FS2004 Central Airlines Convair CV-240 VBF CA-18

This freeware repaint showcases the Central Airlines Convair CV-240 (VBF CA-18) with a historically significant registration and airframe background. Originally constructed in 1948 and delivered to American Airlines, this aircraft underwent multiple transitions before joining Central Airlines, where it continued its service under new markings. Textures included here are by Hans Hermann, with model upgrades by Georg Hauzenberger and the original design by Greg Pepper and Tom Gibson, all from Virtual Birds Factory. Please note that the core model for the CV-240 series is required separately for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004.

Historical Notes and Technical Details

The airframe bearing construction number 74 initially carried the registration NC94237 for American Airlines and was once named “Flagship Akron,” eventually adopting the moniker “Flagship Lake Ontario.” When Central Airlines acquired it in December 1960, its registration became N74850. Subsequently, General Dynamics performed a CV-600 conversion in July 1966, leading to a further transfer to Frontier Airlines in October 1967. After multiple owners, the aircraft was removed from the register in August 1995.

This particular livery highlights the Central Airlines variant that draws attention to the airline’s mid-century regional operations and the Convair’s enduring reputation for short-haul efficiency. The package here provides the associated model file and texture set only, so ensure you have installed the CV240VBFCA18_BASEPACK_010.ZIP from the Fly Away Simulation library.

Visual Preview of the Aircraft

Preparatory Steps and Livery Addition

You must have the appropriate Convair CV-240 base folders installed (such as cv240VBFca18, cv240VBFcb16, or cv240VBFmilitary) prior to adding this repaint. If your system does not contain these foundational files, install the required base pack first. The setup guidelines in your user manual (particularly Chapter 3.2) outline the process in greater detail. Follow these steps to integrate the new livery:

1. Extract all contents of this package to a temporary directory on your system.
2. Locate the included setup executable (for example, cv240VBFca18_aal_N94200_01_setup.exe) within the extracted files and run it. The installer will automatically place the correct livery and its model into one of the folders mentioned above.
3. Open the corresponding folder in your main “Aircraft” directory (for instance, Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9\Aircraft\cv240VBFca18) and find a text document named (livery name)_add_to_aircraft_cfg.txt. Edit this file in a text editor and copy the [fltsim.xx] section it contains.
4. Open the aircraft.cfg file in the same folder, then paste the copied section below the last existing [fltsim.yy] entry. Adjust the “xx” digits to maintain correct numerical order. Save and close the configuration file.

Verifying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004

After configuring the aircraft.cfg file, launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and confirm that the new Central Airlines livery appears in your aircraft selection menu. If you do not see it, confirm you added the [fltsim.xx] entry correctly and that you preserved the folder naming structure (cv240VBFca18, cv240VBFcb16, or cv240VBFmilitary) defined by the base package.

With proper installation, enthusiasts of classic propliners can experience the historical appeal of this mid-century regional transport once again in Central Airlines attire.