Metal Working advice on B737 Cockpit

[fsaviator]

Hello all,
almost time to go home and get back to work on the Sim. Some changes have resulted in my having to relocate the current build, so I now have the chance to rewind and take different approach to things.

I'm looking to build a metal framework using square and rectangular tube steel to support sim, as well ensure it fits in the area's available to me.

My question is, I drew up the initial sketches using 2" x 2" (50cm x 50cm) diameter tubing. Is this overkill?

I tend to over-engineer things so it's possible. Does anyone have any experience with this approach, and if I could get by with 1.5" x 1.5".

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/wsoeldner/B737NG-SIM/7ca34055.jpg

Thanks,

Warren

[TobiBS]

My question is, I drew up the initial sketches using 2" x 2" (50cm x 50cm) diameter tubing. Is this overkill?
I am sorry that I can not help you here, but not to confuse our metric friends, I guess you meant either 50mm or 5cm, right?

[mefiu]

I drew up the initial sketches using 2" x 2" (50cm x 50cm)
50cm x 50cm is an overkill I'd say :) I'm afraid it won't remain any place for your sim after building your structure with such a giant tubes.
50mm x 50mm is also a little bit of overestimation considering steel as a material, but just a little IMHO.
For sure you won't suffer any instability using 1.5" x 1.5" steel if you plan proper structure reinforcements.

Speaking of building: could you please share more visualisations of your shell?
It's pretty neat conception of a simple yet ellegant shell :)

[Sean Nixon]

Hi Warren

I started to build a similar framework as you in the earlier days before my FDS shell. At first I used 41x41mm steel unistrut, a popular product here in the UK...

http://www.unistrut.co.uk/index.php?M1=Support Systems&M2=Single and Double Channel

It was very solid, but I thought it was an overkill.

Anyway, I got hold of some Hilti alternative, at 30x30mm much easier to work with, and just as solid...

http://www.hilti.co.uk/holuk/page/module/product/prca_catnavigation.jsf?lang=en&nodeId=-98182

Bear in mind, the FDS shell doesn't use any skelton, and once all bolted together, it too is earthquake proof!

They are my experiences, hope you can take something from it.

Sean

[steveeverson]

Hi there, I built my frame using 20mm x 20 mm steel box section welded together and its really solid. I then fixed my home built interior liners to it. http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/59441636@N08/5434593550/ . I think the key is to design it well with adequate bracing rather than heavy box section and it will then stay rigid but fairly light.
Cheers Steve

[Steve1970]

Hi Warren

This is massive overkill, you would get away with 20-25mm box section (3/4-1"). You could also mill out triangular flat plates to screw them together and avoid welding.

Cheers
Steve.

PS I use Metalsupermarket to source all of my pre-cut material, they are a US company also operating in the UK, they will cut your material to the length you need, not the cheapest, but no nonsense service.