I really enjoy Briefing Time but want to include a little variety. Dunno anything about Gmax but is the R4D on a par with BT in terms of visuals, performance, etc? In fact, I don't even know if BT is Gmax.Is the R4D a good add-on or should I wait for a newer version?

Even now, the FS2000 R4D (updated for FS2002) is still a wonderful plane and has one of the best panels and sound sets anywhere.Compared to the far newer B-25, the visuals probably do suffer, but then there are probably 50+ different liveries for it from which to chose. I have about 20 myself !As for whether you should wait for the new GMAX R4D, that's a difficult one ! On the one hand, you could pay for the current R4D, get used to it, enjoy flying it and be fully "type-qualified" for when the GMAX replacement is released, or you could wait, saving your money for the new one.I don't pretend to be unbiased, and simply love the current R4D to bits, so would suggest buying it straight away. As far as I know, there has been no definitive release date for the replacement, so its possible that you may have to wait for a couple of months yet.Alastair

Alastair,To quote Bill from about three posts down the tree:"The official release date of the all new Gmax R4D is.........drum roll, please....................September 26 at the AVSIM Simulation Exhibition and Conference at MAAM.":-) :-) :-hahIan P.:-halo

Hi there Dawson,Honestly? Buy it. It is awesome... Even with the new GMAX coming out in September it is worth it for some reasons:1 - This is the main reason in fact. You will not only buy a software but help maintain the real aircraft. I think that alone would be well worth it. And you even get a 'copy' of the plane to enjoy and fly!!! :)2 - The FS2002 upgrade key costs only US$ 5,00, or less then US$ 2,00 a month for a lot of fun until the GMAX comes out three months from now.Besides, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it twice in a short period of time. First when you get it now and when an even better version comes out soon. Believe me, after you have flown this beauty you will know the feeling :)Cheers,_______________________Marcelo M

Thanks !Great news - I'll be sticking the date in my diary !Alastair

I second the "buy it" advice - naturally :-) But if I may make a pitch for the CD, as opposed to the upgrade - none of the items on the current CD will be repeated on the new one in September, and I think you will find them worth the $25. ALso, the CD gives you everything up-to-date and in one self-installing package. With the upgrade you must download several large files and hand install them in the proper order. For all the details on what you get for your $25, see www.maam.org and follow the Flight Sim link.Bill Rambow MAAM-SIM - Rambow, Visser, Banting, Young, Womack, and Hamblyhttp://www.fssupport.com/maam_sim/maamsim_logo.gif

OK, I'm convinced and just bought the CD rom MAAM :). Now I just have to walk the floors waiting for that CD to arrive....Wish I could download just the plane while waiting.

I'm coming to MAAM next week during my gettysburg trip and I'm going to get me one of these CD's...Plus I'll get a few pics and post em here for the followers to enjoy.See you all next week!

What day are you coming by? I will be up there attending a planning meeting between AVSIM and MAAM officers for the convention in September. I'll be pulling the motorhome in on Friday afternoon and spending the night in the MAAM parking lot. If you are around on Saturday and you see us lurking around, be sure to say hello. BTW, what the heck is your name? These "call-signs" drive me up the wall.Bill Rambow MAAM-SIM - Rambow, Visser, Banting, Young, Womack, and Hamblyhttp://www.fssupport.com/maam_sim/maamsim_logo.gif

Hey Bill,I'm Dave Rancour. I'll be coming by sometime between 7/25 - 7/28. Not sure which day - really depends on how much time it takes to see the civil war battlefields and shop the shops. :)When you say Friday, is that this friday or 7/27 friday?

Hi Dave,Glad ta meet ya! I'll be up there tomorrow. You said next week in your post above, so I thought we might be there at the same time. Guess you meant next month, not week. :-) I hope to be in New England on vaction the week you are going.Anyway, enjoy your visit to MAAM and be sure to tell the guys in the shop you are a flight simmer.Bill Rambow MAAM-SIM - Rambow, Visser, Banting, Young, Womack, and Hamblyhttp://www.fssupport.com/maam_sim/maamsim_logo.gif

Oppps, I meant 6/27 :)I'm coming next week. If there's any good time that you all will be there next week I'll come by then. I'm still going anyway - I can't wait to see the place.