It’s actually pretty amazing to consider all the hard work, time and effort that so many developers put into enhancing our enjoyment of the sim, all without asking for any remuneration besides completely optional donations.
So many of the payware developers have done amazing work as well, and I’ve found much of it well worth the money they charge as they practice their profession (or hobby.)
I salute you all.
I agree too. I live close to KKLS and it’s a great improvement to the default.
I remember the days of FS9 when freeware planes were much easier to build and there was a wide variety to choose from on Avsim and Flightsim(dot)com. Developers like Mike Stone were stalwarts of the industry back then. It’s good to see a few more freeware planes finally coming out for the current platform. Even if I never fly them, I try to download each one just to boost the numbers as a way to show support. I’ve even clicked on a few of those “buy me a cup of coffee” links.
I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to Andres3d for Airport lights, Arno of (Model converter X), Jon (ADE), Rob Richardson (One of the greatest FSX developer), Don Grovestine who is sadly no longer with us for AIFP, Craig Richardson for all the nice FSX freeware, The great Tom Gibson of Cal Classic amongst many other top freeware developers, too many names to mention.
I will always be forever grateful to freeware developers who give their time freely to provide us with more functionality and enjoyment with our sim.
I also like to thank the Aces team (FSX) and Asobo studios (fs2020) for the SDK and Microsoft for allowing freeware developers access to some of the components in the SDK.
I wish they could bring over some of the products to Xbox
I think the reason is or was, correct me if I am wrong, the Xbox is a closed system. To develop for Xbox, a large amount of pound/dollars/pesos/taka may need to be given to MS.
The real issue is that Microsoft can’t have a free category (at least currently). To put the addon into the store so it can be douwnloaded takes Microsoft personnel to encrypt, package, etc. So they insist a minimum of $5 for any package. You can have sales on those, but still, the base value has to be $5 or more in the store to pay for the Microsoft handling.
I assume for FS2024 they are coming up with a different mechanism to deliver freeware.
Thanks for the info, I was not aware of that.
People often forget that there is absolutely nothing that appears on your computer screen (yes even the dreaded blue screen of death) that a human being hasn’t programmed to be there. However it is very rare for users to remember that. I think lots of people who work in the IT business are quite use to hearing only complains.
Compliments are rare. Just read this forum, so thanks for the thread.
This post has several intentions:
The MSFS 2024 is flooded with very bad quality products from really bad devs, this is of course in detriment of the sim itself because casual simmers or new users can just see an aircraft they like, purchase it, get disappointed and then assume everything is as bad as that product.
But we also have some really great devs, some of them very well known and this post is not about them, we all know them. This is about some small boutique devs that really care about the quality of their products.
I’m afraid the MSFS 2024 release has hurt these good guys more than the bad guys, it is easy to assemble a model for a quick cash grab but it is hard for what are often 1 man teams to develop for the new sim and get a high quality product out there.
So here they are, and if you are around here please chime in!
Bluemesh.
The dev behind the sensational Latecoere 631, maybe one of the most beautiful FFs or LLs released for the sim, also behind some of the default MSFS 2024 aircraft like the M24 gyro. I wonder what is next in line!
FSReborn
We all know the quality of Raul’s products, he is behind the Sting S4, the FSR 500 and the Sirius TL3000 and has been working in the Phenom 300, hope you are doing great.
RaraAvis
Developer of several unique aircraft like the Ho229, the FlyingFlea, the Bulldog Gyro or the Electric Wren. I wonder if you have something up the sleeve coming up soon.
Ant’s Airplanes
They did a wonderful DH82, a very nice Drifter and the fabolous Winjeel, always with a very low profile, is there anything new coming? If you don’t know this dev, go take a look these are great add-ons.
AT simulations
They created the fantastic Antonov An-2, the great Dornier Seastar and they also have some other add-ons like the Cri-Cri. I wonder if AT is doing something now and when we can expect another product, those are great, hope something else is in the kitchen.
BRSimDesigns
They have some nice products too, the A5 Tiger, the Xingu or the Ercoupe but have disappeared in the last months and their products have not been updated to 2024. Hope this is coming soon and something new too.
Mike Johnson
He is frequently in the forums providing updates and suppor for the fantastic Albatross, great detail in all his products. Hey Mike is there anything coming from you any time soon?
COWS
They delivered the DA-40 and DA-42 in studylevel detail for a great price to the world of MSFS. I hope they have a next project, not sure if it is another diamond or not but we really would like something more from them.
SwissMilSim
They might have closed shop because after the Venom and Vampire nobody ever saw them again and those were never updated but the quality was very good. A pity.
Not sure why this was merged, my reply was intended for your original topic. But now I’ve typed it, I’m not gonna waste that time!!
Nice idea 
Maybe the people that just see a plane they like in the marketplace and buy it without knowing of the developer (and the likely low quality) do NOT actually know the “good devs we all know” either?
Anyhow, I’d like to add a few to compliment your intention here:
Classic Aircraft Simulations: the fantastic J3 Cub as their first release, then a dragon! (For free, which is done way better than it needed to be). His next project is a huge step up in complexity to the DH Comet which I’m intrigued to see how it turns out.
Classics Hangar: the Klemm is very well done all round. Not quite as detailed as Ant’s products but there is nothing bad about the Klemm at all.
FlyBoy Simulations: the Rans Coyote is awesome. Can’t wait to see what is next from him!
Hangar Studio 713: quite a substantial portfolio with generally high quality.
Lionheart Creations: another extensive collection of some quirky and interesting subjects. A bit rough around the edges in some spots but usually improved and fixed eventually.
Mario Noriega: only 2 products so far (the C22J Ventura and the Nardi Riviera) but they have a lot of charm and obviously a labour of love. Often on ridiculous sale that would feel like theft.
Taog’s Hangar: some of the best helicopters in the sim. Great 3D modelling and pretty good flying characteristics (IMO).
Staying strong and aiming to the future.
Fully utilising the power of msfs 2024 SDK to bring everyone the product you all deserve.
I been staying quiet, because I don’t want to over hype my customer base, when you guys hear about phenom is because I am ready to blown your minds.
Will leave it at that, but i have lots of projects in my oven, i just only deliver quality not quantity, different company objectives i suppose .
Thanks for posting this, lots of good 3rd party devs out there deserve to hear it.
All my love,
Raul
I have two updates coming for previous 2020 aircraft to 2024 format and three new aircraft almost ready. Unfortunately I can’t support both 2020 & 2024, so any updates or new aircraft will be 2024 only.
Here are a few of my favourites, in no particular order but worth the attention of some of you who may not know them (most their work is available on flightsim.to):
Henrik and friends for GAIST
The FSLTL team
Superspud
Coolguns
Puffin Flight
Mamudesigns
MKVY
Nickb
Scotflight
ChicoMick
Vbazillio
Nazsimulations
Mikeaat
Trogolodytus
Ezro
Demoken
Amazigh
Thalixte
Totofteam
Lexuz2020
And lots of others for more region specific things. All deserve our appreciation and thanks for the great stuff they have and still are producing.
The Flight level 24 Albatross was one of my favourite this year
2024 is fine understood that supporting two platforms may not be economic.
Two updates and three new aircraft? wow! Hope to get the news soon!
CAS made the best J3 ever, and it’s worth every penny!