Tips for starters, as figured out since 4.5

[19//Moach]

A few common questions seem to be very often repeated over chat, mainly about how to start up and taxi...

 

 

As far as I have had the opportunity to figure out, these are a few pointers I'd give to anyone just starting up:

 

 

 - When starting your plane, have the throttle cracked about 5~10% of the way.  This is realistic of these engines, which can be throttled to a stop if you pull power all the way back at low revs. (Avoid closing the throttle at any time, rly. It's not good for the engine)

 

 - Warbird engines like the Merlin are hard-bred warhorses, they are designed to run at a certain temperature range. Anything above and below that makes for an unhappy engine.   Oil temps must be above 20°C before taxi.  More power before that will cause the engine to flood and choke.

 

 - The best way to warm up an engine quickly, is to shut the radiator as tight as it'll go,  then up the throttle until you notice shuddering and back down to keep it smooth. That will have your temps up in just under a minute.

 

 - Once above 20° oil temps, you're good to taxi.  Still you may notice protests coming from the engine at mid-power settings, this is caused by how motor oil is much thicker when cold, and does not flow as easily through the parts it has to lubricate.  Takeoff power should only be applied above 40° oil and 60° water, else the engine will be unhappy and will certainly let you know it.

 

 - In an emergency, it is possible to "power through" the engine's "opinions" and start a takeoff roll as soon as 20° oil temps are reached.  It is not recommended, but it can be done and it's certainly less bad for the engine than a shower of strafing enemy bullets.

 

 

 

 - Taxiing seems strange at first (perhaps a bug).  I have found differential brakes (on RAF planes, at least) are basically ineffective when rolling.  This leaves us the rudder to turn with, which makes for some inconveniently large radius turns.

 

 - It is still possible make tight turns on the ground (around your wheel),  but this requires bringing the plane to a full stop.  The brakes are very effective when used with neutral rudder. (enough to nose over, so be careful)  Once the plane comes to a full stop, and you can feel it "settle",  you can turn it around itself by applying power with the brakes held down and full rudder in the desired direction.

 

 I do not know if differential brakes only become effective when stopped, or if this is just the result of stationary turning with neutral brakes and full rudder.  In RAF planes, there is no way to find out.

 

 

 - Curiosity realism tip:   The spitfire radiator only stops in positions of 0 - 20 - 40 - 60 - 80 - 100 percents.  The lever has a large-toothed ratchet mechanism on it which prevents it stopping anywhere else.  The 40% stop is your "neutral" position, for minimal drag.  You can cruise at max. continuous power  (6psi@2650rpm) with that setting, as long as you keep your speed above 200mph.

Edited December 18, 2017 by 19//Moach

[Sokol1]

 - Taxiing seems strange at first (perhaps a bug).  I have found differential brakes (on RAF planes, at least) are basically ineffective when rolling.  This leaves us the rudder to turn with, which makes for some inconveniently large radius turns.

 

Taxi is indeed strange due CloD "hurricane-force" wind - 5 m/s  or 18 KM/H or 11.18 MPH in QM - Cross Country,  blowing from 30 degrees (Tab-7-3 inform), Upavon runway aligned 044-224. This "hurricane-force" wind make difficult turn against wind, and turn a idle plane on ground until he align with wind.

 

But differential brakes work, or the guy have brakes configured wrong for British/Italian planes or don't know how use differential brakes - maybe confusing with "toe brakes", that has not to do with this planes.

 

The problem (bug) is in the wind/plane interaction, not in the brakes. Increase brake force will lead to broken propellers like happens in CloD release (maybe at time brake force are too set high to mask this wind bug).

Edited December 18, 2017 by Sokol1

[scram77]

I would love some tips for not frying the engine.

 

Had a wonderful jolly in the Hurricane last night.  Flew over the channel and found a Jerry to take down.  Gently dived on to my unsuspecting prey and promptly blew the engine.  Had to bail over the channel as the old girl had had enough.