Tutorial on how to
Add Additional Textures
for the Default Aircraft

By
Neal F Truitt

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Procedure for Adding Textures

I really love the look of Garry's metallic reflective textures. However, I did not like the idea of putting a VATSIM or Project Magenta or AVSIM texture into the program and replacing say the SOAR or Pacifica texture, while leaving the SOAR or Pacifica name still there. So, with a little experimenting, I came up with a procedure to add the textures to the directory. They may not be the most elegant procedures, but they work. [My daughter, who is computer literate but not MSFS literate, tested them, followed them, and got it first time without goofing anything up.] The only thing I have not yet figured out is how to get the VATSIM (or other unique name) into the system so the ATC will announce it right.

There are three steps. Briefly,
1. Prepare the directory.
2. Extract the texture.
3. Modify the aircraft.cfg file.

Here is how to do it.

Step 1. Prepare the directory.

Using Windows Explorer, copy one of the texture directories into the aircraft folder. For example:

    OPEN Windows Explorer;
    OPEN Program Files;
    Have it Show Files;
    OPEN the Default FS2002 or FS2004 directory 
      (mine is located at Microsoft Games\FS2002);
    OPEN the aircraft main directory;
    OPEN the aircraft directory you want to modify;
    SELECT the texture.2 directory;
    SELECT the copy function;
    SELECT the aircraft directory again;
    SELECT the paste function;
    RENAME the directory to the next available texture subdirectory number (in this case it would be texture.3);

Step 2. Extract the textures.

Using Winzip or other program, extract the texture to this newly created directory - overwriting the existing file. For example:

    OPEN Winzip;
    OPEN the VATSIM Texture Zip File;
    SELECT the .bmp file;
    SELECT the extract function;
    Direct it to extract to the texture directory (in this case it would be c:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FS2002\Aircraft\B777_300\Texture.3\ ;
    Click "OK";

Step 3. Modify the aircraft.cfg file.

If you do not modify the aircraft.cfg file, the texture is not going to show up. Here is a sample of an aircraft.cfg file BEFORE modification.

[fltsim.0]
title=Boeing 777-300
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Soar
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Soar Airlines
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[fltsim.1]
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint1
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=1
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Landmark
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Landmark Airlines
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[fltsim.2]
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint2
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=2
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Pacifica
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Pacifica
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.


[General]
atc_type=BOEING
atc_model=B773
editable=0
performance=Cruise Speed \nMach 0.84 555 mph 893 kmh\n\nEngine options 

[the rest of the file is not included to save space in this document.]

    Open this file using Notepad;
    Highlight the portion of the file beginning with "[fltsim.2]" and ending just after the description paragraph;
    Select COPY;
    Place the cursor just before "[General]" and select PASTE;
    Hit <ENTER> key then hit it two more times (to get some space to separate the areas);

Now you should have two [fltsim.2] sections. The second one is copied below. To the right of each line, after the "//", I have put the instruction on what has to be changed so that everything will work. I have also highlighted and underlined the specific letters to change.

[fltsim.2]                                                       //Change the 2 to 3
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint2                         //Change the 2 to 3
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=2                                                     //Change the 2 to 3
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS                                         //Change if you want

atc_airline=Pacifica                                     //Change to VATSIM
atc_flight_number=1123                             //Put in a number you want
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Pacifica                                 //Change to VATSIM
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

    Now, SAVE the aircraft.cfg file.

    Start up MSFS, go to the aircraft selection panel, and you should be able to find the aircraft.

Procedures Developed by 
Neal F. Truitt Sr.
VP Supervisors
VATSIM

This is what it will look like once you are done.

[fltsim.0]
title=Boeing 777-300
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Soar
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Soar Airlines
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[fltsim.1]
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint1
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=1
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Landmark
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Landmark Airlines
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[fltsim.2]
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint2
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=2
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=Pacifica
atc_flight_number=1123
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=Pacifica
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[fltsim.3]
title=Boeing 777-300 Paint3
sim=Boeing777-300
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=3
kb_checklists=Boeing777-300_check
kb_reference=Boeing777-300_ref
atc_id=N700MS

atc_airline=VATSIM
atc_flight_number=700
atc_heavy=1
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type=777-300
ui_variation=VATSIM
description=On the outside, it may resemble the jetliners you've seen for years. Inside, however, it's a whole new bird. The newest plane in the long and proud Boeing family line is the 777, commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven." This long-range, fuel-efficient twinjet was first delivered in May 1995 to fill a gap in the market between the 747 and 767. It is capable of seating 368 to 386 passengers.

[General]
atc_type=BOEING
atc_model=B773
editable=0
performance=Cruise Speed \nMach 0.84 555 mph 893 kmh\n\nEngine options \nP&W 4000\nRR Trent 800\nGE 90 series\n\nMaximum Range \n5,960 nm 6,859 sm 11,038 km\n\nService Ceiling \n42,000 ft 12,800 m\n\nFuel Capacity \n45,220 U.S. gal 171,160 L \n\nMaximum Takeoff Weight \n660,000 lb 299,370 kg\n\nLength \n242 ft, 4 in 73.9 m\n\nWingspan \n199 ft, 11 in 60.9 m\n\nHeight \n60 ft, 8 in 18.5 m\n\nSeating \nSeats 386 to 550 \n\nCargo Capacity \n7,552 ft 213.8 m\n

[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
max_gross_weight = 660000 // (pounds)
empty_weight = 281680 // (pounds)

reference_datum_position = 0, 0, 0 // (feet) distance from FlightSim Reference position: (1/4 chord, centerline, waterline)
empty_weight_CG_position = 0, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum

max_number_of_stations =50

station_load.0 =0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI = 18000000
empty_weight_roll_MOI = 5500000
empty_weight_yaw_MOI = 16300000
empty_weight_coupled_MOI= 0.0

[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar = 1.0
parasite_drag_scalar = 1.0
induced_drag_scalar = 1.0
elevator_effectiveness = 1.0
aileron_effectiveness = 1.0
rudder_effectiveness = 1.0
pitch_stability = 1.0
roll_stability = 1.0
yaw_stability = 1.0
elevator_trim_effectiveness = 1.0
aileron_trim_effectiveness = 1.0
rudder_trim_effectiveness = 1.0

[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type = 1 //0=Piston, 1=Jet, 2=None, 3=Helo-Turbine, 4=Rocket, 5=Turboprop
Engine.0 = 10.5, -32.6, -8.4 //(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum
Engine.1 = 10.5, 32.6, -8.4 //(feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum
fuel_flow_scalar = 1 //Scalar for fuel flow efficiency

[TurbineEngineData]
fuel_flow_gain = 0.002 //Gain on fuel flow
inlet_area = 113.0 //Square Feet, engine nacelle inlet area
rated_N2_rpm = 29920 //RPM, second stage compressor rated value
static_thrust = 84000 //Lbs, max rated static thrust at Sea Level
afterburner_available = 0 //Afterburner available?
reverser_available = 1 //Thrust reverser available?

[jet_engine]
thrust_scalar = 1.0

[electrical]
;BusType, MaxAmpLoad, MinVoltage BusTypes:0=MainBus,1=AvionicsBus,2=BatteryBus,3=HotBatteryBus,4-7=Generator/AlternatorBus(1-4)
flap_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
gear_motor = 0, 5 , 17.0
autopilot = 0, 5 , 17.0
avionics_bus = 0, 10, 17.0
avionics = 1, 5 , 17.0
pitot_heat = 0, 2 , 17.0
additional_system = 0, 20, 17.0
marker_beacon = 1, 2 , 17.0
gear_warning = 0, 2 , 17.0
fuel_pump = 0, 5 , 17.0
starter1 = 0, 20, 17.0
light_nav = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_beacon = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_landing = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_taxi = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_strobe = 0, 5 , 17.0
light_panel = 0, 5 , 17.0

//0 Class <0=none,1=wheel, 2=scrape, 3=float>
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
//14 Airspeed limit for retraction (KIAS)
//15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)

[contact_points]
point.0=1, 87.42, 0.00, -18.00, 1181.1, 0, 4.521, 90.0, 1.63, 2.5, 0.7235, 4.0, 4.0, 0, 0.0, 0.0
point.1=1, -19.50, -12.00, -18.50, 1574.8, 1, 4.521, 0.0, 1.91, 2.5, 0.7470, 6.9, 6.9, 2, 0.0, 0.0
point.2=1, -19.50, 12.00, -18.50, 1574.8, 2, 4.521, 0.0, 1.91, 2.5, 0.7470, 7.1, 7.1, 3, 0.0, 0.0
point.3=2, -14.17, -47.33, 0.00, 787.4, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0000, 0.0, 0.0, 5, 0.0, 0.0
point.4=2, -14.17, 47.33, 0.00, 787.4, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0000, 0.0, 0.0, 6, 0.0, 0.0
point.5=2, -83.33, 0.00, 2.50, 787.4, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0000, 0.0, 0.0, 9, 0.0, 0.0
point.6=2, 42.67, 0.00, -3.75, 787.4, 0, 0.000, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0000, 0.0, 0.0, 4, 0.0, 0.0

static_pitch = 0.10
static_cg_height = 17.56

[Views]
eyepoint = 90.0, -2.65, 8.6

[flaps.0] //Inboard Trailing Edge
type = 1 // 1 - tail, 2 - lead
span-outboard = 0.2 // 0.0 .. 1.0
extending-time = 25 // seconds
flaps-position.0 = 0 // degrees
flaps-position.1 = 0 // degrees
flaps-position.2 = 5 // degrees
flaps-position.3 = 15 // degrees
flaps-position.4 = 20 // degrees
flaps-position.5 = 25 // degrees
flaps-position.6 = 30 // degrees
damaging-speed = 260 // KIAS
blowout-speed = 300 // KIAS
lift_scalar = 0.55
drag_scalar = 0.55
pitch_scalar= 0.55
system_type = 1 //Hydraulic

[flaps.1] //Outboard Trailing Edge
type = 1 // 1 - tail, 2 - lead
span-outboard = 0.8 // 0.0 .. 1.0
extending-time = 23 // seconds
flaps-position.0 = 0 // degrees
flaps-position.1 = 0 // degrees
flaps-position.2 = 5 // degrees
flaps-position.3 = 15 // degrees
flaps-position.4 = 20 // degrees
flaps-position.5 = 25 // degrees
flaps-position.6 = 30 // degrees
damaging-speed = 260 // KIAS
blowout-speed = 300 // KIAS
lift_scalar = 0.35
drag_scalar = 0.35
pitch_scalar= 0.35
system_type = 1 //Hydraulic

[flaps.2] //Inboard Leading Edge Slats
type = 2 // 1 - tail, 2 - lead
span-outboard = 0.5 // 0.0 .. 1.0
extending-time = 4 // seconds
flaps-position.0 = 0 // degrees
flaps-position.1 = 0.5 // degrees
flaps-position.2 = 0.5 // degrees
flaps-position.3 = 0.5 // degrees
flaps-position.4 = 0.5 // degrees
flaps-position.5 = 1.0 // degrees
flaps-position.6 = 1.0 // degrees
damaging-speed = 260 // KIAS
blowout-speed = 300 // KIAS
lift_scalar = 0.05
drag_scalar = 0.05
pitch_scalar= 0.05
system_type = 1 //Hydraulic

[Radios]
// Radio Type = availiable, standby frequency, has glide slope
Audio.1 = 1
Com.1 = 1, 1
Com.2 = 1, 1
Nav.1 = 1, 1, 1
Nav.2 = 1, 1, 0
Adf.1 = 1
Transponder.1 = 1
Marker.1 = 1

[keyboard_response]
//Breakpoint speeds (knots) on the keyboard increments of control surfaces.
//Speed at which the incremenet is reduced to 1/2 and 1/8 respectively.
elevator = 150, 250
aileron = 150, 250
rudder = 150, 250

[direction_indicators]
//1 Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro, 3=Electro-Mag Slaved Compass, 4=Slaved to another
//2 Indicator number of slaving indicator if Type = 4
direction_indicator.0=3,0

[LIGHTS] 
//Types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit, 5=landing
light.0 = 3, -52.22,-103.52, 11.38, fx_navredh ,
light.1 = 3, -52.22, 103.52, 11.38, fx_navgreh ,
light.2 = 3, -54.34,-103.64, 11.38, fx_navwhih ,
light.3 = 3, -54.34, 103.64, 11.38, fx_navwhih ,
light.4 = 3,-139.00, 0.00, 8.42, fx_navwhih ,
light.5 = 2, -51.00,-103.40, 11.38, fx_strobeh ,
light.6 = 2, -51.00, 103.40, 11.38, fx_strobeh ,
light.7 = 1, -5.00, 0.00, -6.25, fx_beaconb ,
light.8 = 1, 22.00, 0.00, 18.30, fx_beaconh ,
light.9 = 4, 93.21, 0.00, 8.75, fx_vclighth ,

[EFFECTS]
wake=fx_wake
water=fx_spray
dirt=fx_tchdrt
concrete=fx_sparks
touchdown=fx_tchdwn, 1

[exits]
number_of_exits = 2
exit_rate.0 = 0.4 ;Percent per second
exit_rate.1 = 0.4 ;Percent per second

[fuel]
Center1 = 0.0, 0.0, -4.0, 12400.0, 3.0 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
LeftMain = -7.0, -35.0, 0.0, 16400.0, 3.0 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
RightMain = -7.0, 35.0, 0.0, 16400.0, 3.0 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), Unusable (gallons)
fuel_type = 2 //Fuel type: 1 = Avgas, 2 = JetA
number_of_tank_selectors = 1 

[airplane_geometry]
wing_area = 4605.0 //Square feet
wing_span = 200.0 //Feet
wing_root_chord = 23.0 //Feet
wing_dihedral = 6.2 //Degrees
wing_incidence = 1.0 //Degrees
wing_twist = -0.5 //Degrees
oswald_efficiency_factor= 0.6 //Measure of lift effeciency of wing
wing_winglets_flag = 0 //Are winglets available?
wing_sweep = 32.0 //Degrees, wing leading edge
wing_pos_apex_lon = 25.0 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
wing_pos_apex_vert = 0.0 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_area = 1090.0 //Square feet
htail_span = 70.7 //Feet
htail_pos_lon = -100.0 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
htail_pos_vert = 0.0 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_incidence = 0.0 //Degrees
htail_sweep = 40.0 //Degrees, horizontal tail leading edge
vtail_area = 573.0 //Square feet
vtail_span = 27.3 //Feet, tip to body
vtail_sweep = 35.0 //Degrees, vertical tail leading edge
vtail_pos_lon = -108.3 //Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
vtail_pos_vert = 5.8 //Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
elevator_area = 137.0 //Square feet
aileron_area = 68.0 //Square feet
rudder_area = 232.0 //Square feet
elevator_up_limit = 30.0 //Degrees
elevator_down_limit = 30.0 //Degrees
aileron_up_limit = 30.0 //Degrees
aileron_down_limit = 15.0 //Degrees
rudder_limit = 25.0 //Degrees
elevator_trim_limit = 20.0 //Degrees
spoiler_limit = 60.0 //Degrees
spoilerons_available = 1 //Spoilerons Available?
aileron_to_spoileron_gain = 3 //Aileron to spoileron gain
min_ailerons_for_spoilerons = 10 //Degrees
min_flaps_for_spoilerons = 0 //Minimum flap handle position when spoilerons activate

[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed = 150.0 //Knots True (KTAS)
full_flaps_stall_speed = 120.0 //Knots True (KTAS)
cruise_speed = 482.0 //Knots True (KTAS)

[autopilot]
autopilot_available= 1
flight_director_available= 1
default_vertical_speed= 1800.0
autothrottle_available= 1
autothrottle_arming_required= 1
autothrottle_max_rpm = 90
autothrottle_takeoff_ga= 1
pitch_takeoff_ga = 8;


[forcefeedback]
gear_bump_nose_magnitude=3000 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_nose_direction=18000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_nose_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_left_magnitude=2700 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_left_direction=35500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_left_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
gear_bump_right_magnitude=2700 ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_right_direction=00500 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_right_duration=250000 ; in microseconds
ground_bumps_magnitude1=1300 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle1=08900 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept1=3.0
ground_bumps_slope1=0.20
ground_bumps_magnitude2=200 ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle2=09100 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept2=1.075
ground_bumps_slope2=0.035
crash_magnitude1=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction1=01000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_magnitude2=10000 ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction2=9000 ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_period2=75000 ; in microseconds
crash_duration2=2500000 ; in microseconds