FSX Qantas Boeing 747-400 VH-OEB

This freeware expansion offers an updated rendition of the Qantas Boeing 747-400 (registration VH-OEB) featuring the "Come Play" artwork. Developed for use with the PMDG 747-400X payware package, this version showcases Qantas’ special livery supporting Australia’s World Cup bid. Original visuals were created by Jathedar Singh, and significant texture modifications were integrated by Harry Sung using advanced repaint techniques.

Refined Exterior Detailing

The aircraft carries the well-known Phillip Island name marked behind the cockpit windows. Qantas introduced this designation after the airframe’s arrival in Sydney. Notably, the "Come Play" design elements embellish the fuselage, illustrating Qantas’ alliance with a major sporting event. Please note, semi-transparent soccer-ball graphics mentioned in earlier iterations are absent in this repaint—enabling a streamlined representation of the promotional scheme.

Compatibility and Engine Configuration

Engineered specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this repaint aligns perfectly with the PMDG 747-400X model, which features the General Electric CF6-80C2B1F powerplants. To experience this aircraft repaint, ensure the core PMDG software is acquired separately from a vendor such as SimShack or your preferred payware source.

Implementation Steps

1. Unpack the Texture.VHOEB folder into the main simulator directory under: SimObjects/Airplanes/PMDG747-400.
2. In the aircraft.cfg file (found in the “PMDG747-400” folder), locate the most recent [fltsim.X] entry. Append the new section below it, updating "X" to the next available index number. For example, if the last entry is [fltsim.5], rename yours to [fltsim.6].

[fltsim.x]
title=PMDG747-400 Qantas Phillip Island
sim=B747-400
model=GE
panel=VC
sound=GE
texture=VHOEB
kb_checklists=PMDG747-400_CHECK
atc_id_color=0xffffffff
atc_id=VH-OEB
atc_airline=Qantas
atc_flight_number=QF107
ui_manufacturer=BOEING
ui_type=747-400 GE
ui_variation=Qantas Come Play
ui_typerole=747-400
ui_createdby=PMDG
description=Boeing 747-400 with GE Series engines v 2.0 for use with PMDG 747-400X.\nOriginal Qantas livery painted and uploaded by Jathedar Singh on 25 Oct 2008.\nRepainted with Come Play livery by Harry Sung with Paint.NET v3.5.4.
visual_damage=0
atc_heavy=1
atc_parking_types=GATE, RAMP
atc_parking_codes=QFA
LongAntenna=0
LongAntenna2=1

Background of VH-OEB

This 747-400 rolled out of the Boeing factory on May 20, 1993, sporting General Electric engines and intended for Asiana Airlines as HL-7416. After initial test flights in June 1993, it was delivered to Asiana on June 24, 1993. Approximately five years later, Qantas Airways integrated this airframe into its fleet, assigning registration VH-OEB on May 22, 1998. The jet later reached Sydney in July that same year and commenced commercial services domestically and on international routes.

Evolution of the Livery

Though the fuselage initially remained unlabeled, it was eventually christened Phillip Island, and further cosmetic updates followed. By 2008, it received an updated scheme, then flew to Los Angeles and onward to New York as QF107. In May 2010, the airliner was adorned with the distinctive "Come Play" artwork, displaying Australia’s enthusiasm for global sporting events.

All credits belong to Jathedar Singh for the original Qantas design, and Harry Sung for the subsequent repaint modifications. This add-on requires the associated payware 747-400X model, ensuring that simmers can replicate the authentic Qantas Boeing 747-400 experience in realistic flight scenarios.