Review...

[Wing Nut]

Pt-17 Stearman

Download this plane from Simviation
HERE

History of the Stearman Aircraft

[Wing Nut]

Visual Model

[Wing Nut]

2-D Cockpit

    2-D Cockpits are on their way out.  Perhaps as soon as FS2006, we may never have to deal with 2-D cockpits any more.  After all, with VC

[Wing Nut]

Sounds

    If there is any thing this plane lacks, it is in the sounds.  What should be a low rumble, is instead tinny and unimpressive.  In fact, the whole thing sounds (literally) like a lawn mower.  The g-effects on the fuel are represented here, and that goes a long way towards giving a more real experience.




Texture Sets

     This package comes with 5 different textures, ranging from the PT-13 Trainer model (the familiar yellow and blue scheme), to the Canadian PT-27.  Other textures include a civilian version in red, mid-WWII USAAC, and 2 Navy versions.  All are well done, extremely sharp and clear, and a pleasure to behold.  I think my personal favorite had to be the original PT-13 version.  In addition to seeing the rivets clearly drawn, all writing on the plane is easy to read.  When compared to photos of the same aircraft from around the web, all markings and writing seem accurate with one exception.  On N2S-3, the tail number incorrectly reads N2S-5.  The wooden prop on this plane is great, even if the textures on the grain seem a bit large, they are well done and a most welcome change from the run of the mill black props you find on most planes.

[Wing Nut]

Conclusion

    This is a plane that is worthy of being payware.  The work that must have gone into creating this plane is phenomenal.  If you

[beaky]

Yes, it's a  lovely model, but I agree about the sound. Almost sounds like there's a component missing: at high rpms, it seems you hear too much tip noise and not enough exhaust tone. Having taken a ride in one, I can't say it compares favorably, sounds-wise.
And the thing I really miss is the real sensation of start-up; the one I know well has an inertia flywheel that has to be cranked by a ground crew member, which gets the whole plane rocking as it's cranked. And that engine coming to life is a real event!!
But it handles well enough- it's an early  trainer variant, after all. Has that nice solid "on rails" feel of the real thing...

[daviator]

Some comments from the author:

Sorry but you caught me on a bad night.

Creating a model like this mostly by ones' self requires far more work than you can imagine. Research is not cheap, easy or fast. I have visited Stearmans from California to Oshkosh, WI to Florida. I have several books and reproduction owners manuals. This was not done from a fuzzy line art drawing and a few pics form the web.

In addition since no gauges existed, I had to learn XML to recreate the Stearman gauges as accurately as possible. THe fuel gauge alone took weeks of trial and error. Each gauge has to be meticulously drawn from scratch.  No painted over photos where used in the making of the entire model. With the sole exception of the pilots face.

I spent two whole days researching the RGB and CYMK equivalents of the Federal Standard colors and then matched them EXACTLY for the military versions.

So when you pour your heart and soul into a project like this, and then give it away,  and then read that the "wood grain on the prop is too large" it sort of sets me off.

So the only outside contributions to this aircraft model was the very fine FDEs by Dennis Seeley and the reused sounds by Mike Hambly.  The entire rest of the aircraft was created entirely by me.

Below are some other specific comments.

David Eckert
www.daviator.com

Why 5 aircraft folders:
Each model is unique and therefore requires a different model. If you look close there are two propeller types and two engine types. The civilian version has additional lights. The RCAF version has no outside primer and also has venturis on the struts. This also makes those repaint hacks easier to do and cuts down on the emails I get on how to fix a botched repaint install.

Performance:
It s a 60 year old airplane. It's going to be "anemic". My car has more horsepower.  If you want a "modem" version download a Pitts.

Sounds:
I originally released a test version with the Vega sounds and heard negative feedback. So I switched back to the old FS2002 sounds I had. The author of those sounds has since disappeared so no new updates were available. if you know of another FREE set of sounds I'd love to know about it .

Installation:
NOT using the installer is a pet peeve of mine. I spend hours getting that right only to have someone read in a forum to NEVER use the EXE. Then I get a dozen emails asking where everything goes after they sprayed it all over their Desktop. I NEVER include existing files and work hard to keep my file names unique.

Nitpicking the nitpicks:
"The wooden prop on this plane is great, even if the textures on the grain seem a bit large."Give me a break.
"..port exhaust coming out of the fuselage" Write an FX file that fixes that I'd be happy to include it in a patch.

[Wing Nut]

I was afraid this would happen.

[Flt.Lt.Andrew]

To quote Ecclesiastes "It is better to listen to the words of the harsh words of the wise man than the constant praising of fools".

A.

P.S This plane is amazing..its like its a real Stearman except not....

[beaky]

I have to add, Dave, that I certainly didn't mean to nitpick. Note the first words of my previous post, if you feel your work is not appreciated. I was going to point out  that for a free add-on, it goes above and beyond, but I figured that was obvious!! There are a lot of people here who are crazy about this model, and I'm one of them!!

[expat]

Hi Dave

As a Simviation USER and not a writer/contributor (programming is black magic to me, but stripping out the aircon packs on a 737 I can do with my eyes closed but one eye open for an engine fit!!), I would like to say what a great job you did.  The .exe worked just as advertised, and in combination with my TrackIR the 3d cockpit is a joy.
As for the wood grain on the prop, stop looking at the it, get it turning and fly this great plane. Then marvel at the other detail, such as the fuel flow. How many other aircraft include this...........none I think.
The cockpit is what flying is all about, not autopilot and external views.

Keep at it.
Matt

[Souichiro]

I have waited a long time for this stearman and it has been worth it. Definitely one of the better freewares around!!

[Ben_M_K]

Oh yes this plane is awsome. By far my favorite freeware prop plane. This should be payware. You could be rich Dave, but you decided to make it freeware and we are all very greatful for that...

[commoner]

...lovely job......well worth paying for......but freeware is ok by me

 Couldn't seem to find it here on SimV so had to Google for it.........wonderful, thanks Dave..............commoner

[Felix/FFDS]

Some comments from the author:

Sorry but you caught me on a bad night.

Inspector Poly refuses comment...


[quote]
Performance:
It s a 60 year old airplane. It's going to be "anemic". My car has more horsepower.