Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'erwin welker'.
Found 7 results
-
FSX/P3D Freeware FocusBy Nirosan PragashIt's been a while since my lastfreeware article (studies getting in the way), and so I thought it washigh time I sat down and wrote another! This time around I will belooking at a magnificent ship modelled byErwin Welker,an international airport by Johan Peeters, and finally, a rather smallflyer by the talentedA.F. Scrub.All of the models can be used with FSX and P3D, with the added bonusthat Erwin's model can also be used with FS2004! So, without further ado, let's begin... FS2004/FSX/P3D v3 German Polar Research And Science VesselPolarstern (meaning pole star) is a German research icebreaker ofthe Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) inBremerhaven. Polarstern was commissioned in 1982 and is mainly usedfor research in the Arctic and Antarctica. /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-01.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-02.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-03.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-04.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-06.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Icebreaker-07.jpgThe ship has a length of 118 metres (387 feet) and is adouble-hulled icebreaker. She is operational at temperatures as low as-50°C (-58°F). Polarstern can break through ice 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in)thick at a speed of 5 knots. Thicker ice up to 3 m (9.8 ft) thick canbe broken by ramming. This replica created by Erwin Welker is a wonderful recreation ofthe Polarstern. Not only does it incorporate an easy to use 2D panel,but it also includes a complete virtual navigation bridge! The modelalso includes a host of animations and sounds, and these can be viewedfrom the 25 cameras situated around the model. Animations include thebow breaking the ice (complete with broken ice at the stern), a BellJetranger helicopter, that can be pushed out of the hangar, animatedcranes lifting objects, plus, if that wasn't enough, you even get apolar bear and its cub for company! You can find this model in the file library: ICEBREAKER-POLARSTERN.ZIP Antwerp Int'l Airport FSX/P3D Scenery--Antwerp International AirportAntwerp International Airport is a small international airportserving Antwerp, Belgium. Located 2.9 nautical miles south of thecity, it is used for some scheduled and charter flights as well asbusiness and general aviation. /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-01.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-02.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-03.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-04.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-05.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-06.jpgDuring World War II the airport was used by the Luftwaffe, and alsoserved the nearby Erla aircraft factory. After the German retreat in1944, it saw brief use by Allied air forces, who called it AdvancedLanding Ground B-70. Today the airport consists of one small passenger terminal withbasic facilities including service desks and a restaurant. There is one runway, with a length of just over 1,500 m (4,900ft). Due to this, it is not possible to operate aircraft larger thanthe Boeing 737 at the airport. This model of Antwerp International Airport by Johan Peeters, isthe result of two years work, and over 2000 photographs! The realism /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-07.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-08.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-09.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-10.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-11.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-EBAW-12.jpgJohan has managed to achieve, is quite remarkable, as both thetextures of the buildings, and the scenery they are positioned on,look absolutely fantastic! So good are they, you'd be forgiven inthinking that it was a payware product. A couple of the buildings alsohave accurately modelled interiors, which is just simply superb! Aswell as the above, there is also custom AI traffic (Fokker 50), staticSV-4Bs, and animated windsocks. Johan has mentioned that this is'Phase 1' of the project, so expect to see more additions in thefuture. You can find this model in the file library: EBAW_JP2019.ZIP Stits Sky Baby FSX/P3D Stits SA-2A Sky Baby /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-01.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-02.jpgThe Stits SA-2A Sky Baby was a homebuilt aircraft designed for thechallenge of claiming the title of "The World's Smallest". The Sky Baby was designed by Ray Stits and built with Bob Starr asa follow-on to the Stits Junior midget racer. The aircraft is anenclosed single engine negative staggered cantilevered biplane withconventional landing gear. The fuselage is constructed of welded steeltubing with aircraft fabric covering. The upper wings have flaps, thelower wings have ailerons. The powerplant was a sourced from an ERCOErcoupe, modified with water injection to produce 112 hp (84 kW). /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-03.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-04.jpgThe aircraft was test flown by Bob Starr on 26 May 1952 at PalmSprings, California. The aircraft required a 170 lb (77 kg) pilot toremain within the center of gravity and was only flown by pilots Starrand Lester Cole that met the criteria. The aircraft was eventuallydonated to the National Air and Space Museum for display. The model presented here has been created by A.F. Scrub, one of myfavorite freeware aircraft designers. The Stits SA-2A Sky Baby iscompatible with FSX and P4D v4, except in the latter you have tomodify a few files (it is not compatible with FS2004). /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-05.jpg /images/features/pragash/t/Niro-Pragash-Stits-07.jpgIt's fair to say that the Stits SA-2A Sky Baby isn't going to winany beauty awards, as it really is quite a stubby and unattractiveaircraft, but...this is where looks can be deceiving, because once inthe air this little aircraft comes into its own. It's light andnimble, and there is enough power to have quite a bit offun. Visibility is also good, as is the panel. Sounds are from thedefault Cessna 172, but work well. On startup there is engine smokeand exhaust flames, and go fast enough and you'll get vortex effects! All in all...one of the most enjoyable aircraft I have flown forquite some time! You can find this model in the file library: STITS_SKYBABY.ZIP I hope you enjoyed reading through what I consider to be threeexceptionally enjoyable add-ons. I had a great deal of fun using them(continue to do so), and I think you will too. Nirosan Pragash
-
FSX/P3D Freeware Focus By Nirosan Pragash It's been a while since my last freeware article (studies getting in the way), and so I thought it was high time I sat down and wrote another! This time around I will be looking at a magnificent ship modelled by Erwin Welker, an international airport by Johan Peeters, and finally, a rather small flyer by the talented A.F. Scrub. All of the models can be used with FSX and P3D, with the added bonus that Erwin's model can also be used with FS2004! So, without further ado, let's begin... FS2004/FSX/P3D v3 German Polar Research And Science Vessel Polarstern (meaning pole star) is a German research icebreaker of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Bremerhaven. Polarstern was commissioned in 1982 and is mainly used for research in the Arctic and Antarctica. The ship has a length of 118 metres (387 feet) and is a double-hulled icebreaker. She is operational at temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F). Polarstern can break through ice 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) thick at a speed of 5 knots. Thicker ice up to 3 m (9.8 ft) thick can be broken by ramming. This replica created by Erwin Welker is a wonderful recreation of the Polarstern. Not only does it incorporate an easy to use 2D panel, but it also includes a complete virtual navigation bridge! The model also includes a host of animations and sounds, and these can be viewed from the 25 cameras situated around the model. Animations include the bow breaking the ice (complete with broken ice at the stern), a Bell Jetranger helicopter, that can be pushed out of the hangar, animated cranes lifting objects, plus, if that wasn't enough, you even get a polar bear and its cub for company! You can find this model in the file library: ICEBREAKER-POLARSTERN.ZIP FSX/P3D Scenery--Antwerp International Airport Antwerp International Airport is a small international airport serving Antwerp, Belgium. Located 2.9 nautical miles south of the city, it is used for some scheduled and charter flights as well as business and general aviation. During World War II the airport was used by the Luftwaffe, and also served the nearby Erla aircraft factory. After the German retreat in 1944, it saw brief use by Allied air forces, who called it Advanced Landing Ground B-70. Today the airport consists of one small passenger terminal with basic facilities including service desks and a restaurant. There is one runway, with a length of just over 1,500 m (4,900 ft). Due to this, it is not possible to operate aircraft larger than the Boeing 737 at the airport. This model of Antwerp International Airport by Johan Peeters, is the result of two years work, and over 2000 photographs! The realism Johan has managed to achieve, is quite remarkable, as both the textures of the buildings, and the scenery they are positioned on, look absolutely fantastic! So good are they, you'd be forgiven in thinking that it was a payware product. A couple of the buildings also have accurately modelled interiors, which is just simply superb! As well as the above, there is also custom AI traffic (Fokker 50), static SV-4Bs, and animated windsocks. Johan has mentioned that this is 'Phase 1' of the project, so expect to see more additions in the future. You can find this model in the file library: EBAW_JP2019.ZIP FSX/P3D Stits SA-2A Sky Baby The Stits SA-2A Sky Baby was a homebuilt aircraft designed for the challenge of claiming the title of "The World's Smallest". The Sky Baby was designed by Ray Stits and built with Bob Starr as a follow-on to the Stits Junior midget racer. The aircraft is an enclosed single engine negative staggered cantilevered biplane with conventional landing gear. The fuselage is constructed of welded steel tubing with aircraft fabric covering. The upper wings have flaps, the lower wings have ailerons. The powerplant was a sourced from an ERCO Ercoupe, modified with water injection to produce 112 hp (84 kW). The aircraft was test flown by Bob Starr on 26 May 1952 at Palm Springs, California. The aircraft required a 170 lb (77 kg) pilot to remain within the center of gravity and was only flown by pilots Starr and Lester Cole that met the criteria. The aircraft was eventually donated to the National Air and Space Museum for display. The model presented here has been created by A.F. Scrub, one of my favorite freeware aircraft designers. The Stits SA-2A Sky Baby is compatible with FSX and P4D v4, except in the latter you have to modify a few files (it is not compatible with FS2004). It's fair to say that the Stits SA-2A Sky Baby isn't going to win any beauty awards, as it really is quite a stubby and unattractive aircraft, but...this is where looks can be deceiving, because once in the air this little aircraft comes into its own. It's light and nimble, and there is enough power to have quite a bit of fun. Visibility is also good, as is the panel. Sounds are from the default Cessna 172, but work well. On startup there is engine smoke and exhaust flames, and go fast enough and you'll get vortex effects! All in all...one of the most enjoyable aircraft I have flown for quite some time! You can find this model in the file library: STITS_SKYBABY.ZIP I hope you enjoyed reading through what I consider to be three exceptionally enjoyable add-ons. I had a great deal of fun using them (continue to do so), and I think you will too. Nirosan Pragash -
View full article
-
Converting CFS2/FS2002 Aircraft To FSX Tutorial by Erwin Welker Purpose FS2002 and CFS2 whilst old, offer a wealth of amazing aircraft to the flight simulator enthusiast. Unfortunately many of these aircraft do not run 'out of the box' in FSX. What is needed to make them compatible is a conversion process, which hopefully this tutorial will explain. Objective Converting the MDL (3D-model) using a hex-editor. Requirements You will need a freeware hex-editor so as to complete the conversion process. For this tutorial I will be using the editor "FRHED". You can download FRHED here: http://www.heise.de/download/frhed-1115453.html Knowledge Even though you might see the word HEX mentioned many times in this tutorial, knowledge of HEX editing is not necessary. What would make things easier for you though is a basic knowledge of how to edit your numerous aircraft.cfg files (aircraft, panel, etc.). The required time for conversion (with practice following the same routine) is usually around a minute. Let's Start First download and install a hex-editor. I recommend installing the editor to a location where it is easily accessible. I also suggest copying and pasting your MDL folder (this is the model folder of your aircraft) directly into the same folder as the HEX editor. This makes it very easy for you to find and to open the MDL with the hex-editor. Step 1 For our first 'try' let's go and download the CFS2 Libelle: liblcfs2.zip. Step 2 Run the Hex-editor (frhed.exe) and open the file named "Libelle.mdl". On the left you will now see a lot of strange and intimidating hex numbers. Don't worry! On the right you will see the translation from hex numbers to text. The old CFS2/FS2002 formats start with "MZ..." Also visible is the scrolling bar which (at this time) is at the 'top' position. Step 3 Now we need to interpret the required information. Remember, for this tutorial I am using the FRHED HEX editor, but using another hex-editor will be quite similar, except that it may differ a bit in the menu or options. Click EDIT in the menu and then Find... Now search for: 'RIFF' This picture above provides you with all the information you need. No activity is required at the moment. Step 4 Scroll the vertical bar (mentioned in Step 2) right up to the top, which in this case, is the upper right corner. Click with the left mouse button to the first symbol of "MZ". Now scroll down by keeping your finger on the left mouse button pressed. Using FRHED you will notice that the marked area changes from white to yellow. Continue slowly for some hundred lines until you reach the word 'RIFF'. Now stop! Do not mark any symbol after the word RIFF (that includes the word 'RIFF')! Step 5 Now you can delete the whole area marked in yellow by hitting the 'Delete' key of your keyboard. Step 6 Here is where we replace text (marked in blue). Using the feature to find and replace words in the HEX editor, search for the word CFS2 or FS80 (FS98). Now that we have located the words 'CFS2 or FS80' our next step is to replace them with the word 'FS90'. We are now finished with the HEX editor (you can relax). Save the edited MDL and if requested to overwrite, say 'YES' for overwriting and keep the extension f.i. Libelle.mdl. Now copy and paste the MDL back into the model folder of your aircraft. Final Steps Open the aircraft.cfg (found in the 'Libelle' folder) with a text editor or with WordPad. The top of the aircraft.cfg will look like this: [fltsim.0] title= Messerschmitt Libelle sim= libelle model= panel= sound= texture= kb_checklists= CheckList_Libelle As you can see, there are no entries for: manufacturer, ui_typ and ui_variation. Therefore we need to either copy and paste those three lines from another aircraft (to edit) or create the entries ourself. [fltsim.0] title= Messerschmitt Libelle sim= libelle model= panel= sound= texture= kb_checklists= CheckList_Libelle ui_manufacturer= Messerschmitt ui_type=Libelle ui_variation=CFS2 warbird converted to FSX Important: If you still have FS2004 in use, load the converted aircraft first into that simulator (starting on the ground). The aircraft.cfg will be extended automatically with some parameters. You can then paste that aircraft into FSX. Starting the converted aircraft in FSX first can cause certain problems with the air files. In this case I recommend exchanging both the air file and aircraft.cfg with an appropriate one by keeping: Header Eyepoint Contact points Lights Now let's take a look at the panel.cfg found in the Libelle. As we can see below only the gauges marked with "!" are working in FSX: gauge00=fw190a!Airspeed, 0,42,40,40 compatible gauge01=fw190a!Altimeter, 79,41,40,40 compatible gauge02=fw190a!Attitude, 39,41,40 compatible gauge03=fw190a!Gear, 66,122,48,26 compatible gauge04=fw190a!Vertical_Speed, 79,81,40,40 compatible gauge05=fw190a!Heading_Indicator, 39,81,40 compatible gauge06=fw190a!Clock, 0,81,40,40 compatible gauge07=Me262turbine_temperature1, 79,1,40,40 not compatible gauge08=ME262N11, 1,1,40,40 not compatible gauge09=Me262oil_pressure1, 40,1,40,40 not compatible gauge10=bf109e!Fuel, 1,122,40 compatible gauge11=bf109e!Fuel_Warning, 43,123,20,36 compatible In this case ALL the incompatible gauges will have to be replaced. If that is too much work or too difficult, an easier way is to replace the whole panel with an appropriate one from another FSX aircraft. Sound All that is left to do now is to check the 'Sound' folder. Does the aircraft use its own sound set or is it aliased to another aircraft? After looking we can see that the Libelle is configured for aliased sound: alias=Mig-15 Fagot\sound Because it is highly unlikely that we have that particular MiG-15 installed on our system, let us instead choose an aircraft which is installed by default in FSX, in this case the Learjet 45. Simply change Mig-15 Fagot with Lear45 and you are good to go. Another option is to paste a complete sound folder into the Libelle. Well...that's it. Was it so bad? At the beginning I thought that working with a hex-editor was just for computer professionals but after a while (as you can see from this tutorial) it's possible to do the conversion in a minute! My advice? Don't hesitate - try it! I wish you every success! Credit goes to Erik Hertzberger who kindly provided me this knowledge. Erwin Welker -
View full article
-
Interview With Erwin Welker When did you start developing for flight simulators and what got you interested in it? I've worked in satellite communications for thirty two years and during that time (late 80's) our group was the first at our earth station to receive a modern PC. It sounds strange now, but on that PC there was the very first Microsoft flight simulator installed and I was so fascinated by the simple yet functional instrument panel, complete with working gauges. Ten years later, I had my own 2GB PC at home and the first software that I purchased and then installed, was Microsoft's Flight Simulator 98. That was it, I was ready to fly. To aid me in my flying I also purchased a book which told me everything I needed to know about the simulator. Included with this book was a CD which included numerous aircraft add-ons. Unfortunately, I was disappointed to find that both the panels and sounds of the B-24 and Spad XIII (included on the CD), were aliased to the default Cessna! This spoilt my immersion to a degree, so I began to experiment with painting my own panels and to configure it with gauges. From this moment on...I was hooked! Tell us about the nature of your designs and what you do? I began with creating panel configurations (Picture 1) for certain aircraft, and from there I moved on to editing missions in CFS2. This included configuring different weapon loads on aircraft. An example of this is the V1 bomb on the back of an Arado 234 (Picture 2). I also painted different liveries (Picture 3) and created cockpit views for CFS, FS2002 and also FS2004. For the WW2 aircraft, this included views of the gunners. In 2004, I created a tow plane feature for gliders (Picture 4), and I think I'm correct in saying that I was the first...and only person to have created this feature. I also work with sounds, and I always try and push the limit in terms of what is possible with these effects. Another aim of mine is to create cabin and wingman views (Picture 5), so that the 2D panels match that of the virtual cockpit (VC). Those of you who know my work will know that I am also a great lover of ships, and so one of the things I enjoy doing, is creating pilotable ships. This is achieved by using AI ships, and the navigational bridges of these ships are created with 2D panels (Picture 6). I've even managed to display up to 16 deck views in my FS2004 models. Since I now use FSX as my primary simulator, it is far easier for me to create these models with virtual deck views. One of the areas I specialise in, is with camera views. I always try to find the best and most interesting spots on both my aircraft and ships. However, this is not without its difficulties. Once I created a U-boat with the option to dive, but whilst diving I realised that there was no change in the 2D view! After a while I found a solution, and my idea was to set a camera at the point of the periscope and to insert a graphic of a periscope (Picture 7). From this viewpoint I could monitor the submerging U-boat through the periscope. This worked well, as it could swivel, be raised and lowered and also be zoomed in and out. With this new feature available, I was able to put it to good use. I created: swivelable AA-guns on bombers, ship turrets, torpedo launches and cranes (Picture 8), positioning aircraft onto empty ship catapults (Picture 9a/b) and also helicopters onto helicopter decks (Picture 9c). It was also used with launching VTOL jets onto aircraft carriers (Picture 10a/b), and lastly, and almost magical, having the option to set a virtual frigate in front of a piloted aircraft carrier (Picture 11). What do you consider your best or most popular work? I have created more than 400 add-ons so far, so it's hard to say. When talking about features, I'd perhaps say that my FSX upgrade for Chris Herring's wonderful battleship, the North Carolina, (Picture 12) stands out. If you go by the most popular add-on, then that would be for Bruce Fitzgerald's fantastic space shuttle (Picture 13a/b/c). The problems for the space shuttle were that objects loaded into the simulator are also loaded horizontally, but as we know, the space shuttle has to stand vertically on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral. The other problem I faced with the space shuttle, was that it required extremely high acceleration during launch. However, for both these problems, I found solutions. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of a project? I always try and improve on what I create. My expectations are such, that if something isn't right, then I must try and find a way to improve it. What have been your favorite projects? The projects which were the greatest challenges are my favorites. The U-boat (as mentioned before) is one of those, as is the LCM3, which carries objects, such as a jeep, truck or tank. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I can drive those 2D vehicles, from a 3D boat on to dry land (Picture 14a/b)! What software packages and tools do you use to develop? I use Photoshop, PaintShop Pro 5 and the default Windows 7 Paint for all the artwork involved in my designs, and also a hex editor so as to do the conversions from CFS2/FS2002 to FSX. I sometimes also need to edit .air files, so I use the editor, AirEd. Who would you consider to be your mentors or inspiration in the development world if you have any? I don't really have a mentor, and normally, I don't visit forums, but what I would say is that my inspiration for designing comes from the countless downloads I have had the pleasure of using over these past sixteen years. When I find something special, I always try and find out how it works. When I first started, I learnt from reading, or watching tutorials. Later on however, I learned from deciphering the parameters of different configuration files, located in objects. Do you develop payware/freeware or both and why? I prefer to create freeware as it's more fun to improve objects than to buy a perfect one from scratch as payware. I do improvements primarily for myself, but I enjoy sharing with the community. As mentioned, I've used many add-ons over the years, so this gives me an opportunity to give back to the community. With freeware files, it's like going to a toy shop but without the costs! Who are your favorite freeware designers? It's hard to say as there are so many great designers out there. If I had to name a few, I would mention: Kazunori Ito for his tremendous variety; Bruce Fitzgerald because of his own special objects; Dino Cattaneo, because his designs are of payware quality; Usio no Ibuki for his amazing warships and of course, Lazarus Starkweather and Henrik Nielson for their great fleet of ships. How many people work with you or your team? I'm not the best team player so I achieve my best work by working in a closed chamber. Saying that though, I cooperate a lot with my friend, Henrik Nielson, who produces many AI ships (FSX traffic). I also make Lazarus Starkweather's AI ships pilotable (with his permission). I think combined we are slowly creating a ship simulator from FSX! I also work with my other friend, Michael Pook, and together we are slowly upgrading old CFS2, FS2002 and FS2004 aircraft, which lack a VC, to FSX and a VC. Do you have any experience in real aviation? When I was nineteen years old, I did hang gliding which was really enjoyable; that was, until I crashed! At present, I do not have a PPL, but I take up any chance I can to fly in the copilot's seat! As an avid sim pilot, and the owner of 700 aircraft, pilots are always willing to give me stick time. So far I have piloted small props, biplanes and gyrocopters (Picture 15). What started your interest in aviation? My father was in the German Air Force so I grew up surrounded by aviation, and in plain view of his airbase. During this time, the Harvard T-6 and Fouga Magister were stationed at Landsberg, in southern Germany. Any memorable flights in real life? Oh yes! I, together with my friend, travelled to the Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy for some mountain hiking, and whilst there we visited a small air show. What I remember about the air show most is the flight my friend and I took. As luck would have it, we were lucky enough to take a flight in an Ecureuil AS-350, piloted by a very experienced rescue pilot. When we reached the summit of Sella, which is a group of mountains around 3000m high, the pilot zoomed in on the plateau, and raced along it with only three or four meters to spare! We then dived in craters (feeling the turbulence) and flew round giant rocks; almost scratching the rotor blades! On the return part of the flight, the pilot stopped behind a tall cliff and hovered at a few thousand feet. He then let the helicopter drop like a brick, and it plummeted downwards at almost 300 km/h. The whole experience was....unforgettable! Another memorable experience was in an open Bucker Jungman biplane. During the flight, we did some aerobatic manoeuvres and it was great fun! I was also lucky enough to fly the aircraft for quite a bit of the flight (minus the takeoff, acrobatics and landing). What other hobbies or things do you do for enjoyment? As well as flight simulation, I also enjoy car simulations, but when it comes to real life activities, I love travelling and sailing. This can be on small boats (near our lake) or on huge tall ships. My most memorable trip was crossing the Atlantic as an active trainee from Boston to Portimao/Portugal. This was done on the fast and beautiful clipper, the Stad Amsterdam. You can learn about her here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stad_Amsterdam Another hobby of mine is writing novels about maritime history. Sorry, all three of my books are in German but please take a look at my homepage as there are also pages concerning flight simming in English: http://raubkatzedermeere.wordpress.com/ Have you ever considered doing flight simulator development full-time? I'm now retired, and have no desire for a full time job! However, if a company wanted to provide me with a part time job, then I might consider the request. How do you choose your next new design or project? Quite often when I finish a project, I think...well.. that's it, that's going to be the last one, but I'm always wrong! I always find a new challenge. Henrik Nielsen is now working on an AI tall ship parade so I'm sure that a few are just waiting to be equipped as pilotable versions! What can sites like FlightSim.Com do to support you and the hobby better? I wish there was a flight sim site which could help promote the ideas of freeware/payware designers, with the core developers of the main simulators. This would be helpful in getting ideas across, and perhaps create more features in the future. My only other wish is for a tiny improvement in the way FSX camera definitions are set, as I miss the option to insert (automatically) a certain bitmap when a camera is chosen; like the fixed windows in the older MS-flight simulators. How do you feel about the future of flight simulation in general? I worry a bit about the fact that flight simulation, might, over time, become saturated, but hopefully these fears are unfounded and creatively will be prosper. What would you like people to know about you and your work? Only since being retired have I become aware that a certain amount of creativity has accompanied me throughout my life. Like most boys, it started with Lego, and then with drawing pictures of aeroplanes, ships and cars. Later on in life, photography, writing, and making models became the tools to express my creativity, and flight simulation is (I think), a logical continuation of that creativity. Even if I had a whole year to fly, drive or sail in all my pretty models, it still wouldn't be enough time to enjoy them properly, as I have so many (over 1000!). It's a great hobby to have and highly recommended. To all those passive downloaders...you should try it, as it's so satisfying. To end; I'd like to thank all the people who have expressed an interest in my work as it means a lot to me. I'd also like to thank, not only the 3D modellers, but also all the designers of sounds, tools, effects, etc. (who often forget to be mentioned), who add so much to our hobby. Erwin Welker Find Erwin Welker's files -
View full article
