My build picture diary

[jongas]

So finally.....

After months of research, ordering and stocking up on parts for the build my 737 build process took off this weekend.

The goal is to convert the empty loft at a pilot friend of mine's house into a 737 pit with projection for the outside visuals.

I will update this thread weekly with pics of the latest developments.

This weekend's progress

With all 3 PC's built for the pit, our attention turned to converting the loft space.....

The numbered discriptions relate to the attached thumbnails - click to enlarge

1) This is the open loftspace - flooring down and midway through building the end wall to cover the brickwork and forming the base for the projection screen.

2)This is the framework and base for my MIP. I have based it on accurate dimentions but with some small personalised twists!! Firstly, I have included a shelf at the front - this is to mount my siatek yoke on until such time I can buy a free standing one, then I can remove the shelf (I am trying to buy 'need to have' before 'nice to have' bits but its really hard to stick too!). Secondly I have enlarged the size of the FMC bay to fit my 17" siemens touchscreen - this will run an FMC and also sqwakbox or other programme on the other half the screen.

3) The weekend over and wall has been boarded and frame transported!

This weekend

The plan for the upcoming 4 day weekend is as follows...

Plaster and paint walls
Start cockpit shell structure build
Paint Framework
Mark out aluminium MIP, cut and paint
Refurbish Glaresheild from APHS if it arrives in time
Fit panels to MIP
Assemble everything !!!!

I am sure there will be a few hitches bit fingers crossed will have some good photos for you next week.

Happy Flying !

Jon

[jongas]

Ok guys,

Sorry for the delay in posting an update - too busy building !!

So progress.....

MIP - made from sheet aluminium, hand cut and sprayed boeing grey
MIP base - painted boeing grey
Glaresheild - from real 737, referbished and fitted
Under glaresheild lighting - The Glare came with original down lighting flouresent tubes and tinted housing, as these were 24v I removed and wired up 12v LED strips in the housings which look fantastic
Software - Sim Avionics 737 Captain package
MCP - Opencockpits v2 USB
LED's - Phidgets LED64
MIP Panels - Hispapanels
FMC - running on touchsreen mounted in FMC Bay
Pedestal and TQ - PFC jetliner console purchased from Pete Dowson (thanks!)

The Photos.....

MIP aluminium all marked up for cutting, base all painted. Note the 'temporary' mounted overhead panel print and unfinished projector wall



MIP Aluminium panel - cut out and ready for filing and painting



Referbishing real 737 glaresheild



hispapanels going onto MIP



projector test flight, using FreeFD for test setup



LED's on test mode (for photographic effect!) flying into Kai-Tak (flytampa FSX)



Sim Avionics test flight - finals at my home base, Bristol (EGGD), 6-pack's are mounted further inboard as full EFIS functionality included on jetliner console, Fire and Master cautions still to be mounted



Wide angle shot, before shell construction - Projection screen minimised in this shot. Also not the office chair 'sheepskin conversion, to last until Ivar has started producing his seats



Non-build shot -Here is a picture from a recent flight I took, We are on finals for runway 09 at Filton, Bristol (EGTG) the birthplace of Concorde and home of the last Concorde to fly - 216 (G-BOAF).
Alpha Foxtrot can be made out on the right, halfway down the runway just yards from the hanger she, and all the British Concorde were built in.



And another shot of Alpha Foxtrot as we departed earlier that same day, the visitors centre had just closed for the day and the staff were giving her a clean



Back to the build.....

Currently I am working on the cockpit surround and debating buying rather than building the interior panels - providing I can find some cheap enough.

I am also starting work soon on a viewing area behind - complete with airline passenger seats!!!

Any suggestions or spare parts that you might have feel free to drop me a PM.

Thanks for looking !!!

Jon

[Geremy Britton]

Keep up the good work, realy pleased to see a diary update. Thanks for this post!

[Matt Olieman]

Jon, fantastic work, keep it up!!!! Thanks for the pics, WOW!!!

Matt Olieman

[Anderson/SBSP]

I love see pictures like this!! Congratulations, keep the good work!!!