Gaffer Simulations has just released it's version of FAOR - OR Tambo/Johannesburg International Airport. Being the largest and busiest airport on the entire African continent (at least until covid struck), surprised it has taken this long to accurately create this airport and render it as it looks IRL. The Asobo version is really bad. This appears to be a very accurate rendition, completely custom built from the ground up, includes interior modelling. @FilbertFlies - this is one to review. 🙂

I bought it on SimMarket (EUR18,00) but won't be able to check it out in sim until later. It has been in development for well over a year (maybe even 2 years).

Available on SimMarket and you can also follow the development screenshots on their Facebook where you can see some interesting 3-D progression images through its development cycle. (20+) Gaffer Simulations | Facebook

 

 

 

I didn't rate Gaffer Simulations for P3D at all. I thought their work was always half-arsed.  But this seems okay from the pics, although there are no detailed screenshots. in the FSElite annoucement.  I'll probably get it because we do need Johannesburg.  

Edited October 18, 20223 yr by ErichB

Link

Edited October 18, 20223 yr by V1ROTA7E

42 minutes ago, ErichB said:

I didn't rate Gaffer Simulations for P3D at all. I thought their work was always half-arsed. 

I think they have improved a lot but have yet to try this one out. Their Durban FALE is average but technically accurate. The Asobo version is just plain horrible. Their FAPE (Port Elizabeth) is good. I think this one will show what they are capable of, although I'm not sure if they started this from scratch themselves or took it over from another developer as it was in the works (and in limbo it appeared) for a very long time, basically since the begining of MSFS. We definitely do need a decent Johanneburg though. With some good quality freeware on FS.to and payware from Caelus Aerial (fairly decent FALA Lanseria and FABL Bloemfontein), S. Africa is looking better whether you are flying heavies or GA. Plus Asobo's FACT Cape Town (if you own the premium, or is it deluxe version of MSFS) is quite decent and excellent on FPS, as is OrbX Cape Town City Pack.

28 minutes ago, RaptyrOne said:

The Asobo version is just plain horrible.

That's the only reason I'll buy it, but perhaps it really is good.

The CPT Orbx Citypack with the Asobo Premium version of FACT is excellent.

 

This is so much better than the other payware FAOR available, yet this Gaffer Sim version isn't up to the standard for the FlyTampa and Flightbeam level of price asked. Also MK-Studios put out better quality for slightly less.

For anyone who wants a recreation of FAOR, this is probably as good as it gets.
Personally, I'll wait until there's a sale on to get this, just like the another payware developer's FACT.

16 hours ago, F737MAX said:

This is so much better than the other payware FAOR available, yet this Gaffer Sim version isn't up to the standard for the FlyTampa and Flightbeam level of price asked. Also MK-Studios put out better quality for slightly less.

For anyone who wants a recreation of FAOR, this is probably as good as it gets.
Personally, I'll wait until there's a sale on to get this, just like the another payware developer's FACT.

I'm surprised that FSDG didn't do it.  The problem historically with developing scenery for Johannesburg is that authorities have charged huge sums of money for access. Huge corruption in SA

Edited October 19, 20223 yr by ErichB

5 hours ago, ErichB said:

I'm surprised that FSDG didn't do it.  The problem historically with developing scenery for Johannesburg is that authorities have charged huge sums of money for access. Huge corruption in SA

Yep, corruption is the name of the game in S.A.

As for FSDG, this project might have started out with them and stalled, Gaffer took it over. Just speculating here but I recall seeing the same (or very similar looking development images) on FSDG's site ages back.

I have since briefly tried it out and it really is ok. It's not class-leading stuff and those fancy pbr window textures are not in use. There is a lot going on in this scenery though, the entire airport is well modelled, and the tower is spot on. This airport was my IRL 'home base' for many years. I am seeing a bit of a FPS hit though which I don't like. I have other complex payware airports that seem to perform better. 

Hopefully they will keep updating this though, if sales are there to justify. It is miles better than anything else available in MSFS right now. I don't regret the purchase.

 

31 minutes ago, RaptyrOne said:

I have since briefly tried it out and it really is ok. It's not class-leading stuff and those fancy pbr window textures are not in use.

...

Thanks for the nice mini-review, I'll get it. I have the NMG version but Gaffer is certainly a step upwards.

Kind regards, Michael

Update - the developer has acknowledged performance concerns (FPS heavy)  and is working on “several fixes” to address this.

2 hours ago, RaptyrOne said:

Update - the developer has acknowledged performance concerns (FPS heavy)  and is working on “several fixes” to address this.

Bought it, tried it. Looks pretty and works okay on my 2D screen. However, I find it  close to unusable under VR with fps around 15 (granted, my system is dated, but even KSFO works okay).

I was about to investigate if the issue is on my end, so I'll wait what Gaffer can do. Hope they can resolve this.

Kind regards, Michael

Received an email from SimMarket - this has been updated to V1.0.1 - Performance Fix and other minor fixes.

Edited October 21, 20223 yr by RaptyrOne