Part 13  ,
                  There has to be a book in this John  . looking forward to the photo updates.

Regards,
              Dave

Main Cockpit Enclosure Structure

It seems to be a pretty universal understanding that enclosing a simpit almost instantly increases the immersion factor.  You get "into" your aircraft.  Not to mention that any external visual and auditory cues and distractions are reduced, and the simulation sound itself is contained and intensified.

Those that have followed all the various threads comprising this documentation know that all along I have intended to have this cockpit I am building enclosed.  So I have now started on the construction of the main "shell" for the pit.

One important design consideration for this project was to integrate the unit into the home office space that I have.  So having the external "look" looking like some sort of simulator was not high on the list of objectives.  Basically it was designed to look like a closet or set of walls.  This basically precluded the ability to have the pit "taper" more like a real aircraft cockpit..... because I also had width constraints in order to fit the unit into the space between the computer desk and the exterior house wall.

The exterior simpit enclosure wall next to my computer desk will get paint and a small shelving unit and a whiteboard.  


Photo #1



In the photo #1 above, you can see some of the standard metal construction "joist hangers" type units and the heavy angle brackets that I used to help to fasten the main frame members together.  Everything is SCREWED together, not nailed.  But there is no white glue involved in this part.  I want to be able to remove parts and or move the simpit in the future.  Besides, screws give a better structure.

The basic frame is 2" x 4" -'s with a skin of 3/8" sanded plywood.  It is sitting on the base that was documented earlier in another thread.  The overhead panel support and the interior cockit "roof" will be framed with 2" x 3" -'s and skinned with 1/4" MDF.  The very top of the enclosure will NOT have a "roof" and is spaced so that it ends about 2" below the finished ceiling of the room.  This is to allow good convective air circulation to help get heat out of the pit.

The 2" x 4" which is laying down projecting into the foreground in the image above is there for screwing on the angle bracket....... it actually gets mounted vertically in the (pilot's) left front corner.



Photo #2



In photo #2 above you can see one of the top cross-members and the joist hangers that are used to form the corner.  You can see here the spacing of the top of the frame from the finished room ceiling.

Once the plywood "skin" is fastened on over these structural members, the unit will "tighten up" amazingly.



Photo #3





In photo #3 above you see the upright in the pilot's right front corner.  In addition to being fastened to the main frame, this member is fastened to the main instrument panel with an angle bracket to provide more rigidity.

In this photo you can also see one of the very frustrating aspects of home cockpit building........ freequent disassembly of parts when doing other parts.  (see below also)



Photo #4




In photo #4, the main framing is almost complete.  You can see how everything had to be moved in order to work on the frame.  The computer desk and the room are a mess!


Photo #5





Photo #5 above shows the total disruption of the center pedestal and the controls and such.  One step forward and two steps back  .


Photo #6





In photo #6 the first piece of the exterior skin is installed.  This piece will frame the right side of the door into the cockpit.  With the space constraints, the door will be narrow and getting into the pit will be a "deliberate act".


Photo #7




Photo #7 shows the exterior shell at about 45% completion, from the outside as you walk into the room.  This is the wall that will get the shelves and  whiteboard.


Photo #8





Photo #8 above shows a quick shot of the interior of the enclosure.  Just doing this much has made quite a difference in how the space feels when you sit in the pilot's seat.  Once the front viewscreen area has been completed, the pedal area has been finished, and the right side wall is installed..... the actual room walls will not be seen at all.




More will be coming as it develops, as usual.  Still lots of small details to finish up on the external enclosure before I get to making the interior look more "real".

best,

...................john

lookoing good. cant imagine the stress that its putting you through though.

Gee, getting pretty hardcore now, I think your sim is really starting to take shape!
Good luck and good work!

A.