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Review: Aerosoft Pullman-Moscow Regional AirportBy Patrick Putlend /images/reviews/pullman/kpuw-pullman-moscow02.jpgIntroductionThe state of Washington in thenorthwest of the United States, must be one of the most beautifulareas to fly for the adventurous GA pilot. The stunning mountainranges and wide prairies are just begging to be explored, and withnumerous airports situated around this vast state, the choices onoffer are vast. One of these airports is Pullman-Moscow RegionalAirport, located in Whitman County. The airport has a single asphaltpaved runway, which is designated 6/24, and measures 6,730 by 100 feet(2,051 m by 30 m). No stranger to creating both large and small airports for a widerange of simulator platforms, Aerosoft have recreated Pullman-MoscowRegional Airport for X-Plane. So, with that said, let's take a lookat what this package offers the virtual pilot. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow03.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow04.jpgFirst LookUpon loading and viewing the scenery for the first time, my initialresponse was...'wow, this is great!' As an amateur scenery designermyself, it was quite clear to see that the developers had put a lot oftime into getting this scenery just right. Everything was placedaccordingly; taxilines were in their right places, as well as theairport's numerous buildings (none of these overlapped or createdX-Plane's trademark flicker). Exploring further, I was pleased to see that every single hangarand building had been modelled to a high standard, with the hangarsbeing particularly pleasing. Not only were the exteriors wellmodelled, but so too were the interiors! The high level of airportdetailing didn't end there, because as I ventured out to the airportlimits, I was pleasantly surprised to see some farms and a couple ofindustrial sites come into view! Again, just like the airport's mainbuildings, the 3D modelling was exceptionally done. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow05.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow06.jpgCustom MeshWhen it comes to airport elevations, especially those of an exoticnature, X-Plane can sometimes come up short (this is usually found infreeware designs). In a payware scenery however, I always expect acustom mesh to accommodate any runway elevation changes, and I waspleased to see that Aerosoft's version of this airport did indeedinclude a custom mesh. I was also pleased to see that the numerousobjects used (when located on an elevated area of mesh) did not floatin the air. Everything integrated nicely into the sim, which was abig bonus. So as far as the mesh is concerned, I'd have to give it awell deserved 9.5/10. Note: the mesh also works well when used with Ortho4XP. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow11.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow12.jpgGround TexturesThe ground textures employed by the developers to help give theairport its textured and unique foundations, are absolutely stunning.These include the taxilane, asphalt, plus the surrounding overlay.When running X-Plane on 'high' settings, all the textures used werecrisp, and provided an amazing feeling of realism. The only slightissue I personally had, was that the asphalt textures didn't happen toreflect the sun. However, this is not an omission by the developers,as this particular scenery was developed before reflective asphalt wasmade available. Overall, the ground textures get a solid 8/10. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow09.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow10.jpgModelling QualityHaving seen a great deal of 3D modelling work in X-Plane sceneries,I have to say that the models used in this scenery are almost perfect.They are extremely realistic, incorporate weathering, and are good onframe rates. Photographic textures have been used on the majority ofthe models and this is something I really enjoyed. However, whatstops them from being perfect, is a slight issue with sunset lighting.Because the buildings utilise photorealistic textures, some of themexhibit static shadows on the walls, and in certain lightingconditions, the effect is slightly off. All things considered though,this is but a minor 'texture' issue, and so the modelling gets a welldeserved 9.8 out of 10. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow07.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow08.jpgNight AmbienceAs those who have experienced X-Plane will know, the default nightlighting is simply second to none, and puts other simulator platformsto shame. Knowing how good the lighting effects are, I was keen tosee what the scenery would look like when the sun went down and thestars came up. I was not disappointed, as the effects were good. Thedevelopers had wisely employed numerous lighting techniques so as tocreate a clean and realistic night environment. Night lighting thengets 8/10. PerformanceThe developers have made sure that the scenery is highly optimisedand it shows, as I experienced no major frame rate issues. Consideringthe detailing, I have to award them 9/10 in this area. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow13.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow14.jpgAdditional BuildingsAs well as modelling an amazing looking airport, the developershave also modelled the nearby town of Pullman. Most of the city ismodelled with default objects, but there are additional custombuildings present. These include Washington State University,Beasley Coliseum, the indoor practice facility, Martin Stadium, SummerHill Rentals, plus many more. The installation package also comeswith an optional 3D grass option. Having used X-Plane for some timenow, I can tell you first hand that 3D grass is either a love it orhate it affair, so I am glad the developers have included this optionin the package. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow15.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow16.jpgPros:Highly detailed ground texturesHighly detailed buildingsHighly accurate custom meshHighly accurate layoutCharts includedModelling of the city of Pullman Cons:No light reflection on asphalt or shiny ground texturesShadows present on photoreal textures. /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow01.jpg /images/reviews/pullman/t/kpuw-pullman-moscow17.jpgConclusionThis was a scenery I thoroughly enjoyed. It was clear from thestart that it had been made with both care and precision. As a fanof airports of this type, I would totally recommend this scenery. Notonly does it look great, but it performs well on both high and low endsystems, incorporates a simple installation procedure and was justplain fun to use! Final score? A highly respected 9.5/10. /images/reviews/pullman/pullman-moscow.jpgPatrick Putlend Purchase Aerosoft - Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport for X-Plane