In all of my 10 years of Microsoft Flight Simming, I'd have to say the most valuable add-on I have ever purchased was the Ready for Pushback 747-200 package. I learned almost everything I know about the inside and outside workings of heavies by reading the manual (the best ever included in a add-on in my opinion) and by taking the beast up in the air and successfully landing it. There is just something about punching in the coordinates into the Litton INS and manually setting the fuel (and other systems) that gives you an appreciation of hows and whys of the inner heavy workings. I currently also own the LDS 767, and think it is just super, but I don't quite get the satisfaction I do when flying the RFP 747-200. I am very happy that there is another version in the works:http://www.panelshop.com/gallery_v3.htmMy greatest wish is that they include the 747-300 in the next version because many consider it a "classic" 747 too. If they do that, then I for one will be happy to purchase the entire program again when FSX is released. Long live the RFP 747!!RH

See I'm the opposite. Nowadays, I find the thing clunky and unbearable. Give me a nice CRT anyday. No disrespect though.

It flies great; it just does not require a computer to do it for you. I'll take a clunky, hands-on feeling any day to just simply monitoring a series of crt screens.RH

Isn't it great that within this one flight sim we can each choose the features that we like or dislike? R-If it doesn't have a 2d cockpit, I won't be flying it. :)

Does anyone else think that RFP rocks?RH

it does rock, evenmore because sofar its the only "grandma" we have with most of the bells and whistles.. although would be nice to see the upgrade with the vertical tape engine indicators (digital ones)http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0816539/L/ i know the analoge

Yes the RFP 747 totally rocks! Nice to have some work to do before, and especially during, every flight. I'm getting pretty bored with fmc's after a while, cause there's really nothing to do during the flights.Join the VIP-club and further development of the RFP 727-200 V3! New upgrades will be released once a month.

Any chance for a 747-300?RH

The RFP's VC really needs a facelift... Even packages like Aerosim's 747 have a better more realistic looking VC.I love the RFP model for the many things if offers but if that VC isn't upgraded I'll pass on any future updates to the package. It's starting to look too much like an early FS2k2 model (which it is). All the bells and whistles under the hood are loosing their ability to compensate for the primitive visuals in the VC (Cabin is still very acceptable though) and it's really showing it's age next to PMDG's 744...What's sad is on all other levels the RFP 742 is right up there with the PMDG 744 system wise... I just read the website on V3 and see no mention of a visual upgrade. This thing can't stand another version without addressing the VC to make it look like a real 742 on the inside...

I agree. The VC does need a facelift. However, I'd still purchase the next version if it came with the improvements they are making plus a 747-300 option (the 747-300 is considered a "classic").RH

Agree with RH here. I have tried to fly the LDS but I am not a FMC pilot. Must be an old dog who can't learn new tricks. I found myself turning off the AP to do the turns and climbs/decents in LDS as I like to do that part myself. Very anoying. Sadly to say I have removed the LDS off of my computer and have replaced it with the RFP747. Such is life. LDS is still the reference standard but I like to fly the aircraft.JimCYWG

You guys talking about a product which is more than 2 years old and if I read some of the posts here you guys pretend as if RFP was just released.It is pretty unfair to compare RFP with current standards. Before you post any statemants without any knowledge better read the post by Ralph Tofflemire in the RFP forum. http://panelshop.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=3207___________________________Best RegardsCpt. Bodo M

I'd never really cared much about graphics quality in FS, but since it has been availeable for a while with no heavy FPS penalties, I think the cockpit panel graphics bitmaps need an overhaul. Even the new preview graphics look like it is a collage of cut-out newspaper clippings; I don't know why, but they look like low-quality jpegs which don't go toghether (visually at least for me..). Other than that I believe it is one of the best out there... haven't flown it in a while though...Just my 2 cents..regards,Macs :)

Here's the current version of the RFP 747-300. I would describe it as more of a late Alpha at this point, but it does exist as the 300SF and is flyable. This picture is on final to 18R at KCLT a couple of hours ago...Ed GreenKCLThttp://www.panelshop.com/DEV.jpg

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http://www.oncourse-software.co.uk/forum_images/fdc_beta.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/146805.jpg

Wow!!! It's a done deal!!! Super!!! I can't wait for it to be finished. Those engines don't look like P&Ws, but, I could be wrong. This is great news. For the rest of you, do yourselves a favor and purchase this fine piece of work. It really does not get much better than this.Thanks ED,RH