Potential for a short kit...

[geneb]

http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/cockpit_shell.jpg

This is a generic "single seat, jet" cockpit which grew out of discussions had after creating this one last week:

http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/proto_frame1.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/proto_frame2.jpg

I'm trying to find out of there is interest in this kind of thing. I've gotten some good comments from other sources, but I'm looking for more.

The cockpit is not based upon any specific type as creating scale cockpit shells can be insanely expensive to do. The type shown in the top image is 72" long and 45" wide at it's widest point. It's designed to accommodate 8" wide side consoles (not drawn yet) and a standard automotive seat. I'm using a mid-90s Corsica seat for my testing. :D

Cockpit floor to canopy rail is 26" and the canopy rails are about 34" apart.

For those that aren't familiar with the term "short kit", it means that the kit would only contain a rib & short longeron set. The builder would supply all the sheet material for the floor, etc. The cockpit is built entirely from 7/16" OSB with the exception of the canopy rails which are 3/4" pine. The kit would include building instructions and plans for the larger components not included in the kit (base of the left & right sides for instance).

I'm also thinking about offering a plans version that would allow the user (via a tile-printing program) to make the templates they need to cut all the parts themselves instead of buying them from me.

The price range would hover somewhere between $150-$300 for the short kits, and $40-$75 for the plan set version. Not including shipping of course. :D

Questions? Comments? Epithets? :)

Thanks for reading.

g.

[Trevor Hale]

See....

Now, thats the best way I have seen Grant OSB used. Keep up the good work boys, the more of that you can use, the safer my Job is....

I think you could use some more spars don't you? LMAO


The Pit looks great, Thanks for showing :)

[geneb]

Well if you're responsible for that stuff, can you at least try to get someone to do a little maintenance on the gadget that controls the thickness of that stuff? It's all over the map. :)

There isn't a single spar there. The skinny ones are stringers, the bigger ones are longerons. You'd be amazed at how strong that structure is, even before skinning it.

g.

[Trevor Hale]

Well if you're responsible for that stuff, can you at least try to get someone to do a little maintenance on the gadget that controls the thickness of that stuff? It's all over the map. :)

There isn't a single spar there. The skinny ones are stringers, the bigger ones are longerons. You'd be amazed at how strong that structure is, even before skinning it.

g.

LOL.

I actually am responsible for Corporate security for Grant Forest Products. And I had actually heard there have been some recent issues with thickness management LOL. I assure you those issues have been addressed :)

Other then that, I appreciate you knowledge, I didn't know what they were called, but Longerons, sound good to me.

I am building my shell in a similar manor, with similar material.

your Kit, looks amazing.

Trev

[geneb]

Thanks Trev. It's not quite amazing, but it's getting there. :)

The hope is to be able to offer a whole line:

Single seat fighter, jet
single seat fighter, prop
tandem seat fighter, jet
dual seat fighter/bomber

single seat, half-panel GA
single seat, full panel GA
dual seat, full panel GA

Should be interesting...

[Trevor Hale]

Well Congrats, I can see you have a lot of talent.

Trev

[warvet]

Nice Work Gene,
I mean that sincerely now lets talk business, how much will you charge me to make me a F15 1:1 cockpit (im serious) including the side shelves so I can put inthe joystick thrust lever panels etc myself/ Let me know,
Thanks in advance

Tim

[AndyT]

Very nice work Gene. Let me know when you finish plans for the dual seat GA.

[HitchHiker]

Nice Work Gene,
I mean that sincerely now lets talk business, how much will you charge me to make me a F15 1:1 cockpit (im serious) including the side shelves so I can put inthe joystick thrust lever panels etc myself/ Let me know,
Thanks in advance

Tim


LOL How much for your F15 pit!;)

Great to see the progress I've been following this over a couple sites/forums! I think I might be interested in at least plans if the wallet (errr wife) maybe even a kit.

[geneb]

Nice Work Gene,
I mean that sincerely now lets talk business, how much will you charge me to make me a F15 1:1 cockpit (im serious) including the side shelves so I can put inthe joystick thrust lever panels etc myself/ Let me know,
Thanks in advance

Tim

Tim, while I appriciate the request, I just don't have the time to design a scale cockpit based on the F-15.

Now as far as making you an F-15, I'll give it a shot...

*waves wand* *POOF* Tada! You're an F-15! :D (runs)

g.

[geneb]

LOL How much for your F15 pit!;)

Great to see the progress I've been following this over a couple sites/forums! I think I might be interested in at least plans if the wallet (errr wife) maybe even a kit.

Hehe. I don't think that even the Air Force has that kind of money. They let it go and they can't have it back. :)

There's a _reason_ they're known as SWMBO you know. :)


* She Who Must Be Obeyed

g.

[geneb]

Enjoy!

http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/prop cockpit - side view.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/prop cockpit - end view.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/prop cockpit - nose view.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/prop cockpit - exploded.jpg

The side assemblies are exactly the same as for the jet version. The new assemblies are the forward upper deck and the aft arch.

The existing sides were supplied with main support longerons that were narrowed by 3 or so inches, each.

The canopy rails are now about 26" apart. Space from the core edge to the widest point on the side is roughly 4".

I'm going to copy/paste this post to a couple of other places so I can more quickly return to coughing my guts out onto the floor. :)

Thanks all!

g.

[warvet]

hahaahaha,
Gene,
Your Hilarious :) Ok If I got you the Dimensions could you make the exact kit you made but in that size I think they'd be very close to what you got now but just put in those little side shelves on either side of the seat to accomodate the panels for the pit. Is that possible dont believe much different than what you have done.

Hitchhiker I think you wanted to ask Gene about the F15 pit not me lol

Regards
Tim
A340

[geneb]

hahaahaha,
Gene,
Your Hilarious :) Ok If I got you the Dimensions could you make the exact kit you made but in that size I think they'd be very close to what you got now but just put in those little side shelves on either side of the seat to accomodate the panels for the pit. Is that possible dont believe much different than what you have done.

Hitchhiker I think you wanted to ask Gene about the F15 pit not me lol

Regards
Tim
A340

Tim, if I really needed F-15 dimensions, I could always wander over to my F-15 and measure it. *Huge Grin*

Maybe you've seen my website before? http://www.f15sim.com. :D

The "jet" version of the cockpit will have 8" wide side consoles. I've just been too tired to get them drawn in.

g.

[warvet]

WOW nice gene,
So I did come to the right place lol. Well ok now were talking how much to build me a frame version of your F15 just the same as the pit frame your making but using the 15 dimensions. Im using LOCKON as a base to fly it with which is awesome. I was gonna put it in my other room,just trying to figure out how hard itll be to build and if its worth it and at what cost. you being in wa makes it close to me your my neighbor lol Man id love to come there and check that 15 of your out ;)

Tim
A340

[geneb]

I'll think about it Tim. It really isn't something I'm interested in though. :)

g.