New 737 simmer

[jaymo]

Just starting, and I know the struggle will be long and hard to get to speed with a lot of you guys.

As a start, I already have the following softwares, PM, FSUIPC, WIdeFS, Wideview, FSX ( 2 copies - one for the side views).
As for hardware, I ordered the FDS MCP / Efis combo to start (Supposed to be easy- Plug and play?)
Already have: 1- InFocus Projector, 3- 19" LCD's, Triplehead2go, 1-17" LCD, 5PC's, Cat-6 cables w/ 5-Gig Nic cards and Gig switch..and have a lot to go ordering hardware..

I am presently fighting with myself ( and trying to accomodate my wife) as to either going with a real 727 cockpit ( modifying it for a 737NG), or just start from scratch by using Aerodeck Engineering parts..

I will be asking for help as I go along , since I am not a wiz at a lot of things, like configuring/ calibrating FSUIPC, etc. I have read the document but I am more confused than before..( Hey, at 56, what can you expect?)

So, without further adieu, I hope to be accepted to the world of real simulation!! Thanks..

BTW, I am located in the Miami area, so if there are any simmers close to me, let me know!

[Bob Reed]

My 2 cents. Yes I have flown a few real shell sims. Yes they are nice...BUT.... You are confined in your building to the actual layout of the shell. NO EXTRA ROOM PERIOD! I have decided that a real shell will never be an option for me. My cockpit is in the open right now and I find it tight corders working on it. I can not imagine what it would be like trying to do this in a real shell. ( I used to work on real AC... NO ROOM!!!!) I do not care what the outside looks like. 2 reasons. My sim will never have motion so I do not have to worry about that and I do not fly it from outside. The inside is the important part! I just think a lot of headaches can be avoided by not using a real shell..... Oh and welcome to the Dark Side.... It never gets better, only worse!!

[Trevor Hale]

Welcome to the community. I look forward to seeing pictures of your setup. Post in the gallery often so we can see what your up to. More so, Our community is full of information, please use it as you need it.

Great to see you.

Best regards,

Trev

[Michael Carter]

Welcome to the site. Sounds like quite a project you are starting with all of the aquired hardware.

That's miles beyond where I am right now.

Good luck with your 737.

I'll never have a shell either due to space constraints. Heck, I don't even have room for the entire instrument panel, but I'm satisfied that it will be a decent sim when I get it close enough to fly.

[Bob Reed]

AS there seems to be a number of new builders here I am reposting this link and "recommend" that you newbies (and some of you oldies ) read this! There is a lot of good information in that thread! And remember fly, fly, fly!!!! If your sim is not flyable, desktop fly! Work on the AC you are going to use in the sim. Learn the systems... BUT!!!!!! FLY!!!!!!!

[Michael Carter]

I still do a fair amount of flying. Since the MIP is the last to be built, I'm still using a 19" monitor for that and the outside view.

I love to fly this aircraft. It feels like a comfortable pair of jeans or a well broken in pair of boots.

From a short hop from EHAM to EGPH







A short sight seeing trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Aircraft is the Caronedo(sp) C-206 Stationaire

[aviaparts]

Hi there,

Well, my 2 cents if it comes to using a real flightdeck or not would be that if you are in a hurry to start flying the sim, best would be not to go for a real shell, BUT if you are willing to invest a lot of time in first refurbishing the flightdeck and then installing all the components, I would defenitely recommend a real deck.
If I had to do it again, I would restart with a real deck (I used a retired 707), every time I step into the cockpit and close the door behind me, it does give a special feeling ...

[Trevor Hale]

If only the walls of that 707 could talk, I am sure that they would have a lot to say.

If I could have a real shell, I would. Just knowing that the item your sim is installed in actually used to fly would do it for me.

Wish I could have afforded to get one.

Ah well, I will just have to envy you folks that do.

[jaymo]

Wow, what a RECEPTION !!!!
You guys really have made it comfortable for me.
I truly appreciate your responses and ideas. Glad I found this site.
Hopefully, many moons from now, I can return the same reception to other "Newbies" ..

As far as the "real shell or not" , I can sum it up like this : I think like Trevor-The idea that a real shell actually flew sure sounds enticing and it would be a heck of a thrill "flying" it again, but the work needed to refurbish it, well, it puts my spine out of place....The other way, Need lots of $$$...........Money vs. work and time...decisions, decisions....That's for the next Chapter.

[Trevor Hale]

Well,

Keep us posted on your decision.

I can't wait to see your progress.

Best regards,

Trev