FS2004 Cambrian Airways Douglas DC-3 G-ALXL

This repaint showcases the historic Cambrian Airways livery on the iconic Douglas DC-3, once used to operate flights to Berlin-Tempelhof from 1962. It features a reworked exterior texture for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, created by Dale DeLuca. While the livery is largely aligned with the airline’s original scheme, some markings are constrained by the default DC-3’s single-sided wing and rudder texture layout. Despite these limitations, this package pays tribute to an important phase in Cambrian Airways’ history.

Cambrian Airways And Its DC-3 Operations

Cambrian Airways was once an established Welsh airline that utilized dependable aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3 for both domestic and continental routes. The DC-3 itself, widely recognized for robust performance and efficient short-haul capabilities, proved ideal during that era. This particular repaint aims to capture the essence of how Cambrian Airways adapted the DC-3 for passenger services in Europe.

Technical Details And Repaint Notes

This is a texture-only add-on, compatible with the default DC-3 model included in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Because the DC-3’s textures in the simulator unify both right and left surfaces in a single bitmap file, certain identifying marks—such as registration numbers and logos on wing exteriors—cannot be mirrored accurately. Some elements, particularly on the rudder, appear reversed on one side. Nevertheless, the main fuselage layout and coloration remain faithful to Cambrian Airways’ original livery.

The talented creator, Dale DeLuca, has done extensive work to align the repaint with airline references available from the early 1960s. Key features like the airline's text logos and the fuselage stripes are reproduced to match historical sources. Although the wing and rudder numbering is not fully reflective of reality, the overall scheme accurately evokes the feel of Cambrian Airways’ short-haul flights from the era.

Installation Procedure And Configuration

Before proceeding, ensure that you have the freeware default DC-3 base package available in the Fly Away Simulation library. Once you have confirmed this, follow the steps below to install the Cambrian Airways textures:

• Extract dc3cam.zip into a temporary location of your choice.
• Locate your “Flight Simulator 9/Aircraft/Douglas_DC3” folder and duplicate the texture directory. Rename the new copy to texture.cam.
• Within the download, there will be one file titled Douglas_DC3_1_T.bmp. Move it into the newly created texture.cam folder, allowing it to overwrite the existing file of the same name.
• Make a backup of your AIRCRAFT.CFG (found in the “Douglas_DC3” folder). This is a precaution in case you need to revert any changes.
• Open AIRCRAFT.CFG with a standard text editor. After your last [fltsim.xxx] entry, paste the following block (update “xxx” to the next sequence number):

[fltsim.xxx] title=Douglas DC-3 Cambrian Airways sim=Douglas_DC3 model= panel= sound= texture=cam kb_checklists=Douglas_DC3_check kb_reference=Douglas_DC3_ref atc_id=N90908 atc_id_color=0xffffffff ui_manufacturer=Douglas ui_type="DC-3" ui_variation=Cambrian Airways 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."

Finally, save the file. The repaint will then be available in the aircraft selection menu as Cambrian Airways.