Simviation Forums

'Lo all!
My main mod-work I've done for the MSFS series is creating a few skins and missions for CFS2 - IOW; not much at all. I'm constantly amazed and delighted at the excellent work people do on these simulators.
I have a couple of questions regarding the process; if you don't mind.
First; though I went on and got my private lisence; my first love has always been gliding - power pilots never realize how limiting that big noisy mill out front is. Flying a sailplane is real flight; soaring - literally - with the birds. (We often use seagulls and other birds as lift indicators; and enter a thermal in the same direction as they do; to limit any potential collisions. We fly quite above them; but still the effect is wonderful.)
Too bad gliding has been removed from the stock sim; while it has the venerable S2-32; it lacks any sort of lift - annoying! Fortunately others agree; and have created quite  few excellent aircraft and thermalling addons.
My first question is this: I'd like to create thermal scenery for my local area; Southern Ontario, in the same fashion of the excellent Arizona and Banff thermalling scenery I have downloaded right now. Were I to attempt this; what programs/applications would I need to accomplish it? And of course; are they payware; freeware, bought in stores, etc.
My second question: The problem with gliding in FS9 is getting to altitude. While it's not possible to create a towplane that'll take you up to 2000'; would it be possible to create a new 'airplane' model comprising a towplane (say a Pawnee or a Citab) towing a glider (say the S2-32)? I mean; to have the pair as a single visual model; so that the pilot could either change planes at the release; or find some way of making the front half (the towplane) 'go away'.
Given the magnificent work shown here; from conventional planes to cars to wild flights of fancy; I can't imagine why not.
Again; what programs/applications would I need for that?
Thanx.

Thermake is the thing you have to look for. no idea how it works though, but it seems to be compatible with FS2004.

Some sailplanes have simulated tow systems (ASW 28), or other tricks to get to altitude

Bear in mind that the sole purpose of the 'slew' system is for gliders to get up to altitude.

But I like that model idea, Im sure its possible.

http://www.fszwever.com/

take a look at this, don;t know if it worls in 2k4 but if it does you'll love it  8)

Hi
Speaking of Gliding has anybody been able tro complete this in the default Schweizer 2-32 sailplane NOT me http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsi ... llenge.asp

MaV

Ok I got a prog that makes thermals called "Thermiek"

Im sure i got it off of FSZwever site.  It does work in FS2004 though i cant get the ridge lift working in it.

I have made a fair few thermal scenery files. I got the whole of Washington covered and Arizona as well as many other places.

As for the getting to alttitude, there are som gliders on this site that come with VET.  Basically u have engine off, start engine and hit full throttle.  After 15secs or so the glider moves forward then U pull up and hold a steady climb, do not let the speed drop to much or the glider becomes unstable.  Once at alt use the stop engine command and carry on soaring.

I also use the slingshot method (Bit crude but its quick and easy)  get the map up and on the left are your alt, speed, hdg etc.  Add 10feet to your current alt and set speed at 150ish (more speed = more height)  Hit OK and hold some up in.  U get shot up at speed gain as much height as possible then level out.

Short of that I use my Scheibe or KA4 motor gliders.

As for the challenge well I have completed it but in a Standard Libelle.  The thermals are pretty scattered and dont appear to be under every single cloud.  It is a tough one!!

I guess your suggestion could be done.  For example it could be made pressing the fold wings command make the tow plane dissapear, though I am not a modeller ans would have no idea how to do it!!

Thanks for the help friends.
I haven't managed to get Thermake working; the installation keeps screwing up. I'll keep tryng.

I like the idea of the airplane model. I've seen models with features like support and cargo trucks that appear and disappear as part of the model by the tail hook key. There's no reason this can't be done for a tow plane. You would simply have an aircraft that uses an engine. The tow plane would be a part of the model. You give it throttle and take off flying with the tow showing. At altitude you hit the tail hook key and the part of the model representing the tow plane disappears and your engine shuts down. Now you are left with the glider.

I'm sure some interprising modeler could create this. It wouldn't be absolutely perfect but it would be better than the current method of using "Slew" to get to altutude.

The ideal would be, of course; a tow option to 2000' AGL. Not possible in FS2004; but in the next installation, who knows? Hey Microsoft! Idea for ya!! LOL)
Much thanx to Gixer who recommended "Thermeik"; works fine in fs9; after a whole pile of tinkering I was able to add Cu's all over Southern Ontario - as soon as I perfect it; I'll upload it to Simviation. (OK; S. Ontario doesn't have much in the way of scenery, but it's home, and a terrific center for thermal soaring. Great area for getting lost during ground navigation too. )
Now all we need is a tow... Another thought I had was to create a popup image of a towplane (I suppose it'd be a gauge) that floats in front of the glider during a takeoff; which would be performed via a video. (i.e. record a video flying a standard tow pattern; changing the aircraft to the glider before starting the video.) Then, once the video reaches the end (your desired release altitude); you'd end the video; remove the towplane gauge and fly along.
Just another weird thought.

Hi there.

LAGO's payware 'Emma Field' scenery has an option where a machine can speed up your glider, then you take off; there is no need for slewing and it is very realistic.

Cheers,
Robert