In our SIM, the freighter versions of airliners are always interesting and appealing...in their own right...

During one of my earlier posts, I had done bits of deep-dive into the unique MD-10 (freighter conversion). The MD-10 upgrade, initiated by FedEx, and undertaken by Boeing itself, was essentially a (pax) DC-10, converted to Freighter and equipped with advanced Glass cockpit similar to that of the MD-11. It's interesting to note that though the MD-10 was primarily derived from Douglas DC-10 (fuselage) and MD-11 (avionics), the program was labeled a "BCF" (Standing for "Boeing Converted Freighter"), Boeing having acquired its longtime rival, McDonnell Douglas, in August 1997. In the Boeing (7XY) series a/c, such customized pax-to-freighter conversions (either by Boeing itself or by authorized third parties) have been made available since the days of B727 all the way to the B777. For example, in the B727, it was called -QF (= Quiet Freighter), converted for UPS, and Quiet, because re-fitted with Stage-3-compliant RR engines. In the modern B777, the very first such (custom big-twin) conversion called -300ERSF (= Extended Range Special Freighter), was undertaken just last year (2021), to be launched with Kalitta Air (Cargo).

I was recently reading a bit about customized conversions for the classic (operators') favorite, the 757 Freighter (subject of this post and images, below) ...Here are the 757-200 freighter variants:

1. -PF ("Package Freighter" is the production cargo version, to start with, of the 757-200 i.e., not an after-market conversion of the pax -200. This freighter features a large, upward-opening main deck cargo door (see images below) on its forward port-side (LHS) fuselage. Next to this large cargo door is an exit door used by the pilots. All other emergency exits are omitted, and cabin windows and passenger amenities are not available.)
2. -SF (Pax converted Special Freighter i.e., it's a -200 pax version converted by Boeing to be a Special Freighter. Such conversions are also performed by certified third party companies. Modifications include the removal of passenger amenities, main deck structural reinforcement, addition of cargo handling flooring and the installation of a port-side cargo door in the forward fuselage. The forward two (pax) entry doors and lobby area of the passenger aircraft are retained.)
3. -PCF (It's also a freighter conversion of the pax -200, but the conversion is performed by a (certified and Boeing Licensed) third party, here by Precision Conversions, of Beaverton, OR. External differences include the removal of the forward pax style entry doors and their replacement with a -200PF style small crew door, among other customizations and amenities.)

Distinguishing (visually) the (-200PF) from the (-200SF/PCF):

The (-200PF) has no trace of cabin windows on the fuselage (being a factory-built freighter), unlike the freighters converted from passenger aircraft. So, the (-200SF/PCF) can be distinguished from the (-200PF) by the painted over cabin windows.

Notes about the images below:

1. The QW (House Livery) is a 757-200PF (It is a true production freighter variant w/o conversion. Note the upward-opening main cargo door on its forward port-side fuselage, and no painted over cabin windows.)
2. The TNT is a 757-200PCF (Before conversion, it was originally the Icelandair (pax) TF-FID 757-200, first converted to Icelandair Cargo -PCF, and then changing color to TNT Cargo. Note "Powered by ICELANDAIR" print in front fuselage, and, of course, the painted over cabin windows.)
3. The DHL is a 757-200SF (It was originally the BA (pax) 757-200 G-BIKM (Glamis Castle), before freighter conversion to an -SF. Note the painted over cabin windows, here too.)
4. The Icelandair Cargo is another -PCF conversion (You may note the 757-200PCF marking in the rear fuselage, and also the painted over cabin windows.)

Thanks for viewing the images of these (hardworking) 757 freighter variants...that went on to serve faithfully, even after they were deemed unsuitable to carry live Cargo...!!

[QW (B757-200)]

Fine set, another plane that hopefully we can see in MSFS at some time..

cheers 😉

Very nice shots! 🙂 

Heck of a post !! ,

***Great Boeing History***

Thanks for the comments, folks...! Appreciated...! I like the Flying Pencil...🙂...