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Beechcraft D18SPublisher: CarenadoReview Author: Richard NurseSuggested Price: $44.95/images/fsc/wbicons/store-buy-now-button.pngIntroductionDue to the technical capabilities ofthe simulators we enjoy today, the products from Carenado are becomingmore advanced with ultra-high-resolution textures, refined flightdynamics, and accurate 3D modelling. Carenado's rendition of theBeechcraft D18S is one such example, and one which provides a uniqueattempt at portraying a classic aircraft that entered service in 1937. So, is this a great product that is worthy of your aspirations ofexperiencing a classic aircraft as pilots did two generations ago, oris it one to forget? Before we get into the review, let's have a lookat some of its features:,/p> Full FSX, P3D v2, v3, v4, and Steam compatibleFlight1 GTN 750* integrationReality XP GNS530 v2* integrationCold and dark start optionVolumetric side view prop effectTakeoff run and landing real rolling movement effectDynamic propeller shines effectCustom brakes sounds on taxi and landing runOriginal autopilot installedHD quality textures (4096 x 4096)Real D18S soundsCustomizable panel for controlling windows transparency, instrument reflections and static elements such as wheel chocks and sights propsReal behavior compared to the real aircraft; real weight and balanceTested by real pilotsRealistic night lights effects on panel and cockpitNOTE: This aircraft does not have a 2D panel. * Flight1 GTN 750 and Reality XP GNS530 are sold separately. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-07.jpgOverview of FeaturesUltra High-Resolution GraphicsCareando's D18S features crisp 4K ultra high-resolution texturesfor both the cockpit, cabin and the external model. As you wouldexpect, this level of detail allows you to fully immerse yourself inwhat could be the real deal, and it's features like this that keep mecoming back to this model. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-05.jpg /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-08.jpg /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-03.jpg /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-11.jpgFunctioning CockpitThe cockpit of this D18S allows the simmer to interact with almostall of the systems and switches that were used in the realaircraft. Some of these include, all features of the centre pedestal,the electric fuel pump, and the cabin vent. All of the controls in theimage below are fully operable and animated, even the throttlefriction lever. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-02.jpgThe instruments that do not operate include the oil dilutionsystem, and the circuit breakers. In my opinion, Carenado should atleast have got some of the circuit breakers working, as it's prettymuch a standard feature. Also, the inoperative oil dilution system isa reflection of the poor systems modelling in this product (more aboutthis later). However, one impressive feature of the model is the cockpitlighting. Carenado has included realistic night lighting effects onboth the panel and cockpit area. As you can see from the image below,the original autopilot of the D18S has been accurately modelled andlooks highly authentic. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-04.jpg /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-12.jpgHigh Quality CabinIn their quest for realism, Carenado have developed a cabin whichoozes luxury, and one which would fulfil the expectations ofpassengers who appreciate a certain level of comfort. The detailing ofthe leather seats is most noticeable and look great with their 4Ktextures. Other nice features of the cabin are the stowable tables andpassenger comfort lights. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-01.jpg /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-06.jpgHere is the night lighting for the cabin: /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-10.jpgFlight DynamicsI was impressed by the relaxed and highly responsive feel of theD18S when in flight (most evident after takeoff). This realisticbehavior is due in part to the testing done by real D18S pilots andit clearly shows. However, other users claim that the aircraft has atendency to roll and also pitches like a fighter not a heavy twin. Formyself, I did not experience this, so it might be due to individualcontroller setup. What is evident though, and something which is highly noticeable isthe terrible tendency of the aircraft to nose over when applying thebrakes when taxiing. Even the smallest amount of pressure on thebrakes causes the tailwheel to lift off the ground, and if notcorrected, will allow the nose to hit the tarmac! Having never flown areal D18S, I cannot say if the brakes are this sensitive or not, buthaving watched numerous videos of the real aircraft taxiing, I feelthe modelling of the brakes is somewhat suspect. /images/reviews/cared18s/t/carenado-beechcraft-d18s-09.jpgSound SetCarenado's D18S employs a highly realistic 3D sound set for boththe exterior and interior. The Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial enginessound extremely lifelike with their thumping roar and are a realdelight to listen to. Switches, knobs and other interior sound effectsare also present within the cockpit and along with the engines, createa highly immersive audio environment. As an avid flight simmer and onewho is obsessed with sound quality, I was extremely pleased with howthe D18S performed in the sound department! Poor Systems ModellingAs mentioned briefly earlier in this review, Carenado's D18S doesnot feature particularly good modelling of its systems. For example,it does not simulate icing in the carburettor or the airframe (atleast it is not mentioned), and neither does it contain any enginedamage or wear modelling. The temperatures of the engine also don'tseem to reflect the changes made to the cowl flaps or the oil shutterswhich is disappointing to say the least. To omit these features is amajor downfall in my opinion and is something Carenado shouldaddress in future updates! Simmer Opinion Of This ProductCarenado's D18S has some really impressive features that I canappreciate as a flight simmer. These include a nearly fullyfunctioning cockpit, wonderful 4K resolution graphics, and animpressive 3D sound set. However, the thing which prevents it from being a truly greatproduct, is its lack of systems modelling. Due to this fact, I have toquestion the rather high price tag. When other developers offer moreat the same price or less, you have to factor in the points raisedabove. In saying that though, if you enjoy the aesthetics of the D18S,then you probably won't find a better model. For myself, it's anaircraft I enjoy flying and one that I will continue to use. /images/reviews/cared18s/title3.jpgRichard Nurse Purchase Carenado - D18S For FSX/P3D
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Retired man looking for some Carenado repaints for planes that struggle with frame-rate for me. Carenado DO-228-100 Carenado D18S I like to fly in the Orbx South America areas (Argentina-Brazil) for their excellent frame rate on my older system. I prefer registrations appropriate to the areas, but unconcerned whether the livery or registration is real world or hypothetical. One thing I've found (although I'm no expert) is that the more recent HD releases also have huge textures inside of a common folder, not sure if that is dragging down performance, or not. Seems like it would, so maybe those textures can be reduced? Lower resolution liveries or textures always appreciated. Thank you