Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'first class sim'.
-
Vickers WellingtonPublisher: First Class SimReview Author: Felicity SmithSuggested Price: $19.00/images/fsc/wbicons/pilot-shop-buy.png /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-55-4-206.jpgIntroductionThis is a review of the First Class Sim Vickers Wellington bomberfor FSX and FS2004. For the purposes of this review, the add-on hasbeen tested in FSX Steam Edition and with DX10 enabled. Memories Of The Vickers WellingtonOne night towards the end of May in 1942, when I was an 8 year oldevacuee being fostered in rural Bedfordshire, I saw my firstWellington bombers. Apparently they were keeping a rendezvous withother bombers of Bomber Command to await the streaming attacking forceto raid Cologne in 'Operation Millennium'. One thousand and fiftybombers of R.A.F. Bomber Command took part in this onslaught, themajority of which, thirty seven squadrons were Wellingtons. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-37-28-299.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-37-7-21.jpgPossibly the ones I saw came from R.A.F. Feltwell. I consideredmyself fortunate to observe one of the formations taking part in thefirst of three thousand bombing raids during World War II, the firstof which was the most successful. The Wellington was the only bomber to be used constantly from 1939- 1945. In fact its overall history in active service dates from 1938- 1953. Admittedly, when the heavier bombers - Stirlings, Halifaxesand Lancasters came off the production lines it was reduced tosecondary roles - albeit important functions such as assisting CoastalCommand. Barnes Wallis (of Dambusters fame) was Vickers' chief designer ofthe famous aircraft and produced a unique airframe which couldwithstand severe punishment. It made its maiden flight in June 1936and eventually over eleven thousand were built, some of which stillsurvive. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-39-16-106.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-39-58-139.jpgThere are a number of Wellington museums in England - such as theBrooklands aircraft factory - now a temporary museum. At Cosford onecan see a Mk X version and at Pilstone, near Leighton Buzzard there isa large Wellington Bomber project on display. Peter Smith RN retired InstallationThe installation procedure was straightforward, in that once theproduct is downloaded and unzipped, it's just a case of choosing yourdesired simulator (FSX or FS2004) and inserting the provided productserial key. For the purposes of this review, I decided to use FSXSteam Edition, and the install program found in the package, performedflawlessly. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-50-36-108.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-52-44-419.jpgDocumentationConsidering the price, the included documentation is fairlycomprehensive and would put many more expensive products to shame.There is a nice PDF diagram providing information on the Wellington'svirtual cockpit; a Wellington Mission PDF, showcasing the includedmissions, plus the aircraft's main manual. To get the most out ofthis add-on, I highly recommend taking your time and reading throughthe various items (flying the Wellington will be a lot more enjoyableif you do). First ImpressionsHaving been a fan of the venerable Vickers Wellington since I was ayoung lad (Commando comics and later an Airfix model), I had highhopes for this add-on, and upon loading the aircraft and selecting theexternal view, I was not to be disappointed. Presented in front of meand in full glory, was a highly detailed rendition of an oldfavorite. Employing Steve's DX10 Scenery Fixer so as to maximisevisual quality, First Class Sim's Vickers Wellington looked highlyauthentic. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-55-23-863.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-58-28-334.jpgVariantsThe package contains four of the most popular variants of theVickers Wellington: Wellington 1C, the first main production variant of theWellington, which added guns to the MK 1A. In all, 2685 of the 1Cvariant were produced. The aircraft was flown with a crew of six:pilot, radio operator, navigator/bomb aimer, observer/nose gunner,tail gunner and waist gunner.The Wellington B. MK III upgraded the original Wellington designwith a 1375 hp Bristol Hercules engine and a four tail gun turret,replacing the previous two. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-57-23-172.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-23-39-436.jpgThe Mk X became the most widely produced variant, with 3804aircraft entering service. Additional performance was gained bybuilding a fuselage of light alloy, replacing the steel constructionof earlier models and the installation of a 1675 hp Hercules engine.The Mk X proved highly popular for Coastal Command duties.The Wellington GR Mk XIV is a derivative of the Mk X, specificallyadapted for coastal command duties. The chin radome housesantisubmarine radar reflecting the maritime role. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-14-9-715.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/Wheel_Detail.jpgExteriorFirst Class Sim have included authentic color schemes and markingson each of the Wellington models and when used with DX10, the resultsare particularly pleasing. Canopy and other glass areas incorporategood use of reflections, and the various crew members situated aroundthe aircraft are modelled well. The high level of detailing extendsto the undercarriage and wheels, with these being incredibly detailed(Dunlop logo visible on tires). All major control surfaces are animated and I especially liked theauthentic way the undercarriage raised itself. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-14-0-614.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-58-13-532.jpgInteriorFirst Class Sim's Vickers Wellington comes complete with anauthentic looking cockpit. Gauges are clear and easy to read, andmost of the switches and levers found in the cockpit are operable.Overall the detailing is good, but not really up to the standards setby more expensive aircraft, such as those offered by Carenado and A2A.Unfortunately, there is little in the way of weathering, which is areal shame, considering the abuse these aircraft had to cope with.However, this aside, the texturing is still good and sets the moodnicely. For those simmers who enjoy using a 2D panel over a virtualcockpit, one is included, and whilst not quite up to the standard setby its more modern counterparts, it works well. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2D_Panel.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_13-57-51-367.jpgEquipmentApart from the standard equipment found on an aircraft of thisvintage, there is a standard GPS present, plus an authentic lookingautopilot panel that attempts to mimic the style of a 1940s aircraft.Visually it looks the part and it did a great job at keeping me on thestraight and narrow! Flying CharacteristicsFirst Class Sim's Vickers Wellington is a real delight to fly.From taxiing to cruise, she was pure butter and never for one momentgave me cause for concern. There is a fair amount of oomph on takeoffwhich continues if one is not to aggressive on the climb. I managedjust over 1000 fpm unloaded, which for an aircraft of this size andage, was pretty good. Manoeuvrability wise, she's just a little bitmore docile than a C172. Whether or not this kind of performance isauthentic, I don't really know, but put it this way...I never thoughtit felt unrealistic! /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-23-53-402.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-27-15-474.jpgSoundsThis was the one area (if I'm to be totally honest), in which I wasnot particularly impressed. I found that the engine samples used bythe developers lacked body and character, and were a bit of a letdown. For an aircraft of this size and age, something a little moremeaty would have been preferred. The other sound samples used withthe aircraft however, worked quite well, and really helped bring thevintage bomber to life. PerformanceDuring my flight testing of the Vickers Wellington, I experiencednothing but smooth flight. There were no stutters or major drops inFPS; it was as if I was flying the default FSX GA aircraft - prettyimpressive considering the detailing. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-25_9-12-14-849.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/2018-5-24_16-22-19-437.jpgSceneryAlso included in the package, is a custom made, period scenery ofRAF Driffield in East Yorkshire. RAF Driffield has quite a strongconnection with the Vickers Wellington, as many were stationed thereduring war. Having this scenery included in the package is a nicetouch and shows that the developers are prepared to go that extramile. MissionsTwo missions are included in the package; Coastal Command andWinter Warrior. Both last for just over an hour and allow you to putthe Wellington through its paces. /images/reviews/vickwell/t/Glass_Reflections.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/Pilot_and_Refections.jpgConclusionFirst Class Sim's Vickers Wellington was a product I really enjoyedusing as it faithfully managed to bring to life an aircraft I've longhad a fondness for. The four different types of Wellingtons includedin this package allow enough of a variation to make it unique. Add inthe additional scenery of RAF Driffield, plus the missions, and youget an almost perfect product. The only areas which let it down in myopinion, were the engine sound samples, plus the lack of weathering inthe cockpit. However, when you consider the low price, theseshortfalls can almost be forgiven. To conclude, if you're a fan of the Vickers Wellington, or WW2aircraft (especially British bombers), then I would highly recommendthe product being reviewed here - they just don't make them how theyused to! /images/reviews/vickwell/t/RAF_Driffield.jpg /images/reviews/vickwell/t/RAF_Driffield_2.jpgNow where's that fabric covering... /images/reviews/vickwell/wellington.jpgFelicity Smith Purchase First Class Sim - Vickers Wellington Bomber