Aircraft Review: Stinson 108 Package XP12 by Ted Cook

[Dominic Smith]

 

Aircraft Review: Stinson 108 Package XP12 by Ted Cook

By Colin Parker

Introduction
Ted Cook has released his latest model, the Stinson 108-3, for X-Plane 12. Building on the X-Plane 11 version, this new release introduces custom airfoils, an updated FMOD sound package, improved weight and balance configuration, and the exciting new water features of X-Plane 12.

The add-on includes three distinct models:

•  Basic VFR model: perfect for straightforward visual flying.
• IFR model: a VFR model with added blind flying instruments and a basic radio/nav package.
• Seaplane: for exploring X-Plane’s impressive water physics.

The Stinson Aircraft Company, founded in 1920 by stunt pilot Eddie Stinson, was responsible for a small but successful range of general aviation aircraft. The company later became part of Consolidated (famous for the Catalina flying boat) before being sold to Piper.

The Stinson 108 first took flight in 1946, and around 5,000 were built. It was a fabric-and-steel high-wing monoplane powered by a 6-cylinder Franklin engine. The aircraft came in two key configurations:

• Voyager: featuring 4 cloth-covered seats and a 350lb luggage capacity (rear seats removable). This is reflected in the Basic VFR model.
• Station Wagon: a more powerful version with vinyl-covered seats, wood trim, and a 600lb luggage capacity (rear seats removable). This trim is used in the IFR and Seaplane models.

The 108-3 was the final production version and was even sold by Piper as the "Piper Stinson" after they acquired the company. This add-on recreates the charm and character of this iconic aircraft, bringing it to life in X-Plane 12.

Installation and Documentation
After purchasing the Stinson 108-3, you’ll receive a zip file for download. Once downloaded, simply extract the Stinson 108 folder into your X-Plane 12 "Aircraft" directory. The zip file is 274MB and unpacks to 362MB when fully extracted.

Included in the package is a clear and concise Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for each variant. Found in the documentation folder, the handbook provides just the right amount of information for simulator enthusiasts to get the most out of all three aircraft models. It’s an excellent companion to the add-on and well worth a read. One small warning though, don't do what I did and start printing the POH for the second model before checking. They’re all identical!

 

External Walk-Around

The package includes three liveries: maroon, blue, and a plain white option for those who enjoy creating their own custom designs.

 

 

Visually, the models may not have the same depth of texture or photo realism as some higher-end add-ons, but they still manage to look the part when parked up. As with other Stinsons, the 108-3 sits at a steeper angle compared to its Piper and Cessna counterparts. This reduces forward visibility while taxiing, making ground handling a bit of a challenge.

 

 

The cockpit doors can be opened and closed from the inside using the door handles, while the luggage compartment door requires a function key. A nice additional touch is the animated windows, which can also be opened and closed.

 

 

Interior

Visually, the cockpit doesn’t quite match the depth of detail or photo realism we’ve come to expect in X-Plane 12 add-ons. However, it’s still a fully functional 3D cockpit that accurately represents the real aircraft.

 

 

The Stinson 108-3 features two fuel tanks, one in each wing. On the control panel, you’ll find two switches: one determines which tank the fuel gauge reads, while the other selects which tank feeds the engine. Mix these up at your peril!

 

 

The VFR version has a very basic instrument panel, there’s no turn-and-slip indicator or artificial horizon. These “modern” features are included in the IFR model and, at the time, were cutting-edge for instrument flying. Just like in the real aircraft, the turn-and-slip coordinator has its own electrical circuit and needs to be switched on before use.

 

 

The IFR Radio and Navigation unit is a vintage 50 KHz system, which unfortunately isn’t compatible with the modern 8.33 KHz radio network used by X-Plane’s Air Traffic Control or VATSim.

 

 

Ground Handling

Wheeled Version – as mentioned earlier, the high nose angle on the ground makes taxiing a real challenge. Forward visibility is poor, so zigzagging is very much the name of the game.

 

 

The Stinson 108-3 is equipped with a highly responsive steerable tailwheel, and differential braking allows for impressively tight turns. However, things can get tricky when it’s windy. Paying attention to wind direction and setting the control surfaces correctly is essential, otherwise, you might find yourself going around in circles, just like I did!

 

 

Sea Plane Version – Laminar Research has done an excellent job modelling the swell on seas and lakes in X-Plane 12. When the sea state is heavy, the Stinson bobs about on the water in a highly realistic manner, perhaps even a bit too realistic! The aircraft isn’t designed for rough seas, and during my testing, consistently high waves led to a few unexpected crashes. To avoid being thrown onto the beach (or worse), it’s worth checking the wave height before starting a new flight.

When it comes to taxiing, the sea rudders perform well, just don’t forget to retract them before take-off. Unlike modern seaplanes, the Stinson doesn’t have a retractable undercarriage, so water landings and take-offs are your only option.

 

 

Flying the 108-3

Like most taildraggers, taking off in the Stinson 108-3 requires a bit of practice. The high nose angle makes the start of the run tricky. I found it helpful to use the compass to ensure I was heading in the right direction and kept an eye on the edge of the runway to stay straight until the airspeed came alive. That said, once the tail lifts, take-off is relatively straightforward, and the aircraft leaves the ground with ease.

 

 

The Stinson settles nicely into a stable cruise. It’s equipped with elevator and rudder trim, which help maintain smooth flight. However, it lacks a direction indicator, so you’ll need to rely on the compass to hold your heading.

 

 

To minimise the risk of stalling, Stinson added partial leading-edge slats to both wings, and these are faithfully included in the flight model. As a result, stalls are gentle and low-key. When approaching a stall, the aircraft gradually settles into a 500-fpm descent, and the ailerons remain responsive throughout.

For those who really want to push the limits, you can induce a proper stall by diving and pulling up sharply, though you’d need to give yourself a proper fright to make it happen! In the real aircraft, there’s a mechanical safety feature that prevents full elevator travel unless the flaps are deployed. This isn’t modelled in X-Plane 12, but it’s a notable detail from the original design.

 

Thanks to its inherent stability, leading-edge slats, and highly effective flaps, landing is a straightforward process, even with a gentle crosswind.

 

 

I’ll admit, I have next to no experience flying from water in X-Plane. Despite that, the Stinson was forgiving enough for me to manage some respectable take-offs and landings.

 

 

Night Lighting

The cockpit is well-lit at night, with lighting that can be adjusted using a dimmer switch. However, the external lights seem overly bright to me. I’m currently running the 12.1.3 beta, and Laminar has been working on addressing the brightness of X-Plane 11-configured lights. It’s possible this issue will resolve itself once the full release of 12.1.3 is available.

 

 

Sound
The Stinson comes with an updated FMOD sound package that works well. The Franklin 6A4 150-B3 engine sounds authentic, with no looping to spoil the experience. You’ll also hear detailed effects like switches and levers, the movement of control surfaces, and the satisfying sounds of windows and doors opening and closing.

 

Performance
I didn’t notice any impact on frame rate with this add-on, performance remained smooth throughout, with no degradation experienced.

 

 

Conclusion
My first impression was that this add-on lacked the visual depth of some others on the market. However, it has definitely grown on me. While it might not have the slickest appearance, the fact that you get three aircraft in the pack makes it great value, and all of them fly just as the original Stinson Pilot Operating Handbook suggests they should.

One of my favourite features is the effect of the slats during slow flight, it’s a joy to experience. The attention to detail in the cockpit controls and gauges is also a highlight. Adding the elevator travel inhibitor tied to the flaps would be the icing on the cake.

If, like me, you enjoy low-and-slow flying, tackling grass strips, and embracing the charm of 1940s and 1950s grassroots aviation, then this add-on might be just what you’re looking for. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending the past couple of weeks exploring far-flung corners of the world with this delightful model.

 

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The Stinson 108 Package XP12 by Ted Cook is available from the Org store here:

 

Stinson 108 Package XP12
Priced at US$20.00

 

Features:

• Three aircraft included: IFR, VFR and Float.
• Completely overhauled for XP12 from the previous version.
• Custom airfoils.
• New and updated Fmod sounds.
• Floatplane completely overhauled to take advantage of new XP12 water features.
• Includes POH with checklist
• New XP12 load stations for each seat, cargo, and fuel

Requirements:

X-Plane 12 - not for XP11
Windows, Mac, or Linux
8GB +VRAM Video Card
Current Version: XP12 3.0 (October 31st, 2024)

Customers who own the Stinson 108 XP11 can get the new XP12 version for 25% off. A discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

Reviewers System:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core Processor 3.80 GHz
Memory: 32.0 GB
Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

 

Aircraft Review by Colin Parker

6th December 2024

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