PMDG MD-11, 737 NGX... etc

jacques · Post by **jacques** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:19 pm

Hello fellow pilots,

I have been considering the PMDG MD-11 for some time, but have always been put off by what appears to be a fairly two dimensional virtual cockpit. This impression is one I've gathered from both videos online and screenshots. If Track IR is used, do you get much depth perception to the cockpit or is it relatively flat? Also, is the MD-11 procedurally complex, by which I mean will it keep you busy during a long flight? Is the flight model realistic? Does the plane have "character"? Does it challenge you in any way?

Finally, a "heavy" aircraft is not necessarily the main consideration for me. So, for those of you who have both the MD-11 and the 737 NGX, which aircraft do you enjoy most, and why? All opinions are welcome, and thanks for taking the time to voice your thoughts!

Jay P

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Post by **1691** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:15 pm

Ive only got the MD11. With TrackIR its pretty 3 dimensional in the VC; knobs and buttons are well modelled as is the flight dynamics and systems. Its a very automated aircraft, and definitely something you'll have to immerse yourself in the documentation with. You can't just rush into it.

jacques · Post by **jacques** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 9:48 pm

Thanks, Allan!

Jay P

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Brogs · Post by **Brogs** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 8:03 am

I,ll second that, its slightly more complex than the 744 to my mind.

Post by **nwadc10** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 8:21 am

I'm in the road right now but I'll comment on this when I get home...don't like typing long messages on a phone

jacques · Post by **jacques** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:57 am

Mike and Justin, thanks for your responses. So, when you are in the VC, is the overhead panel clear and distinct enough to read and activate the buttons, or is it necessary to bring up the 2D panel to execute the functions?

As a comment about complexity, isn't it a shame that no one seems willing to create a modern, graphically crisp, fully functional 747-200? I really miss the satisfaction I used to get from flying the RFP. All of those little "housekeeping" duties would keep you involved in the flight from start to finish.

Finally, Justin, as someone who has large hands, I feel your pain when it comes to "trying" to type a message on the iphone. What a trainwreck!

Thanks again, Gents,

Jay P

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Post by **1691** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 6:46 pm

The VC is pretty clear. Thats all I fly in, and never had an issue with the MD11, or for that matter the 747-400. Its a lot easier to do the FMS functions with the 2D panel on the MD11, but you dont have to.

As far as the 747-200 is concerned, its a dying aircraft. Not many flying anymore, and with the more modern aircraft being popular, it seems as if the older aircraft are a thing of the past. Its a shame too, I had the V3 of the RFP, and it was heads above the V2 (freeware) version. It was fun, but busy. Short legs were a nightmare!

Post by **nwadc10** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 10:46 pm

I have both the MD11 and NGX and also use TrackIR.

MD-11
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the MD11 was the first real transitional addon between 2D and 3D cockpits. That being said, the VC is probably of higher quality than addons previous to it. I should qualify this with I am talking about PMDG only in terms of other and previous addons. I think the MD11 was designed primarily for VC and 2D as secondary.

I really enjoy the MD-11. It is far different than a Boeing. As Allan said, read before you jump in the seat. The FMS alone is so much different that you get the sense of a different airplane. It is a very automated airplane, I'd say it's even more automated than the 744. For example, press the switchlight to connect the APU generator and the APU will automatically start if it wasn't already and connect the generator when it is ready. All of the systems have a manual reversion though which is simulated.

In my opinion, it is a beautiful airplane. I am biased though, I'm a fan of 3-holers - the DC-10 being the best!

NGX
The NGX was the first VC only airplane and therefore all attention was given to the VC. The systems are great, visual model is fantastic, and systems aren't as automated as the MD-11. However, it IS another Boeing and therefore does feel similar to the other planes in our fleet.

The NGX has a couple features that the MD-11 doesn't have that are noteworthy. First, it has a working HUD and it works great. There is a screenshot I took of a departure from MDW using the HUD (which isn't prototypical as I understand, HUD is really only used for approaches in terribly low weather conditions where the approach minima require its use) that can be seen in the slideshow on the front page of our website. Second, the MFD has terrain display. There are other features I'm sure but those two are the big ones that come to mind.

Both
Both aircraft have great flight dynamics and fantastic systems and visual models - typical of PMDG.

Conclusion and Recommendation
My final remarks are that you can't go wrong with either one. With that said, considering your original questions, it is my opinion that the MD-11 is more of what you are looking for. It is more challenging to fly for sure. The NGX is a very docile airplane and can almost fly itself. The MD-11 on the other hand takes a bit more finesse.

As I spoke about above, the NGX is another Boeing and after a few Boeing models they can start to feel the same and you can setup any of them in your sleep. The MD-11 on the other hand is refreshingly different and in a big way. Case in point, any of the Boeing's we have modeled I can program and get is started very quickly and without referencing any material. When I got the MD-11, I really did have to open the manuals and follow a tutorial.

If you need any specific screenshots or information about either model as you try to make your decision, let me know.

Post by **nwadc10** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 10:52 pm

jacques wrote: As a comment about complexity, isn't it a shame that no one seems willing to create a modern, graphically crisp, fully functional 747-200? I really miss the satisfaction I used to get from flying the RFP. All of those little "housekeeping" duties would keep you involved in the flight from start to finish.

I agree 100%. The "older" planes had individual character. Then Airbus came along and decided to put the same flippin' flight deck in every size of airplane and Boeing followed nearly in suit (great for the real world, terrible for simmers). I, too, really wish an addon company would put out a real quality "classic" airplane model.

jacques · Post by **jacques** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:02 am

Justin,
Thanks for your comprehensive review of BOTH planes! I would really prefer to buy both, but I can only get one at the moment, so I think it will be the MD-11! Your assessment of it as the more challenging plane to fly tilted the scales. I, too, have a soft spot for the DC-10. - my first flight in an airliner was in 1977, KIAD-KLAX on an American Airlines DC-10. They had a belly mounted camera that was activated for take-off and landing!

With regards to an RFP quality airliner for FSX, I don't even want to get started! But I will say this: given the vast number of "Lite" airliners produced, you do get the idea that most developers are afraid that a truly complex simulation won't sell. I think that companies such as A2A, with their growing customer base, may be finally putting that fallacy to rest. Can you imagine a 742, a De Havilland Comet, a Caravelle or even a Connie with NGX- quality graphics, gauges, sound sets and systems modeling? Thats the dream! Maybe a Kick starter campaign for CAS - Classic Airliner Simulations, assemble a talented group of coders and artists....arrange a few research flights.....

Jay P

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Ken S · Post by **Ken S** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 2:28 pm

Justin, You willing to share your 777 settings file? I gave up trying to tweak it and have since stopped using it. I won't need to look right, the flight attendant is never there with coffee anyway

Thanks,

Post by **nwadc10** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:49 pm

Ken S wrote:Justin, You willing to share your 777 settings file? I gave up trying to tweak it and have since stopped using it. I won't need to look right, the flight attendant is never there with coffee anyway

Thanks,

Which configuration file is it?

Ken S · Post by **Ken S** » Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:59 pm

It'll be in\NaturalPont\TrackIR5\Profiles

An xml file

Whatever you named it.

Post by **nwadc10** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 12:53 am

Ken S wrote:It'll be in\NaturalPont\TrackIR5\Profiles

An xml file

Whatever you named it.

Ok, I'll get that to you when I get home sometime tomorrow night. Even trade for that cab?

Ken S · Post by **Ken S** » Mon Dec 22, 2014 2:18 pm

nwadc10 wrote:
Ken S wrote:It'll be in\NaturalPont\TrackIR5\Profiles

An xml file

Whatever you named it.
Ok, I'll get that to you when I get home sometime tomorrow night. Even trade for that cab?

I better throw in the controller too