[simpits-tech] Ok lurkers, sing out!

[David C. Allen]

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11977

At 09:14 PM 4/23/2008 -0700, you wrote:
>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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