The 'Official' Screenshot & Tips thread 4 FSX enthusiasts & flight simmers.
- Thread starter Soya
- Start date
I think Orbx Bowerman and Iceland demos are standalone as they are used to show off Orbx Regions and Orbx Global with Landclass. I think Tasmania is a demo area as well but that was from when they first started out. The first 2 I mention are much more impressive. Not sure if the Iceland demo is P3D compatible, Bowerman is not yet.
If I was buying now I'd strongly consider P3D, it's got a modern GFX engine and is being supported and upgraded by LM. Version 2 is now on it's forth iteration. Like with MS or Laminar's products a major version update means a new purchase if you want to stay current. I've not seen any mention of V3 yet.
At times you can get FSX Gold for as little as a tenner which, if you're not sure you'll use it much, is not a lot to play around.
I can't remember if the flight training tutorials are in P3D or not, sorry. I'll look later if I remember.
Soldato
I haven't made the jump yet.
However, if I was to 'do it all over again', I would start with P3D or X-Plane.
I've got my FSX running sweetly now, but it's taken about 300 or so years to get right.
When P3D 64 comes out, I'll have to make a decision then. But if X-Plane 11 comes out, maybe that's the way forward.
Yes, use the academic licence.
As for tutorials, I don't know. If there aren't any included, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials.
I think you can download copies of both FSX and XPlane which run for 15 or so minutes. Gives you a brief chance to try them out. P3D offer a 60 day (I think) no quibble guarantee.
Bit far to travel but if you can get to Gatwick or Bristol there are groups of flight sim enthusiasts who meet regularly. I go to the Bristol one regularly and there you'll find people with PCs/laptops running flight sims you could look at. Mainly FSX but usually there is someone with XPlane or P3D. I suspect the Gatwick one is similar. Next Bristol meeting is this coming Sunday AM. See www.bristolflightsimgroup.org.uk
Bit far to travel but if you can get to Gatwick or Bristol there are groups of flight sim enthusiasts who meet regularly. I go to the Bristol one regularly and there you'll find people with PCs/laptops running flight sims you could look at. Mainly FSX but usually there is someone with XPlane or P3D. I suspect the Gatwick one is similar. Next Bristol meeting is this coming Sunday AM. See www.bristolflightsimgroup.org.uk
Thanks bt and picnic.
The meet ups do sound like a good idea actually. Gatwick is closer for me.
Incidentally I already have FSX + the Expansion, but just contemplating whether I should just go straight into P3D and start that way....
I know FSX was a pain to setup for multimonitor. Is it any less difficult in P3d?
(I have 3 monitors).
The meet ups do sound like a good idea actually. Gatwick is closer for me.
Incidentally I already have FSX + the Expansion, but just contemplating whether I should just go straight into P3D and start that way....
I know FSX was a pain to setup for multimonitor. Is it any less difficult in P3d?
(I have 3 monitors).
Soldato
The reason to go to P3D is once you get hooked, you're already for the future. You'll be buying addons that are P3D (backwards or forwards) compatible, hopefully making the most of the changes.
By all means use FSX, it's great, I love it and I can offer you all knowledge I have.
Unfortunately you spend as much time tweaking as you do flying..
As I've said, if you get yourself a headset, I happy to run through a lot of good stuff online.
PS As a former Amiga 500 and current A1200 owner, I 'hate' your signature..
By all means use FSX, it's great, I love it and I can offer you all knowledge I have.
Unfortunately you spend as much time tweaking as you do flying..
As I've said, if you get yourself a headset, I happy to run through a lot of good stuff online.
PS As a former Amiga 500 and current A1200 owner, I 'hate' your signature..
Thanks bt and picnic as always. Appreciate the input.
Picnic if you could let me know if p3d has tutorials. That would really sell it for me.
And bt - glad the sig annoys you
it sure annoyed me for many years.
Kinda miss it!
Picnic if you could let me know if p3d has tutorials. That would really sell it for me.
And bt - glad the sig annoys you
it sure annoyed me for many years. Kinda miss it!
Sorry - OK the picture is not great, there are 12 tutorials in P3D's scenario list. These are things like, helicopter basics and short field take offs and landings. Didn't see an airliner related one.
P3D has a scenario editor and SimDirector which between them offer more than FSX can provide I believe.
Finally, this page http://flightsimeindhoven.nl/?p=687 , shows you how to import FSX missions in to P3D but remember many of the FSX training flights use aircraft not in P3D to start with. I've not tried this!
Soldato
Speaking of tutorials, I should use/read them a bit more..
Two appalling flights on Vatsim this week.
First was trying to get from Lisbon to Maderia in the Airbus A319.
[Should have looked at a) my flight plan on Vatsim and b) my flight plan in the FMS - both wrong]
The second was circuits at Bristol last night in the same.
[I couldn't for the life of me control the AutoPilot. Going to high, going to fast, Alpha-Floor kicking in - disaster..]
I have bought some AES credits and they provide some lovely airport services. I'll get some pictures up this weekend.
Two appalling flights on Vatsim this week.
First was trying to get from Lisbon to Maderia in the Airbus A319.
[Should have looked at a) my flight plan on Vatsim and b) my flight plan in the FMS - both wrong]
The second was circuits at Bristol last night in the same.
[I couldn't for the life of me control the AutoPilot. Going to high, going to fast, Alpha-Floor kicking in - disaster..]
I have bought some AES credits and they provide some lovely airport services. I'll get some pictures up this weekend.
I see thanks. So you would say P3D is not beginner friendly compared to FSX?
That's hard to answer - if you're intent on learning to fly using the MS training missions then it's not as friendly but I never learnt using those way back when. Although I only fly GA, and normally VFR, so I'll crash and burn if you asked me to demonstrate a Learjet or bigger. Both support shared cockpits thus person to person training can be very effective.
I think P3D has greater potential in this area but that might be via 3rd party freeware or payware. You'd think there was a market for training as we can't use P3D for entertainment.
I think P3D has greater potential in this area but that might be via 3rd party freeware or payware. You'd think there was a market for training as we can't use P3D for entertainment.
MMm you would think.
Basically I am looking to conduct solo training (I found the FSX tutorials quite good for this).
I think as a first step I will use FSX.
Just out of interest is there any out of the box texture packs/programs which I can use to make it look a little generically bit better? Or are these the local airport/scenery apps?
Basically I am looking to conduct solo training (I found the FSX tutorials quite good for this).
I think as a first step I will use FSX.
Just out of interest is there any out of the box texture packs/programs which I can use to make it look a little generically bit better? Or are these the local airport/scenery apps?
With FSX I'd recommend Orbx FTX Global to get better textures, this will also work with P3D if you ever upgraded. If you're just flying in a small area then one of more local regions they do may fit the bill. For me Orbx do the best scenery but it's not cheap if you get in to it.
However, personally I like my photo scenery for the UK (Generation X is better than Real VFR IMHO) but many don't as you lose the 3D buildings and trees. To some extent these can be reclaimed (see RevolutionX and EarthSimulations Trees product). I'd also recommend Gary Summons UK2000 VFR Airfields. But Orbx England and Wales are cheaper if you're happy for a landclass representation over the real photo textures.
However, personally I like my photo scenery for the UK (Generation X is better than Real VFR IMHO) but many don't as you lose the 3D buildings and trees. To some extent these can be reclaimed (see RevolutionX and EarthSimulations Trees product). I'd also recommend Gary Summons UK2000 VFR Airfields. But Orbx England and Wales are cheaper if you're happy for a landclass representation over the real photo textures.
Guys, you have been absolutely great with your help. I really appreciate it. Ive decided to go down the FSX route for now (since I have the game already).
And will pick up Orbx FTX Global to start with.
And then moving forward once I have acclimatised myself with the basics I will then branch into the specifics as you guys have detailed, perhaps even moving to P3D.
I feel P3D is probably more suited to veteran Sim flyers than amateur ones looking to startup (like myself).
And will pick up Orbx FTX Global to start with.
And then moving forward once I have acclimatised myself with the basics I will then branch into the specifics as you guys have detailed, perhaps even moving to P3D.
I feel P3D is probably more suited to veteran Sim flyers than amateur ones looking to startup (like myself).
Good luck with it Cavallino 
I should have pointed out that if you're interested in online flying with others, but want something a bit more relaxed than VATSIM, the Bristol Flight Simulator Group run their own multiplayer server and organise group flights (VFR or IFR and there is a specific Dash 8 group). The CIX VFR Club were setup to promote VFR flying on VATSIM so 2 different 'markets'.
Also keep coming back here for help/encouragement as and when you need it
I should have pointed out that if you're interested in online flying with others, but want something a bit more relaxed than VATSIM, the Bristol Flight Simulator Group run their own multiplayer server and organise group flights (VFR or IFR and there is a specific Dash 8 group). The CIX VFR Club were setup to promote VFR flying on VATSIM so 2 different 'markets'.Also keep coming back here for help/encouragement as and when you need it
Thanks picnic
Tbh, I would love to participate in multiplayer sessions, but with all honesty Im just afraid if I say or do the wrong things and end up crashing into people and make a complete ass of myself!
I want to get the basics out of the way first before I take it to the next level which I am eager to embark on!
Tbh, I would love to participate in multiplayer sessions, but with all honesty Im just afraid if I say or do the wrong things and end up crashing into people and make a complete ass of myself!
I want to get the basics out of the way first before I take it to the next level which I am eager to embark on!
That's the beauty of the GA group at the BFSG - we don't care. We've had several people who would just tag along at the back, stay out of the way but listen in. Didn't take long for them to progress and start dialog. It's all about having some fun and learning something is a bonus as and when that happens 
We'd like everyone to improve but no one is excluded if they don't. Some argue we shouldn't be so tolerant but everyone has to start somewhere.
We'd like everyone to improve but no one is excluded if they don't. Some argue we shouldn't be so tolerant but everyone has to start somewhere.
Soldato
Don't forget to read Kosta's Guide to make the most out of FSX..