After weeks of reading posts and reviews of the PMDG 737-NGX, I took the plunge and bought it. I should have known something was different with this add-on when the download file is over 600mb :o . I was also concerned when the manual recommended installing FSX in its own directory. I have FSX installed in its default location and frankly have no intention of re-installing it as well as a bunch of other add-on's just to run one plane regardless of how good it is so I ran the install as an admin, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.

 

The install was pretty painless until I started FSX and was asked for an "Activation Code". That was another ##### moment as I can't recall ever being asked for that in any of my other FSX add-on's. After locating the code in one of the emails I got from PMDG, it was off to the races.

 

Loaded up the NGX and took a look at it. First impressions of the exterior is that its not very impressive, at least not to the level of the hype surrounding it. It was very nice, don't get me wrong but it didn't do anything for me at all. The cockpit is a total 180 though. All I can say is wow. The textures are nicely done and when everything is active, I can see cause and effect of doing things like moving the control surfaces affecting the hydraulics and turning lights and other systems on and off affecting load. Quite impressive. The cockpit definitely lived up to the hype. Well done PMDG. I'm looking forward to the 777.

 

The manuals are quite impressive. Very detailed and containing quite a bit of information. It'll take me days to digest it all. I loved the fact that the manuals come with 2 sample flights that take you through the systems on the plane on each step of the flight. This is something thats missing from other developers, especialy those that produce complex aircraft (are you listening Eaglesoft?). I suspect it'll take me less time to get to grips with the basics of the NGX's FMS due to that documentation than I did with the CX 2.0.

 

Like most impaitient simmers, I jumped in head first, ignored the manuals totaly, set the flaps and took it for a flight around South Florida. It "felt" as I expected it to feel, heavy and slow to respond which , based on flights in 737's as a passenger, seem to be spot on. I then went through the 1st of the tutorials (London Gatwick to Amsterdam) and realised just how in-depth the systems are modeled on this add-on. I also realised that there is really nothing in FSX at this time that compares with the NGX on the shear amount of work you need to do to set up the FMS and get it flying. Bear in-mind I've had this add-on for exactly 6 hours and I thought the same thing about the CX 2.0 when I got it so once I get accustomed to the systems and procedures, it'll likely become second nature.

 

Problems? None so far. She's a bit heavy on the frame rate but after seeing the level of detail in the cockpit, I understand why. I'll be playing around with my scenery settings to find one that gives a good compromise on the frame rate in VC mode with decent detail levesl on the scenery. Is it worth the price? I'm on the fence here as I just got it and am still learning about it. One thing is certain though, its very well done. B)

I agree it's a truly amazing product. I also agree that the exterior is rather lackluster. Why couldn't they make the exterior textures like those of the J41? Also the VC seems a little narrow or it's competitors is too wide. The download livery process is changed and is now a annoying and tricky. It was a 1-click-deal before.....not amymore!

Thanks for sharing that, Cessna. I'd love to have this addon myself. Keep us posted.

Sounds neat but no way my system can run it.

 

I'm really wanting PMDG's Douglas DC-6; wish they would finish it and hope it comes with plenty of well done tutorials and interactive checklists.

Nice review, PMDG 737NGX is indeed amazing product.

I also realised that there is really nothing in FSX at this time that compares with the NGX on the shear amount of work you need to do to set up the FMS and get it flying.

Wouldn't agree with this part though. 737NG is after all really simple plane to set up for flight when compared to MD-80 or Concorde which both have been modeled really well for FSX (MD-80 by Leonardo and Concorde by FSLabs).

Yeah..the PMDG 737NGX VC is amazing. The best I have seen so far. .. But on the whole, for me, the PMDG 747 (the Queen) is still the queen in my hangar. I love hand flying the beast 747 and do that final turn into Kai Tak!

 

I can't wait for the PMDG 747 new version with similar VC. :)

 

Manny

Nice review, PMDG 737NGX is indeed amazing product.

Wouldn't agree with this part though. 737NG is after all really simple plane to set up for flight when compared to MD-80 or Concorde which both have been modeled really well for FSX (MD-80 by Leonardo and Concorde by FSLabs).

 

I'll have a look at those add-on's but I was really referring to the work required on the FMS and having to remember what buttons to push and what nobs to turn at each stage in the flight. Not sure if the Concorde had an FMS.

Like most impaitient simmers, I jumped in head first, ignored the manuals totaly, set the flaps and took it for a flight around South Florida

 

 

Hi Stiggie,

 

Would you say an FSX starter could get this bird in the air w/o having to read the manual?

I'll have a look at those add-on's but I was really referring to the work required on the FMS and having to remember what buttons to push and what nobs to turn at each stage in the flight. Not sure if the Concorde had an FMS

 

The Concorde had an "old fashioned" INS.It was an immensely complex aircraft to operate and required highly skilled pilots and flight engineers.

The 737NG FMC is easy, once you learn how it works,but reading the manual is a good idea to get the most out of the PMDG simulation.

The Concorde had an "old fashioned" INS.It was an immensely complex aircraft to operate and required highly skilled pilots and flight engineers.

The 737NG FMC is easy, once you learn how it works,but reading the manual is a good idea to get the most out of the PMDG simulation.

 

I agree regarding the manuals and if they are anything like the tutorials, they will be easy to read. Like anything though, I suspect it will take lots of practice and failures before I make a perfect flight. Hell, I even managed to screw-up the landing and had to take it in manually. I think I stopped 3 inches from the end of the runway :lol: Still trying to find that missing step.

Hi Stiggie,

 

Would you say an FSX starter could get this bird in the air w/o having to read the manual?

 

I don't see any reason why not. By default, its loaded with the engines running so set the flaps and fire away. Its a sweet plane to fly if you're patient and understand that nothing happens in a hurry unlike the smaller planes. However, that would defeat the purpose of the NGX in my opinion. Learning the systems and using them to fly it as a real pilot would is, I think, what its all about with this add-on. If you want to jump in and fly a tubeliner, there are quite a few good freeware Boeing's and Airbuses around that will fill the bill. Some of them are actually quite nice.

Hell, I even managed to screw-up the landing and had to take it in manually

 

"Hand flying" the approach,rather than doing an autoland, will give you much more satisfaction.

 

Cheers.

Hi Stiggie,

 

Would you say an FSX starter could get this bird in the air w/o having to read the manual?

 

Yes but you almost need to fly the tutorial flight. I was afraid of the FMS at first but I can quickly program it in about 2 minutes. (the lengthy part is entering your route - which can take more like 5-10 minutes)

 

"Hand flying" the approach,rather than doing an autoland, will give you much more satisfaction.

 

Agreed - this is a superb hand flying machine. If you need a little assistance use the HUD with FD on it's effortless hehe. The plane also trims out really well (most FSX planes don't)

However, that would defeat the purpose of the NGX in my opinion. Learning the systems and using them to fly it as a real pilot would is, I think, what its all about with this add-on.

 

You bring up a good point and makes me think of an immediate question: what complex payware plane includes the best, most comprehensive tutorials/missions to learn the plane hands on with minimal pdf manual reading?

You bring up a good point and makes me think of an immediate question: what complex payware plane includes the best, most comprehensive tutorials/missions to learn the plane hands on with minimal pdf manual reading?

 

Well, I've only ever heard of PDF tutorials included with payware planes. What other way would there be? That being said, you can find some really well done Youtube tutorials for most of the more popular add ons like PMDG.