FS2004 Trans World Airways Douglas DC-3

This freeware repaint offers a vintage Trans World Airways (TWA) appearance for the Douglas DC-3 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 (FS2004). It combines base bare metal textures by Mark Beaumont with a custom TWA exterior crafted by Dale DeLuca. TWA was widely known for its pioneering transcontinental routes, and this reinterpretation of their color scheme allows sim pilots to experience the spirit of mid-20th century commercial flight.

Authentic Repaint Details and Technical Notes

TWA’s historical fleet often featured bold lettering on the wings and tail. However, this repaint is constrained by the default DC-3’s shared texture mapping, which omits separate right and left wing bitmaps. As a result, it is not feasible to include matching serials or logos on both wings, and one rudder logo appears reversed. Despite this limitation, the fuselage markings, color tones, and other livery details are carefully aligned with actual TWA branding from that era.

Visual Preview

Key Files and Installation Steps

1. Extract the download package (BEADC3.ZIP) into a temporary location.
2. Within Flight Simulator 9/Aircraft/Douglas_DC3, duplicate the texture folder and rename it to texture.TWA.
3. Locate the seven BMP files in your decompressed package and move them into your newly created texture.TWA folder.
4. Backup the AIRCRAFT.CFG file found in the Douglas_DC3 directory.
5. Open AIRCRAFT.CFG with a text editor, then insert the following entry (adjust [fltsim.xxx] to the next available index):

[fltsim.xxx]
title=Douglas DC-3 British European Airways
sim=Douglas_DC3
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=TWA
kb_checklists=Douglas_DC3_check
kb_reference=Douglas_DC3_ref
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type="DC-3"
ui_variation="Trans World Airlines"
description=="The Douglas DC-3 revolutionized air transportation and airline service during the 1930s and 1940s. It was a luxury airliner that boasted cabin heat and running water in its on-board lavatory. With the right balance of efficiency, range, speed, and payload, the DC-3 was the first aircraft to earn a profit for its owners just by carrying passengers. The hero of early airlines, a handful of DC-3s are still at work today."

6. Save the AIRCRAFT.CFG file. Once you start FS9, you will find the TWA repaint under the aircraft selection interface.

Additional Notes

This repaint requires the default DC-3 base model included in FS2004 or an equivalent freeware DC-3 model accessible in the Fly Away Simulation mod library. It does not include any 2D or 3D model files; only external textures are supplied. A portion of the metal surfaces and liveries stems from Mark Beaumont’s original work, while the TWA-specific markings, striping, and coloration are by Dale DeLuca.

Even with the mirrored text constraints, this Trans World Airways Douglas DC-3 repaint faithfully captures the essence of a classic airline that helped shape early commercial aviation. It enables sim enthusiasts to recreate TWA’s storied routes on their virtual flights while enjoying the DC-3’s timeless reputation for reliability and comfort.