cornleader
06-22-2010, 10:34 PM
I haven't started building my 737NG yet but I plan on starting my project within the next few months. I have decided to start with the MIP. I have spent countless hours on the MyCockpit forums, youtube and vendor sites from all over the world and I have weighed the pros and cons of some major decisions that I would like to share for your reference and most importantly, your feedback.
After deciding on a 737NG, (for reasons I won't get into here), I had to think "how far do I want to take this?" I am committing to a "true to life" high detailed replica of a 737 flight deck.
What ever I work on, it must be usable after the task is complete. I'm starting with the MIP so do I buy one or build one from wood? Building using wood has the obvious advantage, cost. Disadvantage, keeping within specification, (measurements), and lots of work getting it to look just right.
I am strongly thinking about buying an aluminum MIP but there are many choices. I should mention that back lighting is very important to this project and Flight Deck Solutions seem to have a great back light system available for their products. Pro's with FDS for me are high quality products, they are in Canada as am I, (import costs) and great back lighting. The con is of course price. I have found great plans for building wooden MIPs but I think I want to go with a prefabricated MIP, most likely I will build the framework for the MIP from plywood.
So to summarize, I want a very realistic cockpit. Back lighting is important. I must be cautious of import and duty fees. FDS seems to be perfect for me, only downside, cost.
Looking forward to your input, comments and feedback.
After deciding on a 737NG, (for reasons I won't get into here), I had to think "how far do I want to take this?" I am committing to a "true to life" high detailed replica of a 737 flight deck.
What ever I work on, it must be usable after the task is complete. I'm starting with the MIP so do I buy one or build one from wood? Building using wood has the obvious advantage, cost. Disadvantage, keeping within specification, (measurements), and lots of work getting it to look just right.
I am strongly thinking about buying an aluminum MIP but there are many choices. I should mention that back lighting is very important to this project and Flight Deck Solutions seem to have a great back light system available for their products. Pro's with FDS for me are high quality products, they are in Canada as am I, (import costs) and great back lighting. The con is of course price. I have found great plans for building wooden MIPs but I think I want to go with a prefabricated MIP, most likely I will build the framework for the MIP from plywood.
So to summarize, I want a very realistic cockpit. Back lighting is important. I must be cautious of import and duty fees. FDS seems to be perfect for me, only downside, cost.
Looking forward to your input, comments and feedback.