FS2004 Buffalo Air Cargo Curtiss C-46A (GA)

This comprehensive repaint showcases Buffalo Air Cargo’s Curtiss C-46A (registration C-FAVO) and is designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It features authentic markings and color schemes developed by Manuele Villa to be used with the freeware base model originally created by Libardo Guzman and the CalClassic team. The repaint does not include the core aircraft itself, so be sure to obtain the base package (C46GA.ZIP) from the Fly Away Simulation file library. This cargo-focused variant captures the rugged nature of the Curtiss C-46A, reflecting its heritage as a high-capacity freighter often used for challenging transport missions.

Buffalo Air Cargo’s Unique Paintwork

The included texture set replicates the distinctive Buffalo Air Cargo branding, widely recognized in northern freight operations. By featuring logos and authentic detailing, this repaint underlines the real-life livery of C-FAVO, an aircraft that has served remote areas with dependable cargo transport services. Color accents, stencils, and panel lines have been carefully aligned so that the finished exterior accurately reflects the airline’s traditional paint style.

The Curtiss C-46A’s Legacy

The Curtiss C-46A Commando originally entered service amid wartime demands, famously transporting troops and equipment over formidable terrain. Its fuselage design accommodates substantial payloads, which is why it remained popular for commercial freight operations long after its military career. Buffalo Air Cargo has effectively preserved that legacy by continuing to utilize the C-46A for specialized missions, especially in less-accessible regions that depend on robust, reliable airfreight solutions.

Installation Steps for the Texture Set

Below are the steps to integrate these textures into your aircraft folder. Make sure you have already downloaded and installed the base aircraft files by Libardo Guzman/CalClassic before proceeding.

• Extract the included texture.BUF folder into the GA_C-46 directory found within your “Flight Simulator 9/AIRCRAFT/” folder.
• Open the texture.BUF folder and copy the contents of the “Base” texture folder into it. Allow any non-conflicting files to merge, but do not overwrite existing files inside texture.BUF.
• Afterward, locate your AIRCRAFT.CFG file. You can optionally back it up beforehand. Open the file using a text editor.
• Add the following section, adjusting the “[fltsim.XX]” index to the next available entry:

[fltsim.XX]
title=C46A BUFFALO Air Cargo
sim=C46A
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=BUFFALO
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=c46_ref
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer=Curtiss
ui_type=C-46A Commando
ui_variation=Buffalo
atc_airline=Buffalo
atc_flight_number=C-FAVO
atc_id=C-FAVO
atc_heavy=0
description=Thanks to Libardo Guzman, Tom Gibson and the team at California Classic for sharing this wonderful airplane with us. Repaint by Manuele Villa, April 2007.

• Save the modified configuration file to finalize the installation.

Credits to the Creators

This repaint is by Manuele Villa and pays tribute to the original work of Libardo Guzman and the CalClassic team, whose detailed C-46A Commander base model laid the groundwork for this Buffalo Air Cargo variant. The authentic texture set honors both the aircraft’s history and the dedicated individuals who continue to update it for virtual aviation enthusiasts.

Once everything is installed, you can launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and experience the classic cargo-carrying charm of the Curtiss C-46A under Buffalo Air Cargo colors. Safe flying!