FS2004 LAPE Douglas DC-2

This freeware repaint for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 brings the distinctive L.A.P.E. (Líneas Aéreas Postales Españolas) Douglas DC-2 livery, showcasing registration EC-AAY “Orion.” The included textures are derived from key contributions by Gerard Kranenbarg and Jan Visser, along with the repaint work by Tim Scharnhop. It requires the separate payware UIVER DC-2 package, which must be obtained independently. Below, you will find a thorough explanation of the few installation steps needed to incorporate this aircraft repaint, along with details about its development and background.

Technical Background of the DC-2 in Spanish Service

The Douglas DC-2 is a two-engine transport aircraft developed in the early 1930s by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It served as the foundation for the subsequent DC-3 design. In Spanish aviation history, L.A.P.E. was an essential airline formed under the Spanish Republican government and known for connecting various regions of Spain. The real EC-AAY “Orion” is recorded as the second Douglas craft delivered to L.A.P.E., entering service around mid-1935. Its robust airframe and dependable engines allowed for swift airmail delivery and comfortable passenger transit across the country’s growing network of airports.

Creators and Essential Contributors

Several dedicated individuals brought this project to life. The repaint, designed by Tim Scharnhop, leverages the original textures developed by Jan Visser and Gerard Kranenbarg. Flight dynamics were prepared by Tom Falley, while the fundamental model was assembled through collaboration between Jan Visser and Alexander Schreijnders. In addition, the virtual cockpit, panel layouts, and interiors were produced by Jan Visser and Rob Cappers. Gauges include XML work from HansJorg Naegele and bitmaps crafted by Rob Cappers.

Installation Steps for the New Livery

• Extract the contents of the dc2_lape.ZIP file to a temporary location on your system, ensuring folder structure remains intact.
• Locate the folder named texture.lape and move it into the Douglas DC2 folder under your Flight Simulator 9/AIRCRAFT directory. If you prefer using Microsoft Flight Simulator X, place the texture folder into the Microsoft Flight Simulator X\SimObjects\Airplanes\Douglas DC2 path instead.
• Open the aircraft.cfg file in a text editor. Insert the following block of code right after the latest [fltsim.XX] entry, making sure to adjust the XX to the next available sequential number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=Douglas DC-2 LAPE EC-AAF
sim=uiver_aviodrome
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=lape
checklists=
kb_checklists=douglas_dc2_check
kb_reference=douglas_dc2_ref
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id= -
description=DC-2-115B (MSN 1334), EC-AAY 'Orion', was the second Douglas aircraft delivered to the Spanish Republican government in May 1935 for use by L.A.P.E. airline.\nFS9 Flight Dynamics: Tom Falley\nModel: Alexander Schreijnders, Jan Visser\nLivery: Tim Scharnhop, Gerard Kranenbarg, Jan Visser\nPanel, VC, Interior: Rob Cappers, Jan Visser\nGauges: XML Programming: HansJorg Naegele, Gauge bitmaps: Rob Cappers
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type=DC-2
ui_variation=L.A.P.E. EC-AAF
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby=""Uiver" Team"
atc_airline=
atc_heavy=0
atc_flight_number=ECAAF
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
visual_damage=0
atc_parking_types=RAMP

Once you save these changes, the aircraft repaint will become available in the simulator’s aircraft selection menu. This texture set is exclusively the L.A.P.E. repaint and does not include the required payware Douglas DC-2 add-on, which you must purchase separately to enjoy the complete experience.