SUGAR, SUGAR!

D-DAY C-47  SKYTRAIN PROJECT UPDATE

MAAM-SIM's Jan Visser has put the finishing touches to the first of several C-47 Skytrain / Dakota models for FS2004 that will be released on June 6, 2005, the 61st Anniversary of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy.   This will be a FREE expansion pack for owners of MAAM-SIM's R4D / DC-3 CD.

"Sugar Blues" has had a complete makeover since the beta preview shots of a few weeks ago.

That's because an actual photo of the real "Sugar Blues" nose-art has come to light.  Sam Kimpton, an Airborne and Troop Carrier historian, has joined the MAAM-SIM team.  It was Sam, a former paratrooper himself, who found this photo in one of his books.   I was going to reprint the photo here, but the author has not answered my request, so you'll have to trust me when I tell you that the new nose art is absolutely true to the photo.   As you can see she differs quite substantially from the beta version which was adapted from a decal sheet and a painting of 'Sugar Blues', below...

Sam also suggested correcting the yellow squadron and aircraft call-signs to the proper shade of light gray.  You'll also see some lovely, subtle weathering on our girl now...

Also new, is military cargo that can be loaded and unloaded at a keystroke...

Just don't forget to fold up the jump seats before you load the ammo and supplies...

The Rebecca system AN-148 antennae, used for navigation to and from the drop zone, have been added...

Look closely and you'll see the blue formation lights atop the wings and fuselage of this blacked out Skytrain.

Joining 'Sugar Blues'  in this release will be another sweet USAAF C-47A, "Sugar Puss" , of the 90th Troop Carrier Squadron, 238th Troop Carrier Group.  It will be a paratroop configured Skytrain, complete with a D-Day uniformed jumper effect. 

'Sugarpuss' features a paratrooper exit panel that is removable from inside the aircraft and stows on the right side of the fuselage...

Other Skytrains and Dakotas are planned for inclusion in this D-Day package, and more will follow in yet  another pack in the planning stage.  All of them will be free enhancements for the CD.   Special flights and accompanying scenery are also under construction.  As with the previous MAAM DC-3's, a Repaint Template Kit will be provided for those who want to produce their own favorite Gooney Bird.

Note the chalk number and tape to keep parachute static lines from snagging on hinges and door latches...

The serial number still needs to be painted on the vertical stabilizer, and she'll be getting a glider-tow tail, when finished.

If you don't already own the award-winning R4D / DC-3 CD, you may purchase it directly from the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's On-Line Store.  The price is $30 and it will be shipped via airmail anywhere in the world for $4.95.   All sale proceeds go directly to the restoration programs of the museum, including the full renovation of the R4D-6  #50819 scheduled for this fall and winter.

MAAM-SIM

Bill Rambow, Jan Visser, Fred Banting, Robert Young, Bill Womack, Howard Sodja, and Mark Beaumont
 

May 20, 2005