Months ago I used to enjoy flying big liners.
Then for some reason (I guess you can call me a lunatic) I got bored and dropped FS 2004 altogether.
I picked it up again just recently, after attending an air show which prompted me to go back to the basics and enjoy low and slow flying with small GA or very light airplanes.
And I have found I'm not satisfied with the way the ground and water textures look from low altitudes.
In facts, when I used to fly big liners I installed the Blue Sphere set of textures, which eliminated some fog display problems and, generally speaking, made the world look better from high altitudes.
Now I'd like to install different textures, more suitable for "bush flying", but how do I go about it?
If I just copy the new files in the "texture" folder, will they just overwrite the current (Blue Sphere) ones? Or will I have to identify all the Blue Sphere files and manually remove them, thus resetting the default situation, prior to applying the new textures?
Which texture packet do you suggest anyway (payware included, provided they are not too expensive and really worth it)?

I'd also appreciate, since I'm prepared to spare some bucks, the suggestion of a good payware GA plane with these features:
- slightly faster and longer running than the Cessna 172
- easy to handle, with a predictable flight model
- highly detailed and realistic
I'm considering Carenado's Piper Cherokee 180, what do you think?

Hey Friday!
I used to do the same thing until I invested some money into meshes, add ons. etc..
Now Bush Flying is the only way for me.

I love to fire up the sim and go to some remote airfield in British Columbia, Alaska, Switzerland, etc.. and just take off with nowhere to go except the sky. Huge mountains, ravines, lakes,, streams, etc with only my GPS to tell me where the next landing might take place.

As for a nice GA Aircraft, the Cessna Stationair is a little powerhouse with real nice VC and some unique details that make it a nice kite to fly!!

I just did what I described above last night, see here!

SEE HERE!!

Hum,.,,,,,,
now where to move this,
"Other Add ons wanted" or "Payware"....... 

Dave

Thanks for the suggestions.
Now I have a few a/c to choose from (plus the Socata, which I already have, but it's one of many a/c that, for some reason, have a flight model that renders them almost unusable with my joystick. They are continuously shifting on their axes; it's almost impossible to keep them leveled. Don't ask me why, it must be the stick).
What I still lack is the suggestion for a good texture package to replace Blue Sphere; freeware or payware, or both.
Silver Wings look promising, but according to the description, it also modifies things I'd rather leave alone (autogen, clouds).

If you are looking for absolute incredible ground, mountain, etc,... textures for the entire world,
you have to get

GROUND ENVIROMENT!!!

Flight1!

It will change your entire flying experience worldwide!!
Oh, if you want to get really crazy, add Ultimate Terrain to it and you are in for a real nice ride!!!

Now I think I need to move this to the Payware Forum! 

Dave

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Does it do more than one frame per week!!!!!  And, how is  it from high altitude?
Vololiberista

It has zero impact on frames!!!!!!!!!!!

ALL THEY ARE ARE DETAILED NEW TEXTURES FOR THE GROUND!!

sORRY, CAPS LOCK..

I would definitely un install the Blue Sphere as what GE does is back up your default FS texture files and then overwrites them with the GE Textures..

Like I said fro reading their forums,..
frame rates are not effected as they are basically replacement textures but much more detailed.

They look good from high up but you can really see what they look like at lower elevation....

Dave

"Don't ask me why, it must be the stick"
Hey, ya gotta like a fella who answers his own questions 

It never ceases to amaze me how many simflyers will continue to use a defective joystick and then waste their time (and others) trashing perfectly good aricraft flight models (in many case FREE ones).

If thousands of other simflyers are using a particular aircraft model and recommending it to others, I submit that if they appear to be " . . . shifting on their axes; it's almost impossible to keep them leveled" it's time to score for a new ($29) joystick  ???

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Dave, I do believe Korbygen comes as standalone freeware, but they replace the autogen textures, houses etc. They do look really nice, but for myself I experienced low frames with them. Also they come with Vista Oz.

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GE has a Koorbygen update... With Koorbygen all the autogen buildings and houses are MUCH better detailed. The freeware version of Koorbygen is 1024x1024 textures and are known for giving a bit of a frame hit. The version for GE is 512x512 and are much more frame friendly. Get the GE update with Koorbygen here:

http://environments.flight1.net/downloads.htm

You must make sure the version you GE you are using is 1.6... if not, install the 1.6 update from that page then install the 1.6 version of Koorbygen:

http://environments.flight1.net/Koorbygen/GE_Koorbygen_install.zip

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For real bush flying

Aerosoft Beaver (payware) -Bush flying classic.

Aviat A1 Husky (freeware)

DHC 2 Turbo Beaver III (Freeware) -Much improved performance. Not as traditional as the old radial powered Beaver.

DHC 3 Otter (freeware)

Aerosoft Piper Super Cub (Payware)

Cessna 195 (freeware)

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

For more aircraft and sceneries {Shameless plug} Check this site out  http://bfu.avsim.net/{/Shameless plug}

You might also want to check out Misty Fjords scenery if you like the Alaska area for flying. It adds lots more than just scenery to fly in. http://www.fsaddon.com/products_misty.html

From the Fligh1 web site:


"Note: The screenshots previewed on this site show the new Ground Environment textures. They were taken along side other non-texture add-ons that were installed, including enhanced terrain mesh, as well as Ultimate Terrain (enhancing the landclass as well as other visual features). Flight Environment was used for the sky and clouds.
So, the important thing to note is that Ground Environment works seamlessly with many add-ons you have. So not only is Flight Simulator enhanced, but also many of your other Flight Simulator add-on products."


They boast that the fact of having taken screenshots of their product "alongside" other add-ons is a plus, because it proves that their product is very compatible with other add-ons.
To me, instead, this is like blowing smoke in potential customers' eyes. I want to see the effect that this product, AND THIS PRODUCT ALONE, will have on the default FS 2004. I'm not prepared to spare money on a full range of add-ons; for now I just want to see how my ground textures can be improved.

Dave, you cant bypass the fact that Flight1 is sugar coating their screenshots.

I'm interested in seeing what GE does to the default SIM, not with a dozens of other meshes or landclass.

You know,  simple before and after pictures.
I understand Friday's frustrations because when you buy GE with the intention to have a sim similar to their screenshots, you will be disappointed.

It's not too hard (it should be a given right) to see what GE ALONE does for your simulator.

I'll add more to this topic once I get home...

Wow, those roads look nice too. Does it come with accurate road placement?

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May I ask if this image also shows UT?
If so is that also a frame rate hit? and Is it possible for someone to post a pic just with GE
It's a great pic anyway. I would like something that looks good from high altitude and close to the ground (even the big jets have to land sometimes!!!!)
Vololiberista

I have installed GE on a fresh install of FS9 and immediatly there was major improvement. (sorry no screenie)

Granted with GE you should have a good terrain mesh such as FSGlobal. But even with just a default setup it is great.

Personally I run GE/FE/FSGlobal/UT USA&Canada/Alaska, these combined transform the sim into a totally new experiance. And many times I find myself pausing the flight to jump outside and look at the world in a new light

As for Flight1 site blowing smoke i don't see how, they specifically state that the screenshots are taken with other enhnacements, if this wasnt stated then you have made a point

The product does exactly what it states it does and that is improves the Ground Enviroment, add-ons installed or not.

If you were to buy it which I recomend I would also sugggest terrain mesh of good quality (FSGlobal is the best for me) without it you will have a greatly improved flat world

You know maybe you should write them and tell them that, couldn't hurt. You make a valid point.

I understand what your saying but I would think that since a huge majority of simmers already have such enhancements installed they figure why bother, really who uses default stuff anyway? LOL!

I think the best thing they could do is offer a limited trial, or try before you buy like some people do. This would allow one to check it out and see if it works on thier system.