FS2004 California Central Martin 202

This freeware repaint brings the California Central Airlines livery to a Martin 202A designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. It captures the essence of 1950s no-frills air travel in California, reflecting the carrier’s role as an early pioneer in economical service. The repaint was created by Gary Harper, and the base model was developed by Dee Waldron. You will need to download the freeware Martin 202A model separately from the Fly Away Simulation library to enjoy this texture set.

Historic Notes on the Martin 202A and California Central

The Martin 202A, conceived in the post–World War II period, occupied a niche among twin-prop regional liners. Its earliest form, the Martin 2-0-2, faced structural shortcomings that led to the improved 2-0-2A variant. California Central Airlines, operating between 1951 and 1955, acquired five of these aircraft from Northwest. In that era, this airline—alongside Pacific Southwest—helped define pragmatic, budget-oriented aircraft services. The unpressurized Martin 202A maintained relatively swift cruise speeds at lower altitudes, making it a practical choice for short-haul operations within California’s evolving post-war aviation environment.

Authentic Livery Details

This repaint specifically represents a California Central Martin 202A around 1953, reflecting its authentic markings and colors. The textures convey the classic design of an aircraft that struggled initially due to design flaws yet earned a place in aviation history. The structural improvements made to the 2-0-2A boosted reliability, though operators continued adhering to stringent maintenance practices to keep the aircraft airworthy. Nevertheless, these planes served effectively on short routes, showcasing the adaptability of early regional aviation.

Installation and Configuration

Below is the exact entry for your aircraft configuration file. Replace xx with the subsequent [fltsim.xx] number in your existing configuration. Make sure you have Dee Waldron’s Martin 202A model installed beforehand, as these textures will not work without the matching base package.

[fltsim.xx]
title=Martin 2-0-2A California Central Airlines
sim=m404-CB16 //use the M404.air file with these 202A dynamics
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=cc
kb_reference=M202A_ref
atc_id=N93057
atc_airline=CALIFORNIA CENTRAL
atc_flight_number=105
ui_manufacturer=Martin
ui_type=2-0-2A
ui_variation=California Central Airlines
description=Rushed into production after WW2 the unpressurised 2-0-2 delivered from 1947 was poorly conceived, poorly timed, and badly designed. It had fatal structural faults and the thirty that did not fall apart in the air had to be remanufactured as 2-0-2As from 1949. Just twelve more were built from scratch to that higher standard in 1950. The original owners were Northwest Orient. LAN-Chile, Linea Aeropostal Venezolana and TWA. Martin Liners never recovered from the original loss of credibility, but with great care the unpressurised 2-0-2A was able to cruise 'fast' at low level when short hauling. Despite the fatal design flaws of the original 2-0-2 some of the modified aircraft, always subject to severe operating restrictions, had long working lives.

Performance Profile

The Martin 202A sits firmly in the realm of classic prop-driven technology. With an unpressurized cabin layout, it remained most efficient at medium to low cruising levels. Pilots valued the type for its ability to maintain relatively brisk speeds, even when operating at altitudes where modern pressurization systems were not required. These vintage commuter aircraft balanced economy with sufficient short-field capability, providing versatile regional transport during a rapidly evolving period of aviation history.

Notes for Flight Sim Enthusiasts

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, this repaint adds a historical layer of immersion by showcasing a regional airline that helped shape early Californian travel. Gary Harper’s meticulous livery design highlights the airline’s minimalist approach, and it illuminates how carriers like California Central contributed to the proliferation of short-hop domestic routes across the state. Pilots who appreciate mid-century prop-liners will find this texture set especially appealing, offering an engaging glimpse into a pivotal era of American aviation.