Haven't used the panel in years?...sacre bleuJust as soon as I hit the post button on last message, I thought "you bonehead, go try the air files that came with the panel". So I did but the landing switches still do not operate the lights.I will ask over at the HJG discussion forum and see if any one else has this problem.With Dreamfleet making the understandable economic decision not to pursue the development of a 707 and the sad state of affairs with the Captain Sim 707, it is a frustrating sim world for us 707 fans.

>With Dreamfleet making the understandable economic decision>not to pursue the development of a 707 and the sad state of>affairs with the Captain Sim 707, it is a frustrating sim>world for us 707 fans. Sorry, wish I could do something about that :-(As for the lights issue, I assume that using the L key operates them?http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...BANNER_PAUL.jpg

Yes, the lights work fine with the keyboard. I know next to nothing about gauges, but comparing the "lights sections" in the panel and aircraft cfg files of your 2002 versions and the HJG 2004 versions there are different numbering conventions following the gauges. Perhaps someone at HJG has a solution, but it sounds like it is time for me to start reading the Panel SDK. Thanks for the responses. As soon as I replace my current 1.2 ghz mule with a capable computer, your 727 is at the top of the aircraft to purchase list. Maybe then I'll lose interest in the 707s, but I doubt it...I spent too much time on them when I was a kid.

I don't mean to offend anyone by saying this butPaul, your freeware panels are still the best that were ever made. I use the updated version of your MD-87 and MD-80 panels today. Although I am really glad that some enterprising individual updated the panels, they will never be the same as they were when they were first released. To me, your interior lighting is just incredible. It is still there with the 707 panel, but the MD panels now have default night lighting. I would love to be able to get that immersiveness back in the FS9 versions.Another reason why your panels were so great is because they had the look and feel of a top notch payware panel but the systems were simplified to reduce the learning curve. I wish more payware groups would adopt this practice because it is a quality that I would definitely pay for. Aerosim and Skydecks have but that is all I am currently aware of.Sorry for going off topic.

Thanks for the kind words.Funnily enough, after spending so much time on the 727, I really do think that the earlier freeware panels are pretty poor now! But I'm pleased that others still rate them so highly.If you liked the freeware stuff, maybe it's time to take a look at the 727?http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...BANNER_PAUL.jpg

I have thought about getting it but I think it will sit on my HD. I like to fly a variety of aircraft and I don't have time to learn how to fly just one. I tend to like thinks I van just jump in and fly. That is why I love the Aerosim L-1011, Skydecks panels and your old panels.

Jeff:I know exactly how you feel on this matter and agree totally. I have had classic commercial payware since 2000 and have loved it all, but I simply no longer have the time or inclination for the learning and the 300 page manuals that are now de rigeur with everything that is released.Some old panels are truly fantastic and PG's 707 is legendary--like Eric Ernst's 767 panel version 7.0 which was the precursor to PiC767 and now LDS 767 (which I do have!).It's a joy to just boot up and jump into the 707 with Paul's panel and fly away without doing the FMC, INS, APU, and heaven knows what else, and feel immersed and involved !JS

Good points, but you don't have to go through a whole start up routine (which once practices only takes a little more than 5 minutes anyway), using the config manager just once will give you a loaded 727 with engines running and ready for taxi.Of course if you want to do the real deal, it's there, as are random brake failures, random engine fires, working pressure system etc......the point being the choice is yours :-)If it's that bad, F1 have a money back guarantee anyway! http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx/images/F...BANNER_PAUL.jpg

Sounds like you should try flying with the slew. ;-)regards,Macs

Nah, it is just a difference in what people want to get out of FS - and I think I am not alone. I have every freeware commercial airliner on my HD. I am married and employed. I like to fly all over the world - that is part of the escape of fs (for me). I don't have the time to master an approach or a specific aircraft. I just want to relax and enjoy FS. I like add ons that make me feel like I am there - not at work.Furthermore, I choose my flights depending on the weather. I look for interesting weather, then I choose an airline and aircraft.It is just a matter of opinion.

Paul:How could ANYTHING put out by F1 with you as chief project manager be..."bad" ?!JS

-----------------------------------------------I simply no longer have the time or inclination for the learning and the 300 page manuals that are now de rigeur with everything that is released.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nah, it is just a difference in what people want to get out of FS - and I think I am not alone. I don't have the time to master an approach or a specific aircraft. I just want to relax and enjoy FS. I like add ons that make me feel like I am there - not at work.-----------------------------------------------I cannot agree more than what you guys said! I thought I was pretty much alone in the casual-simmer department :) When my PMDG 737 & F1 ATR arrived I loaded them up, disabled their default panels, aliased them to some simple freeware ones and tootled off into the sky http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contri...y/corkysm20.gif