3 Years Later...

[Deleted]

IRIS comes out with their makeover of the Spartan. 3 years after I first purchased it. What better way to celebrate than a cargo flight from Prince Rupert to Telegraph Creek.

[pivo11]

Nice snaps.  Say, I remember that airplane.  I was interested at the time but didn't get it because you said it was a bit dodgy.  So, how is it now?  I would like to have a nice medium size cargo plane.

[Deleted]

Nice shots Bob. Ditto on Fritz's question about how it is now .

[Deleted]

Oct 1, 2014 6:16:53 GMT -5 pivo11 said:

Nice snaps.  Say, I remember that airplane.  I was interested at the time but didn't get it because you said it was a bit dodgy.  So, how is it now?  I would like to have a nice medium size cargo plane.

 Saying it was a bit dodgy was an understatement at the time. Total rebuild, so let me start with the negatives. Panel graphics are decent, but 3 years old. Plus a few blanking panels that look like maybe something was there at some point and removed, but graphically challenged in areas. Not a huge distractor, for me. The engine start is abrupt like turboprops modeled 3 years ago (and today too for most of them) but the ship won't launch you across the continent in the process. It won't even squat on the nose gear. The autopilot won't track an ILS very well (being looked at rumor has it). The copilots "FMC" doesn't turn on (good thing, done for frame rates but there have been a couple of complaints). The "FMC" doesn't work as a real FMC but it gives you access to many aircraft settings and configurations which is cool. And other stuff.

The good. The flight dynamics (other than the above mentioned engine start) are now top notch IMO, and that's what I really wanted out of this thing. Cob the throttles and go fly (IRIS now understands what FADEC means). It's too sensitive in pitch but then I feel that way about most FS planes. I dumbed that down a tad. Nice short field capability. Stops on a dime without any hysterics. Exterior visuals haven't changed one iota which is a good thing, it was a looker from the get go. Comes with a paint kit. All the ancient textures done for the original still work because the texture mapping was not changed (and didn't need to be). A new hotfix is already out with a new update to come so says IRIS.

Most of the few repaints done for this thing are military which makes sense. You won't find one of them working in the civilian world far as I know. But then isn't fantasy part of FS fun? Cargo paints done in the past include the Heavy Lift, a tasty Australian paint job from some cargo outfit, Toll and there's a FedEx job too.

Oh, and the best part? I paid 45 bucks for the original turd. It's better now and 'only' 30 bucks. US. Or Aussie (the US is running close on currency right now I believe). As usual I don't recommend planes because most of the enjoyment comes from the subject matter. If the type interests you enough you can overlook more flaws than you might with something else. C130/2.





Yeah that's right, I like weeds. Ever see my yard?

[Deleted]

Besides Fritz, who wants to suffer the indignities of cargo flying??

[Sandy]

I am seriously tempted by this one. Squarely in my wheel-house, an airborne truck but not a monster. Two engines. Props. ... Yep, gotta go look into this one.

[pivo11]

Thanks, Bob.  I might well spring for this one now.  The ILS and FMC problems doesn't bother me much and it's good to hear about the FDE's.  That's the thing, anyway.  Too bad about the engine start but there you are.  The paint kit is a plus for me.  

[olderndirt]

That was a great write-up.

[Deleted]

In addition to the already mentioned hotfix, they're continuing to revamp this thing so it might be a good idea to wait a while. Best place to keep up with it is at SOH. Seems to be somewhat of a front burner item right now. Everyone who bought the original is picking up the new version which is causing forum traffic which in turn seems to get the developer juices flowing. So let's hope the updates come quickly.

[pivo11]

Alright, thanks again, Bob.  Damn it, the itch is starting anew.  It's been many months since I have spent anything on FSX and I thought mebbe I was becoming reasonable.  So it goes.  By the by, I didn't mention that I thought the lights looked rather good in some of the earlier snaps.  Especially #4 and #5 in the first post.    I think the brag was "Lotus style lights", or something like that.  No matter, as it was those snaps that got my attention, I liked the way you composed them.  (Glenn is probably whirling around the room about now)   Anyroad, what do you think about the lights?  I truly love good lookin' lights.       

[Deleted]

I believe you are correct sir, seems "Lotus" is the descriptor for those style lights. Yes, I like them. Being military it has formation lights as well. I haven't tried those yet.

Couple other items while I'm thinking of it. I haven't found a pressurization panel anywhere. Not something I personally miss since it's no doubt highly automated RW. No pilots in the cockpit (other than yourself) but that's coming in the update. IRIS says they will also fix the blanking plate textures in the cockpit. They're contemplating turning on the right FMC which will no doubt just be a redundant for the left one. Bit of a frame rate hit but I'd guess pretty minor. I realize I didn't post any cockpit pics but you can check those out on the product page if'n you're interested.

It would look good in a Badwater and Hat livery ( someday you'll have to give us the story behind that name). Here's the SOH link where you can read the good, the bad and the ugly in case you haven't seen it yet.

[Deleted]

'Nuther interesting fictional paint...

[pivo11]

Thanks for the link.  The exterior really does look good, eh?  Maybe I'll just follow this for a time and see if there's any new fixes that come out in the near future but I do think I'll be getting it sometime soon. 

P.S.  I rather like that last shot.  Dunno why, just seems right.

[pivo11]

Version 1.2 has been released.  I don't know yet what fixes it includes. 

[Deleted]

Oct 8, 2014 1:24:37 GMT -5 pivo11 said:

Version 1.2 has been released.  I don't know yet what fixes it includes. 

Yes indeed although it seems some vendors are slow to get their sites updated with the new version. I hope to get it and put it to the test before the week is out.