Air Caribou Expands Fleet

[Deleted]

Well, after a long absence, Air Caribou is gearing up. The missions for this version will include passenger and cargo sched services to NW Ontario and beyond. We were able to score some Metroliner III's at a good price and based on the test flights, these are going to be winners for us.

This is the Razbam Metroliner III. I must admit, it's pretty impressive. For some reason, I wasn't expecting much but it is on sale for a week or two so the price was right ($20). After only one test flight, I have to say I really like this airplane! It's better than most I have in my hanger. Very fully modeled, has both cargo and pax versions, and also air ambulance, military and probably a couple of versions I haven't found yet (there are 19 textures in all in the original delivery). The FDE's are extremely well done (credit where credit is due - I've been a critic of Bernt's FDE's on occasion, but these are outstanding), and the sounds are "very good" (they'd be excellent but for a few hiccups here and there). The airplane is very much steam driven and simple and complex at the same time. You have to learn how to work the avionics and handle the power plants, but once you have that down, it's a piece of cake. Now like I said, I have only about 30 minutes in it so far, so take all the above with that in mind. Nevertheless, here are some pics for you in case you're interested while it's on sale:


Canadian operator "Bearskin" flies these a lot all over Ontario


Air Caribou's new acquisition at Thunder Bay - this is the cargo version


This comes with a simple, easy to use load sheet that you complete before the flight. There are separate ones for each model.


The instrument panel is extremely well done. Well worn and most everything is modeled and seems to work (again, from my limited time in it).


From a previous generation . I like this one. The control yokes can be removed for better panel vis.


Air Caribou's new pax version.


Testing the Caution and Warning Annunciators.


You can slide the cockpit-cabin curtain back to check out your passengers. I suspect I'll leave them closed . If you have cargo, you see cargo, not people.


Last shot of the panel detail.

[Deleted]

PS - Re Vector 1.2, I noted in the flight with the 207 to Lessep's that the lakes weren't frozen down at Sioux Lookout, but were starting to freeze up near Lessep's. Well, the first shot was taken this morning out of Sioux Lookout. Guess it got cold overnight. Lakes are now all frozen .

[Bushpounder]

That looks GREAT! I like seeing the pax in back rather than empty seats all the time. Can you fly empty too? I've always liked this plane.

BP;)

[Deleted]

Nice paints Glenn. Love the 'bou.

Don, I'd echo Glenn's comments. I'll add the start dynamics are totally screwed, like most FSX turboprops (excepting the Majestic Q400 which was coded outside of FS). Other than that, can't think of a thing to complain about. Yet. Give me time.

The control panel is neat. The more people you put in via the panel, the more that show up in the back. The more cargo you add, the more it piles up in the cabin and looking through the open cargo door.

High River to Creston...(wrong paint for this part of the world, but you know, artistic license)

[pivo11]

That's a great looking airplane!  Razbam, you say?  Hmmmmm ...

Thanks for the pics and the info. 

[Deleted]

@don - I presume you can fly it empty. I haven't tried it, but I don't see why not. If it is empty, you won't see anybody/thing in the cabin, which is neat.

[Bushpounder]

Thanks for the input, all. I like that. Haul 10, drop off 5, fly, drop of 5. Head back with 3 new pax. That is cool. I may need to grab this one. I always wanted one.

BP;)

[Bushpounder]

One thing that does seem strange to me is one has the option to refill the engine fire ext. LOL! WHY!?!?!?! Do you use them a lot and this is really necessary? I'd rather have seen an option to refill the coffee pot or even the blue water! LOL!

BP;)

[Deleted]

   Glad to see things rolling again.    Must look into getting that A/C when I get my old HP running as I want it.     It was in  the hospital the last little while ---- new HD and few other  updates.      I now have quite a lot of work to do to put things together as I want them. OH well !!!! it keeps me ' off the streets', I guess.   
                        Carm.     

[Bushpounder]

OK ...... this download worked!! Cruising around California.



BP;)

[Bushpounder]

Now I can't open the paint kit. I think something has taken over my sim computer!?!?!?!

BP;)

[Deleted]

Jeez Don, sounds like you're having some problems there. What's going on with the paint kit? Maybe I can help?

[Bushpounder]

I tried to open it in Paint Shop, just like EVERY other thing I can paint, and I get an error. My son is going to check it out. I can open it in DXT, so I know it isn't a bad file. Damned gremlins are out for sure. LOVE the plane. Do you think it is a little too light on the pitch?

BP;)

[Deleted]

Hmmn, hopefully your son can help. That's strange. It might be that the files are made in a version of Photoshop that's too new for the version of Paint Shop you have, but I can't say that with any certainty.

Yeah, I generally up the stability of all axes in almost all my aircraft as my controls are a bit too sensitive. That's not just this airplane, but all.

[Bushpounder]

I found out the problem. I use PSP7. This paint kit has too many layers for PSP7. I downloaded GIMP for free, and it opens it right up. I need to check into getting a newer version of PSP. I don't want to learn the workings of another paint program.. Off to finish decaling my Canadian F-18, then it will be back to the sim! I agree with the sensitivity. What did you set your pitch to?

BP;)