I am considering purchasing Briefing Time, the B25 from MAAM Sim. Could those who already own it give me some opinions about it?How about the R4D, also from MAAM Sim?Thanks.Dewey

Hi Dewey,The B-25 and R4D are more than just great simulations of equally great real world airplanes. They're works of art. The loving care that went into producing these two addons is obvious from the time you slide the CD's into your computer. The models are so well done that they can easily be mistaken for photographs of the real thing. The panels and systems are modeled so accurately that the MAAM-Sim team uses videos shot in the actual aircraft (included on the CD's) to show you how to start up, fly, and land them. The flight models are by Rob Young, the genius who sets the bar that others strive to match.Each airplane has a defining moment that makes it irreplaceable. For the R4D, it's the tail low wheel landing. If done properly in the real airplane, it's so smooth that you don't know the exact moment that you make contact with the ground, and the simulation duplicates it wonderfully. It's also beautiful to watch in replay from the external view.For the B-25, it's the takeoff run. Instead of waiting for a defined rotation speed, you lift the nose off the runway and assume the takeoff attitude as soon as you have positive rudder control. Then you hold it there while the airplane accelerates. Eventually, the mains lift off the ground and you're airborne... but once again, it happens so gently that you never know the exact moment it occurred. It's an incomparable feeling.Suffice to say that the quality of the documentation is on a level with the other aspects of these great addons.There's only one reason that a person would be dissatisfied with the B-25 or the R4D, and that's if you don't have a warm spot in your heart for their real world counterparts. But if you love these airplanes as I do, you'll love MAAM's recreations of them.Best,Ken

I agree with everything Ken says and more. Two of the finest planes ever made for the sim. Plus there are some great repaints of both planes, and additional models of the DC-3 including an amphibian and the upcoming C-47 D Day version (can't wait)and they're all free to purchasers of the original CDs.Getting the message? Don't think, just buy.Cheers, Mark.

What they said.

>I am considering purchasing Briefing Time, the B25 from MAAM>Sim. Could those who already own it give me some opinions>about it?Buy it. Period. 'Nuff said?

Same comments as the others 'buy it/them'. Even if you don't fly the thing they are pieces of art by Jan Visser.You will want to fly them though espceially when you know the flight model was created by one of the best know and respected individuals in the field, Rob Young.When you hear the engines of either the B25 or R4D you will want to fly even more :-)IMO the MAAM team is one of the best around with the complete set of skills to create such masterpieces.The donation to the restoration of old aircraft is a worthy cause and may sway your decision to purchase. I live in the UK and TBH I could care less whether some aircraft in Pennsylvania are restored or not, we have our own aircraft that should be returned to flight, but I bought both the R4D and B25 because IMO they are works of art, fly beautifully and are a nice change from flying 737's, 767's and Airbuses.BUY 'EM :-)

>I am considering purchasing Briefing Time, the B25 from MAAM>Sim. Could those who already own it give me some opinions>about it?>>How about the R4D, also from MAAM Sim?>>Thanks.>>DeweyThis is an absolute no-brainer! Both of them (I have both) are just about as good as it gets in terms of visual beauty and flight handling/characteristics. And as a bonus you get to benefit the MAAM museum so that they can bring us MORE of these beautiful planes. RUN, don't walk to "your nearest store" and buy them now! You will NOT be disappointed. :D

>The donation to the restoration of old aircraft is a worthy>cause and may sway your decision to purchase. I live in the UK>and TBH I could care less whether some aircraft in>Pennsylvania are restored or not, we have our own aircraft>that should be returned to flight, but I bought both the R4D>and B25 because IMO they are works of art, fly beautifully and>are a nice change from flying 737's, 767's and Airbuses.>>BUY 'EM :-)Agreed, These are the closest you will probably ever get to flying a DC-3/R4D and certainly the closestyou will come to flying a B-25...However you could always buy your own.....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...4552228567&rd=1CheersTimhttp://members.chello.nl/t.westnutt/realair.gif