Potential for a short kit...
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.