Warbirdsim mustang, only $19.97 today!

[fsxar177]

PC Aviator's "Deal of the Day (http://www.pcaviator.com/store/product.php?productid=19084)", 55% off Warbirdsims "Little Friends I" package. This is a steal for any of those who don't have it, or any of the other WBS mustangs.

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/wbslf13.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/wbslf12.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/wbslf11.jpg


Joseph

[DaveKDEN]

Great find! Bought it earlier today from PC Aviator got an additional $2.00 off coupon (total $17.97). A very nice add-on! :applause:

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you Dave!

[DaveKDEN]

Thank you Dave!

Thank you! She's a beauty!

[Bomber_12th]

Be sure to download and install the "Little Friends Redux" addon here:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=4957

Speaking of which, a "Redux" addon for Warbirdsim's "P-51D Restored Part 2" is being completed right now (its been a long time coming!). ; )

[DaveKDEN]

Be sure to download and install the "Little Friends Redux" addon here:

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=4957

Speaking of which, a "Redux" addon for Warbirdsim's "P-51D Restored Part 2" is being completed right now (its been a long time coming!). ; )

Done - thanks for the h/u. Although, the textures looked pretty darn fantastic as is.

[FlameOut]

Thanks for the reminder and the link.
I did not own the Little Friends I pkg. when these textures we offered, but I did pick up this PC Aviator's "Deal of the Day (http://www.pcaviator.com/store/product.php?productid=19084)", on it's first time around back in March 2012. :applause:

[elcamino]

Already got it a while ago. It's nice.

[fliger747]

Been wanting this one for a while, thanks for the heads up!

Big Download!

Cheers: Tom

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you Tom, I really appreciate it!

Just incase of curiosity, here are some old screenshots showing some of the different variants included, each model and set of textures produced to match each specific example individually (Spitfire mirror here, P-38 mirror there, tail warning radar set on one, and not on another, etc., all based on what really was, for those chosen moments in time). I believe all of these screenshots were taken with the "Redux" addon installed. The reason for the "Redux" addon, was to have the exterior textures match the look of those developed for "Little Friends II".

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image12-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Img_2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Img_3.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image1-12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/b_duck1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image6-2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Image8-4.jpg

[fliger747]

What is possible in the art of FSX continues to astound me.

I am sure John feels justly proud of the results of all of his research and hard work. As the number of existing birds pass, the historical accuracy of an interactive warbirds becomes more important.

Regards. Tom

[modelr]

Your work is absolutely beautiful, John. I'm glad I finally was able to get these.

Thank You. Don

[Bomber_12th]

I appreciate it Tom, and thank you Don!

With these aircraft, from the structure, to the skins, to all of the parts that fill it out, from the ground up the goal is to make it just as it was, with exacting attention to detail. It pays off, a ton, when it comes to adding a new part or assembly, and all I have to do is find the original factory drawing, make the part to original specifications, and it fits just perfectly right on or within the existing model, without any additional work.

Here are some more screenshots illustrating what is included in "Little Friends I" alone.

Accurate paint, primer, and bare metal finishes. With each wing half being manufactured separate, and each batch of chromate zinc (yellow) made right at the time of individual application, the internals of each wing half were often quite different, with the patchwork of chromate yellow and interior green paint and primer finishes often not being the same from one side to the other, either. This became more prevalent later in the war. On the P-51D-25-NA and P-51K-15-NT models included, the wheel wells look almost completely different from one side to the other, but each skin, bracket, and former are finished exactly as that of a few select examples as they remained un-touched since original factory production, providing an amazing glimpse into how they really looked during WWII. Even the Alcoa and Reynolds aluminum watermarks can be seen and read on the skins within the wheel wells. All of the stringers, formers, brackets and plumbing you see in the wheel wells, are 100% accurate.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_1.jpg

Included is an authentic P-51K, something that you won't find elsewhere. Not only is the propeller that of the proper Aeroproducts type, but the spinner is also unique, having had to be manufactured with a different design in order to mount the Aeroproducts prop blades. The aircraft is finished in a factory delivery scheme, with the vast majority of P-51K-15-NT's being manufactured for the RAF.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_2.jpg

"Butch Baby" is one of several P-51D/K's modified in England, with the addition of formation lights on the fuselage. The lights themselves were the same amber recognition lights as fitted under the right wing tip. An additional switch was fitted next to the three already present recognition light switches in the cockpit, and that has been reproduced as well on this variant. This particular example has a field-added Spitfire mirror, with a "crew-chief-built" bracket to mount it.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_3.jpg

Throughout the different models, the drop tanks included for those specific models, matches the drop tank type that those individual examples used most, per given squadron and theatre of operation. Each individual drop tank was reproduced with the same exacting attention to accuracy as the rest of the aircraft.

The 108-gallon 'paper' drop tanks. These were modeled using side-profile photos I took of an original example, and plumbed using the original manuals as a guide, complete with the glass break-away sections. This particular example has a field-added P-38 external mirror.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_4.jpg

The 110-gallon metal drop tanks. These were the most used type for the Mustangs operating from Iwo Jima. Due to their size, wooden sway braces were used in order to ensure the tanks were stabilized. A high-resolution period photo from WWII, showing an almost perfect side-profile of these drop tanks, was used to model them.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_5.jpg

The 75-gallon metal drop tanks. These were used in all theatres of the war, and were present from the earliest days of the P-51D, and used up until the end of the war.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/LF_6.jpg

[Bomber_12th]

With "Little Friends I" (way back in early 2011) we decided to add a fully accurate and detailed left gun bay. Like the rest of the aircraft, the internal structure was built up first, and then the individual parts were added in. In order to model the 50-cal machine guns and bullets, experts in those regards were called upon to model and texture those (albeit with an eye for keeping the detail-to-performance impact in-check). The ammunition bays and guns are loaded exactly as originally instructed. The individual links of the ammunition chutes are the exact same amount as in the real thing, as is anything else you want to number off, such as the hinge pattern to the forward gun door.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_8.jpg

Between all of the variants included, there are 4 truly differently configured cockpits, depending on the era and individual production model. However, almost each cockpit model is different, for each individual variant included, due to the different field modifications, such as to the exhaust shrouds, external mirrors, etc.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_9.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_10.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_11.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/lf_13.jpg

Some of the authentic details can show up in some very small ways. Here, the Goodyear logo sticker on the wheels, is period correct to the Goodyear logo as it was in WWII - and the fact that it is there, is because it is a detail that turns up in period photos. Also, I'm proud to say that the brakes on these aircraft are accurate, true P-51 brakes, and are not P-63 brakes (and while touching on that, you can mount P-63 wheels and brakes to a P-51, but you can't mount P-63 brakes to P-51 wheels).

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/J26%20Mustang/Red_D10.jpg

[fsxar177]

...Just another screen...
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/wbslf19.jpg

Joseph

[BigTool4U]

Hello to all,
I'm really tempted by this deal but I have some doubts, especially now that the A2A WoP3 P-51 was released.

I read everywhere that the WBS P-51 has extremely detailed 3D models and textures (I already downloaded the Redux update to check the texture quality and they are wonderful!), but little has been said about the flight model, apart from the engine damage and supercharger features.
So, how is the flight model compared to A2A products?

Another thing that is not clear to me: apart from the gun bay, the "Restored", "Little Friends" and "Then and Now" series share the same 3D model or are there any other differences/improvements?
Basically the descriptions are the same.

P.S.: please John, don't hate me because of these questions, I'm a newbie... ;)

P.P.S.: I'm sorry if I did some grammar errors but English isn't my mother language.

[Bomber_12th]

Hey, no problem regarding the questions, and no problem with your English either! ; )<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Regarding the flight model, it was developed within the span of the standard FSX Acceleration flight model capabilities. It is designed to be flown using all of the correct power inputs, which will in-turn provide proper airspeeds, acceleration, and climb speeds. Take-off is performed at typically 50-55-inches MP (though as low as 45-46-inches, and has high as 61-inches can be used). Max climb is done at 46-inches MP, 2700 RPM, with cruise climb done at 42-inches MP, 2400 RPM (this will get you about a 2000 fpm climb rate, or better). Cruise is done at anywhere between 34-37-inches of MP, and 2250-2400 RPM (with typical settings being either 34 and 2250, 36 and 2400, or 37 and 2300 - this as taken from numerous current Mustang pilots over the few years that the initial product was being developed, after hearing what their individual preferred cruise settings are). The aircraft has both the effects of p-factor and torque on take-off, and it either can be an absolute challenge for some, or quite easy to manage for others, depending on each individual's experience. The aircraft requires 5-6 degrees of nose right trim on take-off (through all of the documents one reads, it always goes back and forth between using 5 or 6 degrees of rudder-right trim - one is no more correct than the other). When the aircraft breaks ground, you'll actually have to have a bit of right stick in, to counter the aircraft's tendency to roll to the left, just like in the real aircraft. Stalls are performed at just the same airspeeds of the actual aircraft, per given the different state of flaps/gear, etc. The aircraft will spin, and I have torque-rolled it, hovering at 100-105 mph, with the throttle back, and then gunning it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The flight model work was done with the great assistance of Peter Teichman, owner of the P-51D "Jumpin Jacques" (for which the sounds were recorded from).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
And I'll be upright and forthcoming with you - there isn't the systems modeling as some may be expecting or wanting. The supercharger modeling and engine failure is based on a feature of Acceleration. The supercharger isn't directly controllable, being left fully-automatic, and will switch over to high blower at 17,500 ft (due to the way in which the mechanics worked, they all switched over at slightly different altitudes, ranging from about 17,000 ft to 19,000 ft, according to the pilot's manual - that being for the -7 variant of the Merlin). These were introduced on the "Little Friends" products and the "Then and Now" products.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
As far as the interior and exterior models are concerned, they are the most accurate (and authentic) of any other flight simulation visual depiction. What I want to get across, is despite the models being extremely detailed, that shouldn't be the biggest reason to be interested in them. The aircraft were developed from the ground up to be visually correct in every possible way, using the original NAA factory drawings, original manuals, and consulting with who I consider, and others consider, the leading Mustang researchers and historians, along just about every step of the way. I knew if they liked what they saw, my job was done. These types of discussions get into the smallest of details, like what the gear lever should be painted like per any select production variant (either red & green, or over-all black), or whether or not the aircraft had a Schick Johnson seat, or a Warren McArthur seat, or how the gear wells were painted differently on earlier variants compared to later variants, etc...it goes on and on, and I find a lot of joy reproducing these aircraft to that finest level of correct detail.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Here's a general run-down of the individual products:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Here are all of the production variants of the P-51D/K<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
(<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Inglewood</st1:place></st1:City> Production)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-5-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NA<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D (of several different production block variants)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
(<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:City> Production)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-5-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NT<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-5-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-10-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-15-NT<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D and F-6K (of several different production block variants)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I have in my possession the service bulletins that were issued with each new production block, outlining every last production change that occurred between the previous production block and the next, and throughout all of the different products, these have been used to help aid in the researching and duplicating each particular example, just as they were. Between one production model to another, especially between the P-51D-5-NA to the P-51D-10-NA, there were over 100 changes, ranging in size and importance, with hundreds of changes by the time you progress from the P-51D-5-NA to the P-51D-30-NA.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>


~ P-51D Restored Part 1<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This, the very first Warbirdsim P-51D installment, is also the one showing the most age (and is in the process of an update to the graphics). From this very beginning, we wanted to provide the first ever experience (still to this day), of being able to fly individual variants of the P-51D, just as they really are. As you jump into one P-51D to another, either in service or restored, the cockpits are all different, and I wanted to provide that. Each individual variant has its own exterior model, so as to copy all of the individual exterior differences, and each interior model is individually different, to match each individual interior of the real aircraft. All of the differences as a result of the different production models, as well as all of the differences as a result of numerous different restoration practices, were all reproduced. As you cross from one variant to another, not only does the paint scheme change, but so do the models, inside and out, so that you get a true reproduction of the real, individual, aircraft. All of these aircraft include a modern pilot, with the option to add vintage head gear, modern avionics, and in the restored examples which sport a K-14 gun sight, it is removable. All 7 exterior models and texture sets are different, and all 7 interior models and texture sets are different (in essence, you get 7 different aircraft). Throughout this product, there are also 3 different propeller types, two different drop tank types, two different canopy types, and more.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This product includes (all matching, detail to detail, modern restorations):<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NA "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" - one of the top 3 most authentic restorations, complete with all of the original WWII fittings, hardware, and authentic details<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Upupa Epops" - another one of the top 3 most authentic restorations, on-par with "HJGB" as far as authentic restoration, though different due to earlier model<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D-25-NT "Lil' Margaret" - the only photo-recon variant flying today, complete with rear-fuselage camera ports, camera alignment marks, and camera controls in the cockpit<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-10-NT "Fragile But Agile" - a combat vet like "Upupa Epops", the only Mustang flying today in P-51K form with the Aeroproducts prop blades<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NT "NACA 127" - retaining all of its NACA dive-test modifications, including taller tail, test airfoils on the wings, special instrument panel, and dual-seat restoration<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "Ferocious Frankie" - one of the biggest departures from an authentic Mustang included, but is extremely accurate to that of the real aircraft, including dual-seat<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25_NA "Vintage Wings of Canada" - again, built simply to match the real aircraft, in every internal and external detail<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>


~ P-51D Restored Part 2<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
After the release of Part 1, this product helped to expand the range of available restored P-51D's, with 8 more. These were all developed with the same guidelines as with Part 1, providing 8 more completely individual/unique examples. This one too is undergoing a graphics update (to match the Little Friends and Then and Now products). Through these variants there are more propeller types and more canopy types.
<o:p></o:p>
Although I won't go into detail about all of them, as like Part 1, their individual descriptions can be read on the Warbirdsim product page, here are a few that might stand out:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Daddy's Girl" - an early-mid production model P-51D, restored with basic dual controls, which includes a second control stick, set of rudder pedals, engine controls, and four key gauges, for the guy in back.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "USAF FF-704" - restored very authentically, but with light-grey primer (instead of green), this aircraft has a second seat and rocket launchers under the wings, with the option to display authentically reproduced HVAR rockets (for air show purposes).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D "It's About Time" - includes some of the Cavalier modifications to the wings and tail, dual seat, light-grey painted cockpit<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

~ P-51D "Little Friends (I)"<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This is the first of the Warbirdsim P-51D products with a focus on WWII. With this product, the focus became on mid-model and late-model P-51D's, as they actually looked during WWII. There is a major difference between copying a restoration, and saying that that is how they looked during WWII, and then actually going about doing the research yourself, viewing cockpit photos from the period (both at the factory, and in the field), digging into the detailed specifications in the NAA drawings, documents, and manuals, about certain parts being on one variant, and not on another, and how certain parts were finished and marked. This product follows with the same guidelines as those before, with the aim of making each variant individually different, to match the original examples as they were. As is the case again, there are 8 different variants, and between them, there are 8 different individual exterior models, and 7 different individual interior models, both due to production changes, as well as in-field modifications, to things like adding Spitfire or P-38 external mirrors, or taking and removing the exhaust shrouds (which you can do with these, at any given time you want), or some either coming from the factory with the tail warning radar installed, others not having the tail warning radar installed, and others having the tail warning radar installed in the field. This also marks the first product to feature the extremely detailed and fully authentic left gun bay, as well as the supercharger and engine failure features for use with FSX Acceleration. Both inside the cockpit, and on the exterior, the paint chipping and weathering was done, paint chip by paint chip, and one fluid leak to another, to all match the same wear patterns, the same paint chips, and the same fluid leaks as seen in period photos, either of the very same aircraft, or of Mustangs in general from that period. With the attention given to every element, you'll actually find that things like the P-38 mirror fitted to some of the variants (including "HJGB" from the "Restored Part 1"), are actually more detailed, and more accurate, than the same mirror on any other flight sim P-38.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This product includes"<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NA "Butch Baby" - modified in the field with the addition of the tail warning radar set, fuselage mounted formation lights and additional switch in the cockpit for them (one of only a few to have such modifications), exhaust shrouds removed, and a Spitfire mirror, specially mounted to the windscreen. The aircraft features an early K-14 gun sight installation, with the K-14 control box mounted under the right-side instrument panel shroud, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA "The Millie G" - nearly factory form, without a tail warning radar set, but field-modded with the addition of the K-14 gun sight (early configuration), the exhaust shrouds have been removed, and the aircraft has had a P-38 mirror added onto the canopy, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA "Baby Duck" - nearly factory form, field-modded with the addition of the K-14 gun sight, and a Spitfire mirror (mounted quite a bit like that of the one on "Butch Baby", but not quite so "high profile"), and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Live Bait" - field modified with the addition of the tail warning radar set, K-14 gun sight, and exhaust shroud removed, and comes with the option to load 75-gallon metal drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Big Beautiful Doll" - this is the only authentic depiction of the scheme, that I know of, having ever been recreated in flight sim form, the aircraft comes in very factory form, with the early K-14 installation, tail warning radar set, but has the exhaust shrouds removed, and comes with the option to load 75-gallon metal drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Hubert" - this one has a very unique mounting setup for the Spitfire mirror added to it, a particular mounting bracket that was designed within the 359th FG, with the tail warning radar set, and early K-14 installation, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "The Enchantress" - this is the first ever reproduction of an Iwo Jima based P-51D, with the "Uncle Dog" antenna installation (dual AN/ARA-8 antennas on the spine, and an AN/ARC-3 antenna moved to the lower cowling, with another thin wire antenna mounted aft of the right main landing gear, for the SCR-695-A radio set), and has the option to load 110-gallon metal drop tanks, the most used type by Iwo Jima base Mustangs, complete with the wooden sway braces and tension straps used in mounting the tanks<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-15-NT "RAF Factory Fresh - this example, the later model of them all, is made to look as it did from the factory, for the RAF, and has a late model K-14 installation (K-14 control box mounted on the left side of the instrument panel), the beacon receiver control box has moved from the early floor position, to the late-variant wall mounted position<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Besides all of the above, there are other authentic changes made to the cockpits, between one variant to the next. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

~ P-51D "Little Friends II"<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Following up from "Little Friends", the first installment, the decision was made to try our hands at reproducing the first, earliest production variant of the P-51D, the P-51D-5-NA. The goal was to, through reproducing the variant in such accurate detail, to really open the eyes of others, to see just how the P-51D progressed, from its earliest days, to the last production variant, and that there was never just one P-51D that you could look at and say, that is how they all looked. Between the late model P-51K in "Little Friends I", and the P-51D-5-NA, the cockpit alone is about 40% different. The exterior of the aircraft also has its unique differences, with the early first generation bubble canopy design (which was changed at the end of P-51D-5-NA production), it did not have a dorsal fin fillet, the elevators were covered in fabric, there was a white recognition light mounted on the spine of the aircraft, and a few other differences. In the cockpit, the instrument panel is almost exactly identical to that of a P-51B instrument panel, and is absolutely correct to the P-51D-5-NA. The seat, an early variant of the Warren McArthur type, was the only type used in the P-51D-5-NA. The armor plate behind the pilots seat, was mounted several inches lower on the P-51D-5-NA than on later models, and this is copied. The aircraft also has an N-9 reflector gun sight (as was fitted to all P-51D's up until mid-late P-51D-20-NA production), early engine controls, early electrical switch panels, and more. In this product, each model is the same, except for a few that have external mirrors fitted, or exhaust shrouds missing, to match the original examples. There is an additional model included, which depicts one of the P-51D-5-NA's that was upgraded in the field, with the addition of the dorsal fin fillet (which is of an earlier design than the later variants). The flight handling is different between those without the dorsal fin fillet, and those with it.
<o:p></o:p>
The "Little Friends I Redux" addon was released so as to bring the textures of the "Little Friends I" aircraft up to the same look/standard as that of the "Little Friends II" product.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

~ "Then and Now" Series<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
These productions are just as uniquely different as any of the previous products, with each internal and external model and texture set produced separately to match the individual examples chosen. Each product comes with two aircraft, a depiction of a restored example as it flies today (in exacting form), and a depiction of the original wartime P-51 that the restored example is painted as. You get all of the features of both the "Restored" and the "Little Friend" products in one:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
- On the restored examples, you can choose between having a modern pilot and a WWII-era dressed pilot<o:p></o:p>
- The restored examples have modern avionics (different between both current products)<o:p></o:p>
- The K-14 gun sights can be removed, something that isn't hard to do with the real setup/installation (the wartime "Twilight Tear" has a fixed N-9 gun sight, accurately)<o:p></o:p>
- The K-14 has two different reticles (updated on the "Then and Now" products), which includes the fixed, collimated reticle as well as the gyro-controlled animated reticle (which you can adjust the size of<o:p></o:p>
- The N-9 sight on the wartime Twilight Tear has a fixed collimated reticle (the same goes for the N-9 sights on the "Little Friends II" variants)<o:p></o:p>
- Extremely detailed and fully accurate and authentic left gun bay<o:p></o:p>
- Authentic paint finishes on every last individual part, with an authentic patchwork of chromate yellows and interior green primers (this goes for all of the variants in all of the products)<o:p></o:p>
- Cockpit models the very between wartime to restoration, restoration to restoration, and wartime to wartime, due to individual variants, different restorations, and authentic field modifications
- Supercharger and engine failure simulation for use with Acceleration
- All of the authentic details that should be present, are, down to all of the correct hardware, equipment, stencils, placards, correct/authentic type faces/fonts, panel lines and rivet counts, paint and primer finishes, and factory worker inspection ink stamps and other inspection marks.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Over-all, these are the most updated.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
In the case of the "Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now" product, the wartime model is a P-51D-15-NA, with field modifications, adding the K-14 gryo gunsight and dual Spitfire mirrors, as was the case on the original. The mdern example is a P-51D-30-NA restored to closely match the original. However, being a P-51D-30-NA, there are a mixture of items that are early, appropriate to the P-51D-15-NA, and items that are later, and come from the aircraft being a P-51D-30-NA. Both models and texture sets (inside and out) were made to match the original example, and the one that flies today.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
With the "Twilight Tear, Then and Now" product, the wartime and modern aircraft are one in the same, an early production variant of the P-51D-20-NA. Copied straight from wartime photos, the wartime version of 'Tear is un-touched from its factory form, with the N-9 reflector gun sight still in-place (as seen in a period photo that was used to reproduce the aircraft for that moment in time). The restored example includes items that were added to the aircraft late in the war, just before and after VE-Day. This includes the K-14 and the tail warning radar set. Again, both models and texture sets (inside and out) were made to match the original example, and the one that flies today.

[dougal]

A truly wonderful response there John, but I gotta say mate... I think that a) you've got too much time on your hands and, b) you need to get out more

:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol::salute:

[Bomber_12th]

I suppose you're right, Dougal. : ) On top of other work, I just consider it part of my daily work commitments.

When summer comes, things can really change (this is one of projects I was involved with last summer): http://www.sott.net/articles/show/233763-US-Minnesota-Archaeologists-unearth-pieces-of-Hastings-woolly-past

[fliger747]

With regards to the flight model, I would call this an advanced aircraft FSX wise. The better controls you have the more that you will be able to appreciate it. I would rate it a very good indeed, though ther are couple of areas that I would modify slightly, but these often come down to the style and opinions of the FD designer. John has done impeccable research on this series with an execution to match.

Certainly one of the great FSX planes available! One of the best purchases I have made in a long time.

Regards. Tom

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you Tom, I really appreciate it and it means a lot, especially coming from you! All of the credit for the flight model goes to Albert, having secured some time, over a number of different occasions, with Peter Teichman, and being able to load up the sim and have him test out some things himself and see what felt right and what may have felt wrong - this too expanded to the sounds.

Speaking of which, Peter Teichman and his guys have been going through "Jumpin Jacques" this spring, to return the cockpit to full original stock condition (something that he spoke about with us early last year), consulting the same NAA drawings and documents that I have used for the Warbirdsim products, and the P-51 research community I'm involved with. This extends to the point of wanting to get the K-14 installation just right, to match the earlier installation (perhaps field-modded), with early parts, rather than the late position and parts (often recreated) that wouldn't be correct to the aircraft. As they began digging into the cockpit, they found a lot of the original factory applied interior green paint still intact, as well as some original factory applied stencils and decals (the aircraft has never been completely stripped down since WWII, and has been restored section by section, over time, so as to enable it to fly during each air show season - much of the skins have never been removed since being originally riveted on at the NAA factory). The various switch panels and instrument panel are being reproduced to match the specific P-51D-20-NA it was manufactured as, without the tail warning radar, and (I think) without the rocket controls/supported wing.

http://hangar11.co.uk/news.html

[Barfly]

I concur with Tom, you can really tell this was developed in close consultation with real Mustang pilots. Just don't forget to empty the center tank if you don't need the extra fuel- the plane is a bit wobbly as you would expect with fuel in that tank :)

[BigTool4U]

Thanks John, I didn't expect a so comprehensive answer, you would publish it in your website. ;)
From your explanation "Little Friends I" is perfect for my taste.

I'm downloading it right now, LOL, it's my first payware! :)

Thanks to all!

[fsxar177]

Good-day,
You won't be disappointed!

And welcome to our community as well. You'll find many good folks here, always helpful.

Joseph

[Bomber_12th]

Well, thank you, I hope you do really enjoy it! As I mentioned earlier in this thread, last year I released a "Redux" addon for "Little Friends I". It isn't needed, but you may like the exterior skin work a bit more: http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforum...=3&linkid=4957 (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=3&linkid=4957) (Some prefer it as is, straight from the product, while others like the newer texture work better)

If you need any assistance, or any questions answered, there is Warbirdsim support, or you can also just drop me a PM. If you are interested in the paintkits for it (three in all), just let me know via PM, with your e-mail address. The user guide is found within the Warbirdsim folder, in your route FSX folder, after installation. It will guide you through the various features, as well as a run-down on the systems, and a full pilot's manual check-list and guide. (Also, if you absolutely hate it, let me know too, and I'll try to do something about that. ; ) )

(Regarding the descriptions, I think the confusing part is likely that the features list is just about the same for each product on each of the product pages, though the individual variant descriptions are much the same as I provided above, and are what really separate one from another. Hopefully my post above helps, at least a little, to try and clarify each product from one another a bit better.)

[BigTool4U]

Good-day,
You won't be disappointed!

And welcome to our community as well. You'll find many good folks here, always helpful.

Joseph

Thanks Joseph, in the next days I'll introduce myself, as forum rules. ;)

@John: tomorrow I'll send you my email address, now it's sleep time, I neither had the time to install my new little friends. :p:

[Roadburner440]

I am looking very forward to the Air Cobra! However all of these different variants in the Little Friends packs are starting to grow on me too. It would be like the million (it seems like) P-38's I have from Sky Unlimited. Specifically thinking about that P-51K.

[Bomber_12th]

Still only a work in progress as it isn't quite where I want it yet, it is getting closer. This is intended for Little Friends I, but if anyone wants a version for Restored Part 2 or Twilight Tear, Then and Now, just let me know and I'd be glad to do it! This is only just for fun, but does depict a P-51D currently under restoration (nearing completion, if not already - and one of the things I forgot, is that it has polished metal wings, instead of silver-painted, so I need to back and change that - it should look very nice with polished wings).
<o:p></o:p>
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/shiny_9.jpg<o:p></o:p>

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/Little%20Friends%20I/shiny_8.jpg

[skyhawka4m]

this is just awesome! I'd love to have one of these for every dash series model.......I just love flying the plane jane aircraft.

[Odie]

Hey, no problem regarding the questions, and no problem with your English either! ; )<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Regarding the flight model, it was developed within the span of the standard FSX Acceleration flight model capabilities. It is designed to be flown using all of the correct power inputs, which will in-turn provide proper airspeeds, acceleration, and climb speeds. Take-off is performed at typically 50-55-inches MP (though as low as 45-46-inches, and has high as 61-inches can be used). Max climb is done at 46-inches MP, 2700 RPM, with cruise climb done at 42-inches MP, 2400 RPM (this will get you about a 2000 fpm climb rate, or better). Cruise is done at anywhere between 34-37-inches of MP, and 2250-2400 RPM (with typical settings being either 34 and 2250, 36 and 2400, or 37 and 2300 - this as taken from numerous current Mustang pilots over the few years that the initial product was being developed, after hearing what their individual preferred cruise settings are). The aircraft has both the effects of p-factor and torque on take-off, and it either can be an absolute challenge for some, or quite easy to manage for others, depending on each individual's experience. The aircraft requires 5-6 degrees of nose right trim on take-off (through all of the documents one reads, it always goes back and forth between using 5 or 6 degrees of rudder-right trim - one is no more correct than the other). When the aircraft breaks ground, you'll actually have to have a bit of right stick in, to counter the aircraft's tendency to roll to the left, just like in the real aircraft. Stalls are performed at just the same airspeeds of the actual aircraft, per given the different state of flaps/gear, etc. The aircraft will spin, and I have torque-rolled it, hovering at 100-105 mph, with the throttle back, and then gunning it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The flight model work was done with the great assistance of Peter Teichman, owner of the P-51D "Jumpin Jacques" (for which the sounds were recorded from).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
And I'll be upright and forthcoming with you - there isn't the systems modeling as some may be expecting or wanting. The supercharger modeling and engine failure is based on a feature of Acceleration. The supercharger isn't directly controllable, being left fully-automatic, and will switch over to high blower at 17,500 ft (due to the way in which the mechanics worked, they all switched over at slightly different altitudes, ranging from about 17,000 ft to 19,000 ft, according to the pilot's manual - that being for the -7 variant of the Merlin). These were introduced on the "Little Friends" products and the "Then and Now" products.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
As far as the interior and exterior models are concerned, they are the most accurate (and authentic) of any other flight simulation visual depiction. What I want to get across, is despite the models being extremely detailed, that shouldn't be the biggest reason to be interested in them. The aircraft were developed from the ground up to be visually correct in every possible way, using the original NAA factory drawings, original manuals, and consulting with who I consider, and others consider, the leading Mustang researchers and historians, along just about every step of the way. I knew if they liked what they saw, my job was done. These types of discussions get into the smallest of details, like what the gear lever should be painted like per any select production variant (either red & green, or over-all black), or whether or not the aircraft had a Schick Johnson seat, or a Warren McArthur seat, or how the gear wells were painted differently on earlier variants compared to later variants, etc...it goes on and on, and I find a lot of joy reproducing these aircraft to that finest level of correct detail.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Here's a general run-down of the individual products:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Here are all of the production variants of the P-51D/K<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
(<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Inglewood</st1:place></st1:City> Production)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-5-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NA<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D (of several different production block variants)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
(<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:City> Production)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-5-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NT<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-5-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-10-NT<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-15-NT<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D and F-6K (of several different production block variants)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I have in my possession the service bulletins that were issued with each new production block, outlining every last production change that occurred between the previous production block and the next, and throughout all of the different products, these have been used to help aid in the researching and duplicating each particular example, just as they were. Between one production model to another, especially between the P-51D-5-NA to the P-51D-10-NA, there were over 100 changes, ranging in size and importance, with hundreds of changes by the time you progress from the P-51D-5-NA to the P-51D-30-NA.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>


~ P-51D Restored Part 1<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This, the very first Warbirdsim P-51D installment, is also the one showing the most age (and is in the process of an update to the graphics). From this very beginning, we wanted to provide the first ever experience (still to this day), of being able to fly individual variants of the P-51D, just as they really are. As you jump into one P-51D to another, either in service or restored, the cockpits are all different, and I wanted to provide that. Each individual variant has its own exterior model, so as to copy all of the individual exterior differences, and each interior model is individually different, to match each individual interior of the real aircraft. All of the differences as a result of the different production models, as well as all of the differences as a result of numerous different restoration practices, were all reproduced. As you cross from one variant to another, not only does the paint scheme change, but so do the models, inside and out, so that you get a true reproduction of the real, individual, aircraft. All of these aircraft include a modern pilot, with the option to add vintage head gear, modern avionics, and in the restored examples which sport a K-14 gun sight, it is removable. All 7 exterior models and texture sets are different, and all 7 interior models and texture sets are different (in essence, you get 7 different aircraft). Throughout this product, there are also 3 different propeller types, two different drop tank types, two different canopy types, and more.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This product includes (all matching, detail to detail, modern restorations):<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-30-NA "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" - one of the top 3 most authentic restorations, complete with all of the original WWII fittings, hardware, and authentic details<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Upupa Epops" - another one of the top 3 most authentic restorations, on-par with "HJGB" as far as authentic restoration, though different due to earlier model<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
F-6D-25-NT "Lil' Margaret" - the only photo-recon variant flying today, complete with rear-fuselage camera ports, camera alignment marks, and camera controls in the cockpit<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-10-NT "Fragile But Agile" - a combat vet like "Upupa Epops", the only Mustang flying today in P-51K form with the Aeroproducts prop blades<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NT "NACA 127" - retaining all of its NACA dive-test modifications, including taller tail, test airfoils on the wings, special instrument panel, and dual-seat restoration<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "Ferocious Frankie" - one of the biggest departures from an authentic Mustang included, but is extremely accurate to that of the real aircraft, including dual-seat<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25_NA "Vintage Wings of Canada" - again, built simply to match the real aircraft, in every internal and external detail<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>


~ P-51D Restored Part 2<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
After the release of Part 1, this product helped to expand the range of available restored P-51D's, with 8 more. These were all developed with the same guidelines as with Part 1, providing 8 more completely individual/unique examples. This one too is undergoing a graphics update (to match the Little Friends and Then and Now products). Through these variants there are more propeller types and more canopy types.
<o:p></o:p>
Although I won't go into detail about all of them, as like Part 1, their individual descriptions can be read on the Warbirdsim product page, here are a few that might stand out:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Daddy's Girl" - an early-mid production model P-51D, restored with basic dual controls, which includes a second control stick, set of rudder pedals, engine controls, and four key gauges, for the guy in back.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "USAF FF-704" - restored very authentically, but with light-grey primer (instead of green), this aircraft has a second seat and rocket launchers under the wings, with the option to display authentically reproduced HVAR rockets (for air show purposes).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D "It's About Time" - includes some of the Cavalier modifications to the wings and tail, dual seat, light-grey painted cockpit<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

~ P-51D "Little Friends (I)"<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This is the first of the Warbirdsim P-51D products with a focus on WWII. With this product, the focus became on mid-model and late-model P-51D's, as they actually looked during WWII. There is a major difference between copying a restoration, and saying that that is how they looked during WWII, and then actually going about doing the research yourself, viewing cockpit photos from the period (both at the factory, and in the field), digging into the detailed specifications in the NAA drawings, documents, and manuals, about certain parts being on one variant, and not on another, and how certain parts were finished and marked. This product follows with the same guidelines as those before, with the aim of making each variant individually different, to match the original examples as they were. As is the case again, there are 8 different variants, and between them, there are 8 different individual exterior models, and 7 different individual interior models, both due to production changes, as well as in-field modifications, to things like adding Spitfire or P-38 external mirrors, or taking and removing the exhaust shrouds (which you can do with these, at any given time you want), or some either coming from the factory with the tail warning radar installed, others not having the tail warning radar installed, and others having the tail warning radar installed in the field. This also marks the first product to feature the extremely detailed and fully authentic left gun bay, as well as the supercharger and engine failure features for use with FSX Acceleration. Both inside the cockpit, and on the exterior, the paint chipping and weathering was done, paint chip by paint chip, and one fluid leak to another, to all match the same wear patterns, the same paint chips, and the same fluid leaks as seen in period photos, either of the very same aircraft, or of Mustangs in general from that period. With the attention given to every element, you'll actually find that things like the P-38 mirror fitted to some of the variants (including "HJGB" from the "Restored Part 1"), are actually more detailed, and more accurate, than the same mirror on any other flight sim P-38.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This product includes"<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-10-NA "Butch Baby" - modified in the field with the addition of the tail warning radar set, fuselage mounted formation lights and additional switch in the cockpit for them (one of only a few to have such modifications), exhaust shrouds removed, and a Spitfire mirror, specially mounted to the windscreen. The aircraft features an early K-14 gun sight installation, with the K-14 control box mounted under the right-side instrument panel shroud, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA "The Millie G" - nearly factory form, without a tail warning radar set, but field-modded with the addition of the K-14 gun sight (early configuration), the exhaust shrouds have been removed, and the aircraft has had a P-38 mirror added onto the canopy, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-15-NA "Baby Duck" - nearly factory form, field-modded with the addition of the K-14 gun sight, and a Spitfire mirror (mounted quite a bit like that of the one on "Butch Baby", but not quite so "high profile"), and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Live Bait" - field modified with the addition of the tail warning radar set, K-14 gun sight, and exhaust shroud removed, and comes with the option to load 75-gallon metal drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Big Beautiful Doll" - this is the only authentic depiction of the scheme, that I know of, having ever been recreated in flight sim form, the aircraft comes in very factory form, with the early K-14 installation, tail warning radar set, but has the exhaust shrouds removed, and comes with the option to load 75-gallon metal drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-20-NA "Hubert" - this one has a very unique mounting setup for the Spitfire mirror added to it, a particular mounting bracket that was designed within the 359th FG, with the tail warning radar set, and early K-14 installation, and comes with the option to load 108-gallon paper drop tanks, as that is the type most used on this particular aircraft<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51D-25-NA "The Enchantress" - this is the first ever reproduction of an Iwo Jima based P-51D, with the "Uncle Dog" antenna installation (dual AN/ARA-8 antennas on the spine, and an AN/ARC-3 antenna moved to the lower cowling, with another thin wire antenna mounted aft of the right main landing gear, for the SCR-695-A radio set), and has the option to load 110-gallon metal drop tanks, the most used type by Iwo Jima base Mustangs, complete with the wooden sway braces and tension straps used in mounting the tanks<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
P-51K-15-NT "RAF Factory Fresh - this example, the later model of them all, is made to look as it did from the factory, for the RAF, and has a late model K-14 installation (K-14 control box mounted on the left side of the instrument panel), the beacon receiver control box has moved from the early floor position, to the late-variant wall mounted position<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Besides all of the above, there are other authentic changes made to the cockpits, between one variant to the next. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

~ P-51D "Little Friends II"<o:p></o:p>
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Following up from "Little Friends", the first installment, the decision was made to try our hands at reproducing the first, earliest production variant of the P-51D, the P-51D-5-NA. The goal was to, through reproducing the variant in such accurate detail, to really open the eyes of others, to see just how the P-51D progressed, from its earliest days, to the last production variant, and that there was never just one P-51D that you could look at and say, that is how they all looked. Between the late model P-51K in "Little Friends I", and the P-51D-5-NA, the cockpit alone is about 40% different. The exterior of the aircraft also has its unique differences, with the early first generation bubble canopy design (which was changed at the end of P-51D-5-NA production), it did not have a dorsal fin fillet, the elevators were covered in fabric, there was a white recognition light mounted on the spine of the aircraft, and a few other differences. In the cockpit, the instrument panel is almost exactly identical to that of a P-51B instrument panel, and is absolutely correct to the P-51D-5-NA. The seat, an early variant of the Warren McArthur type, was the only type used in the P-51D-5-NA. The armor plate behind the pilots seat, was mounted several inches lower on the P-51D-5-NA than on later models, and this is copied. The aircraft also has an N-9 reflector gun sight (as was fitted to all P-51D's up until mid-late P-51D-20-NA production), early engine controls, early electrical switch panels, and more. In this product, each model is the same, except for a few that have external mirrors fitted, or exhaust shrouds missing, to match the original examples. There is an additional model included, which depicts one of the P-51D-5-NA's that was upgraded in the field, with the addition of the dorsal fin fillet (which is of an earlier design than the later variants). The flight handling is different between those without the dorsal fin fillet, and those with it.
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The "Little Friends I Redux" addon was released so as to bring the textures of the "Little Friends I" aircraft up to the same look/standard as that of the "Little Friends II" product.<o:p></o:p>
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~ "Then and Now" Series<o:p></o:p>
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These productions are just as uniquely different as any of the previous products, with each internal and external model and texture set produced separately to match the individual examples chosen. Each product comes with two aircraft, a depiction of a restored example as it flies today (in exacting form), and a depiction of the original wartime P-51 that the restored example is painted as. You get all of the features of both the "Restored" and the "Little Friend" products in one:<o:p></o:p>
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- On the restored examples, you can choose between having a modern pilot and a WWII-era dressed pilot<o:p></o:p>
- The restored examples have modern avionics (different between both current products)<o:p></o:p>
- The K-14 gun sights can be removed, something that isn't hard to do with the real setup/installation (the wartime "Twilight Tear" has a fixed N-9 gun sight, accurately)<o:p></o:p>
- The K-14 has two different reticles (updated on the "Then and Now" products), which includes the fixed, collimated reticle as well as the gyro-controlled animated reticle (which you can adjust the size of<o:p></o:p>
- The N-9 sight on the wartime Twilight Tear has a fixed collimated reticle (the same goes for the N-9 sights on the "Little Friends II" variants)<o:p></o:p>
- Extremely detailed and fully accurate and authentic left gun bay<o:p></o:p>
- Authentic paint finishes on every last individual part, with an authentic patchwork of chromate yellows and interior green primers (this goes for all of the variants in all of the products)<o:p></o:p>
- Cockpit models the very between wartime to restoration, restoration to restoration, and wartime to wartime, due to individual variants, different restorations, and authentic field modifications
- Supercharger and engine failure simulation for use with Acceleration
- All of the authentic details that should be present, are, down to all of the correct hardware, equipment, stencils, placards, correct/authentic type faces/fonts, panel lines and rivet counts, paint and primer finishes, and factory worker inspection ink stamps and other inspection marks.<o:p></o:p>
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Over-all, these are the most updated.<o:p></o:p>
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In the case of the "Cripes A' Mighty, Then and Now" product, the wartime model is a P-51D-15-NA, with field modifications, adding the K-14 gryo gunsight and dual Spitfire mirrors, as was the case on the original. The mdern example is a P-51D-30-NA restored to closely match the original. However, being a P-51D-30-NA, there are a mixture of items that are early, appropriate to the P-51D-15-NA, and items that are later, and come from the aircraft being a P-51D-30-NA. Both models and texture sets (inside and out) were made to match the original example, and the one that flies today.<o:p></o:p>
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With the "Twilight Tear, Then and Now" product, the wartime and modern aircraft are one in the same, an early production variant of the P-51D-20-NA. Copied straight from wartime photos, the wartime version of 'Tear is un-touched from its factory form, with the N-9 reflector gun sight still in-place (as seen in a period photo that was used to reproduce the aircraft for that moment in time). The restored example includes items that were added to the aircraft late in the war, just before and after VE-Day. This includes the K-14 and the tail warning radar set. Again, both models and texture sets (inside and out) were made to match the original example, and the one that flies today.

Bomber, thanks for detailing these out! I had bought the first pack of Mustangs but had forgotten what the pack was titled. I added the THEN AND NOW series, but also wanted to pick up one of the
other packs and didn't want to double-buy. Will be able to add it now. But, I think I've figured out your ultimate mission....you're on a quest to add every Mustang produced to FSX ! Carry on with
the good work, it gets better with each release and your love of the a/c shows. If I could do half as well, I'd add every TOMCAT built to FSX !

[BigTool4U]

Awesome! :cool:

http://s4d3.turboimagehost.com/t1/12049650_fsx_2012-06-02_05-49-52-85.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/12049650/fsx_2012-06-02_05-49-52-85.jpg.html) http://s4d3.turboimagehost.com/t1/12049653_fsx_2012-06-02_06-02-23-18.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/12049653/fsx_2012-06-02_06-02-23-18.jpg.html)


I didn't know that the NVIDIA FXAA doesn't appear in the screenshots (:censored:) , so I edited them trying to recreate an "old colour picture" effect. ;)

http://s4d3.turboimagehost.com/t1/12049651_fsx_2012-06-02_05-49-52-85_.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/12049651/fsx_2012-06-02_05-49-52-85_.jpg.html) http://s4d3.turboimagehost.com/t1/12049656_fsx_2012-06-02_06-02-23-18_.jpg (http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/12049656/fsx_2012-06-02_06-02-23-18_.jpg.html)



this is just awesome! I'd love to have one of these for every dash series model.......I just love flying the plane jane aircraft.

Me too! :jump:

[BigTool4U]

I'm really glad that I bought Little Friends, especially after I discovered the repaints created by Tom Stovall for his Iwo Jima and Chi Chi Jima sceneries, a great addition!:applause:

I hope to see a similar deal for Little Friends II in the future. ;)

[Bomber_12th]

Thank you BT, I'm glad you're enjoying it! There was a sale on "LF II" back in April, and I should expect, as things happen, more sales to come (and go) over time.

There are quite a vast number of repaints for "Little Friends I", both in the library here, at Flightsim.com and Avsim, and also at OzX (http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/).

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/NZ2406_8.jpg

[BigTool4U]

There are quite a vast number of repaints for "Little Friends I", both in the library here, at Flightsim.com and Avsim, and also at OzX.

I saw, in fact as a newbie this is the part that I don't like about the FSX community: the user generated content is sparse in a myriad of sites, while, for example, with X-Plane there is an unique site (the .ORG) where you can find almost everything.
But that's another story, I'm sorry for the OT.