just a quick update to show I'm still plugging away slowly (Oh so slowly!).
I have been working on the engine instrument panel lately - I did look at the prebuilt ones but they are so hugely overpriced that I decided to give it a go myself.
first the parts, some servos via trademe on the internet, bought in bulk, so cheaper. some plastic gearing from a local electronic shop and some from recycled printers and the plastic was recovered from the roadside inorganics collection.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306428204.jpg)
Then it was cut the plastic into shape and cut mounting holes for the servos.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306446391.jpg)
then I decided I better make a prototype first just to check I was on the right track.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306430837.jpg)
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306496096.jpg)
Back to fitting the servos
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306432192.jpg)
Then making up the layers of the instruments and the panel to attach them all to.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306468846.jpg)
The local electronics store wanted $14 for a packet of half a dozen metal spacers - Yeah right! - at Bunnings ( a local trade store) I get a packet of plastic wall inserts, all the same size, 25 in a packet, for about $8.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306479418.jpg)
Then its glueing the gears onto the servo horns.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306505230.jpg)
This is the production line. Underneath you can see the faces printed out. This is a draft copy on plain paper - I think the final copy will be done on a sticky backed paper to glue onto the plastic sheet.
![Image](http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1306419150.jpg)
Thats progress so far.
Cheers all.