FlightSim.Com Review: Staffan Ahlberg's DC-10 Panel

Staffan Ahlberg's DC-10 Panel for FS2000

A classic analog panel that's beautiful and stutter-free!

By Peter James (29 January 2001)

n my recent editorial on the negative impacts "vectoral gauge" panels can give, it is nice to know there still are some great new panels coming out that don't have that problem. The problem, of course, is added stutters to a visual system that can take no more! Well, vectoral gauges seem to be the way designers are going today, and to model a glass cockpit, I can understand their point. However, now I have recently used a great classic "steam gauge" panel for the Douglas DC-10 airliner. This panel is made by none other than prolific panel designer, Staffan Ahlberg. Staffan is known for making crisp, clear panels with good sized dials and functionality that is a happy medium for all. Some added complexity

Night time view with flood lighting showing! Aahhh!

over a default panel, yet not too much to scare people away. We now have a great DC-10 panel to accompany some of the new modeled DC-10s that are coming out. Installation is a breeze. Same as always - gauges to /gauges, sounds to /sounds and panel stuff to your favorite DC-10's panel folder. What you get is a very user-friendly stutter-free panel that represents a good amount of what a real DC-10 panel has.

Day time view with optional INS panel and fuel control panel open.

At night time you have the choice for two modes of lighting. One flood mode for cruise altitude so that you can read magazines, charts and books better, and the dimmer backlit mode just for when you need your night vision (takeoffs and landings). There is a nice fuel control panel included which gives you the options of starting up the engines and shutting them down with a full pump selector. The panel also includes a very smartly designed INS system for navigation. I admit to having no experience to INSs, nor having spent any time on this one, but it sure looks good!

My review is short for once. If you're into DC-10 flying, and want the best DC-10 panel that exists so far, then by all means be sure to head over to Staffan's for your copy. Thank him for his work, and tell him we'll take more!

I'd rate the DC-10 panel for FS2000, by Staffan Ahlberg, a 96 out of 100 points. Only a few more added panel sound effects would have been even nicer!

Peter James / FlightSim.Com VP / Email Peter

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