Installation: Copy the KruseCurtiss folder to your fs2002\aircraft subdirectory. Copy the file 'ksail.cab' to the fs2002\Gauges subdirectory - leave it in the cab form, DO NOT unzip it.
Flying: The plane uses an 'invisible' gauge to control the ailerons (they hang down when the plane is standing still). You must cycle through one of the cockpit views in order to activate the gauge. You don't have to stay in that view, just look at it once and the ailerons will respond properly after that. There are no tricks to flying the plane, but remember you have no brakes or ground steering.
The Plane: This model was designed from pictures of my Great-Uncle Frank Kruse's plane combined with plans of other Curtiss planes of the time. I'm estimating that the plane was built in 1910 or 1911 from Curtiss plans published in 'Popular Mechanics'. The Curtiss museum is not aware of any Curtiss designs that used this style ailerons, however the rest of the plane is obviously Curtiss. We don't know what Uncle Frank was thinking, maybe this style ailerons were easier to rig. He flew the plane in the Chicago and central Illinois area and didn't die in the plane. Other than the pictures and my Grandmothers stories of some of Frank's other exploits not much is known of what became of his plane. And yes, that is Frank in the plane - at least the best I could do with the pictures available.
Credits: I marvel at the power and ease of use of FSDS2 (and the price!). Thanks to David Eckert for the pilot, Aaron R. Swindle Skysong Soundworks for the Cub sound package (somewhat modified for this plane), and all the help and encouragement at the SurClaro aircraft design forum.
Candy coated popcorn, peanuts, and a prize: I've include what is commonly called an 'easter egg' in the plane. Just a light hearted thing to make you smile. Be the first to e-mail me with what it is and how you activate it and I'll personalize a plane for you. After all, you ought to get something for wading through this doc.
Warning: Copyright 2003 Tom Eads. This plane may not be sold,
or included in any package, compilation, collection, or any other
form of distribution without the authors written consent.
