Goran_M

I didn't want to mention anything about this until I felt it was the right time. On Christmas Eve, I had a weekly Virus and Spyware scan scheduled for 11PM. After a day filled with food and kids, I decided to sit down and work on the 747. The virus scan finished and it detected 1 virus, 1 malware and 4 or 5 spyware. My Anti Virus recommended a PC restart to complete the deleting of the offending virus and other nasties. I restarted the PC after saving my work. Upon re-booting, I would get to the Windows Logo and it would shut down and continue to restart. It was stuck in a boot up loop. Instead of risking any further problems, I decided to re-install windows on my 2nd hard drive in the PC and retrieve all my stuff that way. No go. Windows needed to delete all partitions and then re install. So yes, I lost ALL my work, manuals, blend files, programs, documents, absolutely everything. But, here's what was salvageable. Reuben had the Saab blend file as he was working on animations. Theo had the Bonanza and all the UV maps for the Saab. The Hawker 4000 and the 747-200 were both gone. A few days later, Jason (Airbus) and I started talking on Skype and I told him what happened. He mentioned he had a very late version of the Hawker 4000. The only things missing were the pilots seats. Ok, that was saved. But my jewel, the 747, no one had it. I felt so sick to my stomach. I actually threw up when I realized there was no way for me to get it back. I also came very close to quitting the 747 project. I took a day off on Christmas day, reflected on everything, and decided to get started on it again from square 1. Again, I built the exterior in a couple of days and got started on the flaps and control surfaces. Then, I caught up with "Indi" and mentioned to him what had happened. He asked me if I sent it to anyone in "dropbox" and I told him I did send a few versions to Theo (which he subsequently sent back after UV mapping some small sections). He said the web based interface of Dropbox keeps images of deleted files. (Something I had no idea about.) I went to the web based dropbox and low and behold, I found the 747 deleted files. However, A lot of the engineers panel was missing (it only had the electrical and pressurization panels) and the Main panel was not built yet. The overhead panel was intact. I was happy the gear was there because that was a real pain to model. So for the last 2 weeks, I have been pumping the creative juices into the Saab manual and catching up on the 747-200 modelling. BACK UP YOUR WORK PEOPLE. I took it for granted. No more. In saying this, I have an improved FE panel I have been working on. I got my hands on a panel diagram manual used by British Airways and have been modelling against that so it is more accurate than before.

Unlikely dead or dying. If you start seeing artifacts on the screen, I would say it's on its way out. Adjust settings and then set them as default. Goran

Working like crazy. 4 of us are working on this Aircraft now (i'm actually working on the manual) to get it out as quickly as possible with little or no bugs. There are a few things giving us problems that we are trying to sort out and they are proving very stubborn! Once we sort out these issues, it will be ready for release. Goran

So would you be willing to fly a Saab 340 with an immaculate flight model but with 3D modelling and texturing like this? http://www.simviation.com/fsnd/images/2008-11-15_12-53-33-749b.jpg I think what SHOULD be available is a combination of well presented 3D modelling, flight modelling and texturring. Goran

If Boeing are going to license it, it better have a realistic cockpit. Not to mention the correct airfoil data. We'll see how it turns out. Goran

I'm probably not going to make a Saab 2000. The reason for this is: The Saab 2000 has an identical FMS and display screens as the CRJ-200. So for 2 X-Aviation developers to make 2 completely different aircraft with identical FMS and displays makes it seem like "who copied who in this situation??". I did ask Anton for a license for the CRJ FMS he is making for Javier, but he made me understand this way of thinking and after considerring all the options, I tend to agree with him. In saying this, there is a payware Saab 2000 being developed by someone at x-plane.org. He made an early flight model for me and he also showed me some early blender work and it looks very promising. I told him the project was his and he feels as though he can tackle it. The 340B WILL be made as soon as the A is released. While I make those, the Hawker 4000 will be programmed and that will take about 2 months (hopefully), then the 747-200. I have another project planned for after the 747-200. I've told Theo about it and he doesn't want me to do it. He said "No No No No No". But I'm the boss so he can shut up. (I love you Theo. You know that!) He hates it because it's another big one. AND a texturing nightmare. (And no, it's not an A380) No word on that project just yet. When I finish modelling the 747 and the upgrades to the Saab 340B, THEN I'll mention my next project. Goran

Apologies for the delay in getting this aircraft out. Unfortunately, we missed our target, only because we want it to look just right. Performance-wise, it flies exactly as it should. I've had a REX airlines Saab 340 pilot take the planemaker flight model on a few trips and he's very happy with how it handles. The only things holding us up now are a few texture issues (which Theo cannot sort out until Saturday as he's out of town) and the complex animations involving things like the altitude/airspeed spinners on the main panel. Everything else is fairly straightforward. Again, many apologies for the delay as I know, judging from the emails I have been getting, many of you are waiting for this aircraft. Very soon. Goran

Very soon. Ironing out a few little gremlins. Goran

Obviously, a lot has been said about the A380. Well, Peter has been following the talk around the various forums and has offered an explanation about why he did what he did. In it, he admits to paying someone for modelling it. Something I knew for quite a while but left up to him to divulge. Anyway, his statement: http://petersuv.vs120062.hl-users.com/A380/poligons.html Goran

No one wants this to turn into a debate. Personally, I do have Peters A340, and for the money I paid for it, it's not bad. It's not what I expected, but it was probably one of the more better add ons for X Plane that I saw when I bought it. The only thing most of us have an issue with is, it's a 1.5 million polygon plane (Way too excessive. Not necessary to model that many polygons); by his own admission, it is lacking some systems pages. So it's not like, "I finished it so it's time for release". But he knowingly put it up for sale with missing systems pages on the displays for an inflated price. That should be an early to mid Alpha version. The texturing needs some improvement, and from what I have noticed, most people want an accurate representation of the aircraft for that amount of money. Sure, if you want a plane with some rudimentary instruments and systems that somewhat reprsent the A380, then by all means, buy his plane if you don't mind paying that much. I have no doubt it is an accurate flight model. But the systems cannot be programmed unless you have the FCOM and AOM. And I seriously doubt Airbus Industries will part with that information lightly. Personally, I have a lot of respect for Peter. He runs his own website and does most things on his own. But I believe if you're going to do something for a profit, make sure you do it properly. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure people will post comments about it either here or at x-plane.org.

48 hours one time on the Hawker 4000. A few 33 hour sessions. But averaging about 19 hours per session now. Goran

Been a while since I posted something up. Been a crazy week. Work is continuing at a "constant" pace on the Saab. I'm organizing the manual and a tutorial while Theo and Reuben are tying up the loose ends on their respective work load. I have seen a few screenshots of the textured panel and overhead and it looks incredible. No screenshots yet as SOME colors are slightly off and Theo is going to "tweak" them. Won't be too much longer! Thanks for the comments, P-38. I'll see what Theo can do about a Pen-Air. Goran

on his website, he says not all systems pages have been done on the displays...yet. Goran

$65 for an incomplete A380?? :-\ This should not be released yet! ESPECIALLY at that price! Goran

Actually, I wouldn't mind having a lash at Peter's A380 pit. But, I don't think I would have time to do it until some time next year. Goran

Proceeds from the Saab will go to a nice coffee machine and a hot meal at a steakhouse! I'm eating so much chinese instant noodles, I'm starting to speak chinese.

Jacoba, your comments are very much appreciated! It's posts like this that make me push myself harder than what I normally do, to bring the absolute highest quality product I am capable of making, to those who plan on buying it. And if those that buy it are happy with what we do (not just Reuben, Theo and myself, but all of us who are under Camerons stable, including Cameron), then the late nights (or early mornings) are well worth it! Thanks again! Goran

That's a major compliment and is very much appreciated. Goran

This will be an accurate representation of the 747-200, so yes, it will have a Delco Carousel IV INS system. http://forums.x-pilot.com/index.php?topic=426.msg2888#msg2888 Goran

I'm wearing out my scroll wheel on my mouse! I managed to trim a little of the poly count. Got rid of 30 000 polys, mostly from the landing gear and some from the fuselage. More renders... Engineers panel Beginnings of the Captains Panel I also got in touch with a retired Flight Engineer (he flew on the -100 and -200) and he'll be providing some very useful information for me should I need it.

http://forums.x-pilot.com/index.php?topic=359.msg3276#msg3276

We are about 2 days behind our original schedule. There were some serious problems in Blender and the animating process (constant Crash to Desktop when selecting 2 layers in Blender). But we got it sorted out via a backup and progress is moving forward once again. If not before Christmas, then definitely very soon after Christmas. Please understand, we want this to be as complete as possible. Releasing an add on that looks like it needs finishing is not what we want to do. Not to mention being with our families for Christmas day, and for some, Christmas Eve. (My house will be full of extended family on the 24th) What I can tell you for sure, is the externals (flaps, rudder, ailerons, etc...) are completely animated and working in the simulator. Work continues now on the cockpit. Theo, in his own words, is 80% finished texturing. In the meantime, I'm getting a manual together along with a tutorial. Although, I can't do much without a completed Saab as I have to make sure the manual and tutorial reflect what we have created. In any case, release will be very soon. Goran

All my work will be sold at: http://www.x-aviation.com/catalog/ Expect to see the Saab up there very soon. Goran

awwwww, I guess I can get Theo to throw in an Air Canada. Re: the work involved...I have had more than 1 person tell me I was in over my head with this aircraft. ME included. I have to say, it's not an easy one to make. But the workload is what I expected. It's one of those things where I just need to be patient and take 1 step at a time until I'm finished. 1 thing is for certain. I will finish it earlier than I anticipated. Goran

The liveries I have in mind are (in old colors): Qantas Cathay United Atlas British Airways NorthWest and KLM There may be more but these are on my "definite" list.