FS2004 VARIG Curtiss C-46A Commando

This repaint package delivers authentic VARIG textures for the Curtiss C-46A Commando in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, capturing the distinctive design of one of Brazil’s notable airlines. It offers a historically influenced livery for enthusiasts of classic precursors to modern transports, ensuring a vivid visual experience. These files do not include the original model by Libardo Guzman/CalClassics, so please retrieve that freeware base from the Fly Away Simulation mod library before installing.

Historical Context and Design Notes

The Curtiss-Wright C-46 emerged from a mid-1930s blueprint labeled CW-20, intended to offer an alternative to other popular transports of the era. Equipped with greater passenger capacity compared to the DC-3, the design featured pressurization for elevated flight and an additional stowage area beneath the cabin floor. These ambitious engineering choices, especially the expanded baggage compartment and uprated powerplants, underscored Curtiss-Wright’s aspiration to create a multipurpose aircraft that could reliably handle both passenger routes and cargo operations.

VARIG’s Legacy

VARIG, formerly a prominent carrier in Brazil, operated numerous airliner types, showcasing technological milestones that aligned with this Curtiss design. Incorporating this livery represents a tribute to the airline’s history, reflecting the era when pioneering aircraft and forward-thinking operators collaborated to advance global air travel.

Installation Steps

Before embedding these texture files, download and install the original C-46A package by Libardo Guzman/CalClassics. Make sure you have the correct base folder in your simulator’s aircraft directory. Once confirmed, follow these instructions:

• Unpack the base Curtiss C46A set into your FS2004 “aircraft” folder.
• Insert the VARIG texture folder into the existing aircraft directory.
• Transfer the content from the base texture folder into the “texture.loide” folder, being careful not to overwrite existing files.
• Add the appended lines shown below to your “Aircraft.cfg” file, replacing XX with the subsequent variant number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=C46A Varig
sim=C46A
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=varig_last
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=C46_Ref
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id=PP-LEP
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_flight_number=73
atc_airline=Loide
atc_heavy=0
atc_parking_types=RAMP, GATE
atc_parking_code=
ui_manufacturer=Curtiss
ui_type=C-46A Commando
ui_variation=VARIG
visual_damage=0
description=Model by Libardo Guzman/California_Classic. This repaint by Luiz Foernges.

Additional Notes

This freeware repaint is a precise homage to the Curtiss C-46A’s varied history and is tailored for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. All credits for the remarkable base design belong to Libardo Guzman and CalClassics. The textures themselves are the work of Luiz Foernges. After completing the steps above, load your newly added livery within the simulator’s aircraft selection to experience this iconic vintage transport under the VARIG banner.