Thanks for the links, Harald.  I will definitely give them a shot next time I have a full day of flying. 

 

I really want to try the TU-134 first.  Will ctrl+e work to start up the engines after shutting them down at the start?

 

Trying to keep things as simple as possible first while learning this complex aircraft.  Will probably just do VOR to VOR.

 

I hope we eventually get back lighting in the VC and cabin lights. 

 

I also noticed TSS has a payware sound pack for it.  I checked the vid and it sounds fantastic.  Those Russian engines sounds so different.

 

 

Will ctrl+e work to start up the engines after shutting them down at the start?

 

Maurice, you are very welcome. Unfortunately, I don't think that ctrl+e will start the engines of the Tu-134. (It works, however, with the Yak-40...) Maybe it works with running APU, connected generators and certain switches set to on (and others strictly not...), but to get the APU running you already have to obey a checklist very carefully. I use a German translation of Russian documents by a former Interflug pilot, so I can't provide you an English version. If I remember correctly, somebody did provide a link to English short manuals in the Tu-134 v.2 thread.

 

VOR to VOR is the appropriate way to fly the Tu-134 indeed, I think the Russian RSBN can't be simulated within FS2004.

 

Regarding sounds, I use the sound package provided with the model, and it seems to sound not bad. I'm very surprised to learn that TSS provides a sound package for the Tu-134, as this plane seems to be not that popular as the Tu-154. However, TSS' 727 pilot edition was a disappointment for me.

 

By the way, enjoy a excellent (if not the best at all) Tu-134 simming video here:

http://www.avsim.su/f/simulators-89/tu-134-leningrad-kharkov-ussr-41236.html?action=viewonline

It's made with the SCS model V1.2. The (external) sound is quite what you get with V.2.0

Thanks for the tips and link, Harald.  I really enjoyed that video from the Russain avsim site.

I think I'm going to start with the Yak-40.  I want to keep my stress level to a minimum.  I saw some pics of the cockpit in the TU-134, and it scared me.  So different than what I'm used to seeing.

 

Sorry about the TSS sound pack.  It is indeed for the 154.  My mistake.

I'm surprised you didn't like the TSS 727 sound pack.  I was late in getting it and I think it's very good.  But then again, the DF sound is already great sounding.

 

I will probably try the Yak at the end of the week when I have a lot more free time.

 

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Maurice, a word regarding the TSS soundpack. While I found it quite convincing from inside the cockpit, outside (in spot view) it sounded very thin and not at all that mighty that a 727 sounds. I "merged" the DF sounds with outside sounds of a freeware soundpack for JTD8 engines (intended for a B737-200 maybe), and now that sounds like I can hear it from real world 727 videos.

 

Nice that you discovered Russian planes. I can understand that people from the West (not geographically but politically) are "scared" about the interior of a Tu-134 - taking into consideration that colour alone! But as I was "born in the GDR", I'm between the worlds, and the Russian (or better: Soviet) is as familiar to me as the western planes have become. Look at my airplane list; it brings together the East, the West and the Past.

 

Have fun!

Harald

I'll have to check next time I fly the 727.  I haven't actually payed much attention to the external sound, and since I got the sound pack, I've been using the built-in speakers on my plasma display because I need to re-do the audio system.

 

It's too bad the external sound is thin because the TSS JT8D I have for the MD-80 in FSX sounds so much like the real thing.  Very thunderous.  Glad to hear you found a solution to the sound from merging.

 

Yeah, I noticed your taste is very diverse.  Once in a while I get into the mood for small Cessnas or the B58, but 99.9% of the time, I'm hardcore airliners lol.

 

You're right, that cockpit color is quite intense.  The instrument, switches, etc layout looks quiet complex too.  Overall, it has a very industrial and hands-on look to it.  Will be interesting when I try it out.  Btw, any tips on V speeds like the ones you have for the 727?, which works beautifully btw.