Another Aussie Builder

[weshollett]

Hi guys,

Here is a a few photos of another 737ng being built in Perth WA. My name is Wes Hollett and I have been thinking of undertaking this project for the best bit of 2 years now. So lets get started

To build a 737ng is a big undertaking but what better way to get started than to look at other local builders.
My project wouldn't have been possible without this great forum and my other local builders especially Ken Brand and Gwyn Perrett from "Aerosim Solutions" These are two of the friendliest guys I have ever met.

Gwyn now runs Aerosim Solutions and is currently about to rebuild his 737 and Ken is do some great work on a 777

http://www.aerosimsolutions.com.au/
http://www.kennair.com.au/

The first part of my sim involved producing the MIP. Gwyn did this on his CNC and set the high standard that I hope to continue.

As you can see from the photos I have used 3 x 19inch monitors with the center one being rotated 90 degrees. I have been playing with Sim Avionics software and it allows for the displays to be rotated. I is a tight squeeze but you still can just fit the gear lever in there.

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From here I wanted to get the MIP mounted as soon as possible so I decided to build a basic structure.
I borrowed wonderful ideas from of the following web page to name a few

http://www.737ngproject.be/
http://users.skynet.be/jcordon/cockpit/plans.htm
http://www.boeing737sim.se/SimBuildPics/index.html
http://www.737ng.co.uk

I added 2 sides, a shelf, top used 16mm MDF. Cutting with a Triton work bench was simple as the basic structure had no hard shapes to reproduce. This is was all new to me as I have never done wood working so I just took my time and was pretty happy with the results. The best thing about using MDF is that any simple mistakes can be filled, sanded and painted over.
Once the frame was in place I had place to start.

[weshollett]

I decided to build the frame from 16mm MDF Sheets. They came in 1800 x 600mm which made it easy to work with. This made the frame cheap and easy to work with whilst still being strong enough to support the weight of the 3 monitors. Here in this photo is the first mistake with the MIP not sitting high enough.
The one thing I am learning is to study pictures over and over and then do it again, but its all fun.
The base was made from a simple steel frame I found lying around my work on castor wheels.


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Next up is the purchase of the CPFlight gear. :-P
As Gwyn mention to me on a few occasions it is good to do as much as you can with you own hands but it is important that the "brains" of the sim be good quality.
With this in mind I decided on the "EL" series of the CPFlight gear including the MCP and 2 x EFIS. I would love the "Pro" series but with a wife, 2 sons, 2 dogs, a cat and a mortgage I'm more than grateful for these.

I can not say enough about the speed of delivery or the quality of the product.
Simply Stunning!!! Highly Recommended

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http://www.cpflight.com/

Next the Glareshield.

[weshollett]

Now came time for the Glareshield.

I study a bunch of pictures and decided to base my Glareshield from the site below.

http://www.737ngproject.be/GlareShield.htm

I wanted to keep the pieces of the glareshield quite thin as it would be a little thicker once it was wrapped in black vinyl. Once again I used MDF but this time decided on 6mm sheets. The were only 600 x 900mm in size and I used 3 of them. I made the glare in 3 seperate sections and made some simple 10 degree angles in pine with a drop saw. The glare took about 3 hours to make and I was happy with the results.

For attaching the vinyl I used a Bostik adhesive spray and a heavy duty nail gun. :D

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Number of Hours Flying Sim So Far - 0

Next up is the windows frames, which is daunting. Thanks to these forums I found these good reference photos

http://www.737ng.co.uk/boeing%20windshield.jpg
http://www.737ng.co.uk/windowlayout.jpg

and the lower FMC pedestal

Once again I can't thank enough the valuable info found on these forums and its incredible members

Wes. :)

[Nick1150]

Congats Wes on your project ;)

Believe me.... your flying hours will come in no time and every minute spent will be worth it :D

Keep on posting

[Tony Hill]

Great stuff Wes, hope to see her one day,


Darryl

[Kennair]

Love your work Wes and look forward to seeing it soon.

Ken.

[h00t74]

This is great. Especially for me as I am starting my build as well. Great referances in your post !!!