Popular Post Orbx Posted May 24, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted May 24, 2021 From veteran developers, Tim Harris and Ken Hall, we are pleased to announce that "The Airport in the Sky" KAVX Catalina is close to release for Microsoft Flight Simulator! The airport originally opened as Buffalo Springs Airport in the spring of 1941. It was built by the Wrigley family of Chicago, who owned most of the island under the Santa Catalina Island Company, by leveling off the top of a hill. Prior to this, only seaplanes landed at Hamilton Cove Seaplane Base, just north of Avalon. The Wrigley's kept a DC-3 in the large hangar there. Originally released for ESP platform, Tim and Ken have started afresh with this version with almost all of the buildings redone with Microsoft Flight Simulator in mind. This includes having texture resolutions being increased as well as adding realism with PBR. Also debuting is the unique 3D people models that provide a fresh new look to airport as well as tell a story. Beyond the airport you will the historic seaside destination Avalon Bay which is situated on the southeast of the island. Here you will find many landmarks such as the pier, yacht club and casino. For those looking for a bit of adventure, Catalina is a must have! Features Complete overhaul of the ESP classic New building geometry and texturing to benefit from the modern MSFS game engine 30cm ortho coverage of the airport and Avalon Harbour area Numerous POIs including the Casino Ballroom, Pebbly Beach, USC Wrigley Marine Science Center and Two Harbours Unique 3D people models New custom vegetation 22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfko Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Wow! Just plain awsome! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Can't wait for this one! Two things... In the next round of screens, can you show off the runway slope? Double check the image title/watermarkk Looking great! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasonDominique Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 (edited) I dont like this airport because of the runway length but, WOW, this is the best rendition of Catalina island and airport, Ever ! My Piper Seneca is ready ! Thanks Dom Edited May 24, 2021 by MasonDominique 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianV Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Magic shots, and amazing news. Thank you Tim and Ken, I am looking forward. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bburkley Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 One of the first destinations I traveled to from KSMO after completing my PPL. So stoked for this!! Any thoughts on doing Big Bear (L35)? That would be a great one for Orbx to take on. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvidencePlz Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Oh nice. Thank you 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradB Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Wow - Outstanding scenery Tim and Ken , plus the airport looks nice too . 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyWsays Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 This looks incredible! Looks perfect for VFR flying. Great stuff Orbx :-) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikee Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Super shots ! Looking forward 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Hall Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 10 hours ago, ravenn22 said: Can't wait for this one! Two things... In the next round of screens, can you show off the runway slope? Double check the image title/watermarkk Looking great! The slope is an exact replica of the real world airport, msfs allows us to make a profile of the runway, and Tim was painstakingly determined to get it spot on. cheers 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueshark747 Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Enjoyed this one in FSX and will definitely be enjoying in MSFS 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwestenhofer Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 (edited) Sweeeeeet!!! I was so waiting for this one. Looks great! I have had lunch at those very tables out back in the garden area. Edited May 24, 2021 by bwestenhofer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwestenhofer Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 (edited) Can't wait for this one! Two things... In the next round of screens, can you show off the runway slope? Double check the image title/watermarkk Whatt do you mean? Edited May 24, 2021 by bwestenhofer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoseCFII Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Ken Hall said: The slope is an exact replica of the real world airport, msfs allows us to make a profile of the runway, and Tim was painstakingly determined to get it spot on. cheers Hi Ken, It looks great and I wish you much success. I hope we can one day see Samoa and the island airports. Still one of my fav packages. Best regards, Jose Edited May 24, 2021 by JoseCFII 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosqr Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 When a developer enjoys his work and possibilities Very nicely done Ken 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 10 hours ago, Ken Hall said: The slope is an exact replica of the real world airport, msfs allows us to make a profile of the runway, and Tim was painstakingly determined to get it spot on. cheers Awesome - I figured.... The 2 screens showing the runway were at an angle that's really hard to tell The additional scenery for Avalon looks great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 8 hours ago, bwestenhofer said: Can't wait for this one! Two things... In the next round of screens, can you show off the runway slope? Double check the image title/watermarkk Whatt do you mean? bottom right of every single image? read the title again 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukar Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 Please make Mumbai mod 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSRobert Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 Most excellent 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwestenhofer Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 7 hours ago, ravenn22 said: bottom right of every single image? read the title again Yes, I saw - hence my unique spelling of “whatt”? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 14 minutes ago, bwestenhofer said: Yes, I saw - hence my unique spelling of “whatt”? sorry, hadn't had my 2nd cup of coffee 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mawson Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 Can't wait to get the Bell 47G out to the Island. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerTigerM Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 A strong SoCal/Spanish/Mediterranean design influence vibe going on here with obviously a lot of fine detail work encapsulated in the various POI's scattered around the island & at the airport buildings. The island map for instance, in shot 5, is a nice touch, & the custom vegetation helps build a vacation location ambiance. Plus I note a strong nautical focus round the coast line with boats & artifacts coming in for attention. The land looks different to the stellar P3D version, more bleached, which could be due to the MSFS light.(refer last pic.) The upshot of all of this is that it is a Day 1 & it is one that I will be exploring on foot & by car as I suspect there are nuggets tucked all over the place. Being able to bring a BN-2 in here or the Seneca, adds to the attraction. Yes, it's a lump of rock & dirt stuck out in a swirling ocean. From way off it cuts, perhaps, a bland figure. Yet close up & circumnavigated, I am reminded of a vintage gold ring encircled with sparkling diamonds on its perimeter with a ruby in the center. Another classic from Ken & Tim, but chaps, something is missing! Where is The Lady in Red? TTM 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KORDATC Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 (edited) Can’t wait for this! Tim & Ken, if it would at all be possible, may you please add some sort of lower dock to the end of Avalon Harbor Pier? I desperately want to simulate the numerous flying boat services to Catalina back in the day and will need a place to dock. Thank you Edited May 26, 2021 by KORDATC 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerTigerM Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 2 hours ago, KORDATC said: Can’t wait for this! Tim & Ken, if it would at all be possible, may you please add some sort of lower dock to the end of Avalon Harbor Pier? I desperately want to simulate the numerous flying boat services to Catalina back in the day and will need a place to dock. Thank you +1 on this. There is a very popular freeware 'Goose' out there & I am sure Catalina, with appropriate docking, would be a magnet for it. & an added incentive is that the Developer is also from The Land Down Under. TTM 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KORDATC Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 (edited) I should have mentioned it, but a lower dock on the Two Harbors pier would be fantastic too. This particular pier has the lower dock irl to this day still which is nice. Cheers Edited May 26, 2021 by KORDATC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerTigerM Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 (edited) I went back to Catalina Island in P3D, looking for The Lady in Red. & yes, she was still waiting for a lift. It looks as if she is giving someone an earful on her cellphone. Still trim as ever, delicious in red, & no doubt totally color coordinated. But I draw your attention to the Trans Catalina G-73 Mallard waiting for her to board. I originally pulled a Grumman Goose from the back of a hangar, but found it was missing a Panel.cfg, so I thought I would try the Mallard. It is a Milton Shupe FSX port over & very nicely done. Even has an AP. Once I figure out how to raise & lower the pontoons I'll take it for a flight. [Addendum- it looks like the Mallard has the wing pontoons fixed in the 'down' position. I have also just seen video of a twin turbine version, but I think the radials look more in character, & the sound of the radials is superb. TTM (P3D v4.5) Edited May 26, 2021 by TigerTigerM 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwoblz Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Superb as usual... Super Superb actually! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenn22 Posted May 28, 2021 Share Posted May 28, 2021 @Ken Hall - great stuff! congrats happy to see the heliport at Avalon included as well 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerTigerM Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 Just a quickie. TTM (MSFS) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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