I just found out about the A2A B377 Stratocruiser and would like to find more classic planes. Something good for short to medium hauls. I want something with FPS similar to the default aircraft, but with more complex systems management. Something that requires something to do during cruise such as switching fuel tanks, transferring fuel, monitoring an authentic autopilot, etc. Free or payware is fine. Any suggestions?

I just found out about the A2A B377 Stratocruiser and would like to find more classic planes. Something good for short to medium hauls. I want something with FPS similar to the default aircraft, but with more complex systems management. Something that requires something to do during cruise such as switching fuel tanks, transferring fuel, monitoring an authentic autopilot, etc. Free or payware is fine. Any suggestions?

I dont know what u consider a classic but the coolsky super 80 would be the top of my list. Also might want to look at the captain sim 727 but it is not as frame rate friendly as the super 80.

Depends how 'ancient' you want to get and whether you can live with flying slowly.Worthy of consideration are the MAAM Douglas DC-3 and the UIVER Douglas DC-2, both of which have very realistic systems and engines you have to take care of. The UIVER DC-2 is particularly lovely, and great fun to fly.Aerosoft's Consolidated PBY Catalina is another one well worth a look if you like having to nurse engines and claw your way up high. It has excellent engine modeling which includes having to clear fouled plugs, watching for cylinder head warping due to overheating, watching oil dilution temperatures, using over rich mixtures to act as a heat sink, engine and airframe icing etc. It's a real challenge to fly that thing a long distance and very satisfying when you manage it.The Shockwave (A2A) Wings of Power II Boeing B-17G is another possible contender, although the turbochargers are not as accurately modeled as they could be (apparently it is due for an Accusim upgrade as they call it - they may call it that, but I call it making you pay for the thing to be patched and properly modeled like they claimed it was in the first place). Still, it's a lovely thing and good fun to fly.But, beware of flights taking a long time - you will be lucky to get an average groundspeed of 140 knots out of all of the above.Al

Aerosoft Hughes H-1B is what you need. It's fast, flies high and you have both intercontinental range and high-speed versions in the one package. That, and you won't even get it off the ground if you don't read the manuals and fly it right! It's a single engined aircraft, considerably faster than any of the above, and you don't get the luxury of an autopilot and you do have to worry about shock cooling, fuel pressure, oil pressure, hydraulic leaks and carburetor icing. It's perfect! :(

If you get the B377 Stratocruiser, you'll be too busy to be thinking about other classic aircraft, especially if you get Accusim. That is one jealous airplane! Either the Coolsky Super 80 classic or CS 727 would be great if you want jets, and the choice between them really depends on visuals vs. frame rates (although I get good smooth performance on the 727.)Seriously, though the Statocruiser is the utlimate prop airline classic in my opinion, and you'll be busy filling the role of a four-man crew in your glass cockpit (meaning surrounded by windows).

Might I suggest the RFP V2 that ultimately went as freeware. However, with the Avsim library down, I'm not sure where to point you to obtain it. You might try allnodesarebusy.com and see if they have it there.

Might I suggest the RFP V2 that ultimately went as freeware. However, with the Avsim library down, I'm not sure where to point you to obtain it. You might try allnodesarebusy.com and see if they have it there.

RFP one of my all-time favorites. Unfortunately it is only another FS9 ghost to me now. You can tell that some airplanes are real labors of love, and I think the RFP was in the category.

Duh,... Guess I forgot which planet I was on (fsx forum). I am unfortunately in the very same boat.

How about the A2A P-47 with Accusim? I believe it to be the best prop plane ever made for FS to date.