As mentioned I downloaded my version without experiencing any issues.
You will see within the download a PDF file. Please read this as
these my brethren are the instructions, and very well presented they
are too. You will find English text for the first 13 pages foreign
there after. If you decide to print off, do not do what a certain
reviewer did, press print, and end up throwing away a lot of paper!
Not to say the print cartridge...
You have been warned.
EXTERIOR / INTERIOR TOUR
Once you have selected your steed, take time to look around the
exterior. The attention to detail is wonderful, from the tip of the
prop to the rudder's trailing edge. As mentioned above, there are a
number of commands, when selected operating: doors and engine
cowling, locker door opening/closing and blind flying hood operation.
Great attention to detail is self evident, so plenty to admire!
Continuing the exterior tour, you do not have to look too closely to
disseminate the doped stretched fabric over the timber frame of the
Tiger, in all variants this effect is plain to see and admire.
You know the acid test as far as I am concerned is to zoom in to see
the detail In some cases the detail, well, frankly disappears, in
essence just not up to the grade. Not in this case you can go as
close as you like and the detail is plain to see and admire. There is
so much of it, I do not intend to list all, but I must single out the
engine cowling, exhaust manifold, fuel tank pipes, undercarriage and
tires, clips, bits and pieces...You will also see a strange green
collection of material on poles in a folded position behind the rear
pilot. This was pulled forward to prevent the student seeing the
ground, or horizon, a little risky you think! In case you are not
aware, the framed fabric system, this was 'closed' allowing the
student pilot a wonderful experience of instrument/navigation
practice.
When in the ATC (Air Training Cadets) we were privileged to have a
Link trainer, a very basic flight simulator, but when you squeezed
into the 'aircraft' closed the door, you enjoyed the same
'experience'. You know, while it was obvious you could come to no
harm, the entire experience was very real full of tension, oh yes,
and great fun.
And last but not least, the wonderful crew, some lovely detail.
Admiring the crew from outside I noticed the crew blinking. All right,
a bit clumsy, but a fantastic feature, and well worthy of praise. The
graphic attention to detail is also crisp and accurate. I adore this
offering. And we are still on the ground!
Before we take off, you must have a look at the interior. We have
become accustomed to really amazing offerings and this will not
disappoint.
In the cockpit view, you will notice the quality of the graphic
detail and clarity of the four primarily instrument on show. OK, perhaps
you could argue that because there are so few the quality should be
good...Not so, we have all seen some disastrous examples. There are
also a couple of stickers, or labels affixed to the panel, presented
in equal clarity, adding atmosphere.
With a press of your hat key you are in the VC mode. The panel is
excellent, clear instruments, with the inclusion of the 'floating'
centrally mounted compass, this is easy to navigate by. There is a
lovely brass switch on the panel for the instrument panel lights,
which is switchable, and works!
Towards your feet the rudder bar moves in proportion and offers a
smooth movement. To your left, two very well detailed levers can be
found, one being the throttle and mixture the other elevator trim.
The seat is there, as well as seat harness. A little disappointing
here, they do not have the same detail that surrounds you. Speaking
of which, while in the VC mode look back, you will see the other
pilot moving his head and of course blinking...excellent. If you
look carefully, to the right next to the rear pilot's screen you will
notice two switches, these being the magnetos 1 and 2.
All the control surfaces move as they should.
FLYING
No pressure suits, oxygen systems or bombs or missiles, this is
elementary flying... back to basics. Call it 'cleansing experiencing'
if you like!
So the Gypsy Major is running. Not for long though, move the mixture
knob forward and the engine 'splutters' to a stop.
OK, let's start her back up. Mixture set, (CTL and E), the engine
splutters back to life. Well guys, there is the customary smoke upon
start-up, as the engine is inverted there was always evidence of a
momentary cloud, and there is! Now that is attention to detail.
And before we take to the sky I must mention the sound, one
word: perfection. That's it, nothing more to add.
So sitting in my seat, engine running, time to taxi off. One small
drawback, I have a lovely view of the sky! Yup, as with all tail
draggers, it is time to yaw, slowly, so a view forward can be
achieved. (Taxiing in VC mode is easier; you are positioned a little
higher in your seat.) Lined up, a quick scan around, gentle selection
of throttle to full, correct the yaw to the left, due to inertia,
lift the tail, airborne at some 50/60 knots (I know I said no more
reference to the sound, but this engine at full is a delight!).
In flight, it is a dream, nice and slow and very predictable. She was
responsive to all control inputs and trim. The sink rate seemed
accurate when at idle, (here we go again, the engine at idle is
great!). All view modes offer very realistic visuals. I have to
mention on the port side spar, mounted three quarters up, you will
see a 'basic' speed indicator that works on the forward wind resistance,
AND IT WORKS! Now that is detail.
This is not exactly the highest performing aircraft, so climbing
takes a little time, but sit back and enjoy. Once up to say 3000 feet
AGL, try some aerobatics--wonderful.
Now, let's see where is the field? A gradual descent and some real
VFR, towards the field, gradual reduction of the throttle, once the
runway is in sight, over the threshold throttle back, float, float
float, this little baby does not want to land! But it will, a
customary first (little) bounce, job done.
Now the gauntlet is down, with a little practice you will be doing
the perfect three pointer landings.
Select some nice crosswinds, it really is great fun bobbing around,
side slipping at 45% towards the runway! Fabo!
MOANS AND GROANS
Wow, this will be brief, such is the quality. But I do have to
mention the nav lights and formatting light located on the trailing
edge of the rudder. When switched on, they appear to be illuminated
footballs. A real surprise, not to the exemplary standard set in all
other areas. (I understand this is not a known issue and it may be
my computer; other aircraft lights are perfect, oh well, a small
point!)
CONCLUSION
Well, I guess you can you can draw your own conclusion, by my words
thus far, (exception of the external lights) I adore this basic
uncomplicated training aircraft for so many reasons. Maybe its
appeal will not be to all, but if you want some real VFR flights, and
have some real sport flying, then this is the aircraft for you.
I know this is a 'paid for' title and it costs hard earned money. If
you do not want real quality, then there are plenty of 'cheapies'
around, but quality in all things there is a cost. But in my view the
costs charged in almost all cases from the many developers offers
great value.
I can guarantee you that this will stay as a permanent member to my
hangar, and be used on a regular basis. A lovely job, full of
nostalgia, and quality.
Onwards and upwards.
Nigel C. Martin
n.c.martin@btinternet.com
Learn More Here (Just Flight version)
Aeroplane Heaven also sells the same planes packaged as separate civilian
and military packs:
Learn More Here (Aeroplane Heaven Civilian Pack)
Learn More Here (Aeroplane Heaven Military Pack)
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Copyright © 2007 by
FlightSim.Com.
All Rights Reserved.
ven if you are heavy
jock or fast fighter ace, I am sure you will love the Tiger Moth. I
can speak from a position of knowledge regarding the Tiger. Why? As a
student I worked at an airfield in Surrey, England, and as part of a
pay-off from the owner I traded 'to spin the prop' for countless
flights in this wonderful steed, the Tiger Moth.
