Models + Flight Sims.

Janes F-18 is the best flight sim you can get right now for modern combat. There is a staunch fan base for it. They have so many free add ons, improving the graphics, the cockpit, the views... it really makes it outstanding.

IL-2 is incredible for WW2. I mean, it just boggles the mind. The sounds, the images, the flight dynamics are incredible. Especially when you need to do missions on testing the new soviet jet fighter, which are exact replicas of what was actually done to test it. That sort of realism is really amazing to me. You are given the same briefing and instructions that were given to the original test pilots. Trying to fly that bad boy after you shut off the engines was difficult.. especially due to the fact you had to burn all the fuel up before landing or you will blow up!

I agree on Janes F/A-18.. Its a hel of a sim, looks great 'out of the box', as it where. Microprose's B-17 is also pretty good. Very unnerving to hear the flak rattling along the fuselage whilst on the bomb run..

I've gotten away from modern flight sims over the last several years, they just hold less and less fascination for me. WWII & Korea is where it's at in Steve's Dungeon, and tho I have several WWII & Korean War sims only one comes to the forefront.

I can DEFINATELY recommend IL-2. I haven't picked up Forgotten Battles yet, (it's a whole new stand-alone game, not an expansion ) but if it's an "improved" IL-2 game engine, it can't get much much better.

Having never flown any of these birds myself, I can't comment on aerodynamic accuracy. But the flight characteristics are quite singular for each aircraft, (In realistic mode, you best better know how to fly for real if you want to survive!) and the graphics are WAY-COOL, VERY well done, indeed. Things like paint schemes are rather faithfully reproduced, the maps (terrain) are well done (except at very low-level) and the cockpits are astounding, especially in free-view.

In IL-2 you can move your view around freely with the mouse (Are other sims like this? First I've run across it...) and re-center with a tap on the keyboard. Takes some time to master, but it's worth it. Much easier to track a foe in a dogfight this way, for me anyhow.

If you're into multi-player online gaming, you can very easily modify existing or create new paint schemes for any aircraft that is available to fly in IL-2. (These are called skins in the gaming community) I've managed to make a couple custom skins, but I cannot get online to play. Having mucho-trouble with connecting. (I guess for now I'll have to stick to MOH!)

IL-2 Forgotten Battles gives you many new aircraft to fly, including alotta US & Brit birds as well as a few surprises. This feature alone ensures that I'll pick it up someday; but, 'til then, the original game will more than suffice.

Here's some links for IL-2-related sites:

http://www.il2sturmovik.com/ (The official site)
http://www.flugzeugwerk.net/ (An excellent site for skins, mods and alotta other stuff, including custom-flyable aircraft)
http://www.nnavirex.com/ (Another excellent site for skins and mods, in French, but with English available)

For pure fun and enjoyment, consider these as well: Any of the Microsoft Combat Flight Sims, MiG Alley, almost anything Janes and, a most unlikely suspect for a modern flight sim, Operation Flashpoint.

OFP hasn't a true flight sim quality, it's basically a first person shooter (FPS) that gives the player the ability to fly a few aircraft (including helos) and drive many vehicles. The flight controls aren't very complicated or "realistic" in employment, but there is a realistic "feel" to it all. Some of the flyables; Mi-24, Mi-8, AH-1, AH-64, OH-56, Su-25 & A-10. There are also others, just can't recall them. I would recommend OFP only if you want to delve into the world of FPS, though, as that's the main thrust of the game.

Fade to Black...

F14 Fleet Defender under the old Windows 3X and DOS system. Any of you old timers remember that system? For later it would be Falcon 4. Much better graphics. I haven't played sims after my Thrustmaster throttle went out. I am waiting for the new Thrustmaster combo to be released. Yes, B-wolf, other sims have the multi view. Just use the "Hat Switch" or "Coolie Hat" to pan around the cockpit.

If you love WWII IL-2 is MUST HAVE with no question.

Berny,

I've got or have played several games which use the hat switch for view changes, but I was asking about using the mouse for the same purpose. IL-2 is the first game I've come across with this feature, though I seem to recall maybe the original Jet Fighter had this same setup? I dunno. It took me some time to get used to it, but it's really almost as good as actually turning your head! Way-cool arrangement.

Anyhoo, I do remember Windows 3 & DOS. (creak-creak) Though I don't consider myself an old-timer. We'll reserve that illustrious title just for you!

Seriously, though, I still like some of the older DOS games. I used to play a strategy game called Harpoon and it worked like a dream under DOS. Got the later versions for Windows 98 & up and it just doesn't seem to work as well. Crash city. Wish I knew code...

Fade to Black...

IL-2, Forgotten Battles, European Air War, Battle of Britain............got 'em, play 'em. Nothing quite like the feeling of saddling up in a ME 262 and taking on a B-17 Bomb Group.........especially in invulnerable mode!!! :) Tons o' fun. :) - Ed

I don't play many modern flight sims. I prefer getting in close and seeing the pieces fly when I let loose with some .50s or cannon. I have all the MS Combat Flight Sims and the 2nd was really nice. It's set in the Pacific Theater and landing a Cat or Hog on a pitching carrier deck is challenging. Great graphics and definable flight params/weather conditions. The 3rd one has a really nice campaign and is more geared towards ground attacks.
Jane's WW2 Fighters is very sweet. Graphics still rock considering it came out quite awhile ago. I haven't gotten into IL2 much.
For some online fun check out Fighter Ace. Nothing really quite like flying with friends against other human "pilots".


"Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been and there you long to return." - Leonardo Da Vinci

davejk -
You can't go wrong with Jane's F/A-18, but get the patch from EA, and then check the net for add-ons, plenty of skins, 3d models etc. It can be played anywhere from arcade to full realism, which does have a learning curve.

Falcon 4.0 is still king of the fast jet sims, but you'll need a few patches to get it up to speed. At a minimum, you'll need the last one from Microprose 1.08US and to get really "real" the latest aftermarket patch is called SP3, it's 80 MB and yes, it's free. Very steep learning curve if you go that route, but it's worth it.

Check these sites for more info:
www.frugalsworld.com
www.simhq.com

but be careful, a lot of the stuff there is hard core, and emotions do flare.

berny13 - Actaully I liked Fleet Defender!!!! The new Thrustmaster HOTAS "combo" has been out for about a year, and goes for $250 - 280 US. Learning curve here too. Best bet would be amazon.com if you're looking.

BTW - I agree that anyone interested in scale model aircraft would almost need a working knowledge for current day flight sims to get a a feel for the A/C they're modeling, and vice versa.

Hope this helps.

Archer out.

The three that I have on my computer right now are:

Red Baron 3D - quite old now, but still a lot of fun in my opinion.

WW2 Fighters - get to fly a few of my favorite WW2 birds. It would have been nice if the campaigns could have been done similar to Aces Over Europe, and if there had been a Pacific version. Trupr is right - graphics rock for a five year old sim.

Flight Unlimited - Still not bad for a DOS/early Window sim. Get to fly my two favorite aerobatic planes - the Pitts & Sukhoi.

Jim

I play CFS1 as I have not bought any of the later versions.. Seems to be a good game. But SSI came up with the Su27 Flanker 1 and 2 which I feels is one of the best flight sims ever.. Of course I do feel that Falcon 4 is a good one too......

Cheers,
Nandakumar

I remember a couple of years ago there was a 'scale model flight sim'. I can't remember the name, but I had a demo on my system that was kinda fun. The idea was that you flew around in your scale model, rather than in the real thing. The environment was a 'house' and you'd fly around various rooms, under tables, etc. collecting different items for points. It's a little vague in my memory, but I remember thinking it was kinda fun.... sorta like being a kid again 'zooming' my planes all around the room...

M.

very cool guys, thanks.

I do have Janes F-18 and it reminds me alot of the F-15 Sim they had put out....I believe it was done by the same guys actually. Anyway as far as Janes, I loved their work, Great Sims!!!
Fighter Anthology, LongBow2, F-15, F-18, WW2 Fighters, USAF and even IAF. Until EA sold the Janes series names out to some crappy company and broke up the original Janes team to do other projects. I was so sad for the Sim community when that happened. Now I have a great computer with windowsXP and the only Janes games that seem to work right are WW2 Fighters, and F-18. I miss playing USAF. Anyway I have been looking for something new like IL2 Forgotten Battles or even CFS3.
Has anyone seen LOCK-ON from UBI SOFT? This looks to be the next mother of all modern day sims:

http://www.lo-mac.com/

check the movies and some features...looks great. Hope it plays great. Anyhoot I figured I would find some of you Flight Sim fans on this site. I figure hey I love building models and I also love well done flight sims....theres got to be others like me out there. Anyway thanks guys!!! I am probably going to get IL2 Forgotten Battles!!!!!

-davejk.

davejk,
I've been playing Janes Fighters Anthology on my XP system with no difficulties (other than the game being rediculously difficult, of course.) It may not be the original, but it does include USAF '97. I'm also a big fan of the "old-school" sims like Falcon 4.0, Mig Alley, Apache vs Havoc, and European Air War. Basically, if it's got good graphics and realistic controls, I'll play it.

Well, my main focus in modeling isnt Aircraft, I love flight simulators. IL-2 and its sequel (forgot the name) are excelent. Also, I like Comanche 4, not for acuracy, but just 'cause its so fun. I also like some old school flight sims like Warbirds and Falcon 4.0.

I would have to go with Falcon 4.0 without a doubt. For some it may be too complicated to play in realistic mode, but if you do you fully understand how hard it is to be a real fighter pilot. Just imagine trying to do all that while pulling G's. Also I think the graphics are outstanding! Some here seem to think it is an "old school" game but it is only a few years old... old school to me is Falcon 3.0!

Speeking of Falcon 3.0 ... its too bad they haven't created a Fulcrum or Hornet addon to 4.0 like they did for 3.0.

IL2 is incredible. Where else can i shoot up Me 323'swith a couple of 37mm cannon! CFS 2 and 3 are alright, but i think microsoft could have done a much better job with types of aircraft, and campaigns. Why have Vampires, and Shooting stars if, you aint gonna have the basic like Fortresses and Liberators?

Caine -

Checkout the sites I posted above, the are add-ons to F 4.0 that will give you Hornets, Tomcats and a host of others.

davejk - why do you miss USAF???? Again there are a slew of add-ons that give you new aircraft skins, interfaces, flight models, etc. Try the SimHQ forum above, it's amazing what individuals have done to this sims. It's comparable to building a kit out of the box vs getting aftermarket parts or scratchbuilding; that why I really believe the two hobbies work hand in hand.

Archer out.

Falcon 4.0
(plus open source enhancements)
Hands down, guys, there is NO SUBSTITUTE... Next best to the REAL thing... Did you know that after Microprose discontinued its development, the users (amongst them real pilots and aircraft mechanics) took it over and have come up with the most realistic flight sim ever? Just take a look at them open source enhancements' manuals and you'll see what I'm talking about...

I have too many to count, but the ones that I find myself playing the most are Microsoft Combat Flight Sim 2 and 3, Visualy stunning and great game play as well as fairly accurate flight models. Janes' USAF, super jet game with lots of planes in the air at once. B-17 Flying Fortress, This takes some getting used to as you have to jump around the plane ....... ALOT!.

I've been playing Comanche Gold (Novalogic) lately and it's quite fun. I can limit the game to work with my joystick. I also have some Jane's and othe rnovalogic games but flight control is nearly impossible with a simple joystick Geuss I better gat a Sidewinder and some rudder pedals.

The best modern flight sims I would have to say are Janes F-18 and F-18 Precision Strike Fighter. F-18 PSF is published by Xicat Software, and you can get it now for about $10.00. It's a very good game with great graphics and a realistic mission scenario. I also have Microsoft Combat flight Simulator 2. I LOVE flying the Hellcat against all those Japanese Zeros! I personally tie in my computer sims with the models I build very often. There's nothing like flying a tour on CFS2 and then building the Hellcat that you "flew". It's a fun and an interesting diversion from building for accuracy and detail.

Hands down for WWII sims-- IL-2 and IL-2:FB are the best modeled-- and with a great mission editor where you can set up land or sea battles as well. I find myself playing around with the mission editor more than actually flying! I like setting up artillery and Katyushas against columns of Tigers and Panthers.....or a convoy of ships with U-Boats about. FB offers the P-47 and P-40 for those of us who like the American birds as well :)

If you aren't into the Eastern Front, there are many options for the westernside of things-- like Spits and Mustangs, etc-- WWII Fighters is good, and I have CFS3 (now uninstalled)-- but my all-time favorite is Screamin' Demons: Fighter Squadron Over Europe. B-17II is great when you want to hop into a heavy bomber-- I always thought it was very immersive and had fun as a pilot, bombardier, or gunner.

I liked CFS2 as it offered all the Pacific planes like the Zeros, Corsairs, Wild and Hellcats, and my favorite- the Dauntless.

I've been playing flight sims off and on since dos and win 3.x. My most favorite is FALCON 4.0 rev8. Janes is my second choice (F15 and longbow). I remember fleet defender and that was a blast. I should dig out one of my old computers and reinstall that one.

I liked B17 fortress, but no longer have six hours to fly a mission.

Falcon 4.0, but I'm biased ;-)

- Snacko

Well, just got IL-2 : FB and am having mucho technico problemo with it. Regardless, the IL-2 series is still my pick.

Some of these posts have prompted me to dig out a bunch of old stuff and take a trip down memory lane. In most cases, I wish I hadn't. I've been spoiled rotten with IL-2 & MS CFS and had forgotten how bad some of these older programs I have really are! Oh well... FPS games are also a nice distraction...

Fade to Black...

Do you guys use rudder pedals or twist stick for yaw control? Which is better?

Mine has a twist handle. It works ok, but if I had a spare $80.00 lying around I'd get a set of rudder pedals. It's not so much that they work better, but I would like them for realism sake.

I've got a Logitech Wingman Force 3D stick which has the handle-twist rudder. It doesn't bother me too much, but for some it may be a problem.

It's easy to twist when you actually want to deflect and vice-versa. I've gotten used to it, but it all comes down to personal preference, kinda like modeling. What works for one may not work for another.

I've adopted a similar philosophy in my gaming as I have in my modeling, in that all I really wanna do is have fun. Total realism is okay every once in awhile, but "semi-realism" is where I've wound up. (That's why when I'm in the mood for an FPS, I LOVE playing Medal of Honor SP or MP. It's just the right combination of realism and pure gaming.)

When it comes to models, I apply my artistic "talent" and tendancies, but I'm no __________ (insert modeling hero of choice). When I'm gaming, I take pride in waxing the competition any time that I'm able, but I realize that I'm no Flip Corkin or Audie Murphy.

In each respect, I act accordingly and have forgone trying to scratchbuild everything in my models so that they look "just right". Similarly, I've also thrown out the idea of trying to play IL-2 on the "realistic" setting with any regularity. It's just not fun for me for very long. But Like Rebel, if I had it I'd dish out the extra $$$ for some pedals, 'cuz I'd like to try them. I'm also trying to decide whether or not to get a wheel and pedal set for the racing sims, but that's for another forum...

Fade to Black...