A-20 Havoc FSX Native

[wellis]

See if these help.
Can bomb bay doors show closed in VC...?

Nicely done sir! Except it is clear that I am going to have to go back and add detail. It is okay, I knew it was coming.

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to your question. I think that is one for Milton.

 

[Milton Shupe]

Nicely done sir! Except it is clear that I am going to have to go back and add detail. It is okay, I knew it was comeing.

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to your question. I think that is one for Milton.

Assume you are referring to something you see in the Camera views. I have not yet installed so I cannot answer to what the issue may be.

EDIT: Okay, the Bomb Bay view. You have this set up as a "Cockpit" view instead of an exterior view. In the VC model, I delete a lot of parts to improve VC frame rates so all views (aside from the interior ones) should be using the exterior model instead of the VC/interior model.
OTOH, if this is truly an interior view, then I will have to leave all the bomb bay parts intact like bombs, torpedoes, bomb racks,etc. where I usually delete them from the VC model because there is no way to get there from inside the aircraft (unlike the Marauder). So, if you can use the exterior/aircraft category there, that would help. Otherwise, I would drop that view.

 

[BendyFlyer]

Milton or anyone else who might know. It seemed to me that there was going to be RAAF skin for the A-20 in the FS9 release, it was featured in some screenshots of skins re the package. I downloaded the package but no RAAF paint in it. Did this livery get released? I have been unable to find the RAAF livery for the Havoc and was hoping to have it to put on the FSX revised version.

Any advice or assistance appreciated in due course.

 

[Milton Shupe]

Milton or anyone else who might know. It seemed to me that there was going to be RAAF skin for the A-20 in the FS9 release, it was featured in some screenshots of skins re the package. I downloaded the package but no RAAF paint in it. Did this livery get released? I have been unable to find the RAAF livery for the Havoc and was hoping to have it to put on the FSX revised version.

Any advice or assistance appreciated in due course.

BF, I have asked Wellis to respond to this one.

 

[wellis]

Milton or anyone else who might know. It seemed to me that there was going to be RAAF skin for the A-20 in the FS9 release, it was featured in some screenshots of skins re the package. I downloaded the package but no RAAF paint in it. Did this livery get released? I have been unable to find the RAAF livery for the Havoc and was hoping to have it to put on the FSX revised version.

Any advice or assistance appreciated in due course.

Hi BendyFlyer...the RAAF paint you are referring to is in the G model. The texture is entitled "Hilda Shane". Or at least it is in the package that Milton uploaded. Just checked and it is there in Milton's package at this end. Let me know if you still aren't seeing it and I will set you up with a link.

 

[Milton Shupe]

Hi BendyFlyer...the RAAF paint you are referring to is in the G model. The texture is entitled "Hilda Shane". Or at least it is in the package that Milton uploaded. Just checked and it is there in Milton's package at this end. Let me know if you still aren't seeing it and I will set you up with a link.

Wellis, BF, only the "C" was uploaded for FSX as it is the only native FSX product that is ready.

The "G" and the P70's will come later.

 

[Milton Shupe]

The previous post got me thinking (a dangerous thing at times), the FSX G, P-70A1/A2 models are portovers. They work of course with the normal glass and prop mesh issues associated with portovers.

If you would like to have them in spite of this, I will upload them for you. They each alias to the C model's panel and sounds.

 

[wellis]

The previous post got me thinking (a dangerous thing at times), the FSX G, P-70A1/A2 models are portovers. They work of course with the normal glass and prop mesh issues associated with portovers.

If you would like to have them in spite of this, I will upload them for you. They each alias to the C model's panel and sounds.

I guess I was confused..his question sounded like he was addresing the FS9, as I read it, it still seems that way, even though we are on the "native" thread, although I understand why he was asking here. Guess I still haven't had enough coffee.

 

[Milton Shupe]

I guess I was confused..his question sounded like he was addresing the FS9, as I read it, it still seems that way, even though we are on the "native" thread, although I understand why he was asking here. Guess I still haven't had enough coffee.

LOL Actually, he was talking about FS9 and was hoping to secure the livery for a later release in FSX, as I understand it now.

No need to do that really as it will be included in the FSX release for the "G" model.

Sorry that I confused the question.

 

[wellis]

In the meantime, No. 17 of the 47th BG is starting to come together (for both FSX and FS9).

 

[Milton Shupe]

Hey Wellis, you know I really like that scheme. Thank you Sir.


And for the rest of you FSX native lovers, I have started converting the "G" model to FSX native. It will take a few days and with testing hopefully we can get that to you by the weekend coming.

 

[BendyFlyer]

LOL Actually, he was talking about FS9 and was hoping to secure the livery for a later release in FSX, as I understand it now.

No need to do that really as it will be included in the FSX release for the "G" model.

Sorry that I confused the question.

I think I confused myself, for the sake of clarity, yes it was the original FS9 that I spied the RAAF livery. I did not pay close attention to the model numbers, C, G etc. In that case I will await the G model, in the meantime off to try out the C model in FSX having spent a lot of time and trouble lately with PNG and Pacific scenery (backdated to a world long gone WWII through to the 1960's).

I have more than a passing interest in this aeroplane and the RAAF, A Flt LT Middelton was awarded Australia's highest military medal the VC for action in PNG in the HAVOC and they sort of slipped out of consciousness with a lot of aviation historians in this country. As for model numbers only to confuse the issue further , well me anyway, the RAAF originally picked up DB-7B's (ex Dutch), this was followed by more DB-7C's MK III (bulit new), these were then replaced by the A-20A's (The livery I think is A28-34-DU-B). the RAAF never wanted them apparently but used them from 1942 to 1944, all the remaining Bostons (Havocs) were then scrapped, reason, they were worn out from several years of non stop combat missions against the Japanese. Although these were replaced by the A-20G these in turn were generally replaced by the Beaufighter and the Vultee Vengeance, in ground strike anti-shipping roles in combat. Gone but not forgotten this is one of two remaining Havoc's, one is in the RAAF Museum at Point Cook in Victoria Australia, the other up at Amberley Air Force Base in Queensland in USAF colours because technically it was a USAF aircraft. Both look great, tremendous restoration job from basically scrap out of PNG.

Oh this is what they had to work with at the beginning (Salvaged from PNG I think):

The other Boston/Havoc in Queensland:

 

[roger-wilco-66]

Thank you all for making this happen! Excellent work, my hat's off!


Cheers,
Mark

 

[BendyFlyer]

First up, thank you to all those involved, Milton and all the other contributors. A really nice job. Tried the Boston (sorry!) out in PNG some feedback but first:

The Havoc (Boston) at about F130 flying down the spine of the PNG highlands.

I noted that this is a Beta model with the usual caveats. A little feedback. General handling was as I would expect for an aeroplane of this size and midwing design. Flys nicely and is good fun to operate. Textures etc are excellent good work.

Not sure what is known or not known but I presume some or a lot of switches etc will be added later or perhaps not. Some views would be greatly appreciated to take advantage of the other crew positions.
I could not get the load sheet popup to work at all, it comes up but nothing is clickable or changes on the sheet data if the mouse is pointed at it,

The blowers (superchargers) levers come up as inop but moving if selected is one such bug. Could not operate the cowl flaps using the levers but usual key commands did make them work. Lights appear to work but no night flying done yet. The Hydraulic pressure gauge did not appear to work at all but remained at 0 the whole way, before and after start. No issue with fuel tank selection after model selection to get it started using CTL+E.

Not sure about the power for this one. Firstly my MP did not change from climb power of 42" after take off all the way to 18,000 ft which is not correct unless the superchargers were working automatically (but they are selectable). You will see from the above screenshot the nose up atittude and it seemed that the aircraft needed about 6 degrees of pitch up to remain level which seems high to me but not unusual for some aeroplanes.

Cylinder head temperatures did not do much in the way of reflecting operating conditions (hot PNG) and basically stayed in the normal range despite a lengthy climb to FL's. Climb rate was good but it seemed to hit a service ceiling of about 15,000 ft after which it would not climb at all and would take some coaxing to get up to Fl180 after which no go!. This lack of power was reflected in the IAS which did not get above 150 for me in the cruise at altitude or otherwise and at FL's settled at 120 kts IAS with full power (46"MP) and 2450RPM, leaned. Does appear to have a tendency to wander to the left if not hand flown constantly, it is a gentle yawing condition but found it hard to keep it trimmed and tracking correctly without constant heading changes.

I have to say I really like this one, it is a delight.

 

[jeansy]

Hey Wellis, you know I really like that scheme. Thank you Sir.


And for the rest of you FSX native lovers, I have started converting the "G" model to FSX native. It will take a few days and with testing hopefully we can get that to you by the weekend coming.

dont bust a nut milton making a G, its a common mistake in ref to the G as the RAAF used, 7Bs, As, Ds and Gs

http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a28.htm

 

[wombat666]

Most of the RAAF Bostons were a motley collection gathered from numerous sources as Matt pointed out in his link.
No.22 Squadron operated under difficulty with an aircraft that was regarded by the Brass as interim pending the arrival of the the terrible Vultee Vengeance, an epic aviation failure if ever there was one.
The only G models to come close to RAAF service were a USAAF pair that force landed on Mornington Island en route to Horn Island in January 1944, so far off course they were lucky to have been sighted by a No.43 Squadron Catalina (A24-56) returning form a raid on Laha.
In February 1944 several 43 Squadron personal attempted to salvage the Havocs, but one was badly damaged and the other immovably stuck in the sand!
Both were 'reduced to spares', ending the only opportunity for the RAAF to operate the G model.
No.22 Squadron ceased operating their Bostons after losing the majority of them to a Japanese attack in late 1944 (IIRC).

 

[Milton Shupe]

First up, thank you to all those involved, Milton and all the other contributors. A really nice job. Tried the Boston (sorry!) out in PNG some feedback but first:

The Havoc (Boston) at about F130 flying down the spine of the PNG highlands.

I noted that this is a Beta model with the usual caveats. A little feedback. General handling was as I would expect for an aeroplane of this size and midwing design. Flys nicely and is good fun to operate. Textures etc are excellent good work.

Not sure what is known or not known but I presume some or a lot of switches etc will be added later or perhaps not. Some views would be greatly appreciated to take advantage of the other crew positions.
I could not get the load sheet popup to work at all, it comes up but nothing is clickable or changes on the sheet data if the mouse is pointed at it,

The blowers (superchargers) levers come up as inop but moving if selected is one such bug. Could not operate the cowl flaps using the levers but usual key commands did make them work. Lights appear to work but no night flying done yet. The Hydraulic pressure gauge did not appear to work at all but remained at 0 the whole way, before and after start. No issue with fuel tank selection after model selection to get it started using CTL+E.

Not sure about the power for this one. Firstly my MP did not change from climb power of 42" after take off all the way to 18,000 ft which is not correct unless the superchargers were working automatically (but they are selectable). You will see from the above screenshot the nose up atittude and it seemed that the aircraft needed about 6 degrees of pitch up to remain level which seems high to me but not unusual for some aeroplanes.

Cylinder head temperatures did not do much in the way of reflecting operating conditions (hot PNG) and basically stayed in the normal range despite a lengthy climb to FL's. Climb rate was good but it seemed to hit a service ceiling of about 15,000 ft after which it would not climb at all and would take some coaxing to get up to Fl180 after which no go!. This lack of power was reflected in the IAS which did not get above 150 for me in the cruise at altitude or otherwise and at FL's settled at 120 kts IAS with full power (46"MP) and 2450RPM, leaned. Does appear to have a tendency to wander to the left if not hand flown constantly, it is a gentle yawing condition but found it hard to keep it trimmed and tracking correctly without constant heading changes.

I have to say I really like this one, it is a delight.

Good reporting BF; it will have more meaning to me to know what sim you are flying and the version if P3D.

These are not my experiences in FSXA.

In FSX and P3D, everyone please check their gross weight in the sim before flying. There is a bug in the Load Out sheet that leaves the fuel and weight in place for the external tank even when not selected and showing. This will give an overweight of ~7000lbs.

BF, this may have been part of your problem.

 

[BendyFlyer]

Milton, I am using FSX-A. I will check the loading issue, thanks for the tip.

 

[Ferry_vO]

It's a beautiful model, but I can not get it started in FsX:Steam!

I load the plane, configure the tanks, open the fuel valves (With or without cross feed, tried both.), start the engine and wait for it to spool up so I can mesh it. The engine rotates a couple of times and then just stops.
Don't know what I'm missing here?

 

[Milton Shupe]

It's a beautiful model, but I can not get it started in FsX:Steam!

I load the plane, configure the tanks, open the fuel valves (With or without cross feed, tried both.), start the engine and wait for it to spool up so I can mesh it. The engine rotates a couple of times and then just stops.
Don't know what I'm missing here?

As explained above in Post # 34 announcing the "pre-beta" release and in the docs I think, the manual start procedure does not work in FSX/P3D, only FS9. You will need to use auto-start.