and I can't wait to see more screens and vids. I hope it is a bar raiser. If it is that just might be enough to push me over the edge to purchase. I just had a little sticker shock at the first post.

[Cag40Navy]

Holy.. *faint*.... *falling down stairs*.... *thud, thud, thud, thud*.... *THUD*.... *stirs*...
i hope its PMDG quality... *faints again*

[empeck]

My view on FSX changed lately. I don't consider FSX a game or a simulation anymore. It's more like a platform, or OS for high fidelity simulation of an aircraft. I have very few payware planes, and when I'm thinking about getting new plane it has to be a plane on par with Falcon 4, DCS: Black Shark, Captain-Sim's C-130, A2A's Accusimed planes, VRSimulations SuperBug, Dodo's Bell, or this Concorde. I'll probably pass this Concorde, not because a price, but because I'm not a Concorde fan. I have to say it looks stunning though.

[harleyman]

Apologies to Tigisfat, Willie and N2056.

My comment was intended as tongue-in-cheek, but I realise that this may not have come across the way I wanted. I was merely hoping to light-heartedly mention that suggesting the tech support will be poor is a little premature.

Apologies again, I'm not here to make trouble. :ernae:



Well said...Thank you Skittles..many times our written worn is does not come across as the way it was intended..

The biggest thing here is that we have members from across all these great lands..Its can get tricky at times...

But your point was understood with this post..

have fun...Welcone to SOH..

[Bomber_12th]

I'd image that if you are a 'true' Concorde fanatic, which this product is obviously made for, the price won't matter nearly as much as one with an average or glancing interest. It looks like you really have to 'know' the aircraft anyway, to truly appreciate all of the work that went into it. One look at the cockpit, and my eyes glaze over - what a tremendous endeavor, and very well executed, to say the least. I am sure on other boards, where the populous is made up of mainly modern-aircraft/airliner interest, this thing will speak to many more than here at SOH.

[MCDesigns]

Soooooooooooo,.... anyone got it yet? Impressions? screenshots?
I'm not a fan of the concord, but it looks sweet!

[bstolle]

70USD...that's almost 25% more expensive than the PMDG 747 which was already considered very expensive as its release.
I flown once in the real Concorde and I have been waiting for this, but at that price tag, no way.
Expecially from a company I've never seen a single product before...

[Cleartheprop]

Soooooooooooo,.... anyone got it yet? Impressions? screenshots?
I'm not a fan of the concord, but it looks sweet!
Some screenshots from their forum:
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4116/fsx2010031201420889.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1001/fsx2010031201421094.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/1508/concordexvc04.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3121/concx4.jpg
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/8042/concx6.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6941/fsx2010031315341417.jpg
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7128/fsx2010031318340720.jpg

[deathfromafar]

-Hit's the No Sale Button.

[Tweek]

Sorry, but that looks like an FS9 default aircraft VC to me. Low quality textures, blurry 2D gauges. The externals look ok, but it's nothing special. I certainly wouldn't pay $70/£45 for that, whether I was Concorde's biggest fan or not.

[tracyq144]

I'm not going to buy it anyway, I am not in the market this is aimed at, I fly GA and Warbirds. However, if I was in the market for this type of plane, the price alone would not deter me from purchasing (and I am very far from being well off, much less rich.)

As one poster said above, it seems like FSX is becoming a platform, and it seems, a damn good one, at that.

I don't know what the upcoming A2A B-17 will cost, but I will likely get it as soon as it is released, no matter what it costs because it fits in my area of interest. And, of course, A2A has an excellent reputation.

I would imagine the Concord, if it replicates the procedures used in the real one, would be a bargain for anyone interested in these type of aircraft. But until we have a couple of in depth reviews, why all the hate?

Well, crap, I have to flip the prop on my Cub, and do some spins.

[SirBenn21]

-Hit's the No Sale Button.

Same here!!! I was just about to hit the "Pay Now" button

Phew...... That was close. Thanks MirageIII2009 for those screenshots. I'm sorry to offend, but the VC is no where near today's standard let alone $70!

I'll wait for the 60% sale price.

Ben

[some1]

70USD...that's almost 25% more expensive than the PMDG 747 which was already considered very expensive as its release.
I flown once in the real Concorde and I have been waiting for this, but at that price tag, no way.
Expecially from a company I've never seen a single product before...


Well,

first of all it's slightly cheaper than PMDG MD-11 and PMDG 747 at its release. Remember that price of 747 has been dropped only recently (after more than 2 years after release), it was 80$ before that.

This Concorde is an evolution of FS2004 SSTSIM Concorde (sstsim.com) so it's not completely unknown product. It appears that this one has all the features the old model had. Plus a lot more.

It is in many ways similar to PMDG products. For example it has the same panel state, configuration & failures system that can be found in 747, md-11 and Level-D 767. Even the icons when you hover over clickspots in VC are MD-11 alike.

The visuals are good enough not to be distracting, but not outstanding, 'just' good. Somewhere between PMDG 747 and MD-11 I think. All gauges are 2D, all switches are 3D, textures are sharp but in some places not perfectly aligned. In order to save FPS, flight engineer station can be operated from 2D panels only. Exterior is nice too, but as the interior, it doesn't make your jaw drop. Performance I think similar to other big and complex tubliners. Maybe slightly better.

Certainly it's not the aircraft for everyone, especially not for those who want just to load the aircraft and fly. Not because they can't do that here, actually, I've just loaded the aircraft, loaded panel state "ready for takeoff", turned on virtual FE who takes care over fuel and thrust rating, slammed the throttles and I was in the air in no time. But fliying this way I won't use 95% of the features I paid for.

[ryanbatc]

The external model looks well done, along with the reheat effect!

VC.... hmmmm... average I guess. But realistically would they be able to make 3d gauges with all those steam ones hehe? Not everyone is Mike from Lotussim ;)

I won't be buying, mainly not my type. Even if it was, I'd have to think long and hard regarding the price.

[tigisfat]

I don't know what the upcoming A2A B-17 will cost, but I will likely get it as soon as it is released, no matter what it costs because it fits in my area of interest. And, of course, A2A has an excellent reputation.


Well, that's where this product is going to make it's money: Off the fanatical British Concorde fans. The rest like us are going to see the edited advertisements screenshots, so-so exterior and not be too impressed. I don't have a problem with a revamped older model provided it's up to par.

I'm out.

I will be eagerly awaiting the first full review to see about all of it's advertised features. I wanna know whether they are selling snake oil or if they have what they say.

[Skittles]

I think the VC will actually be much nicer than it looks in static screenshots. Although the video advertisement had only fleeting glances at the VC, it looked much better in game.

I have faith in this being a fantastic add-on.

[Cag40Navy]

i havent took a look in there forums but the VC looks much better than this, im pretty sure of it.

[Roadburner440]

Alright so I took it for a quick flight. Firstly this is not for the faint of heart. It flies extremely different from anything I have ever flown before (duh moment for me, cause of the delta wing). I will definately be spending more time on the ground learning the systems and such before attempting another flight. The Virtual Flight Engineer did manage the systems this time though, and thankfully helped me get back onto the ground safely. The high AoA makes for a very scary landing though. Even lowering the nose does not give such a great view of it. I personally think the VC looks good, but then again I loaded the high resolution textures. Not sure what kind of difference the normal textures make. I say I am satisfied. Definately complex that is for sure. Just have to read the manual in depth, and print out a checklist next flight. I think the bird looks nice though.

http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_18-55-0-515.jpg
Sitting on the runway LFPB
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_18-55-15-310.jpg
Flight Engineer Panel
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_18-55-7-985.jpg
Center Pedastal
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-2-28-354.jpg
Very bad takeoff (loads and loads of power, plus it was empty, touchy on the flight controls too)
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-2-45-97.jpg
Close-up of the MLG. It actually has the updated tires recommended after the 2000 crash.
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-2-57-197.jpg
Wing trailing edge, and engine nacelles
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-3-4-652.jpg
Shot farther back showing the wing vortex.
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-21-58-945.jpg
Captains VC
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-8-3-615.jpg
F/O Side VC
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-20-58-570.jpg
Cruisin over Paris trying to get a feel for the controls

[Roadburner440]

Now time for the landing (the scariest part)

http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-32-40-288.jpg
Coming in on final, nose lowered to 12.5 degrees (can't see anything except sky and what is out the side windows)
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-32-53-162.jpg
Captain VC view coming in on final
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-34-16-713.jpg
Coming over the fence (fingers crossed that I somehow find asphalt beneath the tires)
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-38-24-874.jpg
Shot from the nose back coming down the taxi way
http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u359/Roadburner426/Concorde%20X/2010-3-21_19-46-12-144.jpg
Safely parked until I get time to study the manuals more and print out a checklist. Hopefully as I get more flights in the aircraft I get better. The high AoA, and landing/takeoff speeds combined make for some pucker factor moments though.

[pilottj]

70 bucks is a bit steep, and we enter the realism debate again. In a realistic Concorde you would have the help of a First Officer and a Flight Engineer. If they developed it so you can play those parts via shared cockpit with your buddies, great, thats a fantastic step toward FS realisim. It looks beautiful, but Bill's Victory is a 'concorde' in itself that a single pilot can enjoy :)

Cheers
TJ

[flaviossa]

Thanks for the pics Steve.
Can you say something about the FPS hit?

Thanks!

[Roadburner440]

I haven't noticed any kind of FPS hit compared to the MD-11, or the 377 Stratocruiser. For awhile I was in a heavy fog and it didn't skip a beat. I actually had to modify the weather to clear myself (which is something I am strongly against, but I did it cause I'd rather clear the weather than crash), because I couldn't find the airport. I do have my frames locked at 20FPS though. I never had any luck using the unlimited setting like other people. Gauges all worked smooth in the VC. Another note on that is that all the panels on the FE station can be brought up in 2D windows. Is definately a complex bird though. I am sure once I spend some time in the manual and on the ground it will become second nature. At one point the MD-11 seemed hard as well, but now it is almost second nature. When I first started out on the 11 I couldn't even use a FMC. Although this aircraft seems to use some kind of coordinate based system that... As far as FPS goes though my system specs are i7-950, ASUS P6T V2 MB, 6GB RAM, Nvidia 285GTX, 750GB HD & 150GB Raptor 10,000RPM (for FSX), and I just use onboard sound. My FSX is setup as suggested by Nick N, and I use Nhancer.

[tigisfat]

What's the point of the spiky lattice thing atop the dash directly in front of you?

[Major_Spittle]

Honestly, it is like some developers are trying to lose sales by over pricing. This hobby is ridiculously expensive. $50 for and airport, $70 for a jet, $60 for some scenery..... There is a lot of stuff I would love to get if it was a matter $10-$25, but I have a very hard time dropping $50+ dollars for what amounts to a " part " of a game I play. No wonder developers are starving, nobody wants my business. :salute:

[Skittles]

What's the point of the spiky lattice thing atop the dash directly in front of you?

I don't think there is much point. Just a lattice to hold up the glareshield. It is true to the real cockpit though;

2812

[flaviossa]

Thanks for the "mini-review" Steve! :salute:

[N2056]

For years I was huge into model railroading. I had to let it go when the cost of a single good quality locomotive was close to $100 US.

We all have a limit when it comes to recreational spending. This hobby is no different from any other ;)

[leroy10]

Considering I purchased FSX Gold edition for $53.00 the price they're asking for 1 aircraft is laughable. :icon_lol:

This is me leaving their shop :running:

Cheers :ernae:
Lindsay

[deathfromafar]

What's the point of the spiky lattice thing atop the dash directly in front of you?

I think that is a flip-up anti glare screen/hood that they use when in cruise when the nose is up and they're totally IFR/Heads Down.

[Kiwikat]

MMMMMM those newest screenshots are mighty enticing.

Ugh. I think bill's new plane comes before this one on my to-buy list. It's price is also much better. :wiggle:

[cheezyflier]

i don't think francois would be involved with something that wasn't top-shelf. from my perception of him here and on his forum, he seems like a pretty straight shooter. if i had the kind of computer and peripherals to support a complex aircraft, and wished to purchase one, the concorde would be a front runner. however, the price is what kills it for me because i would be unable to make use of all the cool features involved. i just couldn't justify that $$ to run the plane on my P4 2.8 and geforce fx5500 card in a 6 yr old dell 2400 with a 17" crt monitor.

[Prowler1111]

Well.....i´m going to say this and then duck under my desk...

..at least they are offering a full modeled product, VC and all, with complex systems at a very steep price...while others.....


Prowler

[empeck]

Well.....i´m going to say this and then duck under my desk...

..at least they are offering a full modeled product, VC and all, with complex systems at a very steep price...while others.....


Prowler

Hahaha, I agree :jump:

[calypsos]

I am happy to see it has a virtual FE, his job was just as important as the pilots. Without fine fuel transfer balancing, it would not go supersonic. This one is not for me though, I'll stick with single seater aircaft with this sort of performance.

[Tweek]

Well.....i´m going to say this and then duck under my desk...

..at least they are offering a full modeled product, VC and all, with complex systems at a very steep price...while others.....


Prowler

The lesser of two evils, then!

[alain95]

The Concorde was allways expensive, the project, the kerozen, the places for customers, that's why the only way to see her again is to pay the price for a Sim. As a french guy I can't see that without some tears in my eyes, thank you for the video, this will allways be an oustanding aircraft !
PS : Is it available with Air France coulours ?

Cocorico :france:
FFD Alain95

[Roadburner440]

I understand the model rail roading analogy all to well. That was my dads biggest hobby was HO scale trains, and all that stuff shot through the roof. Is why I try to choose one hobby and stick with it. No matter where I turn though prices are going up. Target shooting has gone through the roof with ammo prices increasing. So for me this is kind of a last frontier. Although if electricity rates sky rocket, or something to that effect then this hobby might come to an end as well. At least for the most part the computer/software are just a one time up front investment.

[peter12213]

I am happy to see it has a virtual FE, his job was just as important as the pilots. Without fine fuel transfer balancing, it would not go supersonic. This one is not for me though, I'll stick with single seater aircaft with this sort of performance.

Agreed, same for me too!

[shackleton_boy]

Steve - atleast you get your VC to load without killing your whole computer! i'm yet to complete a flight without FS crashing

[fliger747]

I worked with Lefteris and the PMDG team on the development of the 747-400 FS9 and FSX projects. Products that were offered at a similar price point. Who buys these things? For the 747, a lot of my fellow 747 drivers, and those transitioning say from the 747-200 to the 400. I use it to prepare for simulator events, one can practice every possible emergency scenario, even using the same approaches that we will use in the big sim.

Not to many Current Concorde Pilots out there right now.... If Leftreris and the team have produced a sim device as authentic and complex as the PMDG products, then they are at a price point that is needed to amortize the very long development process.

Flying modern (Ok the Concorde is a bit long in the tooth) high performance transport aircraft is not quite like being an astronaut, we are a bit less passengers. It is a technical task! I went to six weeks of school at Boeing to transition from the 747-200 to the 400! So you get some idea of what is involved. I am sure the Concorde required at least this much transition training.

If you are a technical type (astronauts are) then this might appeal to you. If you are not, then it probably won't.

Cheers: T

[fliger747]

Indeed delta wing aircraft, without a plethora of high lift devices, have some interesting landing features. For Concorde the plane can go to a very high AOA to generate lift for landing. Note the shape of the leading edge. A vortex is generated near the wing root, which rolls across the top of the wing, energizing the boundary layer and delaying stall. However very high drag is generated and one is really in the area of reverse command. At a constant thrust, increasing pitch will increase drag and cause a more rapid descent! How to fly the approach? At a constant AOA and regulate the descent rate with thrust.

Cheers: T

[shackleton_boy]

till they sort out a patch avoid - i even orderd more ram to run this thing - i am now at us$151 just to fly a bloody add on! :salute:

[Skittles]

till they sort out a patch avoid - i even orderd more ram to run this thing - i am now at us$151 just to fly a bloody add on! :salute:

Shackleton how do you know it's got anything to do with RAM?

[Major_Spittle]

Not to many Current Concorde Pilots out there right now.... If Leftreris and the team have produced a sim device as authentic and complex as the PMDG products, then they are at a price point that is needed to amortize the very long development process.



Well, I am sure a lot of thought was put into what price they would sell it for. It is all basic economics of where price and sales converge on the chart. I have no data on what their sales actually are or what they would have been if it was a $25 product, but I can say that I might have considered it if it was $40 or less. I don't even care to look at it for $70. I would assume the strategy is start high and go low with time. Perhaps that is the best way to make a good profit on their plane, but from the way this thread is reading it is a big turn off to many potential customers.

A couple years back I dropped $30 on shockwave's Aircraft Powerpack 2: A2A's P-40, p-57, p47, zero, me109. I have spent $60 on A2A's B377 w/accusim but at the time it was (and still is) twice the airplane of anything on the market. $120 is pretty much my total budget for add-ons for the year. I have to be picky.

[shackleton_boy]

Shackleton how do you know it's got anything to do with RAM?

cuase they said so?

I am shocked at the lead developers attitude. I am running a fairly OK system:

Intel Dual core2 2.66ghz
2 gig ram
8800GTX

etc etc etc


We advertise XP and 2GB of RAM as the 'minimum' requirements - and that's what it is: The minimum. If you wish to take advantage of all the beauties and slap on all the extra addons, sceneries, weather, etc., well - my apologies, but your machine won't cut it.

Also- when you say: "At us$70 for a product it has to be flawless and tested in almost every conceivable configuration.", you are wrong, plain and simple. The complexity in ensuring this would be exponential. Just look at companies such as Adobe, HP or even Microsoft themselves.

[Skittles]

A little blunt perhaps, but after going through the forums I don't think there's anything wrong with the attitudes of the admin and technical staff whatsoever.

And in fairness, they did post the minimum specs and you do only have the minimum specs! I have (spookily) exactly the same specs as yours. I hope the RAM will help, but unless you upgrade there really is nothing they can do. And they are right in saying that it is absolutely impossible to test every configuration. There's even a man on the forums who is having a 20fps decrease on his 12gb ram monster (from 25 to 5)! Obviously this isn't due to his computer not being powerful enough, there's just something going wrong, and they're doing what they can to help.

[shackleton_boy]

as i posted in their forum - my system is still the spec that most FS users will have. i am even adding a new SATA3 500gig HD later this week (same order as the ram) and this drive will have a clean install of windows 7 and FS on it. Lets see if it works.

Check the BETA testers PC specs - its insane!


CPU: Intel E8500 Dual Core (@ Stock - 3.12 Ghz) | GPU: Nvidia XFX GTX 280 - 1GB DDR3| MoBo: Gigabyte X48-T-DQ6| OS: Win 7 Ultimate 64 Bit | RAM: 4Gb DDR3(2 x 2 Gb) | HD: WD Caviar 700 Gb 7200 RPM | Monitors: 1 x 37" LCD, 1 x 21" LCD

[Skittles]

as i posted in their forum - my system is still the spec that most FS users will have. i am even adding a new SATA3 500gig HD later this week (same order as the ram) and this drive will have a clean install of windows 7 and FS on it. Lets see if it works.

Check the BETA testers PC specs - its insane!

Whilst an upgrade will surely improve the performance, there are some issues which are just down to 'personality' problems with your computer. It's the issues which knock 3 fps off a PC like mine, then 20fps off a supercomputer like the one I posted. Your problems may be nothing to do with the RAM. It will be interesting to see what effect your new installs have.

[Roadburner440]

Before last October I was running a system with pert near the minimum requirements to run FSX with heavy add-ons. Even having a computer on the top of the scale now though you still get stutters every now and again depending on what aircraft/weather/area of flight. I have issues once my flight time gets into the 8-9 hour range that if I try to go to any other menu (map, weather, time/date, FSUIPC, etc) that my whole FSX locks up. As long as I don't go into any menus though it is fine. That is one of the things I have dealt with ever since flying FSX, but at least I don't get the OOM error anymore. That one used to aggrivate me. I just don't think there is anyway to lower the system requirements unless developers gut the entire simulator and rebuild it from the ground up. Cause the aircraft is only so much of the total performance.

[dvj]

-Hit's the No Sale Button.

Hmmmm. The promotional video looks like it's a higher res for both the VC and exterior shots than what these screen shots show. In the video the VC looks amazing. These sample screens look very FS9, almost flat and very low resolution. Even the background looks FS9. No depth or shading. It just does not look like a final product.

Waiting for more screens and reports before I spring the 70 bucks. Bill's Epic Victory OTH is a real winner.

[VFR Reviews]

Hmm.. I wonder if my rig can run it. I certainly hope so. It was pretty good about a year ago, and I have 6 gigs of Corsair Dominator DDR2 RAM.... As far as memory goes, I think that's pretty good, but I've fallen behind the times with what's considered 'good' in today's computers.... It's amazing how fast it moves :p

[Roadburner440]

Yeah in my screens I run with ground shadows, and I think A/C self shadowing off. Not at home so I can't check it. My FSX is setup exactly as Nick N suggested in his guide on AV Sim, and I haven't had any issues since. I used to not have any trees or anything either, but I have slowly been increasing the number to a point where it doesn't impact my frames. I will agree the VC could be a little crisper. I like the resolutions and textures we use on VC's at Milviz, and the A2A product VC's. I just think they were trying to strike a blanace between performance and looks. I am happy with it. To me it is about the same quality VC as the MD-11 (PMDG). I will get some more shots up of the overhead panels and such later on this afternoon.

[dvj]

Well the screens shots are very few, so I took a gamble purchased this bad girl tonight based on the promo video. You do need to set your texture max load to a minimum of 2048 to bring up the VC and the exterior to FSX standards.

About the only thing missing from this sim are the screaming passengers. OMG! Untouched screenshot.

2937

[shackleton_boy]

Well the screens shots are very few, so I took a gamble purchased this bad girl tonight based on the promo video. You do need to set your texture max load to a minimum of 2048 to bring up the VC and the exterior to FSX standards.

About the only thing missing from this sim are the screaming passengers. OMG! Untouched screenshot.

2937

mmmmmmm.... looks a lot like Paris a few years ago.....

[Roadburner440]

Holy cow how in the world did you do that. I rode the brakes hard on landing the other day and didn't even manage to set the brakes on fire. I take it you made a smoking hole after that ?

[shackleton_boy]

I just got the funniest call from the bank about yesterday purchase of the Concorde. For some reason it came up as "escort and dating services" in a FOREX currency. http://forums.flightsimlabs.com/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif http://forums.flightsimlabs.com/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif

I nearly fell of my chair from laughing. So those of you with wives just watch out for that one!

[dvj]

Holy cow how in the world did you do that. I rode the brakes hard on landing the other day and didn't even manage to set the brakes on fire. I take it you made a smoking hole after that ?

I have no idea what happened. Wheels caught fire on the takeoff roll, then the engines with a cloud of black smoke trailing the aircraft.

[dougal]

Is there a good manual supplied with the addon?

I've still got the FS9 manual which was pretty good i think.

[Tim-HH]

Is there a good manual supplied with the addon? If you are registered in their forum, you can download the manual HERE (http://forums.flightsimlabs.com/index.php?/files/file/63-fslabs-concordex-flightmanualzip/) :)

Greetings
Tim

[dougal]

Thanks for that Tim. Registered (successfully) on the forum, but haven't received confirmation email. That means I can't download the manual. How long did yours take?

Just purchased the bird.

[dvj]

Is there a good manual supplied with the addon?

I've still got the FS9 manual which was pretty good i think.

A very, very detailed manual. Dozens of steps to get this lady launched from cold start. But that is what simulation is all about.

[Roadburner440]

The only thing the manual lacks, which is kind of a downside is all the emergency procedures. Being lucky enough to be involved in A/C maintenance for a living it isn't a big deal for me as I can figure out how most of the systems are supposed to work (they did include the schematics for most systems, and detailed description of their function). It does not make it easy though for people new to complex aircraft to deal with an emergency as there is no quick reference to say when X happens do this, this, and that. It does say in the manual introduction that they recommend using failures only for advanced users as they didn't include that portion in the manual.

[JamesChams]

Well, Gents/Ladies (Owners/Purchasers), is it the CaptainSim and/or PMDG version of the bird; with complete INS, etc.; or is she mostly eye-candy at this stage?
Also, do you need a full crew to fly her or does she come with them included (like A2A's - Accusim)?
Thanks, in advance, for any intelligent insights... :wavey:


Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

[Kiwikat]

Well, Gents/Ladies (Owners/Purchasers), is it the CaptainSim and/or PMDG version of the bird; with complete INS, etc.; or is she mostly eye-candy at this stage?
Also, do you need a full crew to fly her or does she come with them included (like A2A's - Accusim)?
Thanks, in advance, for any intelligent insights... :wavey:

I think it is pretty obvious by looking at the manuals that this is a serious simulation. I wouldn't put CaptainSim in the same league as either PMDG or this addon. :wiggle:

I'm strongly considering grabbing this thing...

[Roadburner440]

It is definately a serious simulation Mr. Chams, and I think it would be up to your standards. The INS is the CIVA INS (www.simufly.com/ins (http://www.simufly.com/ins)). Although I have yet to figure out how to use it because I am used to Boeing style CDU's, and this INS looks to be coordinate based. It has a lot of the common Concorde routes pre-loaded as well. It features an air start cart (since there is no APU) to start the engines, and a ground power cart. I have been doing a lot of systems tests with it and such before really getting into flying it trying to figure out how everything works together. Definately go on their forums and download the manual. It is a worth a read through if you are on the fence about getting it. It is a handful to fly that is for sure. The delta wing makes it have a high AoA on take off and landing. I am not used to not being able to see the runway on landing.

[dvj]

Well, Gents/Ladies (Owners/Purchasers), is it the CaptainSim and/or PMDG version of the bird; with complete INS, etc.; or is she mostly eye-candy at this stage?
Also, do you need a full crew to fly her or does she come with them included (like A2A's - Accusim)?
Thanks, in advance, for any intelligent insights... :wavey:
James, this is a very serious simulation. IMO it is up there with Accusim, maybe even more complex. It's a lot more about the sim than eyecandy. If you get it only for screenshots, you are missing most of what this is about. Some of the crew is included. There is a quick start feature to get you up and flying.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

[shackleton_boy]

Steve - atleast you can get her to load!

[Roadburner440]

It's not loading for you? I know at first I had issues getting it to load in the sim. The first time I tried I got an entirely black screen.. so I restarted the PC and tried it again. The A/C loaded but wouldn't start (even with Cntrl+E). Third time I restarted and loaded it worked like a champ and haven't had a problem since. If you go on their forums in the FAQ they have various steps to take if it doesn't load. The thing that I sometimes experience now is I don't get their screen to come up when the sim is loading to load the ConcordeX.dll thing. Seems to not have an adverse effect from it lately.

[shackleton_boy]

Nope - cant ever get past that box loading aircraft crap. REALLY starting to p!ss me off - to the point where i went out and bought a new CPU, MB and ram.... going to install it over the weekend and report back... bloody OOM errors!

[dougal]

I can't get onto their website - seems it's down.

Over whelmed servers?

I have bought it, but would like to access the forum. Looks like a 'no-go' area at the mo...

[Skittles]

I can't get onto their website - seems it's down.

Over whelmed servers?

I have bought it, but would like to access the forum. Looks like a 'no-go' area at the mo...

Dougal I can get on to their website and forums fine, just so you know. Might be an issue your end. :salute:

[shackleton_boy]

New system installed - on the external model i get 25 to 60 fps and on the VC i get 25 to 35 fps.... EVERYTHING is turned to the max :salute:

[UnknownGuest12]

Not going to discuss the price, if it is or not, too expensive, regarding the product...
Can't afford it...so, for me, it's too expensive...
regards

[strykerpsg]

Is there a CTL-E version to getting it started and airborne? I love the SST, but have quite a stable of click fest aircraft that already require reading the instruction book cover to cover to start, get airborne, land and shutdown. Not that I wouldn't mind looking into the advanced parts of this add on, but sometimes dig the simpler techniques.

Matt

[JamesChams]

Mr. Steve and everyone else you responded,

Thank you for the helpful insights into the features, look, and capabilities of this model. It looks like the VC textures are a little low-res than I would prefer but its still a must get for me based on everything else. Thanks again. :salute:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

[shackleton_boy]

I thought i will revive this thread and tell all of you of my horrid experience of FSlabs, their forum and their customer support.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I bought the Concorde in good faith for a rather hefty price tag. First of i couldn’t install it, i eventually got it installed. After installation of the CIVA INS system i tried to load it in FSX – no go. It won’t even load aircraft once selected in quick flight. FSX just dies. So i went off to their forums and posted this – the person who seems to be their main support guys (actually a beta tester) comes into the forum and says oh it’s my system. After a back and forth I decided I’ll upgrade my system. Lots of money later the Concorde loads. Now my system wasn’t old – its 18 months old still considered a pretty high-end for middle of the road systems. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
There had been a few other issues and it always comes back to – oh it’s your system! Not ONCE has FSlabs taken ANY responsibility for their product – at least not with any of my issues.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Once I got my system going i eagerly installed the Concorde again and actually got it to load and fly in FSX. A few hours into the LHR – JFK the aircraft would start to oscillate side to side and eventually go into a very steep bank and pitch angle descending turn and crash into the water. Same Support/Beta comes back to my forum post – oh it’s your system. At this point one of the development team stepped in and said he will fix the problem – the first time FSlabs admitted there might be an issue on their side.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
SP1 comes and goes – problem still there and i report so on the forum in a thread another user started about the same problem. The same Support/Beta man comes back – Oh it’s my system.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Now I have reached the end of my line – if this problem isn’t fixed with the next patch i am going to contact VISA and inform them of a vendor selling products under false pretences. This will cause untold amounts of drama for their online retailer and in return for FSlabs – but I REALLY have had it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
My rant is over so use it, don’t use it but you have been warned.<o:p></o:p>