BendyFlyer
Charter Member
This is belated recognition of a FSX model that sort of slipped past without much notice for some reason. It was the Lockheed Ventura ((Native) for FSX Beta produced by Milton Schupe with contributions by: Tom Falley, Rachael Whiteford, and Sounds by Nigel Richards. Pilot figures by Jan Visser back in March 2018. The Drop tank gauge was by Robert Sanderson. With time on my hands I set to do a repaint to get the scheme and era I wanted and well get to know the Ventura. This was an impressive package. Included was a copy of the original US Army Manual. Several models and liveries (RAF, Canadians and US) - glass nose and solid nose. The textures are beautifully done with bumps and speculars bringing out the rivets and joins. The VC is a treat, authentic in all aspects and most if not all relevant switches and gauges modelled and mouse clickable. Interesting internal views - right side observer or 2nd pilot, midsection, then navigator station. Bomb bays are operable and the turrets rotate in flight. The auxillary wing drop tanks are droppable. The colouring and general finish is first class, gauges and edges. Spend some time in this one and you begin to feel you are flying the real thing. Numbers and performance is per the book. FSX and FSXA Native model and high quality dds textures.
Well as for the Ventura?
First if your not into Lockheed style, round motors and slower times with basic navigation systems (gyros and compasses) understood but if your are then this is a great model and a welcome addition to the simulator.
The Ventura was mid to mid heavy development of the Hudson fitted with P&W 2800 engines. While a capable bomber it could handle a variety of tasks including reconnaissance, maritime patrol, personnel transport or evacuations and it got about at about 200 knots. It had an eliptical narrow chord wing and a big solid fuselage aptly called the 'Rounder'. Twin fins and rudders gave it the standard Lockheed look. The Ventura was basically the Hudson with a bit more muscle and girth. The wing had a high wing loading resulting in the need to fly this aircraft at higher speeds and carry a lot more power in all phases of flight, get on the back of the drag curve and it will fall out of the sky on you in a flash, which they did repeatedly on some.
While I really enjoyed the Lodestar by Milton and friends, the Ventura is another aeroplane again with its own character. Light on the controls but no rocket, solid performance but not sparkling. Ideal for long periods in the air in reasonable comfort. The animations are great, the finish amazing and the VC a high quality effort.
Glad to rediscover this 'Rounder' from Milton hope some of you do too. 9/10. A Schupe classic.
A couple of shots:
In the cruise.
The pointy end.
Interior - Nav station looking forward
And Milton was right with the Beta Release, it did not need any more work so the Beta is the one it stayed at. That is credit to all involved as well.
Well as for the Ventura?
First if your not into Lockheed style, round motors and slower times with basic navigation systems (gyros and compasses) understood but if your are then this is a great model and a welcome addition to the simulator.
The Ventura was mid to mid heavy development of the Hudson fitted with P&W 2800 engines. While a capable bomber it could handle a variety of tasks including reconnaissance, maritime patrol, personnel transport or evacuations and it got about at about 200 knots. It had an eliptical narrow chord wing and a big solid fuselage aptly called the 'Rounder'. Twin fins and rudders gave it the standard Lockheed look. The Ventura was basically the Hudson with a bit more muscle and girth. The wing had a high wing loading resulting in the need to fly this aircraft at higher speeds and carry a lot more power in all phases of flight, get on the back of the drag curve and it will fall out of the sky on you in a flash, which they did repeatedly on some.
While I really enjoyed the Lodestar by Milton and friends, the Ventura is another aeroplane again with its own character. Light on the controls but no rocket, solid performance but not sparkling. Ideal for long periods in the air in reasonable comfort. The animations are great, the finish amazing and the VC a high quality effort.
Glad to rediscover this 'Rounder' from Milton hope some of you do too. 9/10. A Schupe classic.
A couple of shots:
In the cruise.
The pointy end.
Interior - Nav station looking forward
And Milton was right with the Beta Release, it did not need any more work so the Beta is the one it stayed at. That is credit to all involved as well.
