Redwing has released a patch to remedy the problems introduced by SU7. I don’t think it’s easy being a small developer when every Sim Update introduces new problems you need to solve.
Release notes:
“I’m happy to announce the 0.1.3 update which fixes the Asobo/MICROSOFT throttle/reverse errors during the SU7.
I am sorry for all the bugs after each update. Unfortunately I discover them like you and then without any help from Asobo/MICROSOFT I look for the flaws and fix them one by one.
All this time lost, each month, is a brake in the progress of the project … (60 hours since Friday).
This update adds an optimization that reduces the weight of the texture packs by 50%.
The aircraft is also full ready for takeoff when starting from the runway.”
Figured out the problem. I was in Developer Mode (having previously flown the PMDG DC6 and selected “Use NanoVg for XML gauges” from the Options bar which greatly improves the FPS for that aircraft).) Switched back from DV Mode and all is well.
Hi all, now that you have had this aircraft for a while, do you recommend it as a purchase? Also I see this is a small developer studio, so keen to throw some money there way if the aircraft is in good shape, to support them. It at least reads like a worthwhile purchase.
I’ve had the Constellation for about a month and been following Redwing on Discord. The team is very ambitious with many different versions in the pipeline, but also made clear it is a work in progress at this time. Unfortunately SU7 broke a lot of stuff and set the developers back. They are reworking the 3D model and textures right now. However the most important work being done is coding of systems and an AI flight engineer. During the last month there’s been two updates.
Redwing shared this WIP shot of the fuselage reworking on their Discord channel.
What is the status now? The plane does work in the sense you can start it up and take off. A lot of systems like mixture and navigation still needs work. It is a complicated airplane requiring three men in the cockpit so the AI FE is really needed to manage engines etc. An update with the first iteration of an AI FE is to be expected before Christmas.
So, should you buy it now? It depends upon your expectations and time frame. If you want a finished plane like the DC-6, then no. If you want to support a small developer taking on a big project and have patience I think you’ll be rewarded in the long run. If you’re still undecided then perhaps you should wait for the next update and see if it has a functioning AI FE.
To be frank, my Constellation have been parked in the hangar for some weeks while I take some time to explore the Ju-52. I like to take it slow and really dive into each plane. I’ve gathered some material on the Constellation to study over the holidays. When the AI FE update comes I’m sure I’ll get into the air again and get my money’s worth.
The question I have to ask is if you already have the PMDG DC6? Of the two, the DC6 is more polished and has more comprehensive systems at this point. It really sets the bar for this era of aircraft in MSFS. If you do already have the DC6 and still want the Connie, then yes, I would recommend it, but definitely as a work in progress. Considering the small size of the dev team, I think they have done a great job so far.
Thanks guys! It looks great! I am going to buy it to support the devs too, and not just for the aircraft.
I already have the DC6, and the Ju-52, both excellent aircraft and I still have a lot to learn on them, but I can’t resist getting the Constellation as well, even if it is WIP.
I’m pretty sure it had more to do with the state of MSFS and systems / engine / flight model modeling. This was easier to develop than their other more complex behemoths.
Agreed. The Connie is one of my most favorite aircraft ever produced, so my purchase here is because it looked like the team is on the ball and will continue supporting it, and it’s one of my target aircraft.
I just love this period of airliner, really from the dawn of flight through the 60’s.
The systems are a WIP, but it’s a very flyable aircraft right now, even for one person. The trick for me was mapping all four engines to the same throttle axes for power, prop, and mix. (I have three “throttles” – two on the actual throttle, and a slider on the stick. Power and prop RPM go on the main throttle, and mixture on the stick slider.) It’s not the most realistic way to fly the plane, but it doesn’t appear that individual engine “quirks” are modeled in the current plane (like PMDG added into the DC-6), so there’s really very little potential downside. The gauges in the front cockpit are enough to monitor what you’re changing and keep the MP and RPM in proper zones. And you can always pop over to the engineer’s station to fine tune things.
What the AI engineer will add for me is (I hope) the ability to get to the RIGHT settings for the engines – the manual has a good deal of info, but I’m still flying blind (pun intended) when it comes to proper engine management during flight. (I really need to learn how to properly use the performance charts included with all these aircraft…) And cut out a lot of the micromanagement tasks that you need to pay attention to if you’re running on “hard” mode.
Honestly, I think it’s a really good package for something that’s considered “early access” by its developers. Things will only get better from here, and that’s great.
Do you know if the paint-map is difficult to use? I would imagine, looking at the fuselage shape and the relatively poor fit of the current/default paints.
I’ll be much more interested once I see new liveries come aboard (either part of the package, or as freeware), such as Eastern and Capital (short nose).
Redwing has mentioned a blank template as part of one of the next updates. I don’t know how it is to work with. However I suspect they use the old school method rather than working with decals on the 3D model like Asobo and Aerosoft. The later results in much crisper textures but are difficult to replicate for modders.
I look forward to seeing a lot of skins for all the different carriers using the Constellation over the years. The 20 skins in the base package and 100+ liveries on Flightsim.to for the the DC-6 really keep the experience fresh for much longer, so I hope we will see the same for the Connie.
I got the new beta version today. Version 0.15. There has been a lot of version in between. I am excited to see how people are gonna like the new AFE and Fire / Smoke system.
