FS2004 Finnish Air Force Douglas DC-2 "DC-1"

This repaint showcases a distinctive Finnish Air Force Douglas DC-2 “DC-1,” accurately reproduced by Tim Scharnhop with foundational textures by Gerard Kranenbarg and Jan Visser. The livery honors an important piece of Finnish aviation history and requires the essential payware Douglas DC-2 model (available separately). It is compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Below, you will find in-depth information on the details, installation steps, and background that enrich this freeware enhancement.

Finnish Air Force Context and Visual Details

Douglas DC-2 (sometimes classified as DC-2-115E) was a twin-engine transport widely used in the 1930s and 1940s. This particular version references an aircraft generously donated to the Finnish Air Force by Count von Rosen in early 1940. Over time, it served in various military roles, including as a staff transport. Notably, this airframe was utilized by Marshal Mannerheim and received a protective camouflage scheme during wartime operations. Eventually, it was assigned a new designation as DO-1. The featured paint replicates these markings and historical insignia in a highly detailed manner.

Key Visual Enhancements

• Authentic Camouflage: The textures reflect the period-inspired Finnish color scheme, including the recognizable tactical paints applied in 1942.
• Historic Identification: Aircraft lettering references “DC-1” and subsequent changes to “DO-1,” evoking its actual service background.
• Accurate Surface Texturing: Underlying metallic finishes, decals, and insignia match the original creators’ artwork by Gerard Kranenbarg and Jan Visser.

Step-by-Step Texture Installation

1. Extract the downloaded dc2_finaf3.ZIP file into a temporary location, ensuring that folder structures remain intact.
2. Within the extracted contents, locate the texture.finaf3 folder. Move it into your existing Douglas DC2 aircraft directory, typically found under “Flight Simulator 9/AIRCRAFT/Douglas DC2” or under “Microsoft Flight Simulator X/SimObjects/Airplanes/Douglas DC2.”
3. Open the aircraft.cfg file (within the Douglas DC2 folder) using a text editor. Then, append the following lines after the last [fltsim.XX] entry, incrementing “XX” so it is the next number in your sequence:

[fltsim.XX]
title=Douglas DC-2 Finnish Air Force DC-1
sim=uiver_aviodrome
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=finaf3
checklists=
kb_checklists=douglas_dc2_check
kb_reference=douglas_dc2_ref
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id=DC-1
description=DC-2-115E (MSN 1354), as it appeared after it was donated by Count von Rosen...
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type=DC-2
ui_variation=Finnish Air Force "DC-1"
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby=""Uiver" Team"
atc_airline=
atc_heavy=0
atc_flight_number=
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
visual_damage=0
atc_parking_types=RAMP

4. Save the amended aircraft.cfg file. You can then launch the simulator, and the Finnish Air Force DC-2 repaint will be selectable within your aircraft menu.

Additional Note for FSX Service Pack 2 Users

If you have installed Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, open the included dc2_fsx-sp2.zip file and place the A_spinprop.bmp texture into your texture.finaf3 directory. This addresses propeller transparency issues that may arise in SP2 environments.

Development Collaborators

This repaint is a result of collaborative efforts. Original textures are by Gerard Kranenbarg and Jan Visser, while the Finnish Air Force adaptation has been meticulously completed by Tim Scharnhop. Further contributions to flight dynamics, panel, and model elements include other members of the “Uiver” Team, ensuring a high-fidelity experience for enthusiasts seeking immersion in historical flight simulation scenarios.

Payware Model Requirement

Please note that this Finnish Air Force DC-2 “DC-1” repaint is freeware. However, the core Douglas DC-2 model is payware and must be obtained separately in order to utilize this livery properly within your preferred simulator.