The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang stands out to me, as the most symbolic staple of American aviation. It is a zenith of beauty, grace, and charming elegance, encapsulating the mortal senses. Today, most of us have had the pleasure of observing first hand, the mighty Rolls Royce Merlin crackle to life, affront a thoroughbred pony. Those fortunate enough to experience at distance, the awe of a wild, yet bridled, "MUSTANG" have come away from its pull with fondest memories, and I for one can attest that its image and sound run deep in my veins.
However, to the long-distance bomber pilots, and their crews, the P-51 was an answer to many a prayer, protecting daylight bombing raids from the swarming attacks of the enemy. And to the fighter pilot, a means of life-or death.
For several years, Warbirdsim has striven to provide the flight simulation community with the most accurate depiction of the P-51 Mustang possible, within the limitations of the simulation. Nearly every conceivable variation of the P-51 has been modeled, most recently being the "Cadillac of the Skies" series which focuses on the P-51D. There have been four parts to this series to date, these being (in addition to the part under review):
Restored Part I - A collection of accurately modeled variants, of modern restored types, including models for the D-25-NA, D-25NT, D-30-NA, K-10-NT and F-6D-25-NT (photo recon).
Restored Part II - A continuance of restored types, adding more unique models including the D-20-NA, D-30-NT, the Cavalier Mk. II, and CA-18 Mk. 23.
Little Friends I - Accurate war time models and depictions of D-10-NA, D-15-NA, D-20-NA, D-25-NA, and K-15-NT.
At this point you may be asking, "What's the difference?" Well, an answer would involve a lengthy discussion of the evolution of the P-51, and the history of North American Aviation, their manufacturing plants at Inglewood California, and Dallas, Texas....AND not to mention the CAC in Australia, and others, let's just say THERE ARE DIFFERENCES... And currently, only Warbirdsim has ventured into actually modeling, and programming these different variants for us. Now, this brings us to our product at hand, for this review, the latest product from Warbirdsim, part of 4 of the "Cadillac of the Skies" series, entitled "Little Friends II".
In brief, "Little Friends II" contains five visual models, two flight models, and eight liveries to accurately correspond with those models, for the earliest of the D's, the P-51D-5-NA.
The D-5-NA was one of the most popular variants of the Mustang, during war time. Not many examples, and even fewer of those being airworthy, survive until this day. Several aces of WWII flew the D-5 at some time, and only now do we have the ability to properly replicate those aircraft in flight simulator.
Warbirdsim has once again done an excellent job of including a tasteful variety of aircraft. With this "Little Friends II" package, they are as follows:
44-13317 "Donald Duck" 336th FS, 4th FG, 8th AF
44-13318 "Frenesi" 364th FS, 357th FG, 8th AF
44-13321 "Cripes A' Mighty 3rd" 487th FS, 352nd FG, 8th AF
44-13298 "Marie" 2nd FS, 52nd FG, 15th AF
44-13410 "Lou IV/Athelene" 375th FS, 361st FG, 8th AF
44-13471 "The Comet" 505th FS, 339th FG, 8th AF
44-13500 "Flying Dutchman" 308th FS, 31st FG, 15th AF
44-13760 "Glengary Guy/Jackie" 79th FS, 20th FG, 8th AF
John Terrell, author of Warbirdsim, has also already made available for free download, here on FlightSim.Com, "Factory Fresh" liveries, as well as a beautiful rendition of 44-13586 "Hurry Home Honey", the steed of Cpt. Richard Peterson of the 364th FS, 357th FG, 8th AF.
I purchased my download copy via the Warbirdsim web site. Basically, you add it to your basket, fill in the basic customer information, and payment details, and Warbirdsim sends you a confirmation e-mail with the link for the download. I had purchased, and was downloading in 5 minutes or less.
A little patience and eager anticipation, and it was ready to install. Installation was simple and straightforward, with no issues to speak of.
So, I was all set, and ready to try this 'stang... fire up FSX and there she is...oh, so many purdy variants! The pony of choice is "Glengary Guy/Jackie", and my home airport of Smith Prairie, in rural Idaho.
Realistic cockpit depth, and visibility, and very immersive! Often a virtual cockpit looks distorted, or lacks in shape in regards to the real-life counterpart. Not so with Warbirdsim, the "feel" is just right, and everything is at arms length. Also, the detail is unbelievable. A little looking around reveals an exhaustive amount of warning labels, data plates, placards, miniscule details, gauges, switches and controls, which is almost overwhelming at first. It reminded me of a similar experience, that being the first time I was in a real-life P-51. The familiar Mustang layout is easily recognized, however...some things appear different...and it's no mistake. The instrument layout is essentially that of the B model, as well as several other items, and there are subtle things that catch the eye, such as a manual primer, as used on early Mustangs. Everything is carefully replicated to put you in the cockpit of the D-5 variant of the P-51. The same cockpit that Capt. Glenn M. Webb of the 20th FG was in, summer of 1944.
Then, a look outside, oh yes! Now THAT is was a Mustang should look like! Over the years, so many artists renditions, scale models, real life replicas, and flight sim model depictions have fallen so short (in my opinion), of giving us the very "look" of the P-51. Finally, an authentic replication, and it's in my hands! Warbirdsim brings the exacting image back to view. Yet again, a few things catch my eye, most obvious, the lack of the dorsal fin fillet, on the vertical tail. This was unique of the D model line, to the D-5. When pilots started reporting undesirable handling characteristics, a correction was discovered, and implemented by North American, this the adding of the dorsal fin fillet to the production line of -10 models. However, parts were sent out, to be fitted to all D-5's that were in service. So, several D-5 models received their fillet as a field modification, which still varied slightly from those installed at the factory on the D-10's. There is a filleted model included in this package as well, representing 44-13298 "Marie".
Next, I notice, the bubble canopy is somewhat different, for the D-5. Notably the height of the bubble is aft of the pilot, beautiful in style, but changed by North American for subsequent models.
Another quick catch, is the white recognition light atop the aft fuselage and the fabric covered elevators, again, unique to the D-5.
There is wonderful detail in the modeling, too many details to list. Unsurpassed! Re-moveable exhaust shrouds, bring realism to the war time Mustang. The work that must have gone into the gun bay alone, is incredible. The gear wells are outstanding, animated drop tanks, oil coolant and radiator doors, trim tabs, tires, everything that we've come to expect from Warbirdsim. All lights look realistic, and shine nicely. Simply put, beautiful craftsmanship.
The texture sets are remarkably authentic, and aircraft specific. Reflection and specular effects are spot on. Beautiful bump-mapping brings depth, or rise, to every rivet. Lighting affects every aspect of the visual model perfectly. Textures flow just right with all moving parts, pixel for pixel detail.
Numerous other things are noticeable, but let's get to the good stuff!
Back in the cockpit, I open the canopy, roll-back sounds are nice, and it slides back without fail, of course, animated rolling lever winds as it opens. Several minutes to familiarize myself with the cockpit, where were those fuel level gauges again? More looking reveals that the wing tank gauges are nearly under the seat! Leaning forward allows careful reading. And the center fuselage tank gauge is positioned behind the headrest. Wow, I'm learning something, and we haven't even fired her up yet! More study, and some reading of the recommended operating procedures. (Brief, but complete and informative .PDF manual included). Okay, I think I'm ready for start-up.
I won't bore you with the details, but YES, this aircraft can and should be "flown by the book"... Should keep you out of trouble...
After following proper procedures, flip the starter switch, and with a twist, she starts cranking...and the big 1650 cubic inch V-12 pops to life with a wisp of smoke. Nice! Sounds healthy, not as loud as expected, however a quick switch to the outside view envelopes my headset with guttural pops of a idling Merlin. I'm in heaven!
The taildragger is, to some, nothing more than a pain to taxi. With that said, the P-51 had advantages, in its ability to turn on a dime, and give you change. So, stick forward unlocks the tail wheel, full left rudder, and a few bursts of throttle, and sure enough she comes around nicely, without need for differential braking. However, braking is responsive, and feels good. Not too strong, as is the case with many FS taildraggers. A little practice, and the Warbirdsim Mustang handles very comfortably on the ground.
Following experience, I knew better than to pin the ears back, and let 'er rip right off, so, on my very narrow airfield, I set trim, put the flaps down 10 degrees, eased into power gradually... stick in my lap locks the tailwheel, then ease forward...wow, lots of power up front! Tail comes up quick, but lots of foot work needed to keep her straight, and ease the stick back a little, and we're off, though a little premature! She feels heavy...gaining a little airspeed, and gear folds up in accurate timing with the real thing. (Instrument lights also work in accordance to gear action.) Flaps raise/lower realistically with hydraulic pressure. All internal controls are properly animated. There is some lack of cockpit noises with some minor controls and switches, but this doesn't effect my experience with the aircraft at all, as you wouldn't hear any of that with a headset on anyway, let alone with the engine running. All of the essential sounds are in place, and are very crisp.
Just as I believe it should, the Warbirdsim Mustang cruises nicely. There is constant attention needed for mixture settings, trim, and monitoring of temperatures. Also, a maximum manifold pressure of 61 inches is not to be exceeded, though the aircraft will over-boost higher. Careful monitoring prevents engine damage. Oil door, and radiator coolant door open incrementally as needed when set to automatic in the cockpit, or they can be opened/closed manually. Drop tanks can be used, to give a total fuel capacity of 485 gallons, however these settings must be made within FSX, and are independent of the visual drop tanks. Payload for ammunition and guns can also be set.
Also for Acceleration users, the automatic 2-speed, 2-stage supercharger will kick on at high altitude (17,500) so that optimum power can be maintained. There is a handy light that comes on in the cockpit, as in the real aircraft. The aircraft can become a little more of a handful at high altitude also.
It is also equipped with a working N-9 reflector gun sight, which moves in relation to the field of view, and eye point accordingly. Nice touch of realism.
Keep the bit in her mouth on landing! And don't use too much flap too soon! Adequate trim is needed, and a gentle approach. The Mustang isn't known for being a glider, so stay a step ahead on final, and she'll land without incident. In fact, it's a pleasurable experience.
As with any good payware aircraft, user-created skins are a big plus. John has created an advanced paint kit, which is being provided freely to customers, upon request. Many have already produced some awesome skins for this particular package. One of my favorites, is a pair of 20th Fighter Group Mustangs painted by Jan Kees Blom, representing 44-13873 "Georgia Boy", and 44-13667 "Sneebo". The possibilities with this paint kit are endless, and the option to represent a Mustang, with its corresponding model variation is priceless.
As is expected from Warbirdsim, the "Little Friends II' offering is top notch. The visual model leaves nothing lacking, and neither do the texture sets with many bits of eye candy, both in the modeling, and textures. Each aircraft represented is beautifully done, and authentic to a T. Also, much variety in weathering, paint scrapes, accurate stencils, shading, and the like. Such as worn cowling fasteners that glimmer in the light, against flat drab paint, or oil streaks and dirt that portray a combat-worn pony, the level of detail is fabulous. This "Cadillac of the Skies" is the definitive P-51 for flight simulator, hands down. The list of custom gauges, and the programming behind them is enough to make one weep, not to mention to artwork to accompany them.
The sounds are all clean and crisp, nothing wanting, not the best fighter sounds available, but very on-par, and respectable. Undoubtedly puts you in the pilot's seat, especially at power.
The flight model is not particularly difficult, however, it's not that easy either. It's very enjoyable to fly, and I haven't notice any quirks, or inaccuracies. It performs like a well-bred fighter, as it should. And, it will spin like the real Mustang. It is a little difficult to keep the nose level on final approach, for a wheel landing, as the tail tends to drop a little soon, in my opinion. Of course, I'm sure I could use more hours of flight time before critiquing this. Overall, I am very happy with the flight model.
Customer support has been very personal, and friendly. Warbirdsim is essentially made up of a two-man team, and for them to give us such a product, and manage to lend help and support, is remarkable. John posts frequently on many of our favorite forums, and is on our level, which makes customer relations score an A+
Price is competitive, and worth every Euro (or dollar). However each package is sold separately, so you will pay more to "have it all", which doesn't bother me, for the quality, and individual appeal of each package. "Little Friends II' sells for £29.95 / $48.95.
After this experience with Warbirdsim, I will purchase their next product without question. I guess I'm a happy customer!
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7 CPU 2600k @ 4.2 GHz
Memory (RAM): 8.00 GB
Graphics: Nvidia Gforce 460
System type: 64-bit operating system
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium
Primary monitor resolution: 1920x1080
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Acceleration
Joseph Thompson
fsxar177@gmail.com
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