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HQ-Aircraft 98 Collection is another European entry into the
FS98 add-on market. The package boasts 39 new aircraft with 20 new
cockpit panels and over 100 new gauges. In addition, the package
includes the Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 web browser.
Overview
The HQ Aircraft collection is put together by Technic Direct. The
best part of the package is the interesting collection of aircraft.
It includes the Cessna 185 Sky Wagon, Cessna Citation, Commander
114B, DO328 jet, Junkers JU 52/3m, MD-82, Piper Saratoga II, TRANSALL
C-160 and Twin M20 Mewa to name a few. I felt the best plane and
panel was clearly the Cessna Citation Jet. The plane is beautiful,
flight model accurate and the panel is gorgeous and easy to read.
Cessna Citation Jet Panel
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Panels
In a few instances the gauges on some of the panels were a bit
difficult to read even in 3D mode. All of the panels afford you the
opportunity to bring up different gauges and controls by pressing the
shift 2,3,4,5 keys. Overall I would say the panels rate a 6.5 out of
a possible 10. There are better panels out there on the web.
Aircraft
In just about every case the aircraft were true to detail and looked
beautiful. The Transall C-160 has a rear door ramp that opens when
you shut down the engines. Most of the livery markings were from
European Airlines but this is only natural since the Technic Direct
is a European company. I felt the aircraft models were the highlight
of the collection and would give them an 8.0 out of 10.
Dornier DO 328 Jet
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Flight
A small few of the aircraft were difficult to control. In some cases
they jerked up and down even when operating well below maximum speed.
The jerking motion noticeable and a bit disturbing. The tail
draggers were difficult to steer when taxiing.
Installation
The installation was a bit confusing. The directions come in
English, French and German. I would suggest going to the "browse
this CD section", find setup and click on total installation. This
will give you every place and is just easier than doing it one at a
time. For those very familiar with aircraft installation the one at
a time method will work just fine for you but it is time consuming.
Lufthansa Junkers JU 52/3m
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Hits & Misses
Hits: The models of most of the aircraft are superb, very nice
collection of aircraft, interesting mix.
Misses: Installation instructions, (it must have lost
something in the translation), some gauges are difficult to read.
Conclusion
There is really an interesting collection of aircraft, ranging from 2
seater props, to the antique Junkers, to the MD-82. There is
something for everyone here. Next time around I hope the developers
spend a bit more time on installation instructions and readability of
some of the instrument gauges.
Twin M-20 Mewa Panel
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Overall, I would rate the package a 7.0 out of a possible 10. Some
of the planes are great like the Cessna Citation, the Transall C-160,
and the Commander 114B. To be honest, I have seen better panels on
this web site. The aircraft models looked great in most cases.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the software, but there could be some
improvements made. The instructions point you to the company's web
site and "for a small subscription" can keep you up to date with the
latest developments. This is not what I want to see after I have
shelled out $$$ for a product.
SAS McDonnell Douglas MD-82
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Lee Degenstein
Email:
bizradio@worldnet.att.net
Visit the Technic Direct web site at
www.td.co.at.
