New Panel on the way

[FSTipster]

In an effort to take my mind off FSPlanet for a few minutes, I've set to work on a new panel.

I've still heard nothing on the Orlenok project yet, so I thought I'd try something else in the meantime.

I've started work on a B52 Stratofortress panel.

This is a particularly challenging project for me because:

a) I've never done a jet panel before.

b) I've got 8 engines to deal with. (In at the deep end - that's what I say )

The plan, such as it is, is to try and model the panel using instruments for all 8 engines. I know FS2002 can only actually individually represent 4, but with a bit of cheating, I'm hoping to work around that.

It won't be photoreal - but the primary objective is to create a panel that leaves you in no doubt that you're flying a large aircraft with 8 engines (and lots to do).

I'm currently working on the bitmap, which looks like it's going to take a couple of days. This isn't because it's going to look stunningly beautiful, it's because I'm a dreadful artist.

Anticipated completion is 2-3 weeks.

[BFMF]

Cool! Can't wait!

[ozzy72]

Great stuff John, I'm looking forward to seeing another 'masterpiece' by you. I think we should lobby the Tate to have a display of Computer Aviation Art, I'm sure you'd get a few in!

Mark

[FSTipster]

LOL - thanks Mark, but I doubt my artistic talents would get me any where near the Tate's dustbin, never mind their gallery.  :)

Still not entirly sure what I'm going to include in this but I'll try and make it fun and functional. I suspect this is going to be very much "dial" orientated this time. Just see what happens - I never really know until it's finished LOL.

[BFMF]

Out of curiosity, When did the B-52 enter production?

[FSTipster]

The B-52A first flew in 1954, and the B model entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built with the last, a B-52H, delivered in October 1962. Only the H model is still in the Air Force inventory and is assigned to Air Combat Command and the Air Force Reserves.

[WebbPA]

"A new panel from Tipster."  That will bring them running!

[BFMF]

So because the B52 entered production way back in the '50s, the cockpits wouldn't be 'computerized', it's gonna be filled with old fashioned dials!

[WebbPA]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a base package to put around the panel?

Wouldn't the newer B52's be computerized?

[Blade]

Due to the only B-52 availible of quality, Bonzonies, I think he will do a "H"s panel. The B-52H panel has some computer screens, since its been updated, here are some pics.

http://www.hec.afrl.af.mil/publications/B52_SPIE.pdf


This is a B-52B panel

[BMan1113VR]

great! another reason for me to fly bonzonie's great b-52

keep up the good work john!

[FSTipster]

Thanks guys.

When I decided on this project a couple of days ago, I hadn't intended doing a wholly accurate version. There's one out there recently released: pan01b52.zip by bobdaddario2@netscape.net (Couldn't find his name in the readme).

It's very accurate visually but unfortunately crashes my FS2002. I suspect it's a gauge problem but I've written to him to ask.

The other thing is that all the engine gauges appeared to be hooked up to engine 1. Mine will  be paired to engines 1-4 - the most FS2002 allows you.

I'm going for something that will be reasonably accurate visually, but not necessarily limited to gauges found in the actual aircraft. It's a compromise between accurate replication and functionality.

Don't expect to see the Garmin radios in it though. It will retain visual accuracy where I can functionally achieve it.

[BMan1113VR]

The guy's name is Robert Daddario, i knew he had several B-52 panels for fs2000, didn't know he made any for fs2k2 (that might even be the problem )

[BFMF]

great! another reason for me to fly bonzonie's great b-52

But doesn't his B-52 come with a custom panel???

[FSTipster]

Hmm....I'm flying a version by Kotaro Akikawa.

It's very good, but it sounds as though this Bonzonie version is well worth a look.

Anyone got a filename pls?

Blade - that pic you posted is very useful - thanks.

I know it's the B-model, but as I'm not going for full blown accuracy, it doesn't matter - still gives me a good idea of the layout.

On top of that, it's now back to the drawing board with the panel bmp...my window uprights are all wrong..LOL

BMan1113VR - Thanks for the info. It was only recently released so I'd imagine it's supposed to be FS2002 compatible. Just crashes my sim out though. I had to edit out a whole bunch of gauges to take a look at what his engine dials were doing. Couldn't pin the problem down to a specific gauge though.