FS2004 VARIG Curtiss C-46A (GA)

This custom repaint delivers VARIG Airlines’ classic color scheme for the Curtiss C-46A Commando, adapted specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 aficionados. It depicts the plane’s exterior markings with historical accuracy, showcasing the distinct Brazilian carrier style. This package only includes the textures, so the original freeware model by Libardo Guzman, Tom Gibson, and the CalClassic (California Classic) team is required from the Fly Away Simulation library.

Aircraft Background and VARIG Legacy

The Curtiss C-46A Commando, commonly employed during the mid-20th century, carried both cargo and passengers across diverse flight routes. Its large cargo bay and robust airframe made it suitable for challenging operational conditions, especially in remote or less-developed areas. VARIG Airlines, short for Viação Aérea Rio-Grandense, became one of Brazil’s earliest and most recognized commercial carriers, providing extensive connections across South America and beyond. By adopting the Curtiss C-46A into their fleet, VARIG expanded to more adventurous routes and utilized this aircraft’s considerable payload capacity.

Unique Livery Elements

Repainted by Manuele Villa, this VARIG-themed texture set reproduces the airline’s characteristic branding while still honoring the original Curtis C-46A design cues. Authentic registration details and authentic airline attribution are all rendered with close attention to real-world references. The fuselage colors have been meticulously laid out to align with historical photography of VARIG’s early cargo and passenger operations.

Texture Installation Process

• Extract the folder named texture.VARIG into the GA_C-46 subfolder of your Flight Simulator 9/AIRCRAFT directory.
• Afterward, open the Base texture folder included with the main C-46A package and copy its contents into this newly added texture.VARIG folder. Be careful not to overwrite any existing files; skipping duplicates is recommended.
• Locate and make a safety backup of your main AIRCRAFT.CFG file, then access it in a text editor. Scroll to the final [fltsim.XX] entry and add the following content, ensuring the XX value increments properly to avoid conflicts:

[fltsim.XX]
title=C46A VARIG
sim=C46A
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=VARIG
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=c46_ref
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer=Curtiss
ui_type=C-46A Commando
ui_variation=VARIG
atc_airline=VARIG
atc_flight_number=PP-VBQ
atc_id=VARIG
atc_heavy=0
description=Repaint by Manuele Villa. Original aircraft by Libardo Guzman, Tom Gibson, and the California Classic team.

• Click save in your text editor, and the new VARIG livery will be selectable within your simulator.

Further Notes on Usage

This project provides only the texture files, and you must retrieve the freeware base model from Fly Away Simulation’s download section. After confirming the installation, you should be able to load the VARIG-themed C-46A Commando in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 without any additional steps. The repaint retains the vintage style of this unique aircraft while reflecting VARIG’s authentic design language. Enjoy exploring cargo routes or historical passenger services under the emblem of one of Brazil’s most storied carriers.