About the Dash-8: I always thought Majestic Software's Dash 8 was unpayable, but a second look makes that statement false. 50 euro? That's peanuts for that plane. Although, the VC is kind a bare, I think. Anybody any useful opinion on this plane?

I own the Majestic Dash 8 and would love it except for the VC. The textures are VERY low res...way behind the times as far as FSX goes. The steam gauges are barely readable. There is talk of issuing a patch to dress up the cockpit, but no projection on its availability.I think they showed the same attention to the systems and sound aspects of the machine that PMDG does. Unfortunately it is a FS9 native airplane that has been patched up to FSX. If I was spending this kind of money right now on a payware bird, I would definitely choose the JS-41. If you're looking for a Dash, wait for either the release of Majestic's new Q-400 version or for someone else to give it the treatment.

So some airplanes should be remade over and over.

Yes some, some absolutely iconic airplanes like 737 or 747 but sorry to say B1900 is not in the same category, not by a long stretch (for you however it may be). And by the way since 747 was a port with minor FSX-only features it is really only going to be the 737 that will be truly "remade", quite fitting for such an industry stalwart and the new model will include the latest tech stuff like the HUD, a striking contrast with B1900's cockpit which is by now a bit dated. A much more iconic Beech product is the Super King Air and I only hope that Flight1 will remake it in a fashion it deserves - with Collins Pro Line 21 or even G1000 cockpit.

I beleiev from what I have read on the Fanda forums, is that after the 400 has being released . he will go baout updating the Q300. Be nice to have it full FSX compliant, and a btter cockpit, but it is still the best 300 out there, even with its short falls.

Yes some, some absolutely iconic airplanes like 737 or 747 but sorry to say B1900 is not in the same category, not by a long stretch (for you however it may be). And by the way since 747 was a port with minor FSX-only features it is really only going to be the 737 that will be truly "remade", quite fitting for such an industry stalwart and the new model will include the latest tech stuff like the HUD, a striking contrast with B1900's cockpit which is by now a bit dated. A much more iconic Beech product is the Super King Air and I only hope that Flight1 will remake it in a fashion it deserves - with Collins Pro Line 21 or even G1000 cockpit.

Hey Michael, how have you've been ;)>? I'm looking forward to the 737. I spent a ungodly amount of time learning everything about that plane and hope that PMDG does a great job. I still have a wish list from the last production/patch that I desired to see on that plane.

Just quickly, does it have a FMC with full VNAV, LNAV, STARS and SIDS?Also, is there an auto throttle?

Just quickly, does it have a FMC with full VNAV, LNAV, STARS and SIDS?Also, is there an auto throttle?

Yes and no. The real one doesn't have an autothrottle, so this one doesn't either.And to qualify the first answer re the FMS, it does have VNAV but you'll have to fly the vertical profile yourself...the autopilot won't.It's a fantastic payware aircraft...my first PMDG addon and I am truly impressed.

STARS and SIDS?

STARS and SIDS?

Yes, the FMS has the ability to input SID + STARS. However, this is not a plane you set and forget - Weather plays a major factor as the typical cruise altitude in this plane is the sweet spot where you pick up some interesting weather. These engines also require constant monitoring as over temps can occur.A great, high quality plane - One of the best available for FSX.

Sounds splendid to me.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the Majestic Software Q-300 for FSX, it seems to be an obscure payware model. I had thought the Flight 1 ATR was the only turboprop commuter for FSX, and I knew about PMDG possibly creating a Q400 as their next prop project. I'm looking forward to Majestic's Q400, and last month I bought the Majestic Q300.A very nice plane with PMDG like systems depth, but the VC is atrocious to say the least. I'm very disappointed by the lack of clarity of the gauges, especially at night. Makes it very difficult to enjoy, and even more so since I bought the PMDG jetstream. I'm just plain spoiled by their VC quality and gauge clarity! The Majestic Q300 ain't cheap, the least they could do is update the gauges on the VC so they are more readable. I'm VC only, but now I understand why some people prefer 2D panels after seeing the Majestic VC in action. Its like having a FS2002 era cockpit in FSX, I hear its the exact same panel as their freeware Dash 8 released years ago. Very sadI look forward to a VC update by Majestic, and the Q400 looks inviting. The PMDG jetstream is a class all by itself, it has raised the bar for ALL payware developers!

Well, I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder...I don't think the VC is atrocious at all. In fact, it's really a work of art. I do use TrackIR and zoom up on those parts of it that need my attention, but overall, I think it looks terrific. I am talking about the BAE J41 here...a remarkable addon for FSX.

I hope PMDG will do a Dornier 328 once (props). A beautifull designed aircaft i think, personally.Gerrit

Well, I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder...I don't think the VC is atrocious at all. In fact, it's really a work of art. I do use TrackIR and zoom up on those parts of it that need my attention, but overall, I think it looks terrific. I am talking about the BAE J41 here...a remarkable addon for FSX.

The other guys were talking about the Majestic Software Dash-8-Q300 when they talked of the atrocious VC, not the PMDG J41.Thanks for the input on the Majestic Q300, guys! Now I know I'll wait before I buy anything form them. By the way, I have difficulty blowing the J41's engines up... They always seem to restore themselves. Can anybody give me a recipe for disaster, in which case the engines will surely melt down? I want to see it happen.

The other guys were talking about the Majestic Software Dash-8-Q300 when they talked of the atrocious VC, not the PMDG J41.Thanks for the input on the Majestic Q300, guys! Now I know I'll wait before I buy anything form them. By the way, I have difficulty blowing the J41's engines up... They always seem to restore themselves. Can anybody give me a recipe for disaster, in which case the engines will surely melt down? I want to see it happen.

Load up the plane and do a full power takeoff :(

Yes, my "atrocious VC" comment was directed at the majestic dash 8, not the pmdg jetstream. To be frank, the VC is alright, my pet peeve is the readability of the gauges, and the fonts embedded in the gauges. Not what I would expect for an expensive plane claiming to be FSX compatable. All they need to do is update those gauges to make them VC friendly, and it would be an excellent dash 8 simulation. I believe they are supposed to release an update to the panel, but that won't be until after they complete their rendition of the q400. Could be awhile...If you really lust for a dash8 simulation, I would say get it. The gauges are a nuisance, but you can get used to it and work around it.Regarding the Jetstream, make sure you enable engine fires in the config app, and start the engines while the props are feathered, that is a recipe for disaster!I did that a few times in the beginning, the engines will smoke and eventually the starter will stop. Once I learned of the unfeather props switch on the throttle panel, its been smooth sailing since. Just need to keep a constant watch of the EGTs when climbing, especially when reducing the rpm to 98 during flaps retraction and when enabling engine deicing.I am thoroughly enjoying the jetstream, it has to be PMDG's finest simulation thus far.