FS2004 'DC-3 Airways' classic and 1940's liveries for the default DC-3
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FEATURES:
This download gives you two aircraft in 'DC-3 Airways' colours based on the FS2004 default DC-3. These are official 'DC-3 Airways' repaints for FS2004.
The classic livery is intended to continue the great tradition of the legendary N1776, with certain refinements that suit the FS2004 model admirably. The nose of the default aircraft is beautifully sculpted and the livery has been "curved around" the nose to emphasise this. Trim has been extended over the forward edges of the wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers. Seats and carpets are trimmed in DCA colours. The end result is intended to offer 'DC-3 Airways' pilots a timeless livery that would look as appropriate on a 1950's DC-3 as it would today.
The classic aircraft is named "The Charles Wood" in honour of the founder of 'DC-3 Airways'.
The 1940's livery was created in response to those who suggested that an optional, earlier style would be popular with members. This repaint is designed to be typical of the simple, yet stylish liveries that adorned the bare metal fuselages of pre and post WW-II civilian aircraft, many of which were converted military C-47s. Ours is modelled on a civilian-built DC-3, however, with folding stair door. Microsoft gives us no option in this regard.
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INSTALLATION:
Either:
Unzip DCA_FS9.ZIP directly to your .../Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9/ directory. All files will be installed to their correct locations.
Or:
1. Unzip DCA_FS9.ZIP to a temporary folder.
2. From the AIRCRAFT folder in the download, move the folder entitled "Douglas_DC3 DCA" to .../Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9/AIRCRAFT/.
Whichever way you do it, upon starting FS2004 you will find two new aircraft in your aircraft selection menu under Manufacturer: "Douglas", Type: "DC-3", Variation: "DC-3 Airways (classic)" and "DC-3 Airways (bare metal 1940s)".
Please note that these aircraft have a separate folder within your AIRCRAFT directory for ease of reference and installation of possible future updates, rather than simply being added as texture sets to the default DC-3 folder. We realise, also, that members may wish to alias other add-on panels and sounds of their own choice and this arrangement is designed to facilitate such preferences.
The panel included is the default DC-3 panel with Andy Hatcher's improved bitmap, which very effectively cleans up the rough edges of Microsoft's otherwise attractive work. These aircraft currently alias the default DC-3 sound set and are supplied with the default DC-3 airfile and AIRCRAFT.CFG settings, checklist and reference information. The sound is aliased to the default DC-3 sound.
There are many interesting modifications available for the FS2004 DC-3 at major flight simulation sites and at DC-3 Airways' own site at www.dc3airways.com. Members are also recommended to visit Trevor "Mr. DC-3" Morson's site at www.douglasdc3.com; Trev has made a number of modifications to panel, sound and airfiles which will be of interest to keen pilots.
The main textures within this download are saved without MIPS. Please be advised, however, that we have included a MIPPED main bitmap option for both aircraft, for those who prefer it. Within each texture set, simply drop the file within the folder 'Main bitmap with MIPS' into the relevant texture folder and overwrite; or, preferably, back up the file "Douglas_DC3_1_T" first in case you should wish to revert.
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ALSO:
To open the door, use SHIFT/E. Remember to lock/unlock your tail wheel as appropriate when taxiing, taking off and landing.
Please note that you may change your aircraft's fuselage registration number within the aircraft selection menu in FS2004.
Do not change the TITLE lines in the AIRCRAFT.CFG file if you intend to fly multiplayer and wish your aircraft to be recognised by other DC-3 pilots.
No 'visual damage' files are included in this download. Enough said.
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CREDITS:
These repaints were designed and created specifically for DC-3 Airways by Mark Beaumont and Ian Richardson, with much appreciated input from Andy Hatcher, Trevor Morson and 'DC-3 Airways' members. Otherwise, it's all down to Microsoft for giving us such a spectacular sim in FS2004.
Please bear in mind that these files are reworked as freeware from Microsoft orginals, and thus are only of any use to users who have purchased FS2004; they must not, under any circumstances, be bundled in commercial products of any kind or included in any package that is charged for or sold.
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October 14th 2003
Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumont
DCA-1054
MABeaumont@aol.com
www.swiremariners.com/dc3.html
Ian Richardson
DCA-999
ezekiel2517@blueyonder.co.uk
