Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    25+ Posting Member Lewis Simmons's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    67
    Contribute If you enjoy reading the
    content here, click the below
    image to support MyCockpit site.
    Click Here To Contribute To Our Site

    Making a MCP etc Box

    Hi,

    For constructing a MCP box, do you think wood or metal?

    I want realism, but what I also want is the ability to easily take the top of with a screwdriver and fix the hardware when needed.

    Also, for every other frame around the aircraft, do you think timber or metal?

    I think I got the basics of the construction for the MCP box but if anyone has any useful tips please PM me, greatly appreciated.
    Many Thanks,
    Lewis Simmons

  2. #2
    2000+ Poster - Never Leaves the Sim Michael Carter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Southern Illinois, USA
    Posts
    2,887
    Contribute If you enjoy reading the
    content here, click the below
    image to support MyCockpit site.
    Click Here To Contribute To Our Site

    I would use sheet aluminum. You can use 3/16" or 1/4" square stock for the corners to screw the sheet aluminum to. Countersink all of the screw holes and use small flat head machine screws. Tap the square stock for the screws.

    This makes a very sturdy box and still allows dis-assembly.

    Boeing uses modules made in this fashion.

    This is what I mean:

    You can clearly see the aluminum square stock that makes up the chassis. The cover(s) are screwed to the supports. This is quite rigid even when the covers are off.

    Last edited by Michael Carter; 05-04-2008 at 09:14 AM. Reason: Added photo example
    Boeing Skunk Works
    Remember...140, 250, and REALLY FAST!

    We don't need no stinkin' ETOPS!



    Powered by FS9 & BOEING

  3. #3
    300+ Forum Addict oal331's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Athens - Greece
    Posts
    379
    Contribute If you enjoy reading the
    content here, click the below
    image to support MyCockpit site.
    Click Here To Contribute To Our Site

    Aluminium is stroger, but more expensive than wood, and not so easy to work on it. Like aluminium, but with the same problems is the plexi. If you can make drawings with a cad and have someone to cut them, it's ok

    With wood you can work better, you can cut it very very easy, in the dimensions you want, make openings, paint it ..............and you buy another piece if you do it wrong!!

    Eddie Armaos

  4. Thanks Lewis Simmons thanked for this post
  5. #4
    2000+ Poster - Never Leaves the Sim Michael Carter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Southern Illinois, USA
    Posts
    2,887
    Contribute If you enjoy reading the
    content here, click the below
    image to support MyCockpit site.
    Click Here To Contribute To Our Site

    Quote Originally Posted by oal331 View Post
    Aluminium is stroger, but more expensive than wood, and not so easy to work on it. Like aluminium, but with the same problems is the plexi. If you can make drawings with a cad and have someone to cut them, it's ok

    With wood you can work better, you can cut it very very easy, in the dimensions you want, make openings, paint it ..............and you buy another piece if you do it wrong!!

    Eddie Armaos
    Measure twice, drill and cut once.
    Boeing Skunk Works
    Remember...140, 250, and REALLY FAST!

    We don't need no stinkin' ETOPS!



    Powered by FS9 & BOEING

  6. #5
    300+ Forum Addict oal331's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Athens - Greece
    Posts
    379
    Contribute If you enjoy reading the
    content here, click the below
    image to support MyCockpit site.
    Click Here To Contribute To Our Site

    Quote Originally Posted by Boeing Skunk Works View Post
    Measure twice, drill and cut once.

    Very nice saying, i will have it in my mind

    Eddie

Similar Threads

  1. Making a new 737 MIP from MDF or something better?
    By SAS541 in forum General Builder Questions All Aircraft Types
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-04-2010, 07:04 PM
  2. making g-code
    By flatlandpilot in forum CNC Discussion
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-28-2010, 09:38 AM
  3. Making panels with own CNC
    By davek in forum General Builder Questions All Aircraft Types
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 01-10-2010, 10:00 AM
  4. 747 in the making?????
    By props in forum Welcome to MyCockpit New here? Introduce Yourself!
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 07-31-2009, 10:51 PM
  5. How would i go about making my own CDU/FMC
    By Geremy Britton in forum Where to Start Building a Home Cockpit
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 07-11-2009, 02:36 PM