New F/A-18C sim pit build

[Harley]

This is how far I've come over the past 3 weeks or so. The biggest parts of the structure are close to completion. Now I'm trying to find ways to keep it pure. I don't want a keyboard shelf because I'm hoping to have all the essential controls (and eventually all of the accurate panels) on board, so I won't need to break the immersion using one. I'll likely build a seat for it from similar materials, but with decent padding, because of simplicity. So far, quite a challenge. There are very few square angles on this thing. Almost every flat surface has an odd angle, including a downhill slope on the side consoles front to back at (best I could measure) of about 1 1/4" over their length of nearly 30".

I've obsessed over drawings and many other diagrams that came from these forums and other sources. It turns out that the diagrams in the back of the NATOPS manual is actually very close when blown up 400%, but not exact. I used the drawings as a template laid out on the sheets of 3/4" MDF that I would cut up to build the structure, measuring angles instead of just trusting the drawings and assuming their scale would be 100% accurate.

So far, off to the races! I'll post some pictures of the reference material I used, and then what it's turned into so far.

 

[Mr_Burns]

Nice, did you not fancy the openhornet plans? I made my own pre-openhornet and could never skin it as I made the curves too tight, seems you are not looking at making it look like a F-18 cockpit apart from obviously inside and all the panels, or do you plan on putting a rounded cockpit around it?

im starting to think about building again but was thinking of starting with cutting their F-18 ‘skin’ whilst I decide if I want a F-18, F-15 or EFA Front Panel, I figure you could pretty much make any aircraft based on the F-18 skin/frame.

look forward to watching your build!

[Harley]

I wanted to be totally pure, and even considered the openhornet plans, but the more I got into it, it seemed like I could build for months, and still not be finished. So, although it is close enough for me, it may not be for some, and that's fine, also. It's not for everyone else! I am still building, and suffering while missing DCS at this stage, it's nearly as done as I need to begin flying in it. I am getting impatient, and will likely fab a seat from the remaining wood until I can do or find something more authentic.

I've made sure to leave room in critical areas for the addition of other things, such as a HUD from Coutronics (because it seems the most likely candidate to make into an operational unit) and the right side is pretty bare without all those TekCreations panels I will inevitably install, but this is how it's progressing so far.

I'll also paint the structure because I can't bear the raw look of all this MDF, which will require another disassembly of all this work, but it will always be something to tinker with, I suppose.

[Harley]

I still need to mount the winwing takeoff panel and the combat ready panels, but it's almost cleared for test flight. Eventually, I'll source all the TekCreations panels for all the right reasons. I want to have every control that the DCS F/A-18C has in its cockpit. There's only one way to have a sim pit, and it's to have all the controls you need to stop using the VC.

I don't plan to build the cockpit bow, but I've left room to add the other exterior bows and structure for the "DISP" countermeasures button on the left sill, but a windshield? Probably not necessary. It's inside. But, I would like to go far enough to make the fwd vents between the MIP and the side consoles, and perhaps install a fan and duct it to there, just for accuracy. That may take some effort, but a great addition for accuracy. Who knows.

[Mr_Burns]

Oh please don’t take that as any criticism, I get your layout and it is all for the builder! Love what you are doing.

The front panel was the only one I couldn’t work out how to build in wood with my lack of skills and stopped me in my tracks!

I have an old car seat ready for my mojo to wake up!

[Harley]

Well, there it is with all the panels I have mounted where they will live until some of them are replaced with more authentic assemblies from Tek. Now to setup the monitor I'll use for the time being, and then paint at some point. I've got to fly soon. It's bugging me.

[Dos]

Hi Harley,

You not interested in hinging the left side to allow you to get in and out or up and over is the plan? Look great don't forget to paint it. ; )

J

[Harley]

26 minutes ago, Dos said:

Hi Harley,

You not interested in hinging the left side to allow you to get in and out or up and over is the plan? Look great don't forget to paint it. ; )

J

It's not finished yet. I had that in mind, I'm just not sure if I'll need to. It's not really tall, and I'll be able to step into it rather easily. I left that option available with the way I built it, but I also need it to be secure as I'm likely to secure the seat to the consoles. I don't know yet.

[Harley]

The basic structure is now complete. There will be modifications, but I can at least fly now!