FSX Can Mar Patrol Grumman Tracker

This repaint offers a creatively weathered yet polished fictional homage to a Royal Canadian Navy Grumman S2F-1 Tracker, adapted for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Drawing on influences from mid-1950s maritime patrol operations, it highlights a bare-metal aesthetic that suggests real-world service wear. The base model by Milton Shupe, upgraded to FSX native standards by Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations, is required for this livery. Textures, crafted by Gary Moore, incorporate Steve Bryant’s paint kit. Users will find this fictional scheme evokes the look of a well-maintained patrol aircraft returning from frequent North Atlantic missions.

Reflective Naval Heritage (S2F-1 Tracker)

The Grumman S2F-1 Tracker was originally deployed for anti-submarine warfare, recognized for its high-wing design and twin radial engines that facilitated extended maritime patrol durations. Although this particular repaint is inspired by Canadian Royal Navy service, it remains an inventive rendition that merges subtle metallic sheen with residual signs of operational use. This approach delivers an updated interpretation of a vintage maritime aircraft that once played a significant role in naval aviation history.

Key Developers and Tools

The core aircraft model stems from the work of Milton Shupe, while Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations refined it as a native adaptation for FSX. Steve Bryant provided the foundation artwork (paint kit), and Gary Moore added the visually striking livery that blends bare-metal finishes with authentic wear marks. Flight dynamics by Tom Falley and sounds by Nigel further enhance the overall immersion. This collaboration ensures that the resulting mod feels cohesive and true to the spirit of classic patrol aircraft operations.

Necessary Files and Installation Steps

This repaint requires the freeware base model of the Grumman S2F-1 (file name: SOH_G7_S2F1X.ZIP). The base model should be available in the Fly Away Simulation library. After acquiring that, follow these instructions:

1. Unpack the S2F-1_RCN_Mar_Pat_Bare Metal.zip archive into a temporary directory.
2. Locate the main FSX folder (often found under C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X on 64-bit systems). Drag and drop the unzipped SimObjects folder directly into this directory. Merge when prompted.
3. Open aircraft.cfg in the following path: SimObjects\Airplanes\G7_S2F1X. Within this configuration file, find the most recent [fltsim.x] entry. Paste the code below as a new entry, ensuring xx is replaced with the next sequential number.

[fltsim.xx]
title=S2F-1 RCN Mar Pat Bare Metal
sim=S2F-1
panel=
model=S2F-1
sound=
texture=S2F-1_RCN_Mar_Pat_Bare Metal
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id_enable=1
atc_id=75
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=Navy
atc_flight_number=
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
ui_manufacturer=Grumman
ui_type=S2F-1 Tracker
ui_variation=RCN_Maritme Patrol Bare Metal
ui_typerole="Twin Engine Prop"
ui_createdby="Eagle Rotorcraft Simulations/SOH"
prop_anim_ratio=1.025
visual_damage=1
Description=S2F-1, RCN577 (fictional), TDY at NAS Quonset Point, RI. 1956. Model by Milton Shupe, flight model by Tom Falley, sounds by Nigel, paintkit by Steve Bryant and paint scheme by Gary Moore.

Finishing Touches

Once the entry is added, save the file. Upon your next launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator X, the new “bare metal” Canadian naval paint scheme should be available in the aircraft selection menu. For an authentic vintage maritime experience, consider flying short coastal surveillance missions to appreciate the distinctive metallic finish under various lighting conditions.

This add-on is provided as freeware. Remember to download and install the Milton Shupe S2F1 base package first to ensure all aircraft components work seamlessly. Enjoy the unique styling and the historical nod to mid-20th century naval aviation.