Hi from the emerald isle.......upgraded from 146 to rj in 1995/1996, on a manufacturers course in Woodford, near Manchester.Very good course,not a huge amount of difference betwen the two.The MCP..mode control panel is staight out of the 737-3/4/5, and is quite easy to use.The autothrust is controlled by the TRP..thrust rating(or reference) panel, and takes a bit of reading to get to grips with.
Now for the best bit.....it's much, much better to operate than the 146....none of the great handling characteristics are lost, performance is much better, and, for longer trips, the FMS takes away the guesswork.
Enjoy.....pm me if you want....P1.