Suggest free wide-body models

[camelface]

I have 2 computers: one that is running FS9 and the other that is running FSX on low graphics. On the FSX computer, I cannot put models that require much #D acceleration so I end up using older FS9 models sometimes.

I am looking for various wide-body aircraft models that express added realism. My father has a Level-D 767 model which I have used once or twice. I also have a L-1011 Air Canada model that needs engine startup at the beginning of the flight (I like to turn on the engines ), etc.

The types of aircraft I give priority are those that are relatively difficult to fly: heavy landing weights, so-so climb performance (like the default 777 in FS9), etc. High cruise speeds and high ceilings are a bonus. I also have a thing for models with Flight Engineer panels.

So far: I would like to try an MD-11, 777, 747 (perhaps a better one than the FS9 model, if that exists, or better yet, an early version) A340 (but has low cruise speed), tristar L-1011. I am open to other suggestions.

[TCX559K]

I have 2 computers: one that is running FS9 and the other that is running FSX on low graphics. On the FSX computer, I cannot put models that require much #D acceleration so I end up using older FS9 models sometimes.

I am looking for various wide-body aircraft models that express added realism. My father has a Level-D 767 model which I have used once or twice. I also have a L-1011 Air Canada model that needs engine startup at the beginning of the flight (I like to turn on the engines ), etc.

The types of aircraft I give priority are those that are relatively difficult to fly: heavy landing weights, so-so climb performance (like the default 777 in FS9), etc. High cruise speeds and high ceilings are a bonus. I also have a thing for models with Flight Engineer panels.

So far: I would like to try an MD-11, 777, 747 (perhaps a better one than the FS9 model, if that exists, or better yet, an early version) A340 (but has low cruise speed), tristar L-1011. I am open to other suggestions.

iFDG have a decent freeware MD-11 (I think it's in the file library), Project Opensky have very good freeware 777s, 747s and A340s, but you'll need to get them quick as their site is shutting down. Historic Jetliners Group have a very nice L-1011 tristar.
I also recommend the SGA Douglas DC-10-30. That's very realistic to fly as it was made with the help of a DC-10 pilot. Also, Project Airbus has an awesome Airbus A380 on their site.

[PAULCRAIG]

Project Open Sky's website closes on the 31st August, so download a much as you can.

[pfflyers]

A couple more freeware widebodies I can think of are the Ready For Pushback (RFP) 747-200 and the IFly 747-400.

[Menemeth]

Ya might also want to try the AN-225. Can't get no bigger than that!....LOL!





















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[lmhariano]

Detailed widebodies? Try Benoît Gaurant's A300. There is a version for FS9 and another one for FSX. It's been a long time since I've flown anything else. This is the FS9 forum, but Eric Cantu and Thomas Ruth have a DC-10 for FSX you may like.

Best regards from Colombia,
Luis Miguel

[camelface]

Thanks Luis. You could not make an endorsement clearer, so I tried the models you told me about (in FSX).

The A300 is cool however I had some problems with the resolution of the panel: everything was squished and I could barely read what was written below the buttons. I never found a vertical speed knob (is there one?). I also could not access any spoilers (did this plane have any?). Oh and finally, the sound from within the cockpit was a let-down (although it is nice from outside). Perhaps I did not load the files properly. Do you have a good sound from within the cockpit? Don't get me wrong though, this model is great, and I only tried easy start-up to begin.

I tried the DC-10 but it uses a 747 panel and graphics of plane on spot view wouldn't load for some reason (all black).

I went with a project open sky Air Canada package of an A340, 767 and 777. The sound of the A340 is absolutely godly but I couldn't find any NAV tuning knob (wth? otherwise this plane would have been perfect!!!). I flew the 767. It was nice in everyway except weird colouring of panel (I am guessing this is due to my 3D card or something).

Thanks for all suggestions. I have subscribed to the thread and read each of your responses.

[old_wombat]

If the panel is squished, there is a "relatively simple" solution, and that is to experiment with the:

size_mm=xx,yy

line in panel.cfg . I do this all the time as I have a portrait orientation screen for landing on an aircraft carrier, so every panel, including the default ones, has to be changed to make the circles round

Try either increasing or decreasing the yy parameter by about 50% and see what that does. Once you figure out what's going on you should be able to get the right yy value very quickly.


Steve from Mudgee.

[lmhariano]

Thanks Luis. You could not make an endorsement clearer, so I tried the models you told me about (in FSX).

The A300 is cool however I had some problems with the resolution of the panel: everything was squished and I could barely read what was written below the buttons. I never found a vertical speed knob (is there one?).

Thank you, camelface. Are you using the 4:3 panel or 16:9 panel? You should use the one that suits best your display's aspect ratio. And there is no VS knob, you'll use CWS mode for setting pitch when flying with autopilot.

Best regards from Colombia,
Luis Miguel

[camelface]

Hello again Luis,

Thank you for suggesting this model. It is beautiful (personally love the generic all-white model for FS9). I love the overspeed warnings .

Anyway, I wanted to ask you how you climb with this aircraft. I have tried it mostly on full-weight and find it difficult to climb at anything higher than 1000fpm over ~FL150 without losing a lot of speed. What do you set your thrusts at? I try to take them out of 100+% range after takeoff but between 90-95%, I don't generate much thrust for climb. Any advice is appreciated.

Also Luis, since I now trust your tastes, do you have any other airliner models to suggest? I don't expect much can rival the a300 of Gaurant though.