Is anybody here using the FS2004 updated edition of this a/c? If so, how is it? Any PC performance issues ?I am a 747 buff and love the -200 as much as the -400. I'm just wondering if it flies well and how the visual models are.Appreciate any opinions from users, thanks!JS

JS,If you like the 747-200, get RFP V2! It is fantastic. I have had it since the original version and version 2 just adds many more operational systems. This is one add-on you will NOT just hop in and fly. You can download the full set of manuals from the RFP site for free. They will give you a good idea of how complex this aircraft is. There are also some very good training videos available on the site. The visual models are very good IMHO and frame rates are not an issue with me. (3ghz P4, ATI 9800Pro, 1 gig Ram.) If you enjoy full systems and "steam gauges" this is the one.

Don't worry about visual models, you will be too busy being captain, first officer and engineer all at once :)

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RFP is a fine product but definitely only for super serious simmers. The beauty of this aircraft is the systems. The flight modeling, sounds, and external textures are top notch, but the systems are second to none. Through the free video downloads and the manual, you learn how to start up this bird from the a completely powered down state. And, if you don't click each button in the order that you are supposed to, it simply won't work right, just like the real thing. You'll find, for example, that you can start the APU, push back, start the engines, and then when it is your time to taxi to the runway, you find that you have no steering capacity. Why? Because when you were configuring the hydraulics, you forget to flip a single little switch. It might take some time going though the manual to try and figure out which switch you forgot to turn on, but while doing so, you learn which switch it was, what it's purpose is, and what it contributes to the overall. Believe me, I know from experience. I have since read the entire manual and closely studied and now rarely make such mistakes. I know know 10 times about aircraft systems than I did before I purchased RFP. So, in the future when I order a super 747-400 simulator product, I will know what sort of thing is going on behind the scene (when I turn on a single switch on the overhead panel which would have required turning on and monitoring 5 switches and gauges in RFP). This sort of knowledge is very satisfying. If you buy RFP, be ready for an educational experience. It's the best add-on I own.Robb

Gentlemen:Thanks to you all for your posts. I now have a better understanding of this sim product.Much appreciated.JS

How does it compare to PMDG 737NG?

Surely, that is like comparing a gracious, grand old steam engine with a modern electric suburban train ?!To me, part of the joy of older airliners is the "steam gauge" feel. Any NG is robotic in comparison and has a different personality.JS

>How does it compare to PMDG 737NG?Difference is in interior graphics. The VC of the PMDG is FAR better. I only wish RFPB would give an updated model with interior graphics up to the current standard. Take a look at PMDG's upcoming 747-400 and some of the interior shots. WOW!! Can't wait for this to come out.

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Interesting. I'm curious, how do you use a product that has not yet been released as a basis for comparison? Do you own RFP, or are you basing the comparison on screen shots that are available on the web. I personally do not own the PMDG 737 package, and because of that would not presume to compare it to anything. RFP and the 737's are totally different animals and probably are not directly comparable in any case. Likewise, there is a world of difference between the 747-400 and the -200 series and that sort of comparison is also of limited value. One of the things that makes this such a great hobby is that the diversity of available products makes it possible for each user to find something that makes him or her happy and to prioritize the those things which are most important, be it systems, performance, ease of use, or eye candy.Ed GreenKCLThttp://www.panelshop.com/DEV.jpghttp://www.globecargo.org/images/VAA_Sen_captain.jpg

I agree Ed,Although I have the PMDG 737NG, and it is fantastic, the RFP V2 is equally as good in the type of aircraft it represents. I have both, fly both, and enjoy both to an incredible degree. I'm sure the PMDG747 will also be a fantastic add-on, and I will be purchasing and enjoying it as soon as it is released.

I can't agree more with Robb's comment, that this is for serious simmer's only. I left so many 'simulated craters' in the ground learning the autopilot, that the terrain would have looked like the moon landscape in real life. However be aware that this is the final version and according to the designer, eventually the support forum will be shutting down. Fitz

It may not be quite as pretty in terms of its virtual cockpit as some of the others, but I consider RFP a must for serious simmers, in terms of learning systems and that sort of thing. The flight model and sounds are second to none as well. RobbieHe

Yes I have it and spent many hours pouring over the panels and mastering them. The interior graphics are not appealing and that is my opinion. Unless of course opinions make you uncomfortable. The comparison can be made because it is based on interior graphic quality. If you like panels and a nice exterior model fine. But if you like that plus very nice interior graphics then PMDG is the way to go. They may well be two different planes but one can compare graphic quality and that's what I've done. Included with the fact that PMDG is fully clickable in the VC a definite reality with FS9 and those planes lacking same are deficient.