FS2002 Douglas DC-3 Cathay Pacific 'Betsy' VR-HDB
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'Betsy' was the founding aircraft of Cathay Pacific Airways, serving between 1946-1955. Based on Jan Visser's legendary DC-3 model for FS2000, updated for FS2002, this package includes both her original and later liveries. Transparent cabin windows (with authentic gunports in the early version - those were pioneering days!), full nightlighting, 3D interior with opening door, boarding steps/ladder and other details. Includes panel by Jorge 'Eko' Salas and FS2002 lights fix by Paul Pridmore. Repaints by Mark Beaumont.
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INSTALLATION
Either:
Unzip CPABETSY.ZIP directly to your main FS2002 folder. The folder 'Douglas DC-3 Cathay Pacific 'Betsy'' will be installed in your FS2002/AIRCRAFT folder. Gauges for Jorge Salas' panel will be installed to FS2002/AIRCRAFT. Smoke files will go to FS2002/EFFECTS.
Or:
Unzip to a temporary folder and move the respective folders to your FS2002 directory manually. This way you can ensure that no file is unwittingly overwritten.
Whichever way you do it, your new aircraft will appear in your FS2002 aircraft selection menu under the manufacturer 'Douglas' type 'DC-3', with two variations: 'Cathay Pacific 'Betsy' (OC)' and 'Cathay Pacific 'Betsy' (NC)'
No DC-3 sounds are included, but it is highly recommended that you replace the default file, which aliases to the C182, with realistic sounds. If this is not your first DC-3, then you may already have some; but otherwise, recommended are both those found on Trevor "Mr. DC3" Morson's site at www.douglasdc3.com (a must-visit site, in any case) or by sound guru Mike Hambly: search for the file DAKSND1.ZIP. Find it at: http://ftp.SurClaro.com/library/sendfile.php?DownloadID=12776
You may also wish to try alternative panels, although Jorge 'Eko' Salas' panel is excellent for most use and I'm honoured to include his panel here as he's a good chap too. PH-DDZ shipped with a gorgeous panel with full interior views and a very comprehensive manual; the MAAM R4D-6, known to every flightsimmer I think, has a spectacular and very complex panel. There are several others available at the major flightsim sites, but these two are the best available.
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OPERATION:
To close the move the steps, close the door and move the pilots to the cockpit on the early model, hit SHIFT/L. On the later aircraft, SHIFT/L installs the pilot effectively but you'll need to use your spoiler key '/' to raise the boarding ladder and close the door.
Smoke can be activated by hitting the "I" key.
Please see the panel documents for proper operation of Jorge's very functional panel. Please not that you will need the FS2002 Pro Mooney Bravo gauge to operate the panel. If you do not have this, download Jorge's own DC-3 Iberia repaint at
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BRIEF HISTORY:
American Roy C Farrell and Australian Sydney H de Kantzow founded Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong on 24 September, 1946. Initially based in Shanghai, the two men eventually moved to Hong Kong and founded Cathay Pacific Airways. Legend has it that Farrell and a group of foreign correspondents thought up the airline's unique name in the bar at the Manila Hotel!
"Betsy" was a C-47, serial no. 41-18385. Roy Farrell bought her at Bush Field in Georgia at the end of 1945; although she was an early model C-47, she had the freight door that Farrell knew was essential to start their trade in Asia. The purchase price was $30,000, and it is documented that Farrell played Augusta National Golf Course while formalities were being completed. Such was the man, such were the days.
The story of "Betsy's" life is a fascinating one and riveting stuff. This is not the place to set it out; anyone wishing to know more of her history should search out the following compulsory reading:
"Syd's Pirates" by Captain Charles "Chic" Eather
"Beyond Lion Rock - The Story of Cathay Pacific Airways" by Gavin Young
"Betsy - The Story of a DC-3" by Captain Martin J. Willing
Sold in 1955, "Betsy" was discovered, almost 30 years later flying cargo around the Australian outback. The Swire Group bought the aircraft back, repainted her in the original 1940s livery and returned her to Hong Kong.
Today, "Betsy" hangs suspended from the ceiling at the Hong Kong Science Museum.
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CREDITS:
Jan Visser, for the original aircraft; together with Bill Rambow, Roy Chaffin and others, Jan remains on the leading edge of development within FS. These repaints are based on the models of OH-LCH and PH-DDZ.
(As of this date, many await The MAAM team's new GMAX R4D-6 which may see a release in June of this year; Jan himself is rightly excited that there will be a DC-3 as a default aircraft in FS2004 later this year, with an excellent default panel. If Jan reckons that's a good thing, believe him!)
Jorge "Eko" Salas, for permission to use his panel in this package and for his friendship and advice. Also Samuel Linnell, on whose excellent bitmap Jorge's panel is based. Samuel has his own stand-alone DC-3 panel which you may want to have a look at. Samuels website is located here: http://sim.2ya.com
The author of the smoke effect. I do not know who this is, but it is not a standard FS2002 effect.
Martin Willing, author of "Betsy, The Story of a DC-3" for his generosity and information.
Paul Pridmore for permission to use his FS2002 lights "fix" for the FS2000 model.
Anyone else whose work might be here - in gauges or anything else - that I am unaware of. All files here, other than my repaint work, have been uploaded previously in the public domain as freeware. If anything is here that shouldn't be, please let me know and I'll replace it.
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Enjoy "Betsy"! Find those muddy grass strips in Burma ... and watch out for hijackers and air pirates.
This package may not be redistributed or further modified without prior consent from ALL the authors listed in the credits. Each has their own policy for distribution and modification, so please ensure all are contacted. They can all be traced through the major flight simulation sites.
Visit my own site at:
www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitak.html
to find listings and downloads of other Cathay Pacific aircraft and add-ons for FS2002.
