How to acquire exact DCS cockpit measurements?

[SeaQuark]

I'm entertaining the idea of either building or commissioning some replica switch panels for my plane of choice, the P-51.

 

Here's the kicker: I'm fully confident that within a few years' time, I'll make the transition into VR, at which point a physical switchboard on one's desk will become very difficult to use, if not impossible. However, I don't like using the mouse to operate controls, and prefer physical switches.

 

Here's my intended solution: build the panel to correspond exactly to the dimensions of DCS' virtual cockpit. In theory, then, all I have to do is make sure the panel is the correct distance from my chair IRL, and in VR I should be able to simply reach out and operate the panel in a fully realistic fashion.

 

So I have a couple questions, A) How can I get some exact dimensions of the P-51 cockpit as it appears in DCS? (the size of individual panels, the distance between switches and their size, and the incline of the panel would all be important factors). The dimensions of a real P-51 cockpit would be a good reference, but I'd be concerned about small variances between that and DCS' layout that might not be immediately apparent. Is there some way to get this data from in-game?

 

And B) Do you guys foresee any extreme difficulties in this process that I'm not thinking of?

 

To keep things simple, I'd plan on starting with just the Engine Control Panel, and if successful, move on to the center panel with the ignition and weapon controls.

[Deadman]

A. AFAIK DCS has not released cockpit models

The P51 for DCS was made with access to an actual P51 aircraft so it would make scene that the cockpit lay out would possibly be more accurate in DCS.

With the possibility of you using a vr system in the future

I would plan and budget for that goal. For the pit several members are building replicas of the P51 cockpit go with a 1:1replica and I am sure you will be please and ready to fulfill your vision of the perfect cockpit for you.

 

As for B ya all kinds of stuff it is a learning experience

Edited October 25, 2015 by Deadman
spelling

[Cripple]

Actually I'm doing something very similar for the (as yet unreleased) Spitfire IX.

 

A) Just go for real-life P-51 dimensions. One can assume that the DCS cockpit is modelled accurately. Any wee inconsistencies can be ironed out by adjusting virtual position of the headset as and when.

 

B) Nothing "extreme" per se. I looked in to doing a P-51 before I settled on the Spit. The P-51 cockpit is pretty much a box, the control stick is of the usual type, the throttle has a sensible number of levers (unlike the P-40...), and the majority of the switches simple toggles. There a few odd ones though...

 

I'd advise gathering as much info as you can on the P-51 internal dimensions (starting with the free stuff) and work up a couple of sketches from there. You can also look at the cockpit models used for detailing larger scale model aircraft to get a feel for how everything fits together.

 

Keep us posted on how it goes.