I just kind of happen to notice that FSS has released its 727-100.  It looks like it contains the freighter, passenger and the Super 27 variant for the 100.  Just picked it up and have not installed it yet but plan to check it out briefly before doing a longer flight tomorrow morning/afternoon.  

I was kind of surprised.  I did see a press release a few weeks before Christmas that it might be out before the end of 2025 but it might not make it.  However it looks like it was quietly released today.  Glad to see the 727 line is now pretty much complete.  I suppose if you want to be picky it would be nice to see a QC variant modeled but I am sure a artist could either fake it or just maybe FSS will do it eventually.  You also get a non hush kit version of the 100.  As far as I know the 100 never flew with the longer hush kit extensions the 200 had anyway.  I hope FSS decides to do a non hush kitted versions of the 200.

     

Loaded it up and selected PVR as a test airport.  Exterior model looks pretty good as is inline with the other FSS 727 products.  I am hardly a professional reviewer and it might not be state of the art pushing the limits of what can be done in MSFS these days but its fine for what it is.  Textures look pretty good.  They got the center #2 intake correct.  Its more of an oval shape compared to the more round intake on the 200.  The non hush kitted engines look really nice (200 models pretty please).  It does seem to lack the clam shell style reversers I believe were more common on the 100.  I will need to research this to know for sure as I can't exactly remember.   

It seems to taxi nice but even at a high gross weight it seems to want to move a long pretty good and I had to constantly hit the brakes.  Maybe this is how a real 100 is?  I heard the 100 was a totally different animal over the 200 as far as performance.  Even at higher gross weights it feels a bit over powered.  Again maybe the way the 100 is.  Its certainly more powerful than the 200 version FSS offers. 

I noticed at slightly reduced thrust the smoke affect it is pretty intense and cool.  Seems to hand fly fairly nice minus the slightly excessive positive trim.  Cockpit detail from what I remember on the 200 and 200 Super 27 seems to be lacking slightly.  It has been a while since I have fired up the 200 so it may actually be much the same so I will need to check on that. 

Overall its pretty cool and fits in with the other FSS 727 products.  I am sure after a few patches they will resolve what minor issues I have noticed so far.  A more professional review will certainly help more than I can.

    

  

40 minutes ago, longhaul747 said:

.......  You also get a non hush kit version of the 100.  As far as I know the 100 never flew with the longer hush kit extensions the 200 had anyway.  I hope FSS decides to do a non hush kitted versions of the 200.

     

When the FSS 727-200F was first released it actually had the 'clamshell' reversing buckets which was correct for the actual -100's and the early 200's. But later 727-200's were produced  or early models re-engined with the JT8D-2xx series of engines (the Super 27)  that had longer tailpipes and were fitted with 'cascade' reversers. At the same time, and to meet Stage 3 mandated noise restrictions, many of the older -100's were fitted with hush kits, developed by Fed Ex for their fleet I think.  So the 'clamshell' reversers became an increasingly rare sight and it seems FSS responded to demand from customers many who only remembered the 727-200's being fitted with cascades. Accordingly, FSS moved the clamshell reverser buckets from the model.  

 

Great to see them back on the -100!

Have fun !

I love there -200 !!

cheers 😉

6 minutes ago, Lord Farringdon said:

When the FSS 727-200F was first released it actually had the 'clamshell' reversing buckets which was correct for the actual -100's and the early 200's. But later 727-200's were produced  or early models re-engined with the JT8D-2xx series of engines (the Super 27)  that had longer tailpipes and were fitted with 'cascade' reversers. At the same time, and to meet Stage 3 mandated noise restrictions, many of the older -100's were fitted with hush kits, developed by Fed Ex for their fleet I think.  So the 'clamshell' reversers became an increasingly rare sight and it seems FSS responded to demand from customers many who only remembered the 727-200's being fitted with cascades. Accordingly, FSS moved the clamshell reverser buckets from the model.  

 

Great to see them back on the -100!

I just did some quick research refreshing my memory and you are correct.  The earliest 100's had external clam shell bucket style reversers but slightly later production versions switched to an internal bucket design.  Later they switched to the cascade style reversers on both the 100 and 200's.  So FSS got it correct for most if not pretty much all of the later 100's and most were retrofitted anyway.  This minor detail does not bother me now that I know.  

It would be cool if they make a version of the 200 and 200 freighter without the longer Fed Ex Hush kit extensions they currently have.  Originally FSS had this option but for some reason took it away.  It was mentioned that eventually they will be back but as far as I know it has not happened yet.

Tomorrow I plan to fly SEA to PVR in the 100 with Alaska colors if it can make it with a full load.  Its one of the default paints and looks pretty good.  Last time I flew on a 100 for reals was like 1981 on a United bird from Seattle to Sacramento or was it Seattle to Fresno?  I can't remember..LOL  

 

47 minutes ago, longhaul747 said:

..... I suppose if you want to be picky it would be nice to see a QC variant modeled......

.....Last time I flew on a 100 for reals was like 1981 on a United bird from Seattle to Sacramento or was it Seattle to Fresno?  I can't remember..LOL  

 

Interestingly, our B727-100's were ex United QC's and I first started crewing on them Jan 20 1981. You are right. It would be good if FSS offered a QC. Boeing apparently delivered 111 B727-100QC's. I'm guessing United and Fed Ex were the primary benefactors of this interesting version.  

I'm not exactly sure what FSS are modelling with their "100F" as there doesn't appear to have been an actual freighter version, just the C and QC in freighter config ?

Great !, now we need a 732 in FS 24'

1 hour ago, Matchstick said:

I'm not exactly sure what FSS are modelling with their "100F" as there doesn't appear to have been an actual freighter version, just the C and QC in freighter config ?

It's a bit confusing but Boeing certainly did produce new -100 F's . And of course a lot of passenger -100's were converted into freighters (F) in their later lives including the QF (Quiet Freighter) for UPS. The 100-F's,  either built from new or converted from the passenger version were dedicated freighters and that's where they differed from the QC's and C's which could carry both passengers and freight. The 100-C (Combi/Cargo) could carry passengers, cargo or both but role changes were time consuming and required floor roller and pallet locking systems to be entirely removed and then seats installed into seat tracks. In contrast, the QC (Quick Change) had the same cargo door and strengthened freight floor as the 100-C except it utilised palletised seating and galleys that could be quickly rolled in an out of the aircraft to change roles.  This enabled the aircraft to primarily carry passengers during the day and within 30 min's be reconfigured for carrying freight during the night. 

While our particular B727-100's were QC's in their United life, the cargo systems were removed before delivery to us and we installed a different roller system that allowed half pallets down the side of the aircraft with passengers seated alongside in seats connected to the seat tracks. The aircraft could also be completely reconfigured for carrying VIP's.  It was no longer Quick Change and so these aircraft were redesignated as a Combi/Cargo B727-100C. 

 

 

Do you need to fill the flight engineer role or can you get this bird up and running like the other jets? Is it comparable to the BAE 146 in terms of level of manual work in the cockpit? Or more complex?

So I purchased through Aerosoft and carried out my first flights in the -100 and -100F. ( haven't flown the Super 27 yet).

Having now packaged the 100, 100F and the Super 27 in one download, the FSS price was rather hefty.  But this aircraft was a must for me no matter what it cost so I can't be a good judge in that regard. A 20 percent discount was awarded as purchaser of the -200 and so at Euro 43, this did alleviate the pain somewhat.

The download, install and activation process was very seamless especially when compared to the PMDG activation circus that many of us have experienced. The download went straight to Contrail who provide me with the activation code and away I went. 

I carried out some instrument approaches which worked well with sensible VOR LOC and ILS captures. 

The model is more sprightly and agile than the -200 (non Super 27) with better climb performance. This is real world realistic with the aircraft being shorter and lighter but with the same engines as the -200. The 727-100 is the original pocket rocket and FSS seems to have captured the performance difference well. 

The -100 seems easier to land but perhaps that was just me getting speeds right for once! 

I selected the United livery since our B727's were ex United and was pleased (not pleased) to see the gaudy colour scheme in the passenger cabin. This was exactly how we first saw our aircraft on delivery with United seating still in them. The cabin layout was particularly memorable with accessible toilets front and rear, baggage locker, mid cabin galley and the operable rear door and aft airstair.  While the textures could perhaps be better, I think the balance between cabin ambience and software performance is about right.  

External sounds and levels were sensible and true to type within the constraints of audio recordings. 

Newer updates to the Flight Engineers callouts has significantly improved the clarity of those callouts. 

There are some minor instrument and configuration differences between the -100 and -200 but nothing that makes it more difficult to fly or find your way around than the -200. 

I haven't conducted a long flight with the -100 using CIV-A INS but expect it will be no different to the -200 overall.

The EFB and Crew Manager tablet are essentially the same as the -200 with some difference for the passenger version.

 

It is worth the price? Well there is not really a ot of difference between the types but you get three aircraft and liveries that match them. I was impressed with the noticeable performance difference  in the -100. If you want some photo/video opportunities with the -100 then this is the only way you are going to do it.

So, on an initial and quick test, I'm impressed with it so far and if you can get past the price, I think it is very worthwhile!   

 

 

 

 

25 minutes ago, Shomron said:

Do you need to fill the flight engineer role or can you get this bird up and running like the other jets? Is it comparable to the BAE 146 in terms of level of manual work in the cockpit? Or more complex?

You have a crew manager (like a smartphone) that you select preflight, before start, after start, before taxi checklists etc and the Flight Engineer (FE)  conducts all these along with callouts. So no, you don't have run the FE's panel..but you can if you want to.

 I haven't flown the BAE 146 but I understand it fairly high up the study level meter. I wouldn't say the B727 is study level, the crew manager and checklists can pretty well do it all for you and there is no advanced failure simulation.  But in terms of navigation in these old aircraft there is a lot to do and it's a real thriller getting this bird through weather and into some tight fields surrounded by high terrain all on VOR's and DME arcs. The flight deck texturing is well done and from my experience on type (non pilot) it gives me goosebumps especially in VR.  The aircraft is also stable to fly and feels like it is doing what you tell it to. it's a good experience if you like old school navigation.  

Edited January 8Jan 8 by Lord Farringdon

Thanks much for the updates and test flights... about the (FSS) 727-100...in MSFS...

Greatly interested in this one. 

I was just now looking into the (CS) 727-100 variants, on top of the base (CS) model, that I/we were (once) flying. I flew them quite regularly (do not recall exactly how well the below noted variants were simulated):

Boeing 727-100F
- Boeing 727-100F QW (winglets)
- Boeing 727-100F RE (JT8D-217 engines)
- Boeing 727-100F QW/RE (winglets, JT8D-217 engines)

Over the holidays, I made a visit to the local (downtown) Museum where an UAL 727-100 is (immaculately) restored. I took a few pictures, see below... ancient looking images of Jet Age ...🙂...

United and Eastern were in intense competition to be the first to introduce the 727 into Service. Eastern won out, followed about a week later by United.

This 727-100 is #17 (Reg. N7017U), known for a daring landing into (then) Meigs Field Airport, prior to being moved to its current display location. The (P & W) Engine shown below is a JT8D-7B.

Enjoy this classic -100 SIM airplane in MSFS, if you already own it...

Hope, it keeps getting better ...!

8 hours ago, longhaul747 said:

I just kind of happen to notice that FSS has released its 727-100.  It looks like it contains the freighter, passenger and the Super 27 variant for the 100.  Just picked it up and have not installed it yet but plan to check it out briefly before doing a longer flight tomorrow morning/afternoon.  

I was kind of surprised.  I did see a press release a few weeks before Christmas that it might be out before the end of 2025 but it might not make it.  However it looks like it was quietly released today.  Glad to see the 727 line is now pretty much complete.  I suppose if you want to be picky it would be nice to see a QC variant modeled but I am sure a artist could either fake it or just maybe FSS will do it eventually.  You also get a non hush kit version of the 100.  As far as I know the 100 never flew with the longer hush kit extensions the 200 had anyway.  I hope FSS decides to do a non hush kitted versions of the 200.

     

Oh that's interesting. Sadly in the real world, the last 727-100 retired last year so I'm glad it's preserved in the sim.

13 minutes ago, P_7878 said:

Thanks much for the updates and test flights... about the (FSS) 727-100...in MSFS...

Greatly interested in this one. 

I was just now looking into the (CS) 727-100 variants, on top of the base (CS) model, that I/we were (once) flying. I flew them quite regularly (do not recall exactly how well the below noted variants were simulated):

Boeing 727-100F
- Boeing 727-100F QW (winglets)
- Boeing 727-100F RE (JT8D-217 engines)
- Boeing 727-100F QW/RE (winglets, JT8D-217 engines)

Over the holidays, I made a visit to the local (downtown) Museum where an UAL 727-100 is (immaculately) restored. I took a few pictures, see below... ancient looking images of Jet Age ...🙂...

United and Eastern were in intense competition to be the first to introduce the 727 into Service. Eastern won out, followed about a week later by United.

This 727-100 is #17 (Reg. N7017U), known for a daring landing into (then) Meigs Field Airport, prior to being moved to its current display location. The (P & W) Engine shown below is a JT8D-7B.

Enjoy this classic -100 SIM airplane in MSFS, if you already own it...

Hope, it keeps getting better ...!

Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing. How did you add screenshots here?