Jimbo's F16 Project

[Jimbo]

Hi All,

Thought I may as well throw my hat in the ring here and add my build progress to the forums.

I started an A-10 pit some 10 years ago now (time flies!!!) but as so often happens,  life / kids / work got in the way. the bug has never left me and now I have a little more time to myself, and a little more space, I am starting back on pit building.

A lot can happen in 10 years, the technology available to pit builders is staggering and we now have mind blowing things like mixed reality - This really is a golden age. Something that wasn't available 10 years ago was my first love, the F16 (F4 notwithstanding). So now I'm starting again, the F16 is where i'm headed. Sorry my beloved A-10, maybe for the next project...

So with that all said I'm starting with the pit and have the wood cut and the bare bones put together.

 

The physical pit is a carcass at the moment and I chose not to use the HUD / Centre pedestal that came with the plans, they didn't have the detail I wanted and the materials didnt feel strong enough. the consoles and panels aren't great either, so will be looking to build those out too.

 

I have a 'second' pit that i'm using for the electronics testing and installation (and because getting into and out of the tub just to hit a switch is a pain in the ass). The files / build for this I got from flightsim.pro and 3d printed them myself. I cant recommend these highly enough - the quality is great and if you have access to a printer, its a cheap way to produce good results. 

The bulk of the project so far has been fulfilled by off the shelf products, but I plan on making as much myself as I can, as its most of the fun!. So far i'm playing with a bit of 3d printing and have the EHSI and some floodlights in progress.

 

I'm adding to the tool chest with CNC / Printers, but am yet to justify a laser (yet!!) 

 

So far I have a LOT of failed prints..... so, so many failed prints 

Edited October 23, 2024 by Jimbo

[Hammer3246]

2 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Hi All,

Thought I may as well throw my hat in the ring here and add my build progress to the forums.

I started an A-10 pit some 10 years ago now (time flies!!!) but as so often happens,  life / kids / work got in the way. the bug has never left me and now I have a little more time to myself, and a little more space, I am starting back on pit building.

A lot can happen in 10 years, the technology available to pit builders is staggering and we now have mind blowing things like mixed reality - This really is a golden age. Something that wasn't available 10 years ago was my first love, the F16 (F4 notwithstanding). So now I'm starting again, the F16 is where i'm headed. Sorry my beloved A-10, maybe for the next project...

So with that all said I'm starting with the pit and have the wood cut and the bare bones put together.

 

The physical pit is a carcass at the moment and I chose not to use the HUD / Centre pedestal that came with the plans, they didn't have the detail I wanted and the materials didnt feel strong enough. the consoles and panels aren't great either, so will be looking to build those out too.

 

I have a 'second' pit that i'm using for the electronics testing and installation (and because getting into and out of the tub just to hit a switch is a pain in the ass). The files / build for this I got from flightsim.pro and 3d printed them myself. I cant recommend these highly enough - the quality is great and if you have access to a printer, its a cheap way to produce good results. 

The bulk of the project so far has been fulfilled by off the shelf products, but I plan on making as much myself as I can, as its most of the fun!. So far i'm playing with a bit of 3d printing and have the EHSI and some floodlights in progress.

 

I'm adding to the tool chest with CNC / Printers, but am yet to justify a laser (yet!!) 

 

So far I have a LOT of failed prints..... so, so many failed prints 

 

Second that of Flightsimpro.  Excellent quality in everyway.

Looking great!

Edited October 23, 2024 by Hammer3246