After finally gathering the materials and finding some time when my friend was available to assist, I set to building a platform upon which to build my cockpit.
A few months ago, I designed the base using SketchUp. In that post, I had to guess at many measurements from photos and data sheets I found online. Now that I have actually received the major components, it was time to see how close I was. Surprisingly, it all matched up almost perfectly. The only change I made was to lengthen the base another 6 inches to make sure I had plenty of room for the pilot’s seat and to clear both overhead panels.
It all started with a 4′ x 6.5′ sheet of 5/8″ MDF. Here, my friend is setting up a box fan as it was about 109F outside!
Just getting started in the Arizona heat.Underneath, we mounted vertical 2×4 studs to the base for structural support and rigidity.
Edges and cross members in place underneath the cockpit base.Horizontal 2×4 studs were used for corner reinforcement and to provide a place to attach the six 3″ hard rubber casters.
Getting ready to install the wheels under my cockpit platform base.Finally, we painted it in RAL 7011 Boeing Grey paint, covered the top with matching industrial grade carpet, and added aluminium stair edge trim around the edges.
Adding carpet, paint, and edging to make the cockpit base nice on the eyes and feet.It is extremely strong and rigid, and each caster is rated for 175 lbs. This gives me the ability to move it about the small room when I need access to certain areas. And that has already come in handy numerous times.
In the main picture, you can see how much room the JetMax SKTQ, Throttle Quadrant, and CPFlight Pedestal take up on the new platform. They are not fastened down yet, as I need to fit the computers on the platform behind the MIP, make sure the JetMax overhead support bracket has clearance, and mount the Saitek Yoke and pedals.
More to come!
I see you are using a circular saw and not a table saw. How did you safely make the 45 degree cut for the corners?
I used my miter saw, fully adjustable angle cuts.
Looks very nice and solid.
What are the measurements of the beams?
Greetings from Switzerland
The entire platform is 4′ by 6.5′ and the “beams” were cut to fit underneath that. A 2×4 stud here in the US is actually 1.5″ by 3.5″, so that was taken into account as well.
Thanks very much for the answer.
Just planned my base divided in 2 pieces!
Thanks for the measures.
Greetings
Good project. I was planing to get one later. Do you have real cockpit seat for your simulator? Do you know where to find a new one? I do not want to spend 1.5k to get one which removing from real airplane,prettry tough and old.
Hello Larry! I do have a real 737 seat which I bought from Swiss Sim Shop. They come in all kinds of conditions from nearly new to really ragged. Mine works perfectly and the seat is in great shape, but it is worn a bit on the armrests. Regardless, you are going to likely pay anywhere from $750-2000 for one depending on condition and where you find it.
Hi MarvelPhx,
Thank you for all the valuable information you provided through the entire site. It is very helpful.
I’ve just ordered an SST from Simworld and I would like to build a base similar to yours.
I would appreciate it if you could send me any plans or more pics you may have.
Thank you!
Thank you! To be honest, the only plans I had were on a little piece of paper and in my head. And, I think I posted all the pictures I took while building it. It wasn’t too difficult, just measure twice and cut once, you’ll be fine!
thank you for sharing your knowledge on your flight simulator project, I am about to start my project with the Jet Max SST like your but want to purchase the motorized throttles from CFY, I will down the line purchase the overhead, I read where you said you would have to build a strong base for the CFY throttles, would this be a easy task? I can figure a way once I see what I am working with when I get the order, and will it work with no problem, thanks
The base I built would be more than enough for the CFY throttles. And, you will have to let me know how they are! They are on my short list of next items.