No doubt this has been asked before. Is there such a thing as a sim joystick that looks like a WW2 (Spitfire or general WW2 aircraft) joystick. If so, where can I buy one? (something that wouldn't cost the earth)?

I've only seen ones in pictures that enthusiasts have built for themselves. Its not out of the question to build one, I am "guessing". For example, the stick on a Spitfire looks easy to reproduce.

I "guess" one could buy a cheap stick (like the Thrustmaster Flight Stick X that sells for under $30 in the USA) and use it for "active" parts. A trip to "Home Depot" (in the USA) for raw materials, "maybe". But, I've not done it -- so this is just speculation. And, one does have to be "handy" with tools -- or willing to "try and fail". Thing is, on something like this, trying and failing does not have to be real expensive (under $60, I guess) -- maybe worth it for the "education" to a person who has the time to spend.

There are a few companies selling "Museum Quality" joystick handles that you could retrofit to just about any joystick, but they are in the hundreds of dollars. Here is a link to a company that makes replicas for use when modding PC joysticks...very expensive though:

http://www.valiant-studio.eu/tarmac/html/en/hangar.php

A thread here on SimHQ about making your own WWII joystick:

http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1737894/For_a_true_warbird_stick.html#Post1737894

And one that I made for my simpit, I was going to wrap the handle in gaffers tape to make it look more authentic but I really like the cherry. It is a mix of the spitfire control yoke and the Il-2, I-15 sticks.













and my simpit build thread here on SimHQ:


http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2849902/1.html

Thanks for the swift and detailed responses. I am certainly impressed with the cherry look. Gaffer tape would spoil the look. I'm now lookinh at the Thrustmaster Flight Stick X "Home Depot" homemade option. Anything else at this stage looks a bit pricey.

The closest in looks to a Me-109 stick you can get cheap is the Saitek Aviator. Well, at least it doesn't look like a jet stick.

Yes here is the closest thing you ever come to an spitfire, I am saving money for it. Been dreweling for one year now
http://www.spitsim.co.uk/

Tarmac Aces is out of busines, due the bankruptcy of Valiant Studios.

Actually you can buy a functional copy (regular quality) of KG-13 grip from Simparts.de

Sokol1

Another DIY approach:


http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/9937/1140i.jpg

"Guts" of T-16000M. From C6_Pat P-47 Cockpit

Sokol1

Hey that was a good one

Not properly "WWII" since is based in (Guardian) B-7 grip, but show how made nice DIY one.


http://www.310raf.com/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=16&thread_id=893&rowstart=20

Probably this guy is left-handed...

Sokol1