This is my first Capt Sim addon, and so far I'm not impressed. I gave them a try after the rave reviews of the C-130. Granted I knew going in this was going to be released in pieces (What they call Blocks). First the good stuff. Visually the model is very good, animations are well done. The VC itself looks good (Not the instrumentation on it though - more about that below.). Base sound is default, but there is a sound addition (Block E). That's about all I can say about the good stuff. Now the bad stuff! 2D Panel - What 2D Panel? There is no main 2D panel (Although there is subsystems), not even the default panel is included. The ADI is completely useless, and unrealistic, at this point. (I expect it will be better though when the systems block is released.) No airspeed or altimeter readings, although it was incrementing numbers that didn't seem to correlate to anything. The HSI had functional ILS and VOR mode, but as expected no flightplan mode, until the block with the aircraft systems is released. The 2D FMC panel, also as expected appears to be ey candy at this point, although the displays function, it doesn't have any affect on systems, again expect this will improve with Systems release. It has a GUI, that you can select preset viewing positions within the VC, however I can't seem to get this to function correctly, May be a bug, or a conflict with Active Camera or Walk & Follow. The 2D Overhead Panel is to small to do anything with. (And I fly FS9 on a 8'x6' screen, I can't imagine what it looks like on a monitor.) Negatives, on the visal model include only a partial 3D cabin is modelled, simmilar to PMDG 744. Although not a negative for me, since I use W&F. I'm sure there will be an uproar over no wingviews, modelled in the 3D VC model.I know everything wasn't going to be included on this initial release, but I thought, there would atleast have the default MSFS 2D panel setup for use. Also at this point, it would have been better to use the default MSFS ADI over this one, until the full systems release!!

>Now the bad stuff! 2D Panel - What 2D Panel?So it is true. Well, that just made up my mind.

In regards to the overhead panel, I just discovered, if you click on a section of it it brings up a larger more viewable piece of it. I'm not sure how I like that. It sort of on the telephone - Press one for this--Press 2 for that etc...

Hello,thanks for your comments.>good stuff. Now the bad stuff! 2D Panel - What 2D Panel? There>is no main 2D panel Correct. Explanations: http://www.captainsim.net/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1141223552 >The ADI is completely useless,>and unrealistic, at this point. This is the 757 ADI from original BOEING flight manual. Please explain how our model ADI is different from the original on the picture?http://www.captainsim.net/img/forum/ADI.gif>Negatives, on the>visal model include only a partial 3D cabin is modelled,Partial? Please explain.>I know everything wasn't going to be included on this initial>release, but I thought, there would atleast have the default>MSFS 2D panel setup for use. Block A installs default 2D panel. Also User's Manual explains in details how to install any third party 2D panel to the 757.Also, many people asking, how to know: - what is already programmed in the Block B systems wise? - what is going to be added in the Block F (Advanced Systems Programming)? Easily, please download the 757-200 FREE MANUAL at: http://www.captainsim.com/products/b757/200/manual.html and read it. Basically, everything you see in the manual will work upon the Block F release. Also we can add some systems and features that are not mentioned in the current version of the manual. http://www.captainsim.com/cap_logo.gifwww.captainsim.com

Man, this is going to be one #### of a show here. But, wait, before you go on,I need to go the store and stock up on chips and brews. 2Big

This is the 757 ADI from original BOEING flight manual. Please explain how our model ADI is different from the original on the picture?I was expecting it to look like this, with the airspeed scale running up the left side. Which I believe is the one currently used. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0720739/L/I will say, after seeing photos in airliners.net, it looks like there was ones that look like yours, maybe older models. so in that respect, I appologize.>Negatives, on the>visal model include only a partial 3D cabin is modelled,Partial? Please explain.This is what I mean, but with no wing views, I guess it doesn't matter anyway!http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/143785.jpgBlock A installs default 2D panel. Also User's Manual explains in details how to install any third party 2D panel to the 757.According to your product page, it says Block B includes Block A!http://www.captainsim.com/store/b757/index.htmlAs for doing it myself, I don't expect to have to do this on a payware product.

LOL! Hang onto your hat :)Bruce.

I just bought the plane and I

you can't even turn on the battery switch in the VC. when you click it, a 2d panel pops up!!!!!!! OMG back to FS2002 we go! so far every switch I have found, has this problem... looks like I made a mistake

:-lol Now stop stirring it up, the both of you!Ian

I have Captain Sim's 727, 707 and F104 and like them very much. However, those didn't use the block system and were complete aircraft. This block system in my view is only a way for the developer to make more money before even finishing a product. A process similar to when a real estate company sells you a house before it is even built,which is common now adays. They have your money in their bank gaining intrest for the whole time it takes to build it. Having said that, if you wait for the "Pro" version which should have all the "blocks" fitting nicely together, and based on their past efforts, this may turn out to be a really nice airplane. I already have a very nice external model (Posky) merged with LDS panel so I will wait for the "complete 757" either from CS or I believe 2 competitors.

So the VC models the most finest intricate details, but it's actually unuseable?? Will it be like this for the 'Pro' version ?

This block system might actually appeal to some users. It is true that for the hard-core simmers out there, there is little point, since they might opt for the full package. There's a lot of people who don't care about the custom sound set, and don't use a VC, or don't want to program a FMC. These people might be happy with just the 3D model with a default panel and soundset. Since the Block A is only $9.99, it might get bought up by a lot of people who otherwise would never buy an add-on.I guess the full package will be close to $50 or so. I agree that the block system is a clever way to make some money before the whole package is finished, but if someone doesn't want the extra parts that aren't ready yet, then why not? Having 6 different levels of "Blocks" seems a little confusing, but I wouldn't be surprised if more publishers start offering at least 2 or 3 tiers of their products.- Martin

I really don't get this whining and complaining. The website spells out clearly what you get in each package and clearly states that full systems simulation and custom FDE will be included in later blocks. Yes, this is a "lite" release, so to speak, which is actually all that many simmers need, so why should they be forced like in the case of PMDG to shell out over $50 for a complete product with features they will never use requring them to read thick manuals to even start up the darn thing? Yes, without Block F the current CS 757 is not enough for us hardcore simmers. But nowhere can you get full systems simulation at the price at which CS has released the first blocks of the 757. The block system allows you to get exactly the parts you are interested in. So if you want the hardcore version just chill, have some patience, enjoy the beautiful 3D model and wait for the release of block F. Have we all turned into 4-year-olds in this forum?

The VC IS useable. ce