FSX McChord AFB Scenery

McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington (known by the ICAO code KTCM) plays a pivotal role in military transport operations. This freeware add-on, crafted by Jim Cook, enhances the default FSX rendition of this key location by adding a wealth of realistic details and expanded functionality for those seeking a more immersive experience. Plentiful new parking areas, freshly placed buildings, and meticulously arranged static assets reflect an accurate representation of an active air base. The entire scenery update is built from standard FSX objects, making it easy to install without extra resource libraries.

Significant Base Upgrades

This custom package provides a complete overhaul of the stock air base environment. You will notice a dramatic increase in Military_Cargo parking spots, which accommodates larger transport aircraft. Additionally, a fire station complete with firefighting vehicles is now accurately situated, and many previously generic buildings have been replaced with more appropriate structures. Fork trucks, fuel trucks, and various parked vehicles contribute to a dynamic scene.

Airfield Layout Adjustments

Taxiways and apron surfaces have been modified or repositioned to ensure they align closely with both AirNav diagrams and Google Earth imagery, preserving the real-world footprint of McChord AFB. By doing so, flight planners can coordinate realistic operations, especially for heavy-duty military cargo movements. Jim Cook fine-tuned the core airport layout, ensuring that runways, ramps, and access routes sustain the level of realism advanced users demand.

Optional Scenery Pairings

This updated air base works seamlessly with widely used products, such as Just Flight’s Military Plus Packs. It also remains fully compatible with third-party additions like Ultimate Terrain or FSGenesis landclass, though these extras are not mandatory for the scenery to function properly.

Toolset and Technical Notes

Every new building or object was positioned using Flight 1’s AFX program and Instant Scenery. By relying on these utilities and default FSX components, this scenery add-on for McChord AFB does not require any external library files, streamlining the installation process.

Installation Steps

1. Unpack the two files named AFX_KTCM_JC.bgl and KTCM_JC.bgl.
2. Copy or move them into your main “Addon Scenery/Scenery” folder within FSX.
3. Restart your simulator to initialize the newly placed scenery.

Once the sim loads, McChord AFB will appear in its updated form. Jim Cook has further plans to enhance other military airfields, time permitting, so keep an eye out for additional releases.

By Jim Cook

Leave a comment