727 Framework for Half-Shell

[Michael Carter]

I started again tonight after work. I'm still studying photos and making adjustments. It's very difficult to try to interpret some of these angles because each photo looks different from the next. Due to so many compound angles you never know if it's right untill it looks right from every angle you can find. There is also lens distortion from some photos and you never know what to trust and what to pass on.

Anyway, I adjusted the sidewall brace another 3.75" outboard along with the side window frame(s). I also studied some photos of the only actual interior piece I have to try and get the angle right for this before starting the aft end framework. This is about as close as I can get it with the photos I have.

Everything seems to line up. This thing is a lot bigger than I imagined. It's been a long time since I had a visit to a 727 cockpit.

I still have a bit of bracing and other support structure to cut and install. One piece at a time. It is amazing how much can be done with only one real piece for a frame of reference. This did make some decisions easier to make.

[Tomlin]

Mike, why do I get the feeling that you have been telling a bit of a fib- You have plenty of room there for your sim! Of course, I realize that you may not be able to use ALL of that room, but you sure are making do with little space. The framing you're doing is adding so very much to your sim. I applaud your efforts and in time it's going to be awesome. Keep up the good work but dont beat yourself up if you get an agle off by 2 degrees there!

[Michael Carter]

Thanks Eric. No, I can't use all of this room as I wouldn't have much room to move around in. The chimney on the right is the big obsticle. Obviously I can't move it so I'm building around it. That's why there is no right side to my sim.

If I brought the whole thing out to clear the chimney and build the right side it would cut down on my room space considerably.

It's been a lot of fun taking it to the next level.

[Sunday]

Looks great! I know what you mean about bigger than imagined.

I built a protoytype out of 1x1's and was shocked when I saw how big it looked.

Keep up the good work.

[Michael Carter]

Thanks.

A little more work on the upper section today. That #5 window frame was a real bugger.



And a shot of the installed trackball. I'm getting ready to try it out right now.

[Michael Carter]

A couple more from working tonight:





I finally figured out how I'm going to build the interior since I can't find any.

After I get the proper supports in the correct spots for the O2 selector panel, mike selector panel, ash tray/cup holder, etc, I'm going to use hardware cloth (heavy screen) to shape the interior panels including the shallow depression for the steering tiller.

After it's shaped properly and I'm satisfied with it, I'm going to layer fibreglass cloth and resin over the hardware cloth.

I thought about chicken wire but it's too flimsy to support a shape and the fibreglass and resin, and the holes are too big.

Hope this works.

[Tomlin]

Mike,

Your hardware cloth idea is interesting. Please let us know how that works out as I had never considered that before. You've got my wheels spinning on other possible ways to skin this LJ shell than what we've been discussing.

[Michael Carter]

It's the only idea I could think of that was relatively cheap and easy to do.

Cutting that many compound angles and curves for the interior panels didn't sound too appealing. I suppose you could skin a whole shell with this method. It's light, and the hardware cloth is easy to work with and can be attached with staples. It's also stiff enough to support the fibreglass and resin.

[Michael Carter]

Started working on the sidewall today. This might not be quite as involved as I first thought. What angles there are, are not that severe and there aren't too many compound angles. The only curve seems to be the dish-shape for the steering tiller. I may use the fibreglass for this, or I may try and form a cone from sheet styrene. The edge of the O2 rack pretty well defines this shape and depth.

Although what is pictured is eight hours of work, it really wasn't too difficult. A lot of screws and Elmers Carpenters glue. Most of the time was spent fitting the individual parts together and studying photos.

The ash tray/cup holder doesn't go in that rack, it goes in the next rack to the left which I hope to build tomorrow.

I sat in it after I cleaned up the area. It's getting smaller with each days work. It is really starting to feel as though you are sitting in a real cockpit.

[Joe Cygan]

Started working on the sidewall today. This might not be quite as involved as I first thought. What angles there are, are not that severe and there aren't too many compound angles. The only curve seems to be the dish-shape for the steering tiller. I may use the fibreglass for this, or I may try and form a cone from sheet styrene. The edge of the O2 rack pretty well defines this shape and depth.

Although what is pictured is eight hours of work, it really wasn't too difficult. A lot of screws and Elmers Carpenters glue. Most of the time was spent fitting the individual parts together and studying photos.

The ash tray/cup holder doesn't go in that rack, it goes in the next rack to the left which I hope to build tomorrow.

I sat in it after I cleaned up the area. It's getting smaller with each days work. It is really starting to feel as though you are sitting in a real cockpit.

Hey its great to see you working with wood after all the years of preaching about using real parts, great!