Test machine specs: MSI X670E, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX, 48gb RAM
MSFS add-ons: FSLTL, GSX Pro, REX AccuSeason (which may misrepresent some colours in certain light conditions)
FS2024 add-ons: none
DETAIL
I have all Rob Byrne’s Australian airports released prior to Emerald so I knew exactly what to expect. Each addition to his collection seems to outdo the last but he set the bar pretty high with his early work. I generally think Orbx’s airports aren’t as good as they used to be but they retain a handful of talented indie devs who continue to churn out top-class scenery.
Emerald is more of the same so if you own a selection of Orbx’s Aussie airports, chances are you’re already familiar with Rob’s work (he’s responsible for Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton).
I’ll begin with the ground textures, which are the usual high standard across the board. The runway has a convincing grooved effect and reflective tyre-marks. Apron textures exhibit a good amount of realistic weathering while the markings are easily legible. The apron contains a smattering of custom GSE — not a great deal but a believable amount for an airport of this size.
The terminal’s exterior is beautifully modelled, with every element of the structure having been intricately crafted. The interior is just as good, featuring a stunning level of detail (including static people models). Moving landside, the ground markings are again of a very high standard, and there’s the typical assortment of clutter: trees/shrubs, barriers, signs, comms antennae, lightpoles, etc. The two let-downs are the use of those low-res default vehicle models, and no people or custom vehicles outside the terminal entrance. In fact, there are no people to be found anywhere in the scenery’s outdoor landside.
There’s not a lot modelled outside the perimeter fence, apart from a large warehouse. What little else there is has been left to default autogen, which isn’t a problem. I dare say there’s not a lot around these parts in reality, given the area’s isolation. The custom airport entry/exit road has, however, been extended some way from the airport, and is lined with trees native to the region.
Finally, night-lighting is very good — no Asobo ‘globes’.
PERFORMANCE
All Rob’s airports run incredibly well and YEML is no exception. Probably to be expected, given the airport’s size, its rural setting and the low number of daily movements.
VERDICT
Like many airports located slightly inland in Australia, Emerald owes its existence to the area’s mining and agricultural industries. Flights in and out therefore cross seemingly endless swathes of typical rural Queensland terrain, and it makes for some pretty impressive sights (including the gemstone mines themselves). Luckily, Asobo did a fine job in recreating Australia’s arid landscapes and the experience flying in and out of airports such as Emerald is all the better for it.
Orbx’s YEML is another masterpiece by Rob Byrne, improving on his already outstanding previous work in subtle but noticeable ways (including more terminal interior details and a number of custom animations). Anyone looking to fly FSS’ E190 or Just Flight’s upcoming F70 around Australia’s east coast NEEDS this scenery. Despite the region’s (and by extension, the country’s) vast size, these little airports comprise a fairly compact network that allows for a good choice of sub-one hour hops. Add to that Asobo’s excellent representation of the variety of landscapes Queensland offers, and YEML should be viewed as an essential part of a collection that connects rural Oz with civilisation.
IMAGES
oft Flight Simulator 23_03_2025 00_52_15|690x388](upload://bC6vRrhc2OWgEvhpBm7iHEmtSNr.jpeg)
