Simpit Update

[Hamel]

Stlill working on my simpit.  I'm just making it up as I go, with limited skill but it's solid, comfortable and works.  Need to make my CH pedals wider though, have room for it.  The pit is cramped, which was the idea, and the centre stick feels right in height.  I made the pit about 10 inches to small in width and had to cut the panel out near the throttle, but the shelf comes in handy and that's the wall side.

http://hamel.gallery.netspace.net.au/Simpit-Construction

[JBaymore]

Hamel,

First of all... welcome to SimV and the Homebuild Cockipts Forum.

Thanks for the links to the pictures.  Looks like the pit is well along its way.  Can you explain a bit about your design ideas, and what gauges are being used, and where you think you will be going with it, and stuff like that?

Look forward to seeing more.

best,

..........john

[beaky]

I like the design choices: simple but with enough little touches (like the stringer-type construction) to give the feel of just about any fighter.

[Hamel]

Thanks.  The gauges and in fact everything inside the pit is just for aesthetics.  I have some cables, air hose, switches etc to add just for the busy cramped feel. Basically i have made it up as i built it.  I have no wood working experience or training and was tired of sitting at the table with my arms stretched out.  Stick always felt best held on my lap (centre mounted) but made it difficult to use rudder and impossible to use throttle.

I am getting a CH throttle soon and have to finish the seat cushions.  And i am not happy with the canopy and am designing a more rounded canopy to give me about another 6 inches head room.  More picts later.

[chuckcrc]

Looking good Hamel.  :D

Found a link that shows how a set of CH pedals were made wider-- I thought you maybe interested.

http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/49310655/m/3821084134

Do you have any plans to fit working gauges ?

Anyhow great job so far -- I look forward to seeing more of your pit !

cheers
chuck

[Finnish-Mik]

Hello Chuck and Hamel,

My first post on the forum.

I'm very impressed with your WWII builds - I'd like to attempt something like that myself.

I've been flying IL2 for a couple of years in a Akers-Barnes, but I'm ready to step up to the next level - it needs to be a bit more claustrophobic and former/stringer-like now for that WWII feel.

I've done alright on building switch panels and a freeware head tracking system, but I'd like a cooler 'pit.

Have either of you got any construction drawings or tips on building?  

Hamels pit looks like a box structure with two bulkheads and a stiff floor - the side walls of the pit are stringers stiffened with very light ply.  This to me seems like a good compromise between 'tactile realism' and ease of construction - all the parts are pretty much flat surfaces and joints are simple flat butt joints.

I can't work out from Hamels pictures how the chair part is built - is that commected to the side walls at all, or is it simply a box to sit on with the backrest built into the back wall?

Chuck,  I saw one picture on the web of your P51 build - could you point me to some more pictures please if possible?

Hats off to you guys!

FM

[Romflyer]

Hamel
That looks like a great project....nice work!
John was asking about some of your buttons and dials, and couldnt help but think how the little panels that I have been making and using could easily be incorporated into your design, they are made using an old keyboard placed behind a panel. Mine are designed to be easily put away after using, but such a simple idea could really add some functionality to your front panel, with minimal cost and effort.

This one I use for FS9


This one I have designed for my Third Wire games