boeing 247,  I'm new to using ILS (I've just recently decided to actually learn how to realistically fly jetliners and use the various systems), so do you have to intercept the LOC before the plane will intercept the glideslope?

That depends on the plane. The old gals - 707, 727 would not do a G/S capture from above (except MAN G/S) or until the Loc was captured in AUTO G/S. It's been a while since I flew the 767, but I think it will capture either one in APP. One of the ways of doing an ILS in the FMC planes is to let it fly the magenta line for the line-up to the LOC. Check the raw data and if it looks good, push the APP button.

The key is to give it a chance to be successful by not rushing the approach. Get the plane slowed down with proper flap setting and a nice capture angle of around 30 degrees, ten miles out. That should give the autopilot time to do its thing.

Read over the tips and tricks area of the KB. I did a play by play for the 727 doing an ILS. Most of the stuff applies to the glass planes just the weights and speeds are a bit different.

Lou