Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate This Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
#3151112 - 12/06/10 08:47 PM Mechwarrior Cockpit *****  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Hi All,

I used to have a thread over at Frugals about a cockpit project until it went offline. Since then I have finished building it and this looked like the ideal place to re post the whole project.



Last edited by choowy; 12/06/10 08:48 PM.
Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#3151120 - 12/06/10 08:53 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Hey Choowy!! I watched your original build thread with avarice in my heart. Thanks for posting here! Can you give more closeups etc.? I would love to see the interior, how it is assembled again, etc. PLease please please! smile


F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
#3151126 - 12/06/10 08:56 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 471
MudPuppy Offline
Member
MudPuppy  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 471
Appalachian foothills in Virgi...
Woo Hoo!!! I watched the progress of your build at Frugals with interest and now to get a chance to see the completed project...Thanks!
Will you be able to post some more pics, especially of the interior! Your solutions to making plywood or mdf construction look like heavy steel was certainly inspiring.

Welcome,
Derek

#3151145 - 12/06/10 09:09 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Sure, if nobody minds I'll post the whole thing from start to finish but it will take me a little while to write up all the descriptions to go with the pics.

#3151160 - 12/06/10 09:24 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Please do, I remembered the posts that you made on MechWarrior Living Legends Forums and looked them up....everyone here will love to drool over the detail that you put into your pit. Personally, I like the seat the best, very authentic. Truth be told, you have re-inspired my desire for a mechpit. Do you have any CAD files that you would share?


F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
#3151504 - 12/07/10 10:45 AM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: PropNut]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
I have an overall plan I can send to you PropNut with dimensions etc. Its in Google sketch up file format.




So from this I drew the lines onto 12mm mdf sheet.



Then cut close to the line and clamped the sheet to the bench and used a router with trimming bit to run along the edge of the bench to leave a clean edge.




This is a great method for getting accurate straight lines on large pieces.







Continue around all sides with the same method.



Lay it on the second cut sheet and trim around to get two identical pieces.




Next up adding the corner rails

#3151535 - 12/07/10 12:33 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 202
Valisk_61 Offline
Member
Valisk_61  Offline
Member

Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 202
Widnes, UK
I was following this over at Frugal's too! Great to see you got it finished. Can't wait to see how it looks inside - as I recall it was coming together really nicely.

Thanks for posting Choowy!


FS~Valisk 'Val'
www.skiesoffire.org

"I've never seen the Icarus story as a lesson about the limitations of humans. I see it as a lesson about the limitations of wax as an adhesive." - Randall Munroe
#3151563 - 12/07/10 02:02 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,221
f15sim Offline
More projects than sense!
f15sim  Offline
More projects than sense!
Member

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,221
Graham, WA
This is awesome! Can't wait for more pics! biggrin

g.


Proud owner of 80-0007
http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of its kind.
http://geneb.simpits.org - the Me-109F/X Project
#3151565 - 12/07/10 02:03 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,298
Reschke Offline
Plankowner
Reschke  Offline
Plankowner
Member

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,298
Vestavia, AL
WOW I had forgotten about this thread from over at Frugals! I would like to see the interior and like Propnut I remember the seat being pretty slick.


Star Citizen Referal Code
STAR-MP6J-VFH7

i7-13700K @ 3.40GHz
32GB RAM
GeForce 3060RTX
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk
lots of SSD's and a good old fashioned 1TB HDD
Samsung G9 Odyssey 49"
TrackIR 5 with Track Clip Pro
Windows 11 64bit
Warthog #1397...compliments of SimHQ
#3151567 - 12/07/10 02:05 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Thanks Choowy, mostly I am interested in your interior panels, fixtures, etc. I would need to redesign the exterior box as I plan on using three monitors in eyefinity. I played several rounds last night of MWLL and it is freaking awesome in 5040x1050.

I have a CNC router table that I plan on using to cut out parts (50"x100" cutting table) that is why I asked about CAD files. If you do not mind I will make some up from the pictures that you post, or my own interpretations that would work for my custom size box. I remember the cockpit controls that you made, I still drool.

Thanks for posting and keep it up.


F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
#3152888 - 12/08/10 09:36 AM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 557
GrizzlyT Offline
Member
GrizzlyT  Offline
Member

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 557
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Let me just echo the chorus....I loved watching this build, too!
With all the helos, fast movers, big tins, and racers, it was nice to see something fresh.
(Especially one so well done!)

We (I) would love to see the progress you've made! wave2


Grizzly's Comanche Simulator
"Fear is the mind killer. - Frank Herbert"
#3152890 - 12/08/10 09:41 AM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Hi PropNut, I don't have any CAD drawings but you are welcome to anything I can send your way that may be useful. I can give you measurements etc of anything you see that you like. I have scale images of the switch panels which may be handy, I'll post them later on.

Attached timber pieces on the edges using biscuit jointer.









Once the two sides are finished they can be attached together using the separate top panels.

#3152891 - 12/08/10 09:46 AM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Side laying flat then glue each panel into position.




With all the panels in place glue the other side on and check all joints.

#3152893 - 12/08/10 09:59 AM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Support piece for the end.



Cut out sections close to line and using a trimming router bit and a timber guide (temporary nail onto piece) its easy to get accurate cuts (or use a CNC router if you're really lucky)




This gives the effect of a casting with web cut-outs.


Fitted into position to strengthen the rear

#3152939 - 12/08/10 01:41 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Nice shop you have there Choowy.


F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
#3152941 - 12/08/10 01:49 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,298
Reschke Offline
Plankowner
Reschke  Offline
Plankowner
Member

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,298
Vestavia, AL
Choowy...nice build pictures there and thanks for sharing those.

Any specific reason you went with MDF instead of plywood? Around my location there is only about a $5 difference in 8x4 MDF 1/2" thick and plywood in similar size thickness and personally I could get away with less glue and router use but that is just my thought.

I guess I am asking if using the MDF was easier to work with compared to the standard plywood for this build?


Star Citizen Referal Code
STAR-MP6J-VFH7

i7-13700K @ 3.40GHz
32GB RAM
GeForce 3060RTX
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk
lots of SSD's and a good old fashioned 1TB HDD
Samsung G9 Odyssey 49"
TrackIR 5 with Track Clip Pro
Windows 11 64bit
Warthog #1397...compliments of SimHQ
#3152949 - 12/08/10 02:01 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Reschke, I cannot answer for Choowy but I can say that MDF is very easy to router and shape. Much easier than standard CDX plywood. We often use it for custom (paintable) base, chair rail, door, and crown molding. Yet it is still very strong and long lasting.

Last edited by PropNut; 12/08/10 02:02 PM.

F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
#3153281 - 12/08/10 08:59 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: PropNut]  
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
choowy Offline
Member
choowy  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 134
Hi Reschke, yes as PropNut says it is easy to shape and machine. It also has a better surface finish and there's no end grain either to fill unless you use the more expensive ply.

Mine didn't need to be overly strong structurally and 12mm wasn't as expensive as ply.

I did use ply on the seat which you'll see later on.

Thanks Propnut, the workshop has undergone some more improvements lately and is getting close to a real man-cave.

#3153335 - 12/08/10 10:07 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: PropNut]  
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,065
aRareKindOfMonster Offline
Member
aRareKindOfMonster  Offline
Member

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,065
Originally Posted By: PropNut
Reschke, I cannot answer for Choowy but I can say that MDF is very easy to router and shape. Much easier than standard CDX plywood. We often use it for custom (paintable) base, chair rail, door, and crown molding. Yet it is still very strong and long lasting.


Yes, it is relatively strong. As long as the loads run parallel to the boards. (If that makes sense.)
Also, it is vulnerable to moisture until sealed.

And most importantly, when working with MDF wear mask, or even better, a respirator. MDF dust is not good for your lungs - you don't just breathe in wood dust, but also chemicals, i.e. glue, formaldhyde, among other things. If your router sander accommodates a vacuum hose, use it. You will have a lot less to clean in your shop.

#3153371 - 12/08/10 11:24 PM Re: Mechwarrior Cockpit [Re: choowy]  
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
PropNut Offline
Member
PropNut  Offline
Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 792
Greenville, Michigan
Ahhh come on Monster, I have been working with MDF for years with no side...(COUGH COUGH) ugh..sorry...with no (COUGH COUGH GLARG!)...sorry again, with no side effects at all. biggrin

As to moisture, this is true if it gets soaked. But you would always want to paint/seal it in some way regardless....raw MDF is ugly wink

I have several fixtures in the shop, a production cabinet shop, that are made of raw MDF that have been working fine for years, even here in humid mid-Michigan. Course, if you live in jungle humidity, I would seal it as soon as possible.

Last edited by PropNut; 12/08/10 11:24 PM.

F/A-18C Hornet cockpit build project:

http://hornetpits.org/index.php?topic=15.0
Page 1 of 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Moderated by  RacerGT 

Quick Search
Recent Articles
Support SimHQ

If you shop on Amazon use this Amazon link to support SimHQ
.
Social


Recent Topics
Carnival Cruise Ship Fire....... Again
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:58 PM
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:51 PM
The Oldest WWII Veterans
by F4UDash4. 03/24/24 09:21 PM
They got fired after this.
by Wigean. 03/20/24 08:19 PM
Grown ups joke time
by NoFlyBoy. 03/18/24 10:34 PM
Anyone Heard from Nimits?
by F4UDash4. 03/18/24 10:01 PM
RIP Gemini/Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford
by semmern. 03/18/24 02:14 PM
10 years after 3/8/2014
by NoFlyBoy. 03/17/24 10:25 AM
Copyright 1997-2016, SimHQ Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.0