F4U Home Cockpit Build

[RAZBAM_ELMO]

Hello all, so this is a new venture for myself, playing simulators for a while now and I've caught the pit bug indefinitely. I have no prior knowledge of anything related to this however and I'm looking for some help on how to actually begin the process. So exactly what do i need to make panels, gauges etc. to work in dcs and how do I build them. Any help is preferred and I'll be updating this thread often as I complete and start to learn things. The base for the build will be a mid '43 to '44 model F4U-1 Corsair so most of the electronics will be toggles and levers ( excuse the noobyness). I live in Canada so I'm looking for some sources close to here that I can use to start off. So which program do you guys use to actually use to make 2D plans for panels and framework. The base medium will be MDF layered with sheet metal to give it that cockpit-esque feel and keep costs low not getting into the full aluminum side of it. Thanks so much for the future support and hope to work with alot of you guys in the future on this.

Edited June 17, 2015 by RAZBAM_ELMO

[Warhog]

So exactly what do i need to make panels

 

There is only one thing you need to do at this point in your adventure...

 

Read as much of this forum as possible. Look for the guys who have been here for quite a while and are documenting their builds. See what they have done and what materials they use etc. And read the stickies at the beginning of this forum. They talk about software and general panel making. There are so many ways to do what you want to accomplish but much depends on your abilities, your resources, available tools, budget, room size, budget and did I mention budget. I would start with $3000 not including a decent PC or any viewing apparatus.

 

Everything you need to learn is right here on this forum. Years of discussions and problem solving and examples of everything you could need. All you have to do is start reading. Nobody here is going to tell you what to do. That's up to you. What we will do is answer specific questions as you run into difficulties. After a couple of weeks (or months) of reading you will have a much better idea what this is all about and you may just change your mind...or not. And if not then best of luck. Post pictures of your build and when your stuck on something, just ask but always be specific. It's kind of like this ...you walk into a bar, actually the "pilots only lounge" and yell out "so hey guys, how do you fly a plane anyways". Think about the reaction you would get. Need I say more.

 

Start reading my friend. There's lots to learn.

[RAZBAM_ELMO]

Gotchya, well seems like I have quite the list to go throught then dont I. Haha well we shall be back when I have made progress then.

[Cripple]

..... The base for the build will be a mid '43 to '44 model F4U-1 Corsair so most of the electronics will be toggles and levers ( excuse the noobyness).... So which program do you guys use to actually use to make 2D plans for panels and framework.... The base medium will be MDF layered with sheet metal ....

 

Oooo - I look forward to seeing progress shots of this. :D

 

I've started building up my own WW2 sim-pit, so here are a few points you might find useful:

- 3/4 ply is pretty good to work with. I prefer it to MDF, actually. You can get the shop to cut it to approximate sizes which helps a lot!

- Rather than using software, if you have the offsets etc you can actually draft the panels directly on the wood. It looks a bit daunting when you first look at the tables, but after you get your head round it it's basically just join-the-dots.

- Toggles and levers; aye, went for those myself. Dunno what the surplus market is like for the corsair, you may be able to find originals or appropriate substitutes. Or, if you are less concerned with fidelity, then substitute modern ... substitutes.

- You can never think and plan too much in advance. I'd be interested to know what your plan is for the display of the controls and the exterior view. Personally I'm combining the too and going for an HMD myself. Might not be appropriate if you have to read charts etc in your cockpit - does it really have a chart table and ashtray? :O

- Gather as much info as you can. As it seems you are a fan of the aircraft you'll have a running start here. The internet is wonderful, but it pays dividends to invest in a collection or two of blueprints and manuals. They are unlikely to cover everything, but the more info you have then the more sources you can cross-reference to work out what-goes-where.

(Just my own experience as a novice builder, and I am sure more experienced hands can pitch in too.)

 

Anyway, great to see another WW2 sim-pit build thread on here. Good luck, and keep us updated.

[RAZBAM_ELMO]

Oooo - I look forward to seeing progress shots of this. :D

 

I've started building up my own WW2 sim-pit, so here are a few points you might find useful:

- 3/4 ply is pretty good to work with. I prefer it to MDF, actually. You can get the shop to cut it to approximate sizes which helps a lot!

- Rather than using software, if you have the offsets etc you can actually draft the panels directly on the wood. It looks a bit daunting when you first look at the tables, but after you get your head round it it's basically just join-the-dots.

- Toggles and levers; aye, went for those myself. Dunno what the surplus market is like for the corsair, you may be able to find originals or appropriate substitutes. Or, if you are less concerned with fidelity, then substitute modern ... substitutes.

- You can never think and plan too much in advance. I'd be interested to know what your plan is for the display of the controls and the exterior view. Personally I'm combining the too and going for an HMD myself. Might not be appropriate if you have to read charts etc in your cockpit - does it really have a chart table and ashtray? :O

- Gather as much info as you can. As it seems you are a fan of the aircraft you'll have a running start here. The internet is wonderful, but it pays dividends to invest in a collection or two of blueprints and manuals. They are unlikely to cover everything, but the more info you have then the more sources you can cross-reference to work out what-goes-where.

(Just my own experience as a novice builder, and I am sure more experienced hands can pitch in too.)

 

Anyway, great to see another WW2 sim-pit build thread on here. Good luck, and keep us updated.

 

I'm sure you and I will be getting along pretty well then soon. As for the corsair I'm getting plans together for the actual pit for the ribs etc. but have moved focus to the P-40 instead seeing as how it will be released and is confirmed, so PM me and maybe we can help eachother out along the way.