[simpits-tech] Ok lurkers, sing out!

[Joseph Fagner]

The pit builder is an odd bred.  Lots will say "me too" then when it comes
time to pony up the cash...few jump in.  

This was done over at VP and the kit is about a grand.  I know there have
been a few sold but not sure how many.

Realistically, it's not worth your time to do it.  You won't recoup your
time.  You might, however, recoup a little bit of that investment in
toolage.

Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Gene Buckle
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:15 PM
To: simpits-tech at simpits.org
Subject: [simpits-tech] Ok lurkers, sing out!

I posted a link to an image a few days ago and got _zero_ reaction to it. 
This makes me wonder if anyone is really paying attention around here any 
more. :)

Here's the deal - I'm thinking about building "generalized" short cockpit 
kits.  A short kit is a kit that supplies all the "complex" parts, and the 
builder supplies the rest.  In the kind of kits I'm talking about, I'd 
supply pre-cut ribs and a few misc. parts.  The builder would supply all 
the stringer material and the base plate.

Here's what the prototype looks like so far:
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/proto_view1.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/proto_view2.jpg
http://www.simpits.org/~geneb/proto_view3.jpg

This is a possible example of a general single seat fighter cockpit.

Note that the lower portion isn't complete - I mis-counted when laying 
parts out and I shorted myself four lower ribs.

This particular example is four feet wide at the base and is six feet 
long.  Construction is with the exception of the pine canopy rails, 
entirely of 1/2" OSB.  It builds a surprisingly light and strong 
framework.  The skin for the prototype will be made from Luan door skins, 
but you could use anything from 1/8" hardboard to aluminum.  The skin 
dimensions would be provided for the builder to cut out of whatever 
material they choose.

The cockpit would consist of pretty much what you see in the images, sans 
seat.  No side consoles or instrument panel would be provided.  The idea 
is to start a builder off with a shell that they can fill however they 
like.

If there's actual interest in this type of thing, I'd be willing to sit 
down and design a range of these kits and manufacture them on an 
as-ordered basis.

The line could consist of:
Fighter, single place
Fighter, two place, tandem seating
Fighter/Bomber two place, side by side
Helicopter, two place, side by side
Helicopter, two place, tandem (along the lines of an Apache)
General Aviation, single place
General Aviation, two place, tandem seating
General Aviation, two place, side by side

I've looked into building scale cockpit kits and even as a short kit, I 
can't do it and make it affordable.  I've got an Me-109E4 just about 
completely designed that would cost so much to build, there may not even 
be a prototype. :(

What price do you think would be fair for short kits like these?  Is there 
any interest left in the hobby for this kind of thing?

Quit lurking and comment!  I posted a bit about this over at SimHQ to test 
the waters and out of the 127 readers of the thread, I got ONE comment.

I really need to know if this is worth pursuing or not.

Thanks all.

g.



-- Proud owner of F-15C 80-0007
http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of its kind.
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Thanks!