8-7-2014
The Classic World of Al Courtney
Al Courtney, real world pilot and prolific classic scenery designer. For years, our classic world was created mainly for the US Mid West and West Coast. In just the past few years, Al has created East Coast airports and Alaska's Fairbanks Int and all of his works fits right into FSX. The only thing that needs a change (if needed or desired) are the airport ground polygons and the ADE (conversion) to FSX standards, coversions to AFX works just as well. He has been working on Miami Int for some time (real world tasks comes first always) and still is a WIP. As it stands right now, it fits great into FSX with FTX Global, I don't use default FSX ground textures. The modern day road system is present in some areas but is a non issue for me, rivet counters may take issue. The rail road tracks which runs along the west side of LeJune Rd. and was visible from the National Airlines and Eastern Airlines hangars and to the south side of the field along perimeter road in 1960 is present in FTX Global, so this is a plus for me. I enjoy visual land marks on approaches or departures and is what I "like" in my sim world. I-95 and State Rd 826 (Palmetto Expwy) was being constructed or partially built in 1960 and very visible in photos of the era, again present in FTX Global (modern day rendition). The Dolphin Expwy was not present in 1960, but Al has created VTPX, VTPL and VTPP files which replaces the lake/lagoon and it fits right into FTX Global but the Dolphin Expwy still shows up, again, a non issue for me. There is other eye candy in this scenery which just adds to the overall feel of MIA. The Freedom House area (Pedro Pan Flights 1960-1962 arrivals area) will be a nice addition when it's done, more info needs to be gathered. Clear and sharp textures is what stands out to me in any of Al's works, a welcome additon to any simmer who does not like low resolution textures. My version of MIA which I did for Fs9 and sort of made it work into FSX is prehistoric compared to this version. Now I need to add my classic Miami downtown, Miami Beach and a few other visuals to see how it fits when time permits. When Al's MIA is finally done and released to the masses, believe me, you will be very happy with what you will get. I want to extend a very special "Thank You" to Al for allowing me to try this scenery in it's present day form.