[simpits-tech] Ok lurkers, sing out!

[Jamie]

Hello, Names jamie and I live in somerset england.

I think your best bet is a 'generic' F15 style cockpit, but I think that a 
little more detail might be worth the effort.

Most people familiar with the concept of cockpit building will probably have 
the general know how to make a pit like yours. I personally think your 
market should be the complete amateur who is just starting out and might 
want a little more detail. I myself am a complete amateur and I would like a 
little more info on where gauges might be placed or where the seat should 
go, even where to put joystick and pedals etc.. Even little things like what 
the best material would be to make a canopy.

Having a look at the DIY jet that was shown in a link earlier made me 
cringe - I wouldn't know where to start with something like that and as a 
direct result I wouldn't buy it. I think if you make it easier to understand 
and provide clear and simple instructions on how to make a pit that will 
look cool and not cost the earth, well then you stand to make some money. I 
have been looking for a website for years that says "click here for detailed 
plans and a full construction guide to making a simpit" If you can provide 
that sort of information and supply the basics to get you going then 
brilliant.

Sell it for $500 dollars and add $20 dollars for a ring binder with full 
colour building instructions and ideas for several different pits.

Sorry to ramble - but I figure this kind of venture would be aimed at 
someone like me - and that it might be important to give my input

cheers,

jamie

You could add it as an option for a little more money.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Gene Buckle" <geneb at deltasoft.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:14 AM
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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