Building The B737NG Overhead using a low cost method

[chrisdanker]

Guys,

I know that this method of building the overhead of the B737 has been done before but I thought I'd post some pictures of my overhead that I just received from the shop that produced the poster print of the overhead for me.

I basically used the picture of the overhead and sent it to a local poster printing shop and got them to stick it onto a 5mm perxpex sheet.
My next plan is to use the data and information from Ian Sissons website : www.b737ng.co.uk and use the switches and knobs to control via software the BU0836X controller that I just received from Leo Bodnar. I will attempt to wire it up as how Ian has done. This proved to be a cheaper cost for making an overhead for those of you on a tight budget and can afford the overhead panels from various manufacturers out there. Also the panel can be backlighted as the backing it perspex and I can place some lights to let it pass thru the lines and lettering ( I hope that htis will work.)

Hope to get it going soon and maybe it would look very much like a decent overhead and does me justice.

Regards
ChrisIMG_3577.jpg

IMG_3578.jpg

[Trevor Hale]

Looks Great! Just practice drilling the perspex on some test pieces first. start wil a small pilot bit in the middle and slowly get bigger and bigger. I found a Masonry bit the best so that it melts the plastic and cuts it at the same time preventing cracking.

Good Luck.

Trev

[RadarBob]

Looks great Chris - For perspex drilling, I use wood (spur) bits at slow speed.

Cheers,

Rob

[Michael Carter]

It looks great, and yes, use the spade bits made for wood at a moderate speed. Make sure it's clamped good and tight, but not overly tight. Make sure the bits are sharp.

If you decide to use these bits, do not drill a pilot hole.

[chrisdanker]

Thanks guys on the "Tips on the BIts" get it? Tips on the Bits?

Will be extremely careful when drilling the holes to add the switches .

Cheers

Chris

[Michael Carter]

Let the bit do the work. Use moderate pressure and don't push too much.

[chrisdanker]

That's what I tell my wife.....

[Geremy Britton]

LOL

Chris, please let me know how you get on when the overhead it complete!
Post us some pictures too. I might go this route also.

[chrisdanker]

Geremy,

Will do, I hope to start on it by next month when I'll be taking some leave days from my work.

Rgds,
Chris