Author Topic: AKAK: P-38 help (Read 884 times)

Creton · « **on:** December 13, 2005, 10:21:49 AM »

I've been outta game for awhile,but I recently started playing offline some.I thought I'd give the Lightening a try ,I've read some of your previous post but I cant find them on the BBS to re-read them, and have a couple of questions.

1. Does the 38 performe better with or witout combat trim? (PLEASE ELABORATE ON YOUR ANSWER)
2. Is it possible to setup a duel throttle to control engines seperately?(I find that decreasing engine RPM on the side that I'm turning to,helps me get around a little faster)
3.Does the G or J model seem to be more nimble and agile than the L to you?
4.Is it possible to turn combat trim off completely?(I toggle it off but after I hit auto lvl or auto angle then return to manual control ,the combat trim is on again)

The reason I asked you is because your the only one I remember who flies the 38 exclusively with a great deal of success.Thanks for your help in advance.

~~VIC~~

Schatzi · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2005, 11:30:09 AM »

I can help you on the combat trim problem:

Go to SETUP>PREFERENCES>Flight on your clipboard. Make sure the "Use auto combat trim" is unchecked.

Now, if you swich off autopilot, combat trim should not be on.

Krusty · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2005, 11:44:46 AM »

If you use auto level it automatically trims you for "level" flight at that speed. Turn off auto level and that trim stays. However, if you have a few rotary dials (depending on your stick setup) and you map them to the 3 trims, and set them, then when you turn off autolevel I think your trim axis controls take over again and you get your old trim back.

That's from memory on a similar question.

Combat trim in a p38 = BAD. Combat trim is always trying to trim you for level flight or something, so when you pull UP it's trimming you down, or dampening you, or something like that. It screws with the performance of several aircraft, the Ki84 and P38s included.

G is agreed to be the most nimble, but it's also the weakest-powered version as well. I think all 38s can dogfight equally, for the most part.

It should be possible to set up a twin throttle. I don't know how, as I just have a twisty stick analog MS Sidewinder.

Creton · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2005, 11:53:01 AM »

Thanks for the help.I 'll try it all out this evening.I to use a mssidewinder, I bought 3 from a flea market here in town ,still new in the box. I tried the x45 but it kept sticking and losing verious inputs from time to time,then I inadvertantly plugged it in with the power already on and fried something.It all lights up but nothing works(kinda like "the lights are on but nobodies home" thing)

I also have noticed that all the 38's require a lot of down trim,is this normal or something that can be changed with stick settings?

VIC

Krusty · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2005, 12:00:57 PM »

I think that is just normal of the 38. On the old trim, there were the letters E L V and the trim was suggested by a few folks to be best placed at the lower bar in the letter "L". I don't know if that holds true in the re-modeled 3D cockpits now or not.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2005, 12:08:53 PM »

The nose up attitude on the 38s helps I think when you are turning and burning in em.

I fly the G. While it's the slowest, it is the best turner and for a furball addict, it's the best one to get low and slow in. Granted I die all the time, but the Spits, N1Ks etc always seem a bit surprised when you can hang with em in the turn fights in the G.

I don't use combat trim when I fly the 38. That was the word from the beginning when I started playing AH. Combat trim=bad in the 38. To be honest I'm not sure why and I'm sure some guys use it, KillnU for one (I think), but those who talked to me first were against it's use.

Stang · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2005, 01:04:15 PM »

38's are cannon fodder.

Morpheus · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2005, 01:14:40 PM »

imo the only time you really need combat trim is when you're at or above compression speed in a 38. I've used it alot before in all of the 38's in all kinds of situations. I saw no real difference with or without it. It is handy to compesate for the tend towards a positive attitude given by flaps. Trim down to hold the nose level. Trimming all the way up will not help you turn a sharper turn. You can only turn so much before max aoa is reached and you dip a wing. Trim is not some magical physics law breaker. I find it much easier to fiddle with flaps and throtle rather than fiddle with flaps, trim and throtle. And I get the same results everytime using either combination. Too much fiddling in a fight means means time extra time spend to get to and end, extra time spent trying to get to that end (a kill/win) means you die first.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2005, 02:47:39 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Stang
38's are cannon fodder.

When I'm flying em they are. Is there a problem with this?

Raptor · « **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2005, 03:28:21 PM »

A lot of people prefer the J to the L. I for one am for the L. People say the J turns better than the L and is faster, but if it does it is unnoticable. L rolls better and dive flaps allow it to keep full flaps out when coming out of a loop with another con. I've not been killed by a 38J in a 1 on 1 engagement while flying the L, G will get you if you slip up though.
I've surprised the hell out of a lot of people, they think because I am in a P38L I am on a Jabo mission, and they burn their E and I am quick to get on their 6. A hurrIIC almost wet itself when it found I was able to roll/scissors with it (can't turn with it though). Sucks losing an aileron though and Pilot wounds are easy to recieve.

wetrat · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:03:36 PM »

You need to worry about learning how to flatten your profile so you don't get blasted everytime someone gets behind you before ya get too technical. Them's be big turgits!:noid

LePaul · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:15:39 PM »

I'll confess, Im a P-38 junkie as well (slowly raises hand)

Its a surprisingly good turner for dogfights, Im torn between the G and the J. G turns better, J has better power.

Biggest thing you have to remember is the P-38 is a much larger airplane than most of the fighters out there. I was getting my clocked cleaned left and right when I first started flying them. You have to know when to fight and when to get out.

Big perk is all the guns in the nose.

I'm still learning, I'll be curious to see what others suggest.

killnu · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:06:56 PM »

I leave combat trim on. Most of, if not all the other 38 jocks turn it off and swear it flies much better. There are only a few times ive messed with it and that is not often enough to bother with it. In the end, it is up to you and your preference. I just dont see the need to be bothered with it.

G-seems most "nimble", turn a tad better. carries less fuel. and has rocket tubes, carries less rockets. I think the tubes add more drag even after rox have been fired. G has less power and is the slowest. G has no WEP and a armor windscreen deal that many have issues with. No power assist ailerons, so rolls like crap.

J-has wep and is about same in speed as the L(think only 1-2 mph difference if any). also has rocket tubes and no power assisted ailerons.

L-see J for speed, has power assisted ailerons, so rolls better(still not the greatest, but much better than G and J). has the 10 rocket tree. has dive flap(help get some lift, combat trim must be off to really see this affect).

thats all i can think of at this time. im sure other will be here to give thier opinions as well.
~S~

Krusty · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:39:05 PM »

Dive flaps don't generate lift like normal flaps. The problem with dives is that there is too much pressure on the control surfaces to "pull out" of the dive, so the dive flaps disrupt the airflow a little so that you can, in fact, pull up after the dive.

They change the airflow, they don't increase lift.

You want to increase lift, pop a notch of flaps.

killnu · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:41:01 PM »

sigh...whatever...they are suppose to make the nose come up on high speed dive. better?