That's exactly what I did Mark, I realize by default the Transfer switches are horizontal instead of vertical.  So the first thing I always do is switch all of them vertical(open) and then confirm that all valve switches are "on" which they are by default for me.  The center tank will empty first..no problems here I just turn the pumps off and everything is fine.  Then the outer tanks go down, but when I turn the pumps off right before they go empty, they still drain down and the engine die's.  Like I said not a novice here by any means, been flying FSX since it was released.  However like I said, I'm not a real pilot and and for me personally this plane and the so called (fun line of planes) B-52 are more about managing the fuel systems then just enjoying a "game".  I just want to be able to takeoff with the fuel I want, and be able to fuel dump down to whatever without the engines going out.  As far as "calculating" fuel before flight, most of the time I spend is free flight or training missions and have no idea how long I'll be up in the air.  So setting a certain fuel limit won't do much for me.  Anyways like I said this is not a bash thread, but for me these planes are not enjoyable.  The CS C-130 works fine for me as I can add or fuel dump as I need, but 707 and B-52 are just too time consuming and complicated.  The V R S Superbug was actually easier to learn than these 2.  I actually made a thread on their forums about the fuel weights and %'s with different fuel tanks, but I can't even keep these to birds up in the air.  Except for of the few of you who seem to not mind the complicated system, it just frustrates me.  Thanks for all your help though Mark even with the B-52 fuel.  I'm glad at least a few people understand it all.