I'd been meaning to do this for a while - and that was to post pics of my Aker's Barnes cockpit I constructed. I reviewed several threads here and at other places - and while the CP isn't nearly as complicated as some of the grade A setups I've seen posted here - they are still imho a respectable and adaptable simpit that can be used for a variety of applications.

Personally, I do most of my flying in Battleground Europe (formerly/also called World War II Online) in an Axis squad called JG51 "Molders". We are a 109 only squad that focuses on teamwork and tactics. Some of you already know me from there (hi guys!). I also enjoy playing IL2 Sturmovik 1946, and look forward to being able to play CloD whenever they get around to patching the thing to run half assed accross three monitors (I could be waiting a while).

Anywho, I hope these pics help someone to get started on thier own simpit. I did not take alot of pictures during construction. The whole process took about a month of work - but it was done at my uncle's workshop where we had access to tools and equipment that I simply did not have at home. I'm kind of "all thumbs" when it comes to "handiwork", so having the assistance and guidance of a veteran woodworker was of immense help to this workshop "noob".

I knew I wanted something that had a center mounted stick, one of metalnwood's extensions (Thanks again man!) and that I could mount my three monitors on. This is what I wound up with at the end.


The setup was nice, but I wanted the monitors higher and to be positionable. That required access to a triple monitor stand - but these were priced sooo rediculously that I had a hard time finding one in my price range (ie: didn't cost as much as the monitor itself or more!). I found something at my favourite online retailer for about $150. Compared to it's nearest priced competitor it was a no brainer, as these were more than double the price. In the end my setup now looks like this.



I want to thank those of you who took the time to post thier Aker's Barnes setups - you helped me realize that even a bumbling walking shop accident like me could build one of these. My advice to others would be to take your time - measure twice, cut once, and have something to use as a cushion - the wooden seat itself without padding isn't fun. All in all I paid ~ 30 bucks for the two sheets of plywood, $10 for some wood filler (I used the cheapest 1/2 inch ply I could find), and about $20 for primer and paint.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!

PS: I know the monitors don't look "lined up" in the pic with the monitor stand, but believe me they are!

Nice setup and congratulations on the pit!

Would be interested to know about the painting process as I'm a "noob" myself!

could you tell me how you transfered the plans to the plywood?

Did you just measure it out and draw by hand or make templates first?

For painting, because I used pretty knotty wood, I used alot of wood filler to create a smooth surface. I also sanded and primed the wood before painting - you don't have to do it, but I wanted to take the extra time.

Gear_monkey, I drew it all out on the plywood first. I used the template for using 2 4x8 sheets of plywood. Printing out plans at 1:1 scale would have added to the cost, and you'd want to double check everything - even if you think it is to scale - because I wouldn't trust the drawings unless I verified each measurement - once you cut there is not alot of room for error.

Looks good! I do love seeing new owners of the ABC and what they do with it. That is quite a seat you have there, btw. What is it, where did you acquire it, and how comfortable is it for multi-hour flights?

Hey Renic! Big fan of your project!

The seat is actually a middle seat from a truck - I removed the metal from the foam (easy) and cut the foam a bit on the bottom portion to make it fit. It just sits on the seat. I tried to do some flying with just the wood seat and then with a regular seat cusion. Don't do it. Your butt will thank me! It really needs some good padding both for comfort and to make getting into and out of it alot easier.

Beazil that is a great looking setup there.

We need a thread for creating a seat cushion appropriate to the ABC pit. I'm gonna look around. S! guys!