Michael R

[Michael R 4]

Preparing to start my journey into FS and wondered why such a big price difference between FSX and XPlane - do most load both or just stick to one ?

[allardjd 1,853]

If you're talking about the Microsoft FSX, the higher price reflects scarcity because it's "out of print", i.e. not being manufactured, supported  or sold by MS any more.  You can still get it from Amazon, E-Bay and probably some other places but it won't be a bargain.  Have a look at FSX Steam Edition (FSX-SE) by the Dovetail Group at Steam.  DTG licensed MS FSX software and improved it and are marketing it though Steam and the price is considerably lower than what you can get the old MS FSX for - it goes on sale from time to time if you can catch one.    Also, don't overlook Lockheed-Martin's Prepar3D (P3D).  It's also based on licensed MS FSX software, very much improved and is now a fully 64-bit application.

 

EDIT:  Sorry - I should have started this out with Welcome to Mutley's Hangar.  Always happy to see new people joining the hobby and the forum.

 

EDIT EDIT:  I didn't address your "multiple simulators" question.  Most people I know have more than one, not so much because they use more than one, but simply because they progressed from A to B and still have both.  There are exceptions to that.  Some folks like to dabble in more than one. 

 

If you're a newbie and want to get your feet wet and see what you like, I'd suggest FSX-SE to start.  It's relatively cheap, very capable, has tons of add-ons available and there is a wealth of knowledge in the community to help you through problems.  L-M P3d is better, in my opinion, but more expensive and requires more computer resources to run well.  X-Plane is coming along but you're kind of on a software island with that one, with a lot less available for add-ons, etc. 

 

It comes down to what you like.

 

John

 

 

[wain 879]

welcome Micheal R, agree with John's advise.......as for Xplane which I use a lot it's a whole different ball game, is under constant developement and does need a fair bit of tinkering and setting up. There are some great addons, planes, Ai traffic and great addon ATC and the night lighting is superb but FSXSE is probably better to start depending on your experiance.....if you are looking for advice though this is the number one place to be, helpful bunch we are and knowedgeable too....

 

Wayne

 

 

[brett 2,316]

Hi Michael, welcome to the forums here.

 

Some people stick with one sim and others enjoy the different aspects of them all. Each have their pluses and minuses but they all will give you the basic aspects of flight within the confines of computer based simulations and their default configurations. All of them can be improved with freeware and payware addons.

 

You don't tell us what level of familiarity you have with flight, if a beginner be prepared to learn the basics of flying first before delving into all of the extras to make them look visually better. It will help a great deal if you have a good understanding of computers, if not be assured that their is a large group of people that are always willing to help you if you ask and a lot of information out there that has already been discussed about not only the computer side but in the flight simulation side. 

 

Don't forget to look at each sims minimum computer requirements to make sure your rig will meet their needs.

 

It's a great hobby so I wish you the best in your journey, it's a great feeling the first time you get into the air and only gets better from there. 

[CAT3508 343]

Hi Michael, you could have my copy of FSX, as I dont use it anymore, but considering the cost of postage here in Oz, it probably wouldn't be worth it. Re monitors, I use 3, plus a small touch type one for my FMC.

Have fun,

 

Cheers.

Edited December 12, 2017 by CAT3508

[dodgy-alan 1,587]

Hi Michael, welcome to the hangar. We're a friendly bunch on here and will usually help out where needed.

I too run FSX and although old it still works well enough. Interestingly there are still hundreds of add-ons for the old FS9/2004 format. It's a much older format though and many modern computers running W7 and upwards will not run it. 

[Michael R 4]

Many thanks for all the replies - sounds like I'll start with FSX steam edition and just take it steady - bit like the real thing I guess - getting to know the basics and just building up from there.

Fascinating site even before the flying starts - regards to all.

Michael

[Captain Coffee 2,030]

Welcome Michael. FSX:SE is a great choice...I'll be heading that way myself fairly soon. I'm currently using the boxed version of FSX and encounter/defeat/fiddle with the usual FSX bugs. SE is supposedly more stable and the only thing holding me back is an upcoming ATWC for which i'm worried about breaking something before my leg...erm...not that I plan to break my leg, to clarify, as that sentence sounded oddly  like I had such designs.

 

I'd add that you are hopping into the habit at a very affordable time, the holidays. If you are new to flying in general i'd suggest taking advantage of the Carendo sale and pick up either their C172 or C152 models for FSX, they are hecka cheep right now and even cheaper at PC Aviator on their 10% off Tuesday sales...and both are terrific trainer birds a visual step or two above the stock FSX c172 (correct me if I am wrong, anyone currently using it, should FSX:SE have a carenado quality stocker bird included ...).

And if you are already a flyer, it's a good time to pick up one of their speedier and newer/shinier models at a good discount.

Edited December 13, 2017 by Captain Coffee

[allardjd 1,853]

FSX-SE has the C-172 as one of the default AC - not by Carenado, however.  P3D v4.x does not have a 172 at all - don't remember about the earlier versions of P3D.  I get along OK with the default 172 in FSX-SE.

 

P3D does have a Carenado A36 (straight tail) Bonanza amongst the stock AC, however.  Anything Carenado is generally pretty good but the Bonanza is a hotter, more complex AC  than  the Skyhawk and may be handful for a beginner.  If going with P3D as a newbie, I'd recommend a payware C-152 or C-172 as a trainer.

 

John