As we all know, both I and fellow Wanganuiite spongebob206 are feverish DH.98 Mosquito fans, keenly awaiting the release of the new AH/JF Mosquito packs for FS9 and FSX. Until then, to keep us occupied we have the "bonus" glass-nosed B.IV in the JF Lancaster pack.
But what if, like me, you prefer the solid nosed fighter-bomber marks, bristling with guns and cannon? Whaddya do?
You head over to Sim-Outhouse and download the BSK Mosquito. Ostensibly a NF.II night fighter, it's exactly the same as the FB.VI used by Kiwi squadrons during WW2 and the Aussie-built FB.40s used at Ohakea in the 50s. I downloaded a paint for the original CFS2 version of Aussie Mossie A52-41, which is simple but looks damned good!, and took it for a spin around the home patch.
Question is, for a freeware model originally designed for CFS2, is it worth the 5.5mb download?
Phwoar! This has everything except firing guns! The VC is a little dull as the controls don't move but it is a pretty good representation of a Mossie office, based on shots I've seen on preserved examples. The map in the nav's hand is a nice touch! The 2D cockpit is a little sparse too but you'd probably be able to replace it with the JF Mossie one if you were so inclined. I'm yet to find a decent FS9 panel for the FB.VI. The cockpit access hatch opens and an accurate ladder pops out, the radiator flaps open, and the tailwheel steers. The sound pack is, in my mind, better than that which comes with the JF Mossie as it has nicer startup and shutdown sounds, but they sound a little crackly, like the aircraft was too loud for the mic they used. However, there hasn't been a Mossie flying anywhere since 1996, so I can understand why it could be hard to get realistic sounds!
Now, the pics!
Now, who's keen to do Kiwi repaints? I can supply pics from the net and see what I've got in my own collection. Also, in less than two years we should have TWO airworthy examples flying out of Ardmore (one sadly destined for America, the other to live here), with hopefully more to follow. Also, MoTaT have their nearly-completed example on display, albeit outside until the new annex is completed, so getting shots shouldn't be that hard for folks living in Aucks. There are some good shots at Wings Over Cambridge which I'm sure the photographer would only be too glad for us to refer to.
Anyone up for it?
