April, 1999


The FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BROTHERS AIRCRAFT COMPANY  is proud to present an update to it's latest 
creation (WBC337v2.ZIP):
___________________________________________________________________________________

1980  CESSNA  MODEL 337 SKYMASTER SERIES - FEATURING
     1.  Turbo Skymaster  (skymstr2.zip)
     2.  Pressurized Skymaster  (skymstp2.zip)
___________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES TO VERSION 2.0

Well here is version 2.0 of my 337-Skymasters.  Actually I'm updating my 337's as well as my 185 Skywagons (under seperate uploads) to take advantage of the transparent surfaces, especially the prop.  It does improve the visual appearance over the prop circles of the previous upload, although I'm sure some of you will be sorry to see the prop circles go <G>.  I also took the opportunity to improve the texture files just a bit, especially improving the 3D appearance of the landing gear and the antennas.  

I might recommend Michael Verlin's Skymaster panel (c337pnl.zip) and Aaron R. Swindle's Skymaster sound set (337sma.zip).  Both are available at flightsim.com.  If you can afford the space on your hard drive, these files are very worthwhile!!

OK, to be honest with these uploads, I'm biding my time until the new aircraft factory program comes to market.  I'm presently sitting with a 3/4 completed model of the 1998 Cessna Grand Caravan.  It looks pretty good but rather than fight with the parts total (which now stands at 100%), and choose between the cargo pod or the wing mounted radar or who knows what else, I'd wait for the larger parts limit of the new program. When it arrives, I can complete the Grand and proceed with the standard caravan, the amphib and the cargomaster.  Look for these next Frank Lloyd Wright Brothers creations soon at an upload site near you.

Have fun and let me know how you find these files in FS98. I can be reached at debohde@compuserve.com or debohde@csi.com.


INTRODUCTION (FROM VERSION 1.0)

It's been called the Bugsmasher, Sky Thrasher, Pushpuller and Mixmaster but no matter what you call it, it's one fine looking airplane.  Though I've never piloted a Skymaster, I've always admired them from afar.  I just found out that a non-local cousin of mine actually owned one for quite a few years and I didn't even know it.  Boy, did he get a "thrashing".

This FSFS model actually goes back to March of 1996 when it was my first attempt at aircraft design following my purchase of the (then new) Program.  I completed (?) it in May of that year and flew it around the world, stopping at each and every default airport in Flight Simulator 5.0. (yes, I am a fan).  The original version was a fairly decent visual model but since I had no clue as to how to use the texturing portion of the Program, I "painted" the visual model with "insignia parts".  It bled, it flashed, it behaved very badly from a visual standpoint.  Since it wasn't quite right (and since I wasn't yet on-line) I never uploaded the original model.

I took some time off and in August of 1996, I started crafting the first "Frank Lloyd Wright Brothers" creation, the 1980 Cessna 185 on both floats and wheels (WBC185.ZIP) and uploaded same in October of that year.  I revisited the "Flight Shop" again in June of this year, made some bug fixes to the 185's and uploaded version II (WBC185v2.ZIP), the first week of July

Well, while I was "in the groove"  I thought I'd use what I had learned in crafting the 185's and clean-up the Skymaster.  "Shouldn't take long", I said.  "It's already done - I'll just paint it and let it go", I mused.  Well I started it in early July and on the last day of August, both versions were pronounced complete.  As it ended up, I essentially rebuilt every square inch of the model in an effort to achieve the best visual accuracy possible in this Program (as an Architect, visual accuracy is important).  Once this was done, I had numerous bleeds and flashes to correct which took the better part of three weeks.....trial and error.....error and trial..... trial and error.

So here they are.  Still not perfect.  The  extended flaps flash when viewed from the rear quarter views, with the a/c in a nose down configuration (I  need to glue the flap component to the wing component, but at present, I've used all 540 available parts.  The left-hand tip of the rear prop disappears for an instant behind the wing when the view switches from rear-quarter to the rear view (ya got me!?).  But for the most part, they're acceptable and I HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM!

You may wish to view the flight photographs (.bmp files), prior to installing, so you know what you are getting.



SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

1.  Microsoft Flight Simulator '98.           



LIST OF FILES IN WBC337v2.ZIP (version 2.0)

1.  Cessna 337 Turbo Skymaster  (skymstr2.zip)
               	a.   Root a/c folder:  	Skymstr2.air
					aircraft.cfg
               	b.   Model folder:	Skymstr2.MDL
					model.cfg
		c.   Panel folder:	panel.cfg
		d.   Sound folder:	sound.cfg 
		e.   Texture folder:	skymstr2.0AF - skymstr2.7AF
		
2.  Cessna 337 Presurized Skymaster  (skymstp2.zip)
              	a.   Root a/c folder:  Skymstp2.air 
					aircraft.cfg
               	b.   Model folder:	Skymstp2.MDL
					model.cfg
		c.   Panel folder:	panel.cfg
		d.   Sound folder:	sound.cfg
		e.   Texture folder:	Skymstp2.0AF - Skymstp2.7AF
		

3.   General Files  (skymgen2.zip)
               	a.   WBC337v2.TXT - This text file
            	b.   skymstr2.BMP - Flight Photograph
            	c.   skymstp2.BMP - Flight Photograph


4.   FILE_ID.IDZ



INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Do yourself a favor and read this document in notepad format, from beginning to end (WITH WORD WRAP ON).

2.  View the *.BMP files in Win95's Paint Program or a similar picture viewer to see if these files are worth your trouble, then save or discard as you wish.

3.  If you have an earlier version of the 337's in your aircraft folder, move them to the "old aircraft" folder for the time being.  They can be deleted after you find you are satisfied with the new versions.

4.  These files have already been converted to fs98 so there is no need to do so again.  Now, unzip the individual a/c folders (skymstr2.zip and skymstp2.zip) into their own folders (skymstr2 and skymstp2), which you will create within your FS98 aircraft folder. If your zip program does not support folders, then create the usual subdirectories: model, panel, sound, texture under each new aircraft folder. Place the *.air and aircraft.cfg files in the main a/c directory (skymstr2 for example). Place the *.mdl and model.cfg files in your model directory. Panel.cfg goes to the panel directory. Sound.cfg to the sound directory. All *.af files go to the texture directory.

5.  The default rg.recip panel is included with the upload.  Feel free to select a new one for these models (Michael Verlin's c337pnl.zip for example) and install per the instructions.

6.  The sound.cfg file included with both planes reference the Cessna 182 sound set.  This is fine but I would recommend Aaron R. Swindle's 337sma.zip sound set.  Install per the instructions. :-).

7.  Copy the text files to a subdirectory of your choice.



AIRCRAFT FEATURES  (both versions have the same features):

a.  Nose, tail and wingtip navigation lights:                   Lights key (L)
b.  Tail and wingtip beacons:                                          Strobes key (O)
c.  Flaps:                                                                               Flap keys (F7 & F8)
d.  Retractable landing gear:                                          Gear key (G)
e.  Tie-down ropes:                                                             Spoiler key (/)
          


SOURCES:

 1.  Spec., performance and scaled drawings for 1980 Cessna Skymaster as provided by Cessna Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kansas. (From November 13, 1979 News Release)
 2.  1969 and 1970 model literature from the Cessna Aircraft Co.
 3.  Used Airplane Report, "Flying Magazine", April, 1997.



SKYMASTER PROFILE (OR SOMETHING TO PONDER WHILST YOU FLY)

The concept behind the Skymaster design was to provide an intermediate step-up for those pilots wishing to move from singles to twins.  One element of flying conventional twins is the dangerous yaw encountered when one of the two engines fails.  With the Skymaster configuration, one prop pushing and the other pulling and both in-line, what
Cessna called "Center-line Thrust", the problem of an engine-out emergency would be easier and safer to handle.  Actually, Cessna, in it's early development of the Skymaster was hoping to get the  FAA to permit it's use without requiring a Twin Rating.  It didn't
work out exactly that way, although even now, there is a type rating for this configuration which permits the pilot to fly center-line thrust aircraft, but not conventional twins.

Initially planned for the 1962 Model Year, the Cessna Skymaster 336 debuted in 1964  in the same general configuration as later models, but with fixed landing gear (go figure). The 336 had an unfortunate angle of incidence in the wing which made the pilot feel as if he were flying along with the nose too high.  Only 195 were produced.  The next
model year, the 337 Super Skymaster was released with retractable landing gear, but without any increase in powerplants.  The wing problem was remedied and the 337 was priced the same as the 336.

Of the two models presented here, the turbocharged version was introduced in 1967 and the pressurized version was added in 1973.  The turbo dropped out of the line after the 1971 model but came back as a 1978.  These in the 1980 model line were the last Skymasters to be produced by Cessna.  Over their history, there were only 357
Pressurized Skymasters and 1,951 of the turbo and the standard Skymasters produced.  As of this month, there are only 57 of the 357 pressurized Skymasters still registered with the FAA.  It would appear that you will soon be flying one of a dying breed.

The original price of the 1980 turbo Skymaster f.a.f (fly away factory) was $121,000 and for the pressurized version, $159,000.  The special "II" models, which added additional avionics also added about $19,000 to the base price.

The Skymaster will long be remembered for it's innovative design and in my opinion, for it's beautiful silhouette against the sky.



PERFORMANCE - TURBOCHARGED VERSION

Speed:
     Maximum at 20,000 feet:                                                         207 knots
     80% Cruise at 20,000 feet:                                                        200 knots
     80% Cruise at 10,000 feet:                                                        182 knots

Range:
     80% power at 20,000 feet (888 pounds usable fuel):          925 nm/4.8 hrs.
     Max range at 10,000 feet (888 pounds usable fuel):         1,080 nm/7.7 hrs.

Rate of Climb @ sea level (twin engine):                                  1.060 fpm
Rate of Climb @ sea level (single engine):                                   335 fpm

Service Ceiling (single engine):                                                  16,500 ft.
Certificated Max Operating Altitude:                                      20,000 ft.

Takeoff performance:
     ground roll:                                                                                 1,000 ft.
     total over 50' obstacle:                                                            1.675 ft.

Landing performance:
     ground roll:                                                                                   700 ft.

     total over 50' obstacle:                                                           1,650 ft.

Stall speed:
     flaps up - power off:                                                                 70 knots
     flaps down - power off:                                                            61 knots

Standard empty weight:                                                               2,899 lb.
Maximum weight @ t/o:                                                               4,6300 lb.



PERFORMANCE - PRESSURIZED VERSION

Speed:
     Maximum at 20,000 feet:                                                         212 knots
     75% Cruise at 20,000 feet:                                                        205 knots
     75% Cruise at 10,000 feet:                                                        186 knots

Range:
     75% power at 20,000 feet (888 pounds usable fuel):          935 nm/4.8 hrs.
     Max range at 10,000 feet (888 pounds usable fuel):         1,110 nm/7.3 hrs.

Rate of Climb @ sea level (twin engine):                                  1,170 fpm
Rate of Climb @ sea level (single engine):                                   375 fpm

Service Ceiling (single engine):                                                  18,700 ft.
Certificated Max Operating Altitude:                                      20,000 ft.

Takeoff performance:
     ground roll:                                                                                   945 ft.
     total over 50' obstacle:                                                            1.500 ft.

Landing performance:
     ground roll:                                                                                   795 ft.
     total over 50' obstacle:                                                           1,675 ft.

Stall speed:
     flaps up - power off:                                                                 70 knots
     flaps down - power off:                                                            62 knots

Standard empty weight:                                                               3,078 lb.
Maximum weight @ t/o:                                                                 4,700 lb.


                         
SPECIFICATIONS (COMMON TO BOTH AIRCRAFT)

Wing span:                                                       38'-2"

Wing area:                                                       202.5 s.f.

Length:                                                              29'-10"

Height:                                                                 9'-2"

Total fuel capacity:                                       150.6 gal.

Engines:                                                          Two Teledyne Continental TSIO-360-CB                
                                                                         Turbocharged, Fuel Injection Engines: 
                                                                         210 bhp @ 2,800 rpm (turbo) and 225 bhp @      
                                                                         2,800 rpm (pressurized)
                                                                      
Propeller:                                                         Constant speed, full feathering,  2 blades, 78    
                                                                          Inches diameter (front) and 76 inches                
                                                                          diameter (rear).



FSFS DESIGN NOTES

The Skymaster models you are about to fly have been detailed to be as
aerodynamically and visually accurate as possible recognizing the confines of the FSFS Program and time itself.  Detailing on both models has been performed in accordance with the three-view drawings supplied to me by Cessna Aircraft in 1980. From the standpoint of flying from the spotter view (outside the aircraft) the models can be viewed acceptably with a zoom factor as low as "2", but to appreciate the detail, I usually fly with a zoom of "3" or "4".  On approach or whenever I wish to look around, I can then zoom down to get a better feel for the pattern and the surrounding countryside.

Both models taxi quite well and are very responsive on the ground.  Because they are "trikes" there should be none of the bounce and "nervousness" experienced with my taildragger 185 when converted for FSFW95 use.

I've arranged the engine control so that you should have independent control of each engine as follows.  With both engines running, press the "M" key followed by one strike of the "-" key (you're reducing RPM by going from 2 mags to 1).  Wait a few moments and you will notice the prop circle of the rear engine cease followed by the appearance of
the rear propeller.  Strike the "-" key two more times and the front engine will stop(you're going from 1 mag to off).  This feature works in the reverse as well.  With both engines stopped, press the "M" key followed by one strike of the "+" key.  You should immediately see the front prop disappear and front prop circle appear.  Strike the "+"
key twice more to commence operation of the rear engine.  Hopefully this feature will work as described on your computers as it does on mine.  Some of you may notice that when the Turbo version is loading with the engines running, the rear prop has not yet started.  After loading, wait a few seconds and the rear engine will start automatically.

The engine start up routine goes hand in hand with the use of the tie-down ropes designed into both models.  When you taxi to your final "parking" area, bring the engines to a stop using the procedure described above. Once the engines, lights and strobes are off, press the "/" key and the tie-down ropes will appear.  I spent a lot of
time on these, we wouldn't want them to blow away <G>.

This Program is amazing, without tweaking anything in the Flight Dynamics Editor, immediately upon flight testing the models as constructed, they flew as I understand the real ones do, with overly responsive elevator.  I presume this is due to the large horizontal stabilizer and elevator.  I did go into the FDE and adjusted the Pitch Stability Scaler to reduce this tendency and improve the flight dynamics. Like many aircraft designers, I likewise had to artificially increase the base horsepower of both models in order to achieve more accurate max and cruise speeds.

The Turbo version is painted in a slight variant of the 1970 factory paint scheme.  The Pressurized version is painted in a variant of the 1980 factory paint and is sporting deicing boots on the leading edges of the wings and the horizontal stabilizer.  I included the boots even though the Skymasters are not rated for operations in icing conditions.  It may come in handy though, if you find yourself caught inadvertently in such conditions.

On take-off with 20 degrees of flaps,  both models appear to rotate at about 98 knots.  I don't know if this is realistic or not.  Be careful to keep the nose down as she'll want to reach for the stars, especially when the gear is retracted.  I usually keep rate of climb around 1000 fpm and retract the flaps at 110 knots.  According to the specs, the
recommended approach speed is 83 knots, although I've had better luck, in these models anyway, with a slightly speedier approach.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks go to Rush Mueller for his on-line advice: "break it up and glue it back together";  to Goetz Scheuermann for his advice on how to "stop the bleeding";  to Stefan 'Doe'  Doebereiner, again, for his excellent "AF5PAINT' program (Version 2.0) which was utilized in the Skymaster's artwork. (It's available for download from
http://www.naples.net/~nfn00200/iup.html in the May 1997 section); to Frank Safranek for his idea to render both the Pressurized as well as the Turbo version;  and last but not least to my wife and kids for their indulgence of me in this most time consuming of pastimes.


DISCLAIMER AND  USE

These files are intended for private entertainment purposes only.  I will not accept any responsibility for damage or loss of data incurred directly or indirectly from the use of these files.  These files may be copied, distributed, transmitted, uploaded or downloaded only as long as all files remain together and proper credit is noted.  The
files may not be modified, edited or otherwise be made to appear to be your own.  No monetary gain may be made by the sale of these files in whole or in part.  Inclusion of these files or any part thereof in CD form with other software as part of bundled shareware or freeware is strictly prohibited without the prior express written permission
of the author of these files.  By copying the content of this file to your FS5/FS95 directories, you are agreeing to the terms of this disclaimer.  But hey, have fun and HAPPY LANDINGS!!

I hope you are pleased with these files and enjoy them!  It would be nice to hear from you with regard to your impressions of this work.  Again, many thanks!


God's Blessings

Donn E. Bohde  CIS 105213,3330
debohde@compuserve.com
debohde@csi.com
Frank Lloyd Wright Brothers Aircraft Company 
Roseville, Michigan



