C152

[airhead]

Greets Dreamfleet/Flight1 folks,

Just wanted to drop a quick line to say nice job on the C152 you guys recently released. I must admit that I don't purchase add-ons that often, but got a bug up my hoohah for something new and forced myself to crack open the moldy, moth infested wallet and whip out the plastic for some excercise. Great model and dynamics coupled with a KILLER price (it doesn't get much cheaper than 17 bucks for add-ons) made it a no-brainer. You guys should consider hiring Andy Herd as a pitch man, his review put the final nail in the coffin and sealed my fate. Anyway, as I have been toying with the possibility of learning to fly for real (someday), I thought the 152 would serve me well for a bit of virtual training. Purchasing add-ons must be an addiction as I now find myself drawn to your 421 as well. Must maintain self control.......where did I hide that @*$#! wallet...

Two quick questions for ya:
1. Is there any form of paint kit around or in development for the C152?
2. Is the female pilot modeled after anyone in particular? She's rather, oh how can I put this tactfully, well endowed. I think she's throwing of the CoG a bit. (man, I REALLY need to get out more...) :)

[Lou_Betti]

Thanks for those kind remarks, they are much appreciated, especially those concerning the price. It's nice to see someone who see's $17 for the reasonable sum that it is, and the value it delivers with the 152, or even our products that cost a bit more. :-)

Anyway, no real need for a paint kit per se, as the 152 uses Text-o-Matic, so all you need is the template to paint, and that is available here:

http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previe..._downloads.htm

As to the feamle pilot, you can always select the version with the male pilot instead. Otherwise, I hope you like the future Mrs. Betti! ;-)

Thanks again for the purchase.

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/DF_BANNER_FORUM_LOU.gif]"
[font size=1][font color=blue]"Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming something to do it for you?"[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[Rosgillies]

Lou, Any of your addons (and I`ve got the lot) are simply the best value and quality Bar none! Not a hype up, just a plain fact.
Keep on with the good work.

[airhead]

No prob, Lou. I don't mind giving credit when and where it's due.

In regards to the price tag, I base my decision to purchase things on two factors. One, I actually have enough money to buy it (whatever it maybe), and two, the value of the product or service I'm looking to buy meets or exceeds price. In Dreamfleet's case, I don't think you have anything to worry about here. Your products speak for themselves. I know there's a big stink going around right now about payware v. freeware, I just don't see what the big deal is. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy anything, it's a personal choice. I guess some folks aren't happy unless they're bitching about something.

It appears as though you guys and some of the other payware groups spend a lot of time and money in developing your products, it certainly shows in your offerings. In a price range of, let's say $15-$25, you need to sell quite a few to break even, much less profit from you products. I'm sure this isn't news to you. Perish the thought that you should actually get paid for you hard work.

As a freelance draftsman/3D modeler and part-time freeware aircraft developer myself (ok, only one offering so far), I understand and appreciate the countless hours and effort that producing even an average add-on can take. And these things don't materialize overnight. Heck, I've even toyed with the idea of trying my hand at payware (especially when my freelance business is slow), but it takes so much more than just an attractive model to produce a quality product. Panels, gauges, FDE, documentation, packaging, the list goes on. I don't think many sim pilots fully understand this concept. It's not like you're just slapping them together and pushing them out the door. If you did, it would likely show in the finished product and no one would want to buy them anyway.

I've only had the 152 for a few days, and I can say that it has already paid for itself many times over. Same goes for the Archer that I purchase last year. $17 is a drop in the hat, I could blow that much on a pack of smokes, a bottle of Yoohoo, a twinkie and some beef jerky at the local mini-mart. And I suspect the 152 will last me longer and prove better for me than the aforementioned "breakfast of champions" anyway. :)

Thanks for the link to the template, that's just what I was looking for. I must have missed that one while poking around the Dreamfleet site.

As for the "future Mrs. Betti", I'd say you have your hands full, literally. (sorry, couldn't help myself) :P

[Lou_Betti]

Well, Dave (I looked up your name in your profile), I must say that your nickname of "airhead" is just the opposite of who you are!

It is most refreshing to have a chat like this, and while I know many others feel the same way you do, I wish there were even more who saw things as accurately as you do. There's really nothing more I can add, as you hit the nail on the head so well. :-)

Have a great weekend, but don't sit too close to my girlfriend in the cockpit of the 152! ;-)

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/DF_BANNER_FORUM_LOU.gif]"
[font size=1][font color=blue]"Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming something to do it for you?"[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[airhead]

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the nickname, Lou. My hair is a bit on the blonde side though... ;)

Yes, it is refreshing to have an intelligent, civilized discussion. Sometimes it seems to be a rather unpopular trend on message boards I must admit. Maybe this mentality is born from the fact that web forums (and the internet in general) tend to be a rather anonymous type of communication, no face to face contact, which leads to individuals saying things that they might not say in the physical company of others or directly to someone's face. Just my opinion, and I could be wrong (I have been many times before). I have witnessed entirely too many "flame" sessions in forums, where one or a group of individuals verbally beat another user into submission. As a forum moderator, I'm sure you know what I mean. I even experienced one of these on my own forums (directed at me of all people, some folks are all balls and no brains I guess). I really can't think of anything less useful and unproductive and have no desire to take part in such activities. As much as I hate to say it, situations like that are probably the main reason I tend to lurk in forums rather than contribute. I'm slowly coming out of my shell though...

Well, I've probably rambled too long and far for this one. You have a great weekend as well. As for your girlfriend, I guess I'll have to find another way to join the virtual "mile high club". But as you well know, those 152 cockpits are awfully small, can't help but get a little upclose and personal.... :7 (Did I mention I REALLY need to get out more?)

[Lou_Betti]

Well, Dave, blonde hair or no, I suggest you stay in public a bit more, as the forums can certainly use folks such as yourself.

I always think of the forums with some ambivalence, they are sort of a "necessary evil" at times. Indeed, it is much easier to speak at a forum in a manner that one would not normally when face-to-face. Of course we must also deal with the fact that for many English is a second language, and this can cause some loss in translation, and can create unnecessary headaches. I think everyone needs to be a bit more understanding, and "engage brain before putting mouth in motion".

I've certainly had my forum "battles" to deal with over the years, especially since I am one to speak my mind- I usually don't hold back much. Witness that saying I have under my signature banner, that's mild by my standards!

Again, don't be a stranger, either here or at other forums. We can always use another airhead like yourself around. :-)

Yes, you should get out more. I can arrange a date for you with "her" sister if you would like. ;-)

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/Forum_Banners/DF_BANNER_FORUM_LOU.gif]"
[font size=1][font color=blue]"Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming something to do it for you?"[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[airhead]

Heh, your "engage brain" phrase reminds me of a comment my father used to say frequently. His went something like "load yer brain before shooting yer mouth off kid" seasoned with whatever profanity came to his mind at that moment (believe me, the man was a veritable profanity thesaurus). A bit less eloquent, but the same premise. Almost wish I had a few of them on tape, his eruptions could get rather entertaining in hindsight. Must have come from working on construction sites most of his life. Like father, like son, I tend to have a rather short fuse and have been know to spout copious amounts of the aforementioned profanity to season my rantings as well. Thinking about it, I guess that's why I try to pay extra attention to what I say and how I say it, whether spoken or written. Old habits die hard though, and occasionally I let a few rip. Hey, nobody's perfect.

I agree with you in regards to the forums. It is always important to remember that there are many different people with different languages and customs when addressing posts. What is informative, amusing or offensive to one individual may not be that for another. Approaching forums with a little extra understanding and thought is most certainly the way to go for the benefit of all involved.

I must admit that I tend to speak my mind frequently as well, and appreciate others who do the same, with a few reservations. For example, the situation I experienced on my forums involved an individual who felt the need to voice his opinions regarding an aircraft I developed, comparing it to a similar aircraft in development by another. His negative comments, while lacking in social grace, weren't really the issue (though I do believe he was born without the tact gene). The fact that he failed to support his views with relevant information was the "bone of contention" for me. Had he thought about it a bit more and offered valid information to support his claims, his opinions would have gained credibility in my mind, even though I didn't agree with his views. I'll forgo the "dog and pony show" type responses for "meat and taters" content anytime. I personally feel that honesty with substance overrules showmanship and fluff by a long shot (akin to an undercover narc getting stomped at biker rally).

Well, I appear to rambling again and for the sake of anyone else reading this, I'll cork it for now.

Thanks for the healthy conversation. I really do appreciate it. Threads like this are sure to keep me coming back to contribute more frequently. Certainly helps quell the fears of speaking one's mind on the forums a bit.

'I can arrange a date for you with "her" sister if you would like.' Twins? :D