MS FS 2004 ---minimum equipment for IFR

Gerald:

The benefit of MSFS for IFR training is not so much the aircraft
and controls but learning the scan of instruments, working the
avionics (vor for victor airways and ILS, adf & dme, gps, etc) and
getting familiar with the process. Start doing the IFR stuff with
VMC mode (see where you're going) then go to IMC mode when you
want more challenge. I'm using a joystick, no big deal. If I want
to practice with an airplane, I go out to the airport. When
practicing IFR I really don't care that much about the handling
characteristics of the aircraft (other than making sure I meet
the correct speeds without crashing).

Remember, for IFR practice, the goal is scan and avionics. Then
when you get into the aircraft, you're comfy with that. But make
sure you have a correct/good scan!