Today, I felt like taking the CS B737-200 out on a flight, for only the 2nd time after its re-install on my FSX-SE. For this flight, I also wished to do a step-by-step cold & dark start-up, unlike the previous flight with it. This procedure went without any hiccups. This particular 737 SIM, through the years, has remained one of my favorites (along with the MilViz 737 that came later). This CS 737 model here, is the original Boeing 737-200 variant (not the -200 Advanced). It does not have FMC, nor is it capable of being integrated with any FW CIVA INS due to some inherent peculiarities of the CS version. So, the en-route navigation is manual and by means of VOR/ADF etc. (probably the right thing here considering that's how these planes were initially meant to be flown). I recall, however, there is a way to make the CS 737-200 follow a GPS Flight Plan Route for longer flights, if so desired.

There is much interesting information available about 737, which was meant to be the replacement for the legendary 727. 737-200 was the precursor to the pioneering 737 Classic series. Initial 737 designs featured engines on the aft fuselage (like 727), but, Joe Sutter (of subsequent 747 fame) decided to place the engines under the wings instead. Joe Sutter, a Seattle native, was later to be credited for leading the group of 4500 engineers solely dedicated to the design and creation of the 747. The earliest 737-100 variant, first flight in 1967, was launched by Lufthansa (first non-American operator to launch a Boeing aircraft). The 737-200 followed exactly a year later, first flight in 1968, launched by United. Just another year later, in 1969, Aloha (the worthy competitor to Hawaiian) acquired and started their 737-200 operations. So, please find below the Aloha livery in one of its earliest (Flower Power) colors on a short hop within the Hawaiian islands. Aloha ceased all operation in 2008 due to complex (and unfair?) market dynamics. You might remember the case of Aloha Airlines Flight 243 (also a 737-200) that, in 1988, suffered an explosive decompression in mid-air (at 24K) while on a regular flight within the Hawaiian islands. Since then (among other airliner policy improvements), an additional outer layer of skin was added to the 737 fuselage to prevent metal fatigue.

Hope you enjoy these set of pictures here even though this plane has been often and extensively covered in the various SIM forums. Thanks for viewing. [CS/MSE/REX]

Great post. Not just good to look at, but informative too!

John

I enjoyed very much the story as well as the pictures. A true "Funbird", indeed!