FS2004 Ozark Airlines Martin 404

This freeware repaint brings the distinctive Ozark Airlines livery to Dee Waldron’s Martin 404 model, meticulously adapted for seamless operation in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Developed by Gary Harper, this visual update represents Ozark’s mid-1960s fleet, reflecting the airline’s transition after acquiring 15 Martin 404s—which were originally delivered new to Eastern Airlines during the early 1950s. Enthusiasts of vintage propliners can immerse themselves in this historically significant aircraft, known for its reliable twin radial engines and pressurized cabin design.

Focusing on the Martin 404 from Ozark

The Martin 404 itself emerged in 1951 as an enhanced, pressurized evolution of the earlier designs. Eastern Airlines and TWA were prime initial operators, but Ozark Airlines expanded its route options by adding the type to its roster in 1965 through an exchange with Mohawk Airlines. At that time, Ozark traded Convair 240s for these Martin-built aircraft, which quickly became mainstays on short to medium-haul services.

Historical Foundations

The 404 airframe builds on the original Martin 2-0-2 series but includes structural improvements and pressurization. Eastern Airlines opted for R-2800-CB3 engines lacking a high blower, confident that most flight paths would avoid mountainous regions. Eventually, many Martin 404s were configured with these powerplants, making them well-suited for typical regional routes throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Technical Highlights for FS2004

• Differentiated Exterior: A detailed font and color scheme replicate Ozark Airlines' 1960s branding.
• Accurate Panel Configuration: Reflects unique cockpit setups of vintage propliners, maintaining immersion.
• Authentic Flight Dynamics: The twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine data remains as close to real-life specs as possible within simulator constraints.
• Era-Appropriate Liveries: Provides the historical ambience true to the midcentury airline industry.

Steps to Integrate the Repaint

This repaint does not include the base model, so you will require the freeware Martin 404 by Dee Waldron. It can be found in the Fly Away Simulation library. After downloading and installing the base package, proceed with the following:

1. Extract and place the repaint’s texture folder into the “Martin 404” directory.
2. Open the aircraft.cfg file (located in the same “Martin 404” folder).
3. Paste the configuration data below into the file, ensuring you replace “[fltsim.xx]” with the correct next number in sequence.

[fltsim.xx]
title=Martin 4-0-4 Ozark
sim=M404-CB3
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=oz
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=M404_CB3_ref
prop_anim_ratio=1.76
atc_id=N465M
ui_manufacturer=Martin
ui_type=4-0-4 Skyliner
ui_variation=Ozark airlines (CB-3)
description=The 4-0-4 Skyliner was the 1951 pressurised and stretched fuselage equivalent of the modified 2-0-2A having been extensively redesigned to compete with the pressurised and long established Convair CV-240. Pressurisation finally allowed the power of R-2800-CB16 engines to be exploited by TWA, but EAL intended to use the 4-0-4 only over short hauls away from mountains and so they specified the R-2800-CB3 engine with no high blower. This eventually became the engine in most 4-0-4s. The 1951 4-0-4 inherited structural flaws from the original 1947 2-0-2 and was still subject to significant restrictions when carrying a large payload. Although more than twice as successful as the unpressurised 2-0-2A the 4-0-4 was structurally inferior to the later CV-340 which appeared in 1952. Crucially the USAF, by far the largest purchaser of US manufactured propliners after WW2, continued to buy twin engined propliners only from Convair and production of the Martin 4-0-4 soon ended with only 101 in airline and USCG service.

Crediting Creators

Repaint by Gary Harper ensures fidelity to Ozark Airlines’ original style. The base model by Dee Waldron captures the nuances of this historical propliner. Both are offered as freeware for enthusiasts aiming to recreate vintage operations in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.