FSX MOT Douglas DC-3

This custom repaint reproduces the New Zealand Ministry of Transport (MOT) Douglas DC-3 that once performed calibration work and navigation checks throughout various Pacific regions. Both of these historically significant aircraft finished service in December 1972. It is designed exclusively for use with the freeware base modification from James Eden and Jon Murchison, which enhances the default Douglas DC-3 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with multiple model variants and improved textures.

Details of the MOT DC-3 Repaint

The MOT’s DC-3 airframes were versatile workhorses, often deployed for calibration tasks at remote airfields and over extensive oceanic routes. This livery captures the recognizable fuselage markings and high-contrast tail design. The included textures utilize higher resolutions and avoid mirrored tail elements, ensuring accuracy of the Ministry of Transport registration. Ian Warren’s attention to detail in the paintwork allows for realistic visual fidelity even at close viewing ranges.

Base Modification Requirements

An essential step is to install the “AS4SUMJE.ZIP” freeware package by James Eden and Jon Murchison, which refines the default DC-3 model by introducing configurations for cargo, passenger, LC-47, and Viewmaster versions. This package also integrates additional airline repaints (such as NAC, United Airlines, and more) while bringing improved texture mapping and optional detail elements to the aircraft. The base package must be located in your Flight Simulator’s directory prior to adding the MOT repaint.

Installation Steps

• Confirm that the “as4sumje” files by James Eden and Jon Murchison are already installed in your Microsoft Flight Simulator X environment.
• Copy the folder labeled texture.MOT-ZK_ASX into your “SimObjects/Airplanes/Douglas DC3” directory.
• Open the aircraft.cfg file in the same folder, then insert the following snippet right after the last [fltsim.x] entry. Make sure to replace [fltsim.X] with the next number in the sequence.

[fltsim.X]
title=Douglas DC-3 MOT ZK-AXS
sim=Douglas_DC3
model=reg
panel=
sound=
texture=MOT-ZK-AXS
kb_checklists=Douglas_DC3_check
kb_reference=Douglas_DC3_ref
atc_id=
ui_manufacturer="Awesome 4 Some"
ui_type="DC-3"
ui_variation="MOT-ZK-ASX"
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Microsoft Corporation, modified by James Eden"
description="The Douglas DC-3 revolutionized air travel with its balanced efficiency, range, speed, and payload capability. Offering comfortable cabin amenities, it became the first profitable passenger airliner. A number of DC-3s remain operational in specialized roles due to their reliable airframe design. Repaint by Ian Warren."

Aircraft Background

Douglas developed the DC-3 with a focus on commercial passenger service, swiftly transforming air travel in the 1930s and 1940s. Operators worldwide embraced its dependable performance and cost-effective operation. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Transport leveraged this aircraft’s stability and generous payload to maintain vital navigation aids in outlying island territories. Today, enthusiasts and virtual flyers can appreciate this historically rich design in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, complete with authentic markings that recall its extensive service history.