I now have the DF727 and I wonder if Ready For Pushback 747-200 2nd Generationcould offer something new? Or are they very similar products?Which one is best? And how does RFP compare to the upcoming 747-400 from PDG? Maybe they shouldn't be compared? How does a 747-200 differ from a 747-400?

The RFP 747-200 is an awesome add-on. It's older technology than the upcoming PMDG version but very realistic just the same. If you like DF's 727 then you'll love the RFP's 747-200.

My favorite add-on. The DF 727 is great, but for long haul freight nothing beats the RFP airplane. The -400 has automated systems with only 2 pilots while the -200 requires a flight engineer. You will be busy pre-flight and after takeoff doing the work of 3 people. It is awesome once you learn how to start from cold and dark, like the 727 but a little more complicated.Anyway if you are more into old school flying rather than programming a flight computer and watch it do everything, get the RFP. I have enjoyed it since it came out, but I will be getting the PMDG -400 and probably will never look back except for flights for my virtual cargo airline

RFP is the best add-on I have in terms of learning systems. Not only do you learn to fly a 747, but you learn systems in a manner that is procedural rather than just reading about it and letting the computer complete the process as in a 747-400. I advise anyone to get it.RH

Hi,The 747-200 is great! Even when the INS is being used for navigation, you still find yourself doing Nav the "old" way whilst over land, to know where you are, and in the event the INS decides to do its own thing.It is an older design to the -400, the primary differences being avionics, winglets (on the inter-continental versions), and the extended upper-deck on the -400, and uprated engines. Apart from that, they are in essence the same ship.The -200 has a slightly greater payload capacity (in terms of weight), and a slightly longer range (~11,000nm) it seems compared with the -400, but I think this is due to the design differences.Assuming everythig is functional, the -400 is easier to fly, but you watch it a lot more than you fly it. With the -200, there is more to do (less automation), and you have to watch your flight progess more carefully, which generally adds to the fun.10hr long haul isn't quite so boring as it would be in the -400, either. :) If you use the FREE CIVA INS in the -200 as well, it can get very interesting! ;)Best regards,Vulcan.

11,000 nm???? Where did that number come from? I think you're right about payload, but the -400 has longer range, more powerful engines, and better fuel burn

>Hi,>>The 747-200 is great! Even when the INS is being used for>navigation, you still find yourself doing Nav the "old" way>Assuming everythig is functional, the -400 is easier to fly,>but you watch it a lot more than you fly it. With the -200,>there is more to do (less automation), and you have to watch>your flight progess more carefully, which generally adds to>the fun.>Then I think I have been given one valid argument to get the RFPinstead of the PMDG 400 Queen.Maybe it could even be a option to get both but $95 is rather muchfor one basic type of plane.Another queston here. If I learn to use the RFP could I then use much of that knowledge to use the Queen or would I have to learn the new queen from scratch (read the whole manual)?

Hi,If you learn RFP2 completely, you will have a very good understanding of how all (most of) the systems of a large jet work and interact with each other.You will find this useful for other aircraft, including the PMDG 744. What you will need to learn then is how these systems are operated on the very automated 744. You will need to learn which buttons ( if any )to press to make each particular system work.So in answer to your question, yes, much of what you learn with tbe RFP will give you the background to help with the 744.Paul ( happy owner of both 747's and DF's 727 )

It would be like taking a theory course (RFP747-200) before learning how to be a system's operator (PMDG747-400). So, yes, you could apply a lot of RFP 747 to the PMDG 747. RFP teaches you what is going on in the background (being operated by a computer) when compared to the PMDG. The fuel system is a good example. On the RFP, you have to reconfigure the tanks several times during flight. On the PMDG, most of that is done for you by a computer. So, by learning RFP, you understand what the computer is doing in terms of fuel management and why. Whereas, if you just brought the PMDG version without having learned RFP, you would have little actual procedural knowledge about that. The fuel system is just one example. There are many others. I'd really recommend RFP for any serious 747 sim pilot just in terms of the knowledge learned. RH

But don't let all this "procedural" talk scare you. It's a whole lot of fun too! :-)billg

I have both PMDG and RFP. For a while I thought all the guys saying how great the RFP were crazy, because I was having all kinds of problems. However I did eventually get everything figured out.... just in time for the PMDG 747!!! :)RFP isn't pretty, I still get the idea that people inflate its virtues.But it has this bizarre attraction to it I can't explain. I'm just delighted to have fancy computer pants and ol' steam gauge versions of the 747. Oddly enough, the RFP had me trained so that my first landing was a greaser on the PMDG.Yeah, if you like panels that cause you to psychosomatically smell mold, the RFP is for you.