P-51D cockpit build

[cflord]

Wow, some of you guys have a real talent for building simulator cockpits. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the builds get completed. Nice stuff guys!

Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down!

Ret SMSgt Cliff Lord - C-130 Flight Engineer & Mechanic

[Raceguy]

Hello everyone. Have you ever heard that projects take twice as long and cost 3 times more than planned? I'm on the 4 times as long program and I am afraid to add up the costs.

I have the main instrument panel on order as I could not find the low profile switches I needed to make my own. It should be here in about a week. I will make the outer frame for the MIP and can then start on the front section of the cockpit.

Here are a few updates so you will know that I am still working on the project. Sorry about the poor cell phone pics.

Take care
Ed

Initially I was going to make my own radio box.


But I found this one and hope to use it like in a real Mustang. Someone sprayed gold paint on parts of it so it needs to be cleaned up.





Here is a quick shot of the left side with panels in place and the radio temporarily held for the picture. The 3 panels have hinges at the base to allow for access. I have not decided how the Detrola box will be competed just yet.



Here is the center switch box.




And the Radiator Control panel.

[geedee]

That is looking seriously cool !

[Raceguy]

Hi Gary, thanks for the encouragement!

I've been working on the trim console and here is what I have so far. I'm still trying to figure out how I will mount the flaps and radiator control levers along with their rotary encoders.

Take care
Ed

[Lewis - A2A]

You guys have so much skill in making this stuff. Its great to see it come together!

thanks,
Lewis

[Raceguy]

Another update. The first 3 pics show the flap handle being assembled from aluminum rod and the internal notches to define the 6 flap positions. Next I will install 2 flat rods for the cowl flaps then add slide switches for all 3 to communicate with FSX, (I hope). I have the top panel for the trim console cut but it's not in the pics as I was still aligning the parts from the template.

The last pic shows the main instrument panel in progress. This is being made by a company in New Zealand that supplies parts and complete sims to commercial outfits. I chose them instead of building it myself because their quality is great and they had the low profile encoders that will allow the panel to sit on my screen without looking too thick. This pic is from last week. They hope to ship mine in 1-2 weeks when they catch up on other projects.

Ed

[trucker17]

Sweet looking cockpit their Gary......
I hope you get everything worked out so you can start the post again on the pit.....

[Lewis - A2A]

Holy moly that looks cool!

I wont ask about the cost so far But look on the bright side, thats an awesome bit of kit to have when finished

cheers,
Lewis

[Raceguy]

Thanks Lewis and Trucker

About the cost, my wife said at least it's keep me busy and out of the house.

brb, going to ask her what she means................

Ed

[Lewis - A2A]

LOL

Look forward to further updates the projects coming along great from the images thus far.

thanks,
Lewis

[trucker17]

LOL.....Keep the picts and updates comming....

[Raceguy]

Hello everyone. Work is progressing on the pit, slooooooooooooowwwwly.

I have been working on the trim controls and have them roughed out as seen below.

Thanks for looking.

Ed

Rudder and Aileron knobs first cut and near completion.








Elevator control first cut and near completion.

[Lewis - A2A]

They look great, a lick of paint and they will be hard to tell from the wheel deal when in the pit. Thanks for sharing some project updates, lovely craftsmanship too

cheers,
Lewis

[Raceguy]

Hello everyone

Lewis, thanks for the encouraging comments. I took your advice and threw a lick of paint on the trim wheels, and myself, just for good measure.

Take care
Ed












I was not happy with the original flap handle as it was too thin so I remade it in 1/2 inch stock to match the real plane. I also got some work done on the flap internals.

[geedee]

Mate, that looks stunning.

I'll be copying some of your ideas to make the trim console controls for my Babe...just hope I can at least match the end results as I haven't worked with wood before, so it'll be a an interesting learning curve (again ! )

Keep the updates coming !

I have my first official outing of the year with my '51 to Leiston Memorial event on the 24th this month. its a return trip to the home of the 357th FG (Anderson, Carson, Shea). There is nothing better than taking your project along to a '51 base and letting the public have the chance to look inside the 'Caddy'. You'll find this out when you start taking yours out for trips, trust me