727 Framework for Half-Shell

[Michael Carter]

Hey, when the real thing can't be found, we improvise, overcome, and adapt!

This interior is quite a bit different than a 737NG. No way I could use those interior panels...but I thought about it.

[ivar hestnes]

You are doing well Michael. Looking very good. Bet you have a good time with the woodworking and watching your half-shell slowly getting there

Looking forward to your next update.

[Tomlin]

Yep, before you know it you will be posting up a new pic for your avatar showing it off!

[Michael Carter]

Thanks guys! I'm working on it right now.

I think I have enough sheet plastic to cover two or three interiors. Still doing the woodwork for now though.

I'll post another picture of todays work after while.

[Matt Olieman]

Look forward to see that Mike... I'm curious to see how it works for you. I still have a lot of interior work to do on my cockpit.

Matt O.

[Michael Carter]

Here's the latest after working today.

[QF6228]

What a massive difference, Its really starting to take shape Mike, Nice work mate.

Damien

[Matt Olieman]

Nice work Mike Keep it up, .... obviously you are

Matt O.

[Michael Carter]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

It's a good thing I restudied photos and my POH of the flight deck floor plan, I nearly made a huge mistake with the sidewall placement and angles.

There are two cubby holes aft of the ashtray/cupholder. The first is for mic and O2 mask connections and the second I think is just a utility hole for holding whatever will fit. It won't be much because it's pretty small. A template for the holes has been cut and is just standing there in position.

I also have that first support behind the cubby holes. The one I built at the wrong angle and discovered it while installing the side window frames. I'm afraid the first hole with the connections won't be deep enough with that 2x4 running behind it, but I think I can make it work. I need to get a couple of XLR panel mount jacks and contact Nick at APHS and see if he has a mask connector.

I don't want to remove it or cut the 2x4 as it is one of the primary supports of the whole shell.

[Michael Carter]

The side rack came today. I had to relieve about a 1/4" of the support to get it to fit and cut away some sort of mounting plate that was built in to the side of the rack.

As a bonus, I received 10 Dusz fasteners with the purchase. The module installed was only to ensure that I had the rack square in the hole. Being aluminum it's easy to distort the shape into a parallelogram which wouldn't be too good for mounting modules.

I bought a heat gun at the hardware store the other day. It works wonders on sheet styrene or ABS, Not sure what sort of plastic I'm working with since it was surplus. Probably ABS as it doesn't seem very brittle and bends easily.

I'm going to start covering in a day or two.