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Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX, modified to remove the pod!
Version 1.21 for Sim Update 5
An OPTIONAL download is now available with lightened prop textures. Place these in:
Community\Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng\SimObjects\Airplanes\parorng_C208-nopod\TEXTURE
You'll need to delete any old installation in Community and install BOTH downloads to use these prop textures. If you have 1.2 already, you'll only need the prop textures.
I've finally managed to get the modified default livery working again (but having issues with SU5 and the SDK - and I'm in the process of moving countries) - expect that to come with v1.3!
The mighty Caravan is in use around the world, and often the ones I see do not have the pod. This project started for me as a way to get my feet wet (hint hint) in 3d modelling and start creating some things for myself. Removing and rebuilding the floor of this aircraft took a lot of work! I have extended the nosewheel cowl to match the real aircraft, and remapped all textures to work with the changes.
This Asobo model has been completely reworked.
- All animations have been redone (and adjusted in some cases)
- Pod removed
- Nosewheel cowl extended
- Textures remapped
- Registration moved to the most common area from what I have seen, with the regstration italics accurately added. 3 registration locations are now possible. Run the Variants script to choose which you like!
- The flight model is based on @Carbonprop's excellent performance mod, and edited to reflect the no-pod.
- New rivets to better show off your amazing liveries! Feel free to use this on the Asobo caravan too, just remmeber to backup any original 'Ribbon' texture file (I rename them .org normally)
- Check the changelog to see latest changes!
Limitations:
- The frost textures aren't playing nice just yet, so they're omitted. Also the windscreen frost isn't active currently.
- The Asobo modelled livery includes the pod (modelled), so for now I have removed the entire modelled livery.
- The Main gear struts and brakes for some reason don't have textures again (they're black!) They are good in Blender and the UV maps are aligned so I have no idea why. If anyone knows, send me a PM!
- Doors don't open still. I'll need to rework the entire cabin to allow that - currently way above my abilities and time constraints, but I'll keep at it. I'd love a roller door one day...
Liveries:
The livery converter is now packaged
Please read the converter documentation for details. No adjustments should be needed to current liveries to get them working. There is a slight issue with a few existing liveries on the new the nosewheel cowl extension (as the UV now covers a little more room). I'll consider rearranging the UVs for this part on update v1.2.
Registration Location Option:
v1.2 includes THREE different locations available for the registration. Currently it will affect all liveries.
Under 'Variants' run the batch file to change your variant. You can also do this manually if you'd prefer.
Again, currently this will affect all aircraft. It is possible to change them around at any time. If the sim is running when you change it, to take effect, you'll need to resync your aircraft (via the New Project - Aircraft Editor), restart/reload the flight, or restart the entire sim.
It IS possible to have this set differently per livery. The designer, or yourself, will need to add the correct .gltf and .bin models to the livery and ensure they're referenced correctly in the layout.json (If you need any guidance, drop me a message here or on my discord below!)
Copilot Option:
v1.2 includes the option to see your copilot! Run the Variants batch file to choose that option. By default it is on.
I played with adding a passenger as well, but they like their leg room and put their feet through the seat in front. So for now, no passengers.
Installation:
As always, please place the 'Cessna 208 B Grand Caravan EX - No Pod - Parorng' folder into your community folder. I recommend removing the old one completely before doing this.
Working Title Instrumentation: ***IMPORTANT***
If you are using the WorkingTitle G1000/GX MOD you must copy and overwrite the CommonPFD_MFD.js file from the WTPATCH directory to the following location in BOTH the G1000 and GX folders.
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
If you neglect to do this the aircraft annunciator system will NOT work.
REMEMBER the WT G1000 mod is not compatible with the G1000NXi in the store, so choose one and enjoy!
Future Plans:
The float version is coming along nicely, but I've had to take some personal time as I'm moving countries for a bit to be with my family. I haven't seen them for 16 months now... A tropical beach should give me some motivation however!
I'd also love to do a skydiving and cargo version, as well as one with surveying equipment. I'd prefer to have a redone cabin for this, with all the seats removed. All I need is time, and motivation!
If you want to contact me, message me on flightsim.to, the MSFS forums, or at my discord. Grab your invite here:
Hope you Enjoy it!
As always, if you like what you see and want to help out with development of this and other projects, feel free to donate!
www.buymeacoffee.com/Parorng
Parorng
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Pacificflight
I have an issue that some textures cannot be extracted or copied from the main file (.dds) resulting in missing fuselage etc.
I have tried it with multiple third party program but it seems like to have a "too long directory" or so... anybody can help? Thanks 😊
boierito
Is it normal for the rivets to show too much?
Parorng 14 day(s) ago
Too much? Not sure what you're referring to, but they're the same rivets as the default one
boierito 13 day(s) ago
https://bit.ly/2Vtpo86 look at this
Parorng 13 day(s) ago
Yup I see. I did edit Asobo's rivets file to make them more transparent as the screws and rivets are filled white. Maybe a more 'solid' version crept back in. I'll have to have a play around with the transparency again on this.
Just gotta restructure the project from scratch again as SU5 has caused havoc on these mods!
boierito 13 day(s) ago
Any fast solution?
Parorng 13 day(s) ago
It's the CESSNA_208B_GRANDCARAVANEX_AIRFRAME_RIBBONS_ALBD.PNG.DDS texture file that we're referring to. If you're good at photo editing you could either change the transparency.
Alternatively, have a try at (take a backup of the ribbons texture first and) copying a blank texture (most liveries have one) and renaming it to CESSNA_208B_GRANDCARAVANEX_AIRFRAME_RIBBONS_ALBD.PNG.DDS. That would get rid of the colouring of the main texture, but may affect the overall visibility of other rivets.
The reason this is an issue is that Asobo's liveries are a modelled shell sitting over the top of the rivets, whereas our repaints generally sit behind the white coloured rivets.
I'll try to get them more transparent in the next update!
NezNok
Could you create 3-blade prop version?
My asian liveries are flying with it in reality.
bigcav
Sorry. Every time l try and load this it CTD's.
Seems to effect the stock c208 aswell. till l uninstall this.
Applejack94
What is the No Pod Mod and what does it do?
Parorng 27 day(s) ago
Look at the pictures, particularly at the bottom of the aircraft. 😋
It loads as a separate aircraft.
KRDM72
Just downloaded version 1.21. There is a terrible texture problem. The outside is not white. I can't even describe it. The cockpit is covered in pink and lavender squares in a chessboard pattern. It actually seems to fly nice.
Parorng 1 month(s) ago
Eeee sounds like you're missing some textures! I think I know what's happened.
I would suggest deleting it completely from your community folder and redownloading. You'll need to grab BOTH 1.2 and 1.21. Install 1.2 file first, and then overwrite the prop textures found in 1.21 (that's all 1.21 has).
*You need both 1.2 and 1.21 downloads*
Let me know if you still have troubles afterwards!
KRDM72 1 month(s) ago
Thank you, I will give it a try. I certainly didn't have the earlier version installed.
mylesmace 1 month(s) ago
Any idea where to download the previous version 1.2?
KRDM72 1 month(s) ago
So without v1.2 we're out of luck?
Parorng 1 month(s) ago
Apologies, the way I assumed the downloads would be presented here was out by a bit! Basically you should need both the downloads available here. The 'main' download, and the prop texture download.
Remove any old versions before using this one.
Can you confirm you have these texture issues with this main file installed and then the prop textures overwriting the old ones?
I may have to re-release this if you still do, but it will take a few days as I'm moving countries tomorrow.
KRDM72 1 month(s) ago
Oh, ok. I misunderstood. I'll give it a try. Thanks.
tclayton2k
The new prop textures are absolutely spot on! This will now be my go-to plane for most local flights.
NEILCM
Hi Regarding this - !!!IMPORTANT!!!
"If you are using the WorkingTitle G1000/GX MOD you must copy and overwrite the CommonPFD_MFD.js file from the WTPATCH directory to the following location in BOTH the G1000 and GX folders.
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
If you neglect to do this the aircraft annunciator system will NOT work."
The G1000 is now part of the game and doesn't seem to have that file anymore to overwrite.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Yes! Thank you for highlighting this! I'll add that into the main notes here as I'm sure many don't read the included text files.
NEILCM 2 month(s) ago
Thanks, However, my main point is with the WTG1000 is now a NXI and part of the main game the instruction doesn't work for the G1000NXI as the
html_ui\WorkingTitle\Pages\VCockpit\Instruments\NavSystems\Shared
Doesn't exist as it did before SU5.
So I can't put that file in and overwrite it for the g1000?
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
The NXi on the marketplace is a completely different beast. I haven't had time to look into it yet, but I'd choose one or the other.
The cockpit is identical to the default caravan so it should work as the default one does - but again, I haven't been able to test this out yet.
Zakari 22 day(s) ago
Hello! Does the annunciator system work with the NXi from Working Title?
hvh9001
love the props now, but i did a flight test and i notice a engine surg. i pull the throttle back and it took long time for the power to come back in. am not sure if it's on my end. But overall great job. can we get a all cargo version.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
I'd love to do a cargo and skydive version, but that will require an entire cockpit and cabin rebuild. That's a long term goal, but there's other priorities I am focussed on first!
I've not noticed a surge, except going from reverse to forward thrust. I'll keep my eyes on it!
SaffaJake 2 month(s) ago
The same happens to me. in flight if you pull the throttle back below ~200 torque the engine surges and close to the ground this can be disastrous.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
As a short term fix, you could copy the default engines.cfg across from the default C208 into NoPod and see if there's any improvement for you.
Check out CarbonProp's C208 performance mods on the Bush League Legends Discord. He flies them IRL and are what this aircraft mod also uses as a base.
hvh9001 2 month(s) ago
thanks for the information she's flying again no more CTD am using the Carbon mod and she flies like a charm. just took her for an hour flight with new U5 fix 2
SaffaJake 2 month(s) ago
Thanks - I tried the CarbonProp C208 and it did the same thing. I then changed the beta_max and beta_min values in the engine.cfg back to default C208 values and that fixed the issue for me. Don't know why this worked but it did.
warthart 1 month(s) ago
Same issue for me 😞
hvh9001 1 month(s) ago
Am really not sure guys but the carbon works for me. The only crash I had is the one where it said I over stress the engine
aleernu 1 month(s) ago
Great work with the no pod!
But I have the same issue and replacing the engine.cfg did not change anything at all except weaker engine performance. It makes it impossible to fly.
Parorng 1 month(s) ago
Apologies for the delay guys. I've now relocated country and enjoying tropical sunny (sometimes) Phuket. It's been an extremely stressful few weeks, but I should have more time again now to keep on top of this. Thanks for your patience!
hvh9001 1 month(s) ago
nice enjoy,
jellis242
when will the floats be done really want that?
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Working on it, but I'm also juggling flying work (or lack there of), and in the process of moving countries as I haven't seen my family for 18 months.
I need to remodel the float body again slightly, get the scrape points correct, get the gear lever into the cockpit and texture it all, so it's still going to be a bit of time.
Also Sim Update 5 is causing havok with development stuff. Hopefully the 2nd hotfix works better, because currently I can't even build a model.
Thanks for your interest in them!
ibhovering
I feel like the propeller is too dark and should be more invisible when at RPM.
Love the mod though!
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Yes thanks, I'm working on that. Having big problems with my sim lately so can't do any testing! I tried lighter textures but they didn't seem to have much of an effect. I'll have to do it via the model itself I think, but I'll need this silly SU5 running reliably to get it done!
ibhovering 2 month(s) ago
Yeah I feel you on that! I appreciate your hard work! Love the no pod mod so much!!!
Question - have you tested compatibility with the new Garmin NXi mod? I noticed some weirdness with the MFD when flying with it.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
I've not yet! Trying to pack up my life and move countries to be with my family so time has been limited sorry! Added to this is my sim problems with Checking for Updates and long loading times completely eroding any testing time. As soon as this sim will run properly for me, the sooner I can get these things done...
ibhovering 2 month(s) ago
I hope you have a safe move! The sim is a hot mess right now so you aren't missing much. Take care, I will stay tuned for an update in the future!
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Figured it out, Photoshop was the problem. I'll have the textures here as a seperate download shortly
YMA555
The main file is marked 1.2 the other file is marked 1.0 but says only for those who have downloaded 1.1. Since when does a product V 1.1 supercede a 1.0 ?? It's very common with all these downloads to leave confusing older files that are no longer relevant. Maybe the moderators could investigate this aspect of all downloads.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Thanks for pointing this out!
When I uploaded the update I couldn't delete the old converter file. That's now been rectified.
Hope you enjoy the aircraft!
SaffaJake
This plane is so nice to fly. Well done mate.
Dionsol
Personally, I would like to see floats added to the aircraft. It be awesome flying around in the 208 with floats. However based on my personal testing with the out of the box Asobo 172 with floats, it's very hard to turn the aircraft in the water. Even with the water rudders down, turning the aircraft is not very good. It needs to have a tighter turning radius we're trying to move around the docks or in a tight spot on the lake. As far as on land is concerned, it needs to be tweaked as well or put the unit on casters, and use differential breaking to turn the aircraft on land sharper. Did a video on it but ended up scrubbing the video because of the poorer quality and it sucked. Sometimes my videos are good and sometimes they're not. Cheers to all Dion Youtude: Dionm01
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
They just didn't do it correctly. Check out the C172 on floats here by Bagolu. Works nicely!
Sixtymikegrr
This sees to not work in SU5 update. Is there a fix for this? I had an instant lockup when I tried the mod.
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Yes I'm working on it. Thanks.
If you're desperate to fly NOW, you can copy all the default interior xml, gltf and json files from the default model folder into this one.
I'll have the update out in the next few hours however!
Oumayou
Bonjour . Personnellement, j'ai une préférence pour les avions à ailes hautes ce qui m'incite à utiliser tous les Cessna. Le modèle "GRANBD CARAVAN" me plait beaucoup et je dois admettre que sa nacelle, même si elle est utile dans la vraie vie, lui donnait un aspect un peu trop ventru.
Grace au superbe travail que vous avez effectué, on a maintenant le choix entre deux configurations.
Merci beaucoup de partager ce travail remarquable . J'espère faire de nombreuses heures de vol avec cet appareil qui désormais sera toujours dans mon hangar.
J'attends avec impatience le modèle amphibie que vous avez partiellement dévoilé .
Bien a vous . Yves
Parorng 2 month(s) ago
Thank you for your kind words! I'm happy you're enjoying it!
KatanaDV20
Great work, thank you. I know to us it is just a pod removal but you had to put in the work to make it happen. Thanks for sharing with us friend!
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
You're welcome.
Much more work needed than 'just pod removal' to do it though! Bigger and better things coming
bigspliff
would it be possible to make the FTSIM soundpack work with this?
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
If it can work with the default Caravan, it can work with this. You'd just need to point it in the right direction.
bigspliff 3 month(s) ago
yeah thats what i figured, i tried just renaming the third party pck to the default. but that didnt work .
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
I don't know about this sound pack, or how it installs unfortunately.
If you'd normally drop it in your community folder it will be pointing to the default caravan somewhere in the config files. In that case I'd copy the entire folder in community, rename it (and especially in Simobjects/Airplanes - and then the layout.json) and edit it to point at this no-pod version.
If it's a separate Sound folder, you may just be able to direct that there with the aircraft.cfg file. Either way any changes need to be reflected in the layout.json of the parent folder.
Perhaps the developer of that could help you point this to other variants such as this one.
vhperches
Someone please make Tip Tanks for the G36 Bonanza! If no pods are possible, we can also have Tip Tanks! I can try and help if someone wants to do it!
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
It's possible, just gotta redo the whole model...
vhperches 3 month(s) ago
But it was done with the Caravan, no?
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
Yup, after redoing all the animations, textures allocations, model adjustments etc etc. Not a simple feat. So there has to be a bigger reason to do these just at the moment.
Like the X-Cub floats/ski, C172 taildragger/floats, Robin taildragger, all changes the characteristics a lot. The Caravan nopod was released as it's on the path to building floats for it.
But jump in a give it a go if you have time available. There's a steep learning curve but it's quite rewarding!
vhperches 3 month(s) ago
This is really interesting... I thought there was a way to use the base model and just add the tip tanks from there.. Why can´t that be done? Thanks for the insight
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
The importer/exporter aren't quite there yet.
vhperches 3 month(s) ago
Got it. Thanks for the info!
MrMo
Nice work, mate! 😊
Parorng 3 month(s) ago
Thanks!