Aircraft used: ATR, BlackBox Simulation BN-2 / Shorts 360
This developer sort of sits on the periphery but I now own the majority of his airports (he’s a one-man band), simply because I was so impressed with my first purchase (St. Kitts Robert L. Bradshaw). Like most Caribbean airports, the British Virgin Islands’ primary gateway is named after a local politician. Let’s see how SLH did with it…
DETAIL
Fantastically detailed, right across the airfield. I will say, right off the bat, that there isn’t a great deal of modelling beyond the perimeter fence (this applies to all SLH’s airports) but what’s contained within is excellent. Superb terminal (with populated interior — though the arrivals areas aren’t modelled due to security issues), great ground textures and a decent amount of custom ground clutter on the apron. The terminal landside is extremely well done, featuring custom roads (that extend some way back from the terminal) and markings, static and animated cars (more on the animated examples later), lamp-posts, signs, vegetation, etc. It really captures the feel of a small international airport in the Caribbean.
Texturing is high-res throughout, with very few lower res examples to be found.
Now, I know I said there isn’t a lot modelled away from the terminal but we do get a few static marine vessels (no night lighting though — you might want to check out Seafront Sims’ Vessels: Virgin Islands pack for that) in the bay at the RWY25 end. We also get a couple of guys relaxing at the waterfront, next to their truck and an old wooden rowing boat, at the opposite end.
The animated cars I was on about earlier look to be Suzuki Swifts, and are either red or white. They traverse the airfield perimeter before pulling up to the barrier at the airport entrance (which actually opens to let them through). They then proceed to the terminal entrance and stop momentarily, before driving away again. The animations are smooth and convincing but, oddly, their wheels don’t turn. A minor complaint, however, and you’re unlikely to notice unless you scrutinise at close range.
PERFORMANCE
International airports in the Caribbean tend not to be particularly large but, with this level of detail, I did expect minor stability issues. But, to my surprise, this airport is 100% stable. I’ve actually tried to trigger black screens but it’s having none of it! Performance is also brilliant, with absolutely no stuttering.
VERDICT
Although I have a few very minor complaints, this is an excellent piece of scenery. The only thing I’d perhaps like to see in future is the addition of surrounding features but we do get a few bits and pieces, like the boats in the bay and the guys chilling out at the opposite end. Xbox users would no doubt benefit from a couple of static aircraft, however it’s completely understandable why the dev has chosen not to include them (PC owners tend to be opposed to the idea).
If you want a really high quality airport, for short hops around the eastern Caribbean, this is a great buy. It’s not at all far from St. Maarten, St. Barths and Saba (all nicely modelled in one of the USA World Updates) and SLH offers several other airports in the region. Add in Seafront’s Virgin Islands pack and you have a very immersive tropical experience.
IMAGES