FS2004 Piedmont Airlines Martin 404

This release features a carefully crafted repaint representing Piedmont Airlines’ Martin 404 as it appeared around 1962. Created by Gary Harper, these textures require the freeware Martin 404 base model by Dee Waldron, which is available for download in the Fly Away Simulation mod library. Pilots can integrate this livery seamlessly into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 for a historically authentic short-haul propliner experience.

Historical Background on the Martin 404 and Piedmont Airlines

The Martin 404 (sometimes written as 4-0-4) traces its lineage to the Martin 2-0-2, with a focus on improved pressurization and a lengthened fuselage. Engineers powered the aircraft with Pratt & Whitney R-2800 series engines, noted in multiple variants including the CB-16 and CB-3. Piedmont Airlines operated these propliners extensively along short to medium-haul routes within the Southeastern United States. Their fleet contributed to regional connectivity, enhancing travel options from the early 1950s onward.

Key Improvements Over the 2-0-2

• Pressurized Cabin – A major upgrade allowing operations at higher altitudes.
• Extended Fuselage – Provided additional passenger capacity and improved comfort.
• Multiple Engine Configurations – Operators could choose high or low blower settings based on route characteristics.

Despite facing competition from the Convair CV-240 series, the Martin 404 still found its niche with carriers like Piedmont Airlines, TWA, and Eastern Air Lines, providing reliable short-haul service for many years.

Distinctive Features of This Repaint

Gary Harper’s repaint showcases Piedmont Airlines’ mid-century livery, reflecting signature markings reminiscent of the era. Subtle details, such as the stylized fuselage striping and tail insignia, meticulously capture the airline's classic brand identity. These textures complement the underlying freeware Martin 404 model developed by Dee Waldron, maintaining historical accuracy and period-appropriate styling.

Installation and Configuration

Before proceeding, ensure you have installed Dee Waldron’s freeware Martin 404 base package (located in the Fly Away Simulation library). Afterwards, add the following code snippet to the aircraft.cfg file. Replace xx with the next sequential entry number among your other [fltsim] sections:

[fltsim.xx]
title=Martin 4-0-4 Piedmont
sim=M404-CB16
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=pi
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=M404_CB3_ref
prop_anim_ratio=1.76
atc_id=N40450
ui_manufacturer=Martin
ui_type=4-0-4 Skyliner
ui_variation=Piedmont airlines (CB-16)
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.

After you complete these steps, the Piedmont Airlines textures will appear within your aircraft selection in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. By following the instructions above, you can immerse yourself in an authentic mid-century airline setting and explore routes in the same style that Piedmont once achieved during its regional operations.