Would it be wise to look at FSX's cousin MTS or (Microsoft Train Simulator) and look at some screenshots to get an idea to how/where the future of FSX is heading. I am just talking ideas here and possibly some screen shots. "Detailed 3-D cabs, locomotives, and rolling stock with real-world physics, functioning signals and switches, passenger/freight loading and unloading, dynamic weather, highly-detailed DirectX 10 graphics, and 5.1 Surround Sound all provide a highly realistic experience."from http://www.tsinsider.com

I've seen other shots that seemed to be more "in the game". Don't have the link handy yet ... But they were again conceptual ones.FS and TrainSim then share the same engine. ACES Team will move to TS. While the engine for FS11 will benefit somehow from current TS delevlopment, there's also the possibility that FS11 will be later that usual.Let's speculate: 1 year of SP'ing has passed. Now at least 1 year of TS develop. Ready to market Nov 2008? Then FS11 will be on the agenda. Or SP's for TS? Now we could see FS11 at Fall 2009 with rather small progress (but having some of the TS enhancements) or Fall 2010.I'll plan for a new FS-PC for 2011. And get one for FS2004 or FSX NOW.Bigean

...FS and TrainSim then share the same engine. ACES Team will move to TS. While the engine for FS11 will benefit somehow from current TS delevlopment, there's also the possibility that FS11 will be later that usual... Well, my understanding from the various ACES blogs is that there are two teams in ACES, one for FS, one for TS. But I do think your estimation for MSTS2 RTM at the end of 2008 & FS11 RTM at the end of 2009 is a reasonable guess. Plus, there will be cross-pollination between the two teams. A member of the TS team has already mentioned that they have learnt the "lesson" about performance in FSX. :-)- regards, SkyDrift